8 Budget Tricks to Help Reach Your Goals Faster

8 Budget Tricks to Help Reach Your Goals Faster

What are your financial goals? Maybe you dream about cruising off the lot in a new vehicle, or living completely free of credit card debt.

Whatever you want for your future, following careful and conscious budgeting tips can help you get there. Here are a few of our favorites to get started:

1. Know your why
   Know why you decided to start a budget, and keep yourself accountable by writing your reasons in a notes app or on a slip of paper to keep in your wallet. Then, when you’re tempted to blow your budget on a funky hat, you will see your reasons and remember why your goals are important.
2. Be honest
   How much do you really spend each month? What about those days when you didn’t have time to pack a lunch, or the impulse decisions to pick up coffee on your way to work? Unexpected purchases can add up and wreck your budget. Track your spending habits carefully and honestly to create a budget that works for your lifestyle and your goals.
3. Pay yourself first
   Before you put money toward necessities, move money into a savings account each time you get paid. Your bank may be able to automate the process. Paying yourself first will help you see saving as a priority and ensure you’re working toward your goal. Some experts recommend saving 20% of your take-home pay.
4. Be prepared
   In addition to savings, put money into an emergency fund. Try to keep six to eight months of living expenses on hand. This fund can help you afford urgent, unavoidable expenses, such as medical issues or job loss, without going into debt.
5. Learn when to say no
   Have you ever jetted off on vacation without glancing at your bank account? Or decided to get pizza and cheesy breadsticks and lava cake? Instant gratification can feel awesome — until it starts to hurt. Learn to say “no” or “not right now.” Putting off big expenses or splurges until you’ve had time to consider and save money will help you make smarter, more satisfying decisions.
6. And when to say yes
   As you build your budget, make room for things you enjoy, like an occasional meal out or that funky hat. You’re far more likely to stick to a budget that fits your lifestyle and doesn’t make you feel deprived.
7. Make it a team effort
   Budgeting is easier when everyone is on the same page. Sit down with your partner to determine your goals and figure out your budgeting plans as a family. You can even download a finance management app that syncs across devices to keep everyone accountable and on the same page.
8. Keep at it
   Life happens, and your personal finances can be impacted. You will probably mess up on your budget here and there, but don’t quit or be too hard on yourself. Be prepared for unexpected expenses, stay consistent and keep tweaking your budget to find what works best for you. You’ll get there!

Ready to build your budget and make your goals happen? KEYS^® Online has free financial courses to help you get started.

By Brooke Howell, GM Financial

Brooke Howell is a storyteller who loves digging up ways to improve money management and help others make smart financial decisions. She has three American Staffordshire terriers, one curmudgeonly Chihuahua and doesn’t do anything by halves (except marathons).