There's so many more places that we have to spend our money. From malls, shopping centers, bills and online shopping options no wonder so many of us have found it harder to be diligent with the money that we have coming in.

Banks are showing a larger decline on bank account holder’s savings and have shown an increase in the number of withdrawals per month, leaving people little money to spend before the next salary strikes their account.
Not to mention there are so many more temptations out there that we face. Marketing firms and major corporations are spending more money making sure that they reach you on social media, television, your cellular devices and everything in between. (Admit it, you've seen a wrapped car in your neighborhood)
Just like you I'm faced with a ton of marketing that is tailored just to me based upon what I may have looked at online or searched for on Google that are running after me because of those lovely cookies our browsers have in them. (Which can be disabled by the way). But back to the topic. Somehow with my future looming close to me daily just like all of you I have to keep my focus on the money coming in and going out so I can have some semblance of order and peace when I sleep at night.
I want to show you guys what I have been doing the past year to gain control in some sort of way of my finances and some tricks that are actually working in my favor.
Take note and I will go into more detail on The DayShifters Podcast this week on budgeting and looking for your money.

 1. Compulsive Buying –
 Thanks to the internet and online shopping, one thing I have stopped doing is compulsive buying. Now don't get me wrong, I love going to stores and rummaging through things to see what goodies and deals I can find but the one thing I do more is think about it. I ask myself do I need it, do I want it or am just bored and will it get dust on it once it gets to the house. If I cannot answer those questions honestly or if I cannot find a real reason why I am holding this shiny object of desire in my hand, then I have to put it back.
I encourage you to try that technique when it comes to compulsive buying by taking a pause and asking yourself those questions honestly before you get in line to pay for something.


2. Budgeting -
Make sure that you create a budget for your weekly, biweekly or monthly expenses. You have to make sure that you remain organized when it comes to your money and be sure to have a plan to keep yourself together. Budgeting with a simple list of what your bills look like per month in a notebook or even a spreadsheet wont hurt to get you started. Me personally I like to use the app Every Dollar but search for the one that works best for you. Some apps are easy to use and connect with your banking and savings accounts. No matter what you do start at the beginning and that's write out what you are bringing in and how much your bills are per month. At least you will know what you are working with on a regular basis.

3. Performing Price Comparison –
 Take advantage of options on the internet too. From eBay to Amazon to all of the other sources in between, there are companies out there competing to get your business and you win in the end. I know I have. For instance I bought a new headset I wanted to take calls from home for a client for $29 on Amazon however on the actual company website it was triple the price! So DO take advantage of downloading apps and researching prices on your favorite items. You would be surprised at how much you can save by just taking your time and doing the research.

 4. Do It At Home –
 I can remember when I was a kid my parents always said they could make things at home. I never understood until my personal goals got really personal. Like making a major move across state lines, or preparing to go back to college yet again. Then I understood making the burger at home was better. I understood the value of just preparing the food in advance and packing it for work rather than eating out every day or all of the time. It only makes sense to do that now. I encourage you to find creative ways to save money by preparing lunch and snacks early in the week. I get the kids involved and we go shopping for the week in demolish the Dollar Tree and other discount stores for their school lunches and other things we need for the house. So if you can create it or do it at home rather than making it a habit of spending money out there in the streets by all means

Making a budget isn't easy to start or to keep up with but there are so many options to help you make a good decision to stay on track. I encourage you to take a listen to this week's podcast to get more tips and info on how to get on a budget and stick to it. I will admit I am still learning as things come up like repairing my car or KJ grew out of all of his pants and shoes so I have to dig in and shift around. Know this, if I can do it so can you. Join me this week , can't wait to share with you guys.

Til Next Time DayShifters,

Ya Gurl Paulette










2f378385a30610e87067c6f50f604591a15b4af061e53ede8c