Budgeting Time And Money

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BUDGETING TIME AND MONEY

1. Be content with what you have. Most of us spend more than we should because we live beyond our means. Don't define yourself by your possessions. Rather than concentrating on what you don't have, you should think more about what you do have.

2. Plan ahead. Being organized can go a long way to save time and money. For instance, if you know there are always long line-ups during lunch hour, then go 5-10 minutes earlier to beat the rush, or go during a less busy time. If you wait until you have no choice but to buy an item, you'll probably end up paying more. The more expensive an item, the longer you should plan ahead.

3. Be organized and set some goals. If you have several things on your "To Do" list, it is more likely you'll get them done because you are intending to do it. Remember to prioritize the items. Use a shopping list and a set budget, then stick with it. That will help you resist impulse buying which can be quite costly.

4. Be efficient. If time is money, then wasting time is wasting money. If you have several errands within the same proximity, try to do them all at the same time. If you're meeting other people at the same location, try car pooling, especially if parking space is at a premium. If there's a big sale on items you always need, buy in bulk.

5. Be flexible. Sometimes things will happen beyond our control. If you're stuck in traffic, listen to a self-help tape, wipe the inside windows of your car, dust the dash, etc. Be willing to substitute expensive items with cheaper versions of the same thing.

6. Going shopping doesn't always have to mean you must buy something. Wise shoppers shop around before they purchase. If you're patient, most prices eventually go down.

7. Just because the phone or doorbell rings unexpectedly, doesn't mean you must answer it. If you're busy, why should you have to stop what you're doing? If the call is important, they'll call again or leave a message for you to call back. Generally, most phone calls are not a matter of life or death. If the call is a telemarketer, they'll usually hang up, and you wouldn't have wasted your time (or money if you're easily swayed). If there's someone at the door that you don't know, ask yourself if you really want to listen to their sales pitch.

8. Purchasing decisions should not be based on price alone. Consider how long it will last, how many times you will use it, how many other people can use it, what other uses it can have, etc.