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10 things I learned about budgeting from Justb. readers

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January 20, 2012
Be Organized
12 Comments

Pip and I have been blogging here on Justb. for three months now and I must say it’s been incredibly lovely to chat to so many of you. You are all SO smart, creative, funny and inspirational.

Just yesterday I asked on the Facebook wall for budgeting tips in light of the World Bank telling us that we’ll need to continue to pull up our financial socks this year.

And I was NOT surprised to discover that we have some very clever, organised household budgeters out there.

Here are the 10 things I learned from YOU:

1. Rent privately instead of from the bank!

budget tip

2. Once week have a “zero dollar” day.

budget tip

3. Plan and savour things you save up for, even a nice restaurant meal.

budget tip

4. Create fun and memories that are free.

budget tip

5. Plan your meals and shop online.

budget tip

6. Put designated cash for budgeted items into envelopes each pay cycle. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.

budget tip

7. Pay utility bills monthly or fortnightly to eliminate a quarterly or half-yearly shock.

budget tip

8. Look out for local council free deals, eg free swimming lessons

budget tips

9. Budget all your bills for the year, divide by 52 and put that amount each week into a no-fees bank account.

budget tip

10. Don’t stress

budget tip

Did you miss out on this Facebook conversation and want to add your super budget tip to this list? Then please leave a comment below … it’s for the greater good!

PS. I’m over at Styling You today showing you five fashion looks for autumn 2012.

Main photo and how to create a budget box: credit

 

  • http://www.meetmeatmikes.com Pip Lincolne

    Oh I love Gill Stannard’s comment! That’s a good one. We just need to want less, buy less and enjoy what we have MORE! xx

  • Maxabella

    Meal planning… it comes up again and again. I really should make it my year to sort out the meals.

    These are all great tips! Zero dollar days are a staple at my place. Harder than you’d think!!

    x

    • http://www.meetmeatmikes.com Pip Lincolne

      Meal planning is SO IMPORTANT! Not only do you save money, but you don’t have to have the freak out about dinner every day! You save your sanity as well as your pennies!! x

    • http://www.stylingyou.com.au Nikki Parkinson

      I go through phases of being really good at this, Maxabella … then I drop off. Is much easier when I do.

  • Reannon Hope

    All really good ideas & simple to put in place. It’s a goal of ours this year to live a little more mindfully, especially with our finances. Thankyou ladies :)

    • http://www.meetmeatmikes.com Pip Lincolne

      Oh thank you, Reannon! You are always popping in with a cup of sugar for us! xx

  • shelley

    I love my zero dollar days. So far this week I’ve not spent a thing. Of course I’ll be buying petrol and groceries over the weekend, but it feels so good come Friday when I know I’ve not wasted dollars here and there. Giving up takeaway coffee is the best way, you really notice the difference.

    • http://www.meetmeatmikes.com Pip Lincolne

      I think you can waste a lot of valuable time shopping. With no spend days, you get that time back and you get to do stuff that’s a bit more creative and a lot less taxing on the bank balance! Thanks for commenting! x Pip

    • http://www.stylingyou.com.au Nikki Parkinson

      I’m so implementing this tip, Shelley … and go you for getting through the whole week!

  • http://www.facebook.com/thelostseafarer jennifercraig

    I’m a bit (well… a LOT) of a shopaholic – I can’t resist buying pretty and often unnecessary knick knacks; namely clothes. So I think I could REALLY do with implementing the ‘zero pennies day’ (thought I’d make it British too!) – it could even be fun! And no time like the present, as they say!
    Jen xxx

    • http://www.stylingyou.com.au Nikki Parkinson

      Oh, I hear you, Jen … easiest way then is to avoid the shops altogether, no temptations then!

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