Simple Steps to budgeting & tackeling debt, while still enjoying life.

Cutting back on expenses while still living life, is certainly a challenging endeavor. Although saving money or paying off debt is responsible, it is indeed quite boring. It can result in a very dull lifestyle.

I have always believed in the saying “Tomorrow isn’t promised“. Which has probably influenced my “laugh now, cry later” habits.

One fine evening, I had the shocking revelation that I, was in debt! The sad part was, I had no idea how. I was completely oblivious and blissfully ignorant. I needed to change. So, I decided to get my finances in order. Along with other things.

So here are a few lifestyle changes I’ve made, while on this journey to a richer, more financially responsible me.

Avoiding: Money hemorrhaging friends

Having a healthy social life is important, however depending on who you socialize with can sometimes result in unnecessary spending

It’s important to limit time spent with friends that are not budgeting. Friends that are possibly living way above their (& your) means. “Keeping up with the Jones’s” aka: expensive friends, may cost you big-time. Some friends may willing to spend $500 on a meal, while others only $20. It’s not about judgment, it’s about budgeting.

Practicing : Entertaining friends with similar budgeting goals.

You would be surprised how much being around disciplined, goal driven friends can positively influence you. Hang with those who are working towards similar goals or already achieved them. This will help in you accomplishing your goals. Once deciding I needed to begin budgeting & removing my credit card dept, I brought it up in conversations. I found out that a few other friends were on the same journey. So, not only do we hold each other accountable. We also share cool ideas on savings.

Avoiding: Overspending

Absolutely no spending on the things you don’t need. No more cluttering your house with more things. If it’s an addiction, maybe address the underlying issue. Buy if you really have to buy it, then return it the next day (without using or wearing it, of course). If it’s not a necessity then close your eyes and walk away, or turn off the app.

Practicing : Budgeting

The word “budgeting” alone just sounds overwhelming right?! I recommend starting the process by writing down your monthly income. Then calculate monthly expenses. Write down rent/mortgage, approximate utilities, and car payments. Then after address the smaller expenses. Finally, figure out all memberships or habits you want to keep, remove or minimize.

An Amazon bi-weekly spending limit. I was surprised to discover how much I was spending every month on Amazon. It’s so easy to get carried away, because it’s so accessibility. It can easily turn into a – Christmas everyday habit. Once I cut back on this habit, I saw a significant difference in my finances.

Avoid: Credit Card Usage.

The number one enabler of my “laugh now, cry later” habits. It’s so easy to get carried away, especially when your credit limit is high.

The issue with credit cards, are the high interest rates. If you keep a balance on your card (rather than paying it off). That interest fee is often around 27%-28%!!! This interest is charged monthly until the balance is gone. So, depending on what your balance is, a monthly fee can look like $50 -$1000 (or higher), monthly!! This monthly fee will only go toward the interest, sometimes making it difficult to pay down the actual balance…There by paying, forever!

Practicing : Cash Only Spending

Also known as the envelope method. A simple practice that begins with removing your credit card from out of your wallet. At least until the balance is cleared. Using Cash only or debit cards only will help keep you on budget. If you insist on using the credit card pay it back immediately. Like, before you even leave the store.

Avoiding: Malls

I feel like every time I walk into a mall; I’m buying things I really don’t need. Even when I walk into the mall to return things, I still end up buying something else in its place. So, I’m currently avoiding all places that encourage spending. Because if you want something bad enough, you’ll easily talk yourself into buying it (despite the cost).

Practicing: Cheaper/Wholesale Stores

Although I am currently avoiding all shopping plazas/malls/online stores etc. Sometimes there is something I genuinely need. Instead, I’m choosing to go to places like Marshall or Home Goods. Because nothing is worse than paying full price for something. Then later walking into TJ-Maxx a month later and seeing the same item selling for only a fraction of the price!

Avoiding: Excessive Dining Out.

I am the queen of dining out & I’m a true foodie at heart. So, nothing gives me greater joy, than a new and unique culinary experience. As much I love trying out new restaurants, I realize how practicing the term “in moderation” is wise. I was being counterproductive in saving, when eating out excessively. Going to a coffee shop for breakfast. Followed by a new take-out lunch spot,. Then later going to dinner with friends. In one day, I would easily spend over $100 on food. Once in a while is fine, but when it becomes a daily habit, it becomes a financially irresponsible.

Practicing : Cooking

I know, I know!!! Who wants to cook?!?!!! This was certainly my setback for a very long time. Especially since cooking was never a skill I worked to develop. Here’s my epiphany – cooking can be fun! Really!! It’s even more enjoyable once you’ve mastered a dish. You’ll know exactly the ingredients you want to use, so you’ll be more comfortable cooking. You won’t choose to put unhealthy things in your body. So not only will the meal be created to suite for your tastebuds. It will also be suited for your body & your health needs. The key is setting the scene. I recommend good music. Dance and cook, you will feel like you’re creating art rather than doing a chore.

Make no mistake, I’m stilling dining out. I love food!! I still plan on enjoying the simple pleasures in life! Instead, minimizing the number of times I’m dining out. Rather than dining out three times a day, I’m choosing maybe just once a day and then eating at home.

Avoiding : Overpriced grocery stores.

Some grocery stores can increase the cost of groceries up to 100%. I have always chosen to go to these grocery stores that seem, a little “prettier”. However, usually these pretty grocery stores come with a “pretty” price tag. Some large cheap grocery stores just seem low vibrational & even mentally draining. Depleting me of my Zen as the minutes tick by. All while barely escaping the land of the irritating (just kidding..kinda).

Practicing: Going to cheaper grocery stores, with a better mindset, or shopping there online.

I’ve discovered that putting on headphones with classical music playing, helps me maintain my peace. Also smaller, mom & pops grocery stores (Like Trader Joes) have better prices. So, you won’t have to sacrifice the good ambiance and the feeling of positive energy.

As I improve on my pending habits & progressively get out of debt, I’m learning new skills on ways to save. I must admit I’m beginning to feel rather accomplished and motivated. I’m also finding new things I enjoy doing on my own. Instead of paying to have someone else to do them for me. Check out my recent blog: Why people are choosing Press-on nails in 2025! A new obsession. I hope this encourages & enlightens anyone considering cutting back and becoming more financially responsible 🙂

If you have any cool saving tips, please share!