3 Thrifty Things You Can Start Doing Today

Published

April 17, 2014

AJ Smith is an award-winning journalist with more than a decade of experience in television, radio, newspapers, magazines and online content. She currently serves as the managing editor for SmartAsset. AJ has a passion for meeting new people, sharing stories and helping others. She has degrees from Princeton University and Mississippi State University. AJ and her husband also write and illustrate educational children’s books.

It’s easy to procrastinate, especially when it comes to things that aren’t fun. For many people, finances fall into that category. But putting off your financial responsibilities won’t make them go away — so it’s best to just get them done. Here are three thrifty things to do today to stay on financial track.

Put Away the Plastic

Try having a credit card-free day, week or even month. This can help you really get a grasp on how much you are spending. While some people are able to pay off credit card bills every month, for others it is a struggle.

If you leave your credit card at home for the day, you may avoid impulse buying. Putting the plastic away for the week can help you determine whether your purchases are worth it since you must see the money leave your hands. By taking away the option to spend more than you have for the month, you can see what it really is to live within your means.

Set Aside Some Money

Maybe you don’t like the term emergency fund, but everyone should have some money set aside just in case. Don’t wait until your next raise, bonus or gift — put some money in an account for this purpose today. While most financial experts advise having three to 12 months’ worth of living expenses in a savings account, it will likely take you a while to get there. Use that $20 in your pocket or transfer a $100 from your checking account right now to get started. Try setting up an automatic deposit to keep on track. The key to building up this fund is consistency.

Make Some Lists

Even if you are not a natural list maker, the process can be helpful. Something as simple as shopping with a grocery list can help reduce how much you spend on things you don’t really need. But also start some big lists with financial goals. These can include where you want to be financially in a year, when you want to retire and what you want to leave behind for your family and friends. Writing down financial goals can make them more real and thus more attainable. Now start crossing things off those lists!

3 Thrifty Things You Can Start Doing Today

Put Away the Plastic

Set Aside Some Money

Make Some Lists

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