Thursday, October 10, 2013

Budgeting 101: Weighing In The Wants And The Needs


Budgeting is something that is not fun but it's something that we have to do to learn responsibility and live comfortably within our means from month to month.

It can also help you save up for big purchases, get out of debt, and plan family vacations. We have to become responsible and weigh the importance of our wants and our needs.

This becomes more and more important when you have a family and you are a main provider for your family. There are many things that you will have to debate about and others where it will be easier to make the decisions.

This article will list a couple of ways you can trim the unnecessary things you are spending money on. 

Monthly Subscriptions Vs. Cable and Dish 

With the rise of Netflix, Hulu and other instant streaming sites cable and other providers are looking less and less valuable. If you are not big on watching live sports and TV then this might be a better deal for you and your family. Not to mention that it has plenty of children's shows and plenty to watch for the whole family. 

Average Cable/Dish Cost = $60 a month 
Instant Streaming = $8 a month 
Total Savings = $52 a month 

Buying Movies and CDs vs. rentals 

It happens to all of us, a new movie comes out and we love it so much in the theatres so we rush out the day it comes out. We spend the extra money on the collector's edition and one with extra copies in it. We get home and watch it once and then it sits on the self and collects dust. The same goes for CDs and other similar items. You can avoid spending $20-30 a movie by getting it from Redbox or other movie rental service. As you figured you can download some instant streaming movie services that have new releases. You can also avoid buying new CDs in the store or on iTunes by using services like Pandora and Spotify. 

New Movie= $25 
New CD = $12 
Instant Streaming = $5-8 
Pandora, Spotify = FREE 
Total Savings = $21 a month 

Running Outside vs. the Gym 

Gym memberships can be costly and there is a very good chance that you will never really use them. They can cost you anywhere from $10 to $30 a month. If you gear up and start running outside and stick to a more traditional diet and exercise plan you can still get into really good shape and be healthy. 

Gym Membership $20 
Running Outside = FREE 
Total Savings = $20 

Overall your total savings from just these three things can be around $90-100. However, there are things that you should always remember and keep in mind. Like home security for instance. This is something that can give you peace of mind and protect your family.

You can look into getting Miramar home automation from Vivint home automation for a more peaceful life. Be sure that you budget with yourself or your family to plan the most effective and beneficial budget for all of you. 

In the realm of personal finance, budgeting serves as a cornerstone of responsible money management, enabling individuals and families to align their spending with their priorities and financial goals. While it may not always be enjoyable, budgeting empowers individuals to live within their means, save for the future, and navigate financial challenges effectively.

This article highlights practical strategies for trimming unnecessary expenses, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between wants and needs. By evaluating expenditures such as monthly subscriptions, entertainment purchases, and fitness memberships, individuals can identify areas where they can achieve significant savings without sacrificing quality of life.

Furthermore, the article underscores the value of prioritizing spending to ensure that essential expenses, such as home security, are adequately addressed. Investing in solutions like Miramar home automation from Vivint reflects a commitment to safeguarding one's family and property, demonstrating that responsible budgeting extends beyond mere cost-cutting to encompass thoughtful financial planning.

Ultimately, the message conveyed is clear: through informed decision-making and prudent financial management, individuals can achieve greater financial security and peace of mind, enabling them to live more comfortably and pursue their long-term aspirations.

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