Let’s be honest, we all know that spending money is way more fun than saving it, but what happens when the monthly bills start rolling in and the money isn’t there? Not having enough for the bills or for an unexpected expense can be overwhelming to say the least. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to keep your finances on track and have fun doing it.

Start by creating a realistic budget and stick to it. You’ll need to know how much money you make, what you owe and what goals you have. Write this all down and you’ll be able to see where you might be able to cut expenses. From mortgage payments and car payments to the monthly payment for your favorite movie app, it’s all important. It all takes away from your cash on hand and you need to be tracking it.

Once you’ve completed your budget and realize you don’t have an endless supply of money, start living within your means. If you need a new car, buy one you know you can afford. While shopping around for the best prices may take some time, it’s definitely worth it. Also, maintaining a good credit rating will put you in a position to get the best rates and terms which could save you thousands in the long run. Comparison shopping doesn’t have to stop with big ticket items. Grocery stores are one of the best places to comparison shop. They’ll even do part of the work for you by listing unit prices on their products. And with so many mobile shopping apps out there, you can view all the sales from the comfort of your own home.

Next, avoid impulse shopping. Buying yourself something special once in awhile is okay, but doing it every time you’re at the store can really take a toll on your wallet.

Finally, automate your savings. Even if you can only save $10 a month, it’s money you didn’t have saved before. Set up an automatic transfer to your account and watch your savings grow. And remember, every dollar saved puts you one step closer to financial fitness

This article was published in the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce’s July 2019 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.