Simple Ways to Start Budgeting

I know, I know budgeting is not the most glamorous thing. But it is important to know how to do it and to start soon. Before I went to college I never even considered budgeting. I mean, my parents would do the grocery shopping and sometimes even pay for my gas (I know- they're saints). Being in college is a complete different story. I'm talking rent, groceries, alcohol, gas, bills, ugh the list goes on and on. Here are a few tips I have for you if you're looking for a way to start saving. that. money.

Step one: Write down everything you spend money on

This means everything from $40 for gas to $2.50 for the candy bar. It is so helpful to see everything you spend your hard earned cash on in one spot. I recommend opening the notes app that everyone with an iPhone has and title it with a month. As you spend, just write down the date and the amount. Get ready to be shocked at the end of the month when you see just how much you really spent.

Step two: Record what money you bring in

This is fairly self-explanatory and similar to the last step, but you need to write down everything you make. From your part-time job to the $20 your grandma slipped you, record it all. With these two things recorded you can start comparing at the end of the month the percentage of your income you're spending on things like coffee and clothes.

Step three: Practice self-control

And here we are at the hardest part. But guess what? Without giving yourself a limit and without actually listening to that limit, you're not going to save a single dime. Start looking for things to do that don't cost as much money. Stop eating breakfast out and instead make your own. Find out where you can cut back, and stick to it. You got this, I promise.

THE TO DO LIST

1. Open up the notes app and start recording your spending/earning right now. Don't put it off until the first of the month, or Monday. Just do it now.

2. Tomorrow, don't spend a single dime. That's right, zero dollars. See how it feels and think about everything you almost buy. Coffee, lunch out (instead of packing), that magazine for the commute home. Those are the things that are most dangerous when trying to cut back.

3. Leave me your best budgeting tips down below! I'm new to this, so I'd love to get some more advice.