8 Ways to Budget Most People Probably Haven’t Tried Yet

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Are you ready to give up on budgeting altogether? Before you throw in the towel on your financial goals, here are eight budgeting ideas you probably haven’t taken for a spin that could change your mind.

1. Reverse, Reverse!

Piggy bank and open notepad with inscription financial goals and list.
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Have you ever considered budgeting in reverse? This method involves picking a goal, allocating money for that goal first, and using the rest of the money as you see fit. It’s a fantastic way to pay yourself first and assert your money-making goals over everything else, helping you prioritize your spending better.

2. Try Envelopes

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If you’re a more tactile person, you might want to consider a cash-only budgeting system. Pick up some envelopes, mark down each one and what it’s for, and put the appropriate amount of cash in each to complete your budget. This method is particularly good for those who already have cash on hand, such as service industry workers.

3. Use the Apps

YNAB You Need A Budget mobile app icon on phone screen,
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For many people, the issue is that their budgeting method is either too dull or too complicated. Budgeting apps like You Need A Budget (YNAB) have built-in features that make budgeting a breeze. So, if time or effort has been an issue for you, try this first.

4. Challenge Yourself

No Spend Day calendar reminder. Money saving concept.
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Try a self-imposed spending and savings challenge! Motivate yourself to budget by upping the ante; tell yourself you have to go an entire weekend without spending a dime. Any money you would’ve spent? That goes right toward your savings or other financial goal. It’s not a hard-and- fast budgeting method but a way to get things back in motion.

5. The Kaeikobo Method

Detail of a handwritten ledger with pencil
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Many people are much more visual and don’t love the idea of having their budget on their phone or computer. For you, we’d recommend the Kaeikobo method — a Japanese budgeting method that’s all about having a physical ledger for your finances. Plus, buying a new journal and some fun pens can help keep things interesting for the unmotivated.

6. Weekly Budgeting

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Monthly budgets are a struggle for those with irregular incomes, but there’s no reason you can’t try a weekly budget instead. This can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by your expenses, having to guess what you’ll make three weeks from now, only to constantly have to update it because it fluctuates so much.

7. The Trusty Spreadsheet

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Let’s face it—if you’re not interested in the Kaeikobo method but aren’t keen on the apps either, you need a happy middle ground. The humble spreadsheet is often overlooked since people prefer more bells and whistles to their budgets. But if that doesn’t sound like you, then there’s no shame in the Excel game.

8. Paycheck to Paycheck

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Our final tip is excellent for those new to budgeting who want to start but aren’t sure about their long-term financial goals. Here, you’ll make a new budget every time you get a paycheck.

It’s similar to the weekly budgeting concept in that it’s much more streamlined for those with variable income. It can help break up an otherwise confusing budgeting system into easier-to-manage bites.

14 Companies That Will Give You Free Food and Products Just for Asking

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More companies are now offering free samples to get customers to try a new product. Over time, these companies gain loyal customers and can increase their sales. As a customer, you also get to test out free products and sample foods you’ve never tasted.

Read on as we explore some companies that will give you food and products for free just by asking.

14 Companies That Will Give You Free Food and Products Just for Asking

28 Practical Ways Frugal People Save Lots of Money

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Saving money doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to life’s little indulgences. With a few smart tweaks, you can stash away cash for that dream vacation, rainy day fund, or splurge-worthy purchase without feeling like you’re on a constant budget patrol.

Think of it as a side hustle that pays off without the extra hours. Whether you’re looking to conquer debt or simply boost your bank account, these tips are guaranteed to put more money in your pocket, painlessly.

28 Practical Ways Frugal People Save Lots of Money

30 Super Simple Ways To Save Money at Home in 2024

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Looking for some ways to save money at home? Now is the time to cut expenses, save some money, and keep your money in your wallet. Here are some simple ways to save money at home this year. Whether it’s as simple as switching what you buy when you go to the store or being a little more creative in the ways you use items in your home, maybe some of these ways will work for you!

Here are 30 ways to save money at home and put more in your pocket.

30 Super Simple Ways To Save Money at Home in 2024

Author: CJ Darnieder

Bio:

CJ is a writer and musician from Chicago.  When he’s not practicing the divine art of stoicism, focusing on achieving a deafening inner quiet, or attempting to reconcile with the inherent powers of the universe, he loves to cook!

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