Dreamer

Hello dreamers, and good morning!

As you can see, I want to cover all things a new year, this year so we can take the journey of achieving goals together.

From the beginning of time, there was a form of trade. It wasn’t made with money then, but it certainly is today. Truth being said, unlike you live among bears, in a forest, eating herbs, and being “not existing”, you need money. You need money to pay taxes, to buy food, to have access to healthcare, education, housing, and water. It might differ from person to person, but you need them.

And if you need them, you have to earn them one way or another. If you are a kid, you earn them from the state (Allowance) or trust funds (fortunate ones), from parents, or small jobs.

But what do we do with them? We grown-ups pay rent, buy food, gas, bills, and so on. Either cash or with that little card, money comes money goes, sometimes even without knowing.

And if you are like me, they go away faster than they should, especially during the holiday season, bdays and any other events.

Don’t get me wrong, I think that every gift I offer is a token of love and appreciation and I’m not sorry for spending money. All I’m saying is that maybe I need to optimize my spending habits so I don’t have a hole in my budget.

And what better way to do it than to keep a budget?
Now seriously, if anyone knows a better way, let me know cause I dislike doing this thing, otherwise necessarily.

For this, I leave it here for everyone to see, my budget spreadsheet, right from the January planner. It’s created by adapting a canvas Template and it’s tailored to my needs. And afterward, we talked about some tricks and tricks I learned with time.

So what is it in here?

We have the income part, where I like to put the exact sum I own at the beginning of the month as a starter, then my income streams: my 2 jobs and what other income I might have that month. I also put my scholarship in there.

I set the budget every month, and I keep track during the month. Thanks to mobile apps, I see exactly where my money goes.

In the expenses part I start with the most important ones: RENT, UTILITIES, FOOD, GAS, OTHER BILLS, ASH, HOME SUPPLIES, SELF CARE, OTHER. And I keep the list open, because well things happen.

For the debt part, I have my credit card I try not to use but it happens (and it gets me points so, maybe it’s not that bad), and my bank credit.

For the sinking part, I think of weddings, special outfits, big goals, travels, and so on.

When it comes to savings I do the quick math, and I write down a small amount. However, in reality, I transfer most of my money from my main account to my savings one, and I try not to touch more than I need. And this is my first trick.

Another trick would be to keep lists of what you need: groceries, clothes, supplies, and little pleasures.

You can and you should buy offseason. If you are mature enough to read this article and to understand it, you are mature enough to understand that unlike you work at Vogue, Channel, Prada, or some IDK what magazine that forces you to dress according to the latest trends due to their culture (and even there, IDK if they force you to give up on those skinny jeans), I don’t see a reason why not to buy off-season. And I’m not talking about fashion only. Building supplies are cheaper during the cold season, and ski equipment is more affordable in August. Christmas lights (that we always put on, are on sale in January. And you also know better in January that you need one, not 3 new lights. So please, for the sake of your budget buy the offseason!

Next on the list is to buy quality over quantity. This is what I do when I buy shoes. I prefer to splurge and own them for years, than to say, well with this money I can buy them both in black and nude, and have them until next year. However, not all the time a big price means better quality. A spicy price means a big brand also, and I’m not one for big brands, I prefer small biz.

Check the reviews. Sometimes, more and more, descriptions and specifications, aren’t enough to satisfy our curiosity, to decide. The best approach, check the reviews. It can save you a lot of time and money.

Plan with 2 or 3 months at least. Why? Firstly it’s off-season most of the time. Second, not being in a rush allows you to choose and search the market. Let’s take for example Christmas gifts! If you start searching in September, You might find toys on sale due to everflowing back to school and Halloween supplies. Also, you have time to change your mind. You have time to order your perfect wrapping paper, and if you don’t search for designer things, you can order from Shein, Ali for Deco. You can also start crafting your decor and save money. There are plenty of options, you just need to know what and how you want it!

Eat half an hour before going shopping, and be hydrated! It’s known by now that if you go hungry shopping, you can say bye-bye to your savings. Make sure you eat at least half an hour before so you feel satiated and drink water so your head won’t start a migraine.

These are the main budget tips and tricks I know. Besides, all you must do is to have a strong mind about it. However, keeping an eye on your expenses by budgeting helps, because you see where your money goes when you wonder where are, on what you’ve spent.

I hope you find this material helpful and that you’ll have a great day and #adreamerlife!
Cristiana Apreutese