$Clip coupons. This is the most important rule of budgeting for yourself. Why? Just because a few minutes spent cutting out coupons could save you a lot of money at the register.
$Buy in bulk. If your favourite items are on sale, buying in bulk may cost more now, but it could save you a lot of money in the long run. Some good examples are things like soap, shampoo, toiletries, and other household items that don't have an expiration date. Canned foods are also great to buy in bulk because they last a long time.
Keeping track of your money can be a lot easier if you save your change. You might be surprised at how quickly change can add up. Even if you only save $50 or $100 per month, that's still a lot of money. People often throw their coins away or just throw them around without thinking, but putting them in a bowl or dish will help a lot when it comes to making a budget.
Put some of each paycheck into a savings account every week or month. Make sure you always put some money away in a savings account, whether it's a few dollars or several hundred. If you can, put away 10 to 20% of each paycheck.
$Avoid impulse shopping. This is the kind of buying that leads to buyer's regret in the end. To avoid this, think about what you want to buy and make sure you don't add anything extra at the last minute unless it's a must or you can afford it without being in a rush.
$Look for items on sale. Everyone likes to add a few new pieces to their wardrobe every now and then, so when it's time to do so, stop by the sale rack for big savings. There's nothing wrong with keeping a few extra dollars in your pocket that you can use later for the little things you need in life.
Don't use credit cards with high interest rates if you can't pay them off in six months. If you don't, it's more likely that interest will eat up your money and you'll end up paying for the original purchase many times over.
If you do use a credit card to buy things, try to use one with a low introductory APR or a low interest rate all the time. This is one of the most important rules of personal budgeting because it could save you a lot of money every month and in the long run.
$Request free samples. Some websites, like StartSampling.com and WalMart.com, let customers request free samples of certain products. Anyone who asks can get anything from lotions and shampoos to dog treats and things for the house. Also, many companies give away free samples of their new products right on their own websites.
$If your credit card debt is getting worse, you should call the creditor and ask to be put on a hardship programme. For a certain amount of time, this type of programme lets you pay less interest and make smaller payments. Depending on the creditor, it can last for a few months or until the whole debt is paid off. This method will not only help you make a budget right now, but it will also give you more financial freedom when you've paid off all your debt.
