New Year's Resolution: Live Beneath (not within) Your Means

Set a goal. A realistic goal. Not one that you're going to forget about next week.

Many people (myself included) search for happiness in things. There's nothing more exhilarating that finding a good deal.

(Can I get an amen?)

It's impossible to convince someone to dial down their lifestyle if they don't want to do it. This is something you have to do for yourself. You have to find happiness within yourself, not in your objects.

In order to get your finances under control, you must be brutally honest with yourself. Now is not the time to tell little white lies.

Get a notebook. One that can be dedicated solely to your budget. If you'd like, here is a budget worksheet.

You're welcome.

At the top of the list, write the amount for your take home pay from every source of income. Beneath that line, make a list of all of your expenses: tithing, utilities, vehicle payments, insurance.

At the bottom of the list, write down everything else you spent money on last month. (This is where banking apps come in handy.) If you're like me, there was a whole lot of fast food and coffee.

OBJECTIVE:

Find where you can cut back. Then do it.

Locate the amount for your total living expenses. Then multiply that by 6. That is the amount you should aim to have in your savings account.

You can do it.