Sometimes it feels like meal prep can be a chore! But, when I have meals all set and ready to go for the upcoming week I start to notice that my level of efficiency goes up during the day. In the mornings I find that I’m not worrying about what meals I’m going to be eating throughout the day, all I have to do is grab and go. Now that I work mostly from home this helps speed up my day significantly. I am honestly doing more things now than I was when I had a 9 to 5. #mindblown
You come home from work exhausted. Rummage through the fridge and try to find the easiest, quickest, and (...*fingers crossed*...) the healthiest meal to make to keep the family happy and satisfied. But then you realize you don't have enough items to make a whole meal. *sigh* So, you end up running to the grocery store to pick up "just a few things" and end up spending a $100 because impulse shopping on an empty stomach IS. A. THING.
Read MoreIf you’re wondering whether or not you should sign up for Amazon Prime or Costco—or both!—I’m happy you’re thinking about your budget. Recurring expenses, like subscriptions and memberships, are often the biggest budget busters. But unlike the Hulu subscription you may have forgotten about, Amazon Prime and Costco memberships are not as forgettable.
Make sure that when you create your financial goals they are S.M.A.R.T!
Specific: Make sure to be as specific as possible. Include the who, what, where, when why, and how in this step. Write this down and post it somewhere you will see it everyday.
Read MoreThe Most Common Budget Busters & Tips for Avoiding Them
Creating a budget is no small task. In fact, it’s hard work and takes consistent dedication. This is why it’s important for me to educate my clients (and you!) on the kinds of distractions that can derail all that hard work.
Let’s be honest, it’s easier than ever to spend money these days. You don’t even have to carry a wallet! While technology has provided a more convenient way to shop, it can also be detrimental to our financial behavior. I’ve compiled a short list of common things to avoid when you’re creating and sticking to a budget. My hope is that you can find some room in your budget to save towards your bigger goals. You’ve got this!
True or False: When I started my business, I knew all the business items I would need to pay for.
If you would’ve asked me this on day one, I would’ve said a matter-of-fact, shoulder-shrugging yes. Ask me today, years later, and I can say with full confidence that this statement is false. I had no idea! If you’re new to business ownership, take comfort in the fact that no one has all the answers in the beginning. Which, I think, is part of the fun of entrepreneurship.
Read MoreIf you’ve read some of my other blog posts about creating a budget, then you know that I can’t stress enough the importance of maintaining your budget. Too often I see people spending valuable time creating their budget, and then going about their month and completely forgetting about it. It’s not surprising when they look at their final numbers for the month and realize they’ve overspent.
A comment I received in direct messages recently reminded me just how scary finances can be for a lot of people. This particular message said that it’s just too much of a commitment to develop and create a budget. In fact, this person went so far as to say, “Why can’t I just continue to live in financial ignorance?” I think a lot of people feel this same way! Many people would rather not know how much they’re spending every month because it’s easier than knowing.
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