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Six ways to live below your means

Managing Your Money
 Living below your means doesn't necessarily mean you are broke or stingy (Shutterstock)

Truthfully, your heart can sink when you think about living below your means. It’s ironic that many people associate it with brokenness and stinginess when in reality it could be the best choice you’ve ever made.

Although limiting your expenses isn’t the only way to attain financial freedom, it’s definitely on the top ten list of how to attain financial independence.

There are many reasons to start making spending adjustments and you should probably consider them and see how you can actually create true wealth.

Still, it’s not always easy to immediately sacrifice your wants.

These few guidelines will give you a plan on how you can make some progress and start living below your means.

Write down your goals

There has to be a reason behind the decision to live life on a budget. It could be that you’re saving up for a wedding in the future, a car or maybe you’re looking forward to generating enough capital for a business you’ve always wanted. What will motivate you is up to you.

But this is a huge step in ensuring you will have some money on the side for emergencies, which will always be a top priority.

When you’re constantly reminding yourself what you’re doing it in the first place, you gather enough motivation to keep going.

Create a budget that works

Don’t go overboard and turn into a crazy cheapskate because of just a few coins. It’s possible to actually be happy while limiting your expenses and that comes from creating a budget that’s realistic.

Create a reasonable plan that suits you depending on how much income you’re making so that you’re not miserable and quick to give up.

Adjust your lifestyle

This is where you have to empower yourself to embrace the changes coming your way. You might be used to a certain lifestyle full of luxury but now you have to drop those things and level up.

You should always look for ways to secure yourself by making small changes like shopping at the thrift store rather than those expensive boutiques or huge changes like moving to a smaller home or selling your car for a more manageable one.

At some point, you have to be honest with yourself about how you’re using your money and commit yourself to better financial prosperity.

 Limiting your expenses is definitely a good start to financial independence (Shutterstock)
Avoid comparison

They say that comparison is the thief of joy. It sucks all your happiness because you become insatiable and causes you to do things you otherwise wouldn’t do like getting into debt to boost your ego.

Living below your means requires you to be content with what you have so that you’re less likely to admire what people have in an unhealthy way.

You need enough strength to focus on your life goals and dreams.

Save before you spend

Once your pay check comes in, it’s better to first set aside money for savings.

It’s actually very easy to get tempted into buying this and the other and this leaves you broke most of the time with nothing left to save.

As you adjust your finances, you’ll be able to comfortably start with saving without stressing over unnecessary financial commitments.

Track your finances and make changes where necessary

As you progress, you also need to change with the times. You should learn as you go and take note of areas you can improve on.

For example, you can start taking note when certain shops have sales so you’re able to plan ahead wisely and do price comparisons at different stores to get the best deals.

There is always room for improvement when it comes to money. Learn what works for you.

 

What are you most likely very wrong about?

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