Back when I had my office job, I blogged every day. If you were reading me back then (or hung around through my hiatus), you probably remember my posts about trying to save $10,000. I was gearing up to move and wanted a legit savings. I ended up with about $7,000 and that's the most money I had ever had. I was making $14.25 an hour and commuting, so I never had time to spend the money I was earning. I saved that much money in less than 6 months.
Current status? I moved out on my own, to the beach, and work as a barista, not making $14.25 an hour. Throw in first time expenses, a Caribbean vacation and the real world. My savings is dwindling and I'm panicking. (surprise) I've decided to get back on a budget. I'm going to share what worked for me in the past and what things I plan on doing differently. Maybe you need to budget too! We can help each other out :)
My Barista Budget Plan:
- live off tips - I have a little notebook I've been using to keep track of the tips I'm making
- don't swipe my ATM card - use cash, cash, cash
- cut down on eating out - keep a stocked fridge
- no more online shopping - I was doing so good before. oops.
- delete shopping emails before I open them - this worked before!
- work extra hard on Linqia campaigns for extra money
- sell unwanted clothes/purses - I did this before I moved and made some extra money
- stay active with Etsy - try to get more consistent purchases
My goal is to save about $500 a month, which is essentially one whole paycheck. I get paid twice a month. We'll see how this goes! Updates to follow!
If you would like to take a look at my Etsy, click here.
Do you have any budget tips I should try? Let me know!
You go girl! I am doing the debit card swipe- I take money out on pay days and avoid my debit card unless it was a pre-determined purchase. It is really helping me out.
ReplyDeleteIt's not easy to do, but you've got a good plan. I know you'll be successful.
ReplyDeleteHaving cash is one of the best money saving tips there is. It's so much harder to let go of physical money versus simply swiping a card. :] // itsCarmen.com ☼ ☯
ReplyDeleteI definitely delete shopping emails before I open them. Just get rid of the temptation up front!
ReplyDeleteYou can do it! i know paying for things with cash only REALLY helped me. It made me realize just how much I do spend and it hurt handing it over every time I bought something.
ReplyDeleteDeleting the sales e-mails before reading them has worked wonders for me. Even if I tell myself I'm not going to buy anything, if I open the message and see a great sale, all bets are off. I do better with not knowing what I'm missing out on!
ReplyDeleteThis is really awesome! Even though I graduated, I still work an hourly job, and if I didn't split bills with my boyfriend, I wouldn't be able to survive on my own. I always love finding budget tips. That's so smart about using cash only. It's so easy to just swipe your card and look at your account later. Can't wait to check out your Etsy shop!
ReplyDeleteI've saved myself a fortune by taking a bagged lunch/snacks to work with me everyday, as well as stocking my locker with tea and coffee! Use up your store of beauty/toiletry products too before you buy any more!
ReplyDeleteSarah :)
Saloca in Wonderland
I really need to start a financial plan after the holidays, I have been spending too much money and went over budget this year, I love how you had a plan that I drawn out.
ReplyDelete