Staying on a budget

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Staying Within Your Budget
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The best budget is the one that works for you!
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Making Your Budget Workable

• Dont be afraid to adjust your budgeted amounts
  for your expenses as necessary.
• Seek ways to trim your variable expenses.
• If you have trouble keeping track of your
  expenses, simplify your life by using The
  Envelope Method.

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The Envelope Method

• The Envelope Method is an easy 3-step process
  that makes keeping track of your expenses a
  cinch.
• Use cash for all expenses. If you need to pay a
  bill from your checking account, then deposit the
  cash to cover the charge.
• Here is the process, step by step

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Step 1 Divide and Conquer
Cash Your Paycheck
Envelope 1 Groceries
Envelope 3 Gas
Envelope 2 Clothing
Envelopes 4 Make an envelope for each expense
in your budget. Put in the cash to cover that
expense.
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Step 2 Use Cash for Your Expenses
Envelope 1 Groceries
ONLY
Groceries
Envelope 2 Clothing Money
Clothing
ONLY
Envelope 3 Gas
Gas
ONLY
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Step 3 Effortlessly Limit Daily Spending

• Make a daily Spending Money envelope.
• Use for Lunch, parking, and more.
• When its gone Stop spending!

TipSpend it wisely!
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The Envelope Method also gives you a better sense
of your money!
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Still Having Budget Challenges?

• You have 2 options
• Make more money
• Reduce the amount that you spend

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Reducing the Amount You Spend

• Reduce your cable plan
• Change to less expensive phone plan
• Find a home that costs less

Tip Its easier to make cuts in your variable
expenses.
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Energy Savings

• Turn off lights when you leave the room.
• Switch to more energy efficient light bulbs.
• Unplug your electronic devices when they arent
  being used.

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A trip to the grocery store is one of the best
places to save money!
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Food Savings
Sales
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Food Savings

• If you buy a product on a regular basis, you
  might as well take advantage of the discounted
  price!

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Food Savings

•  
• Planning your weekly menu around whats on sale
  at the grocery store that week
•  
•  
•  
•  
• Significant Savings

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Food Savings
Savings Card Programs
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Food Savings

• Savings Card Programs give you a wider range of
  discounts to take advantage of!

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Food Savings

• Some stores may have a blanket discount for
  members,such as 10 off the total bill.

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Food Savings
Coupons
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Food Savings

• Coupons are your most potent weapon against the
  grocery bill!
• With coupons, you can turn a 200 grocery bill
• into a tiny fraction of the cost!

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Food Savings
Stockpiling
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Food Savings
When used in moderation, buying in bulk can be a
great way to save money!
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Tips for Buying in Bulk

• Dont get carried away! Expiration dates still
  apply.
• Fewer trips to the grocery store save you time,
  money, and gas.
• Divide purchases among friends.

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Self-Reflection Questions

• How can I reduce the amount of energy I use?
• Do my favorite stores offer deals, discounts, or
  additional savings on top of coupons?
• Do I take advantage of the benefits of buying in
  bulk?

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Action Tips

• Reduce your energy use as much as possible.
• Sign up for Savings Card Programs.
• Find coupons for the items you buy all the time.

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