Apartment Living With A Budget

For most renters keeping track of the money coming in and going out is a top priority. It really doesn’t matter if you have the nicest apartment in town or you live in a tiny one bedroom efficiency. Tracking money each month is important to almost everyone. But many renters spend everything they make with every paycheck they receive. They ask themselves why budget when their is nothing left. We have listed some methods you can use today that can help you control your finances a little bit more than you do now.

Start With A Budget

Its very important that you know how much money you have to work with. So you will want to gather all of your monthly income. This will mean adding up your pay stubs and any other records of what your monthly income is. If you work for yourself, then you will will have to estimate what you are making on a monthly basis.

After you have figured out whats coming in, its time to figure out what you are spending each month. So you will want to gather all of your monthly bills and expenses. Gather all of your receipts. Now calculate your other expenses including your cable, Internet, phone, and utilities. Don’t forget your variable expenses like food and medical care. Do you use your credit card regularly because you don’t have the money in savings? You will want to be aware of all of these so you can understand where all of your cash is.

Where Can You Cut Costs

Maybe you already visit the dollar stores and the discount warehouses. But there still maybe some other methods you can use to save some extra money. Have you thought about contacting your providers and trying to find better rates. Usually they won’t call you and offer a better service.

There sure is a lot of competition out there regarding electricity rates, cable, and Internet service. One quick way to cut your costs is to stop eating out. If you bring a brown bag to lunch you can start saving money right away. And many times restaurant food is loaded with calories. You might even get in better shape by eating at home.

Stay With It

Living on a budget isn’t easy. But once you get the hang of it, you will eliminate your impulse buys. Remember to have a plan and to stick with it.