1. Create an Easy To Follow Budget

The first step to getting your finances under control is to figure out how much you have to spend compared with what you need to spend each month. Start by making a list of all of your recurring bills and expenses. Be sure to include categories for fun and entertainment so that you can include that in your breakdown. Once you know what your commitments are, create a budget spreadsheet or utilize a template to enter in all of your income and expenses. Then delegate your income to each category so that you can get a clear picture of where you stand. 

2. Look for Savings Regularly

Your budget should be a flexible document. You should periodically review to see where you may be able to save money. For example, every few months you can take a look to see if you can make a change to cheap car insurance and free up some of this money for other categories. Try searching for coupons or deals before shopping trips to save some money on groceries as well. If you need to make a big purchase, such as furniture, do some research to find out what time of year is best for sales on those items.

3. Pay With Cash

Swiping a card can sometimes make it easy to overspend. When you aren't seeing the money leave your wallet, you don't see how smaller purchases begin to add up. Try setting up envelopes with cash for spending on certain categories. You'll feel more accountable for each purchase when you watch the money in the envelope decrease as the month goes on.

4. Set Long Term Goals

Once you've got your monthly spending figured out, make sure to create some longer-term goals to work toward. Perhaps you want to take a vacation in a year or upgrade your vehicle. Or maybe you'd like to begin saving a down payment for a home. Integrate this goal into your budget to ensure you are consistently working toward it.

5. Save Automatically

If you have trouble following through on saving, set up your direct deposit to do it automatically. Set aside a certain amount from each paycheck to be deposited into your designated savings account and eventually you won't even notice it coming out. This painless saving method can add up quickly.

6. Use Technology To Stay on Track

Keeping track of where you stand with your monthly budget doesn't mean that you have to check in on your spreadsheet every time you make a purchase. Download a handy budgeting app for your phone so you can take a quick peek whenever you need. Many of these also help you track categories that you spend on so that you can easily adjust your budget according to your needs.

7. Utilize Multiple Accounts

Once you have specific savings goals in mind, make it easier on yourself by creating separate accounts for each goal. Open a high-yield savings account for each goal you have created and watch your money grow. You can have one for an emergency fund, one for down payment savings, and one for that vacation you've been dreaming of. This will help you work on all of your goals at once and see your progress on each.

Getting your finances organized and under control can help reduce your overall stress level and help keep you motivated for success. Try these helpful tips to get you started on the way to stress-free budgeting.

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