The document discusses various methods for staying within a budget, including the envelope method. The envelope method is a 3-step cash-based process where expenses are divided into envelopes and cash is allocated to each envelope category. Additional tips for saving money include reducing variable expenses like cable plans, finding energy savings such as using efficient light bulbs, taking advantage of grocery store sales and discounts through savings cards and coupons, and buying certain items in bulk when prices are low.
2. The best budget is the
one that works for you!
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3. Making Your Budget Workable
• Don’t be afraid to adjust your budgeted amounts
for your expenses as necessary.
• Seek ways to trim your variable expenses.
• If you have trouble keeping track of your
expenses, simplify your life by using The
Envelope Method.
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4. The Envelope Method
• The Envelope Method is an easy 3-step process
that makes keeping track of your expenses a
cinch.
• Use cash for all expenses. If you need to pay a
bill from your checking account, then deposit the
cash to cover the charge.
• Here is the process, step by step:
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5. Step 1: Divide and Conquer
Cash Your Paycheck
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Envelope 1
Groceries
Envelope 3
Gas
Envelope 2
Clothing
Envelopes 4+
Make an envelope for each expense in your budget.
Put in the cash to cover that expense.
6. Step 2: Use Cash for Your Expenses
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Envelope 1
Groceries
ONLY Groceries
Envelope 2
Clothing Money
ONLY Clothing
Envelope 3
Gas ONLY Gas
7. Step 3: Effortlessly Limit Daily Spending
• Make a daily “Spending Money” envelope.
• Use for: Lunch, parking, and more.
• When it’s gone… Stop spending!
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Tip:Spend it wisely!
8. The Envelope Method
also gives you a better
sense of your money!
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9. Still Having Budget Challenges?
You have 2 options:
• Make more money
• Reduce the amount that you spend
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10. Reducing the Amount You Spend
• Reduce your cable plan
• Change to less expensive phone plan
• Find a home that costs less
Tip: It’s easier to make cuts in
your variable expenses.
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11. Energy Savings
• Turn off lights when you leave the room.
• Switch to more energy efficient light bulbs.
• Unplug your electronic devices when they aren’t
being used.
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12. A trip to the grocery store
is one of the best places
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to save money!
20. Food Savings
Coupons are your most potent weapon against
the grocery bill!
With coupons, you can turn a $200 grocery bill
into a tiny fraction of the cost!
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22. Food Savings
When used in moderation,
buying in bulk can be a great
way to save money!
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23. Tips for Buying in Bulk
• Don’t get carried away! Expiration dates still
apply.
• Fewer trips to the grocery store save you time,
money, and gas.
• Divide purchases among friends.
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24. Self-Reflection Questions:
• How can I reduce the amount of energy I use?
• Do my favorite stores offer deals, discounts, or
additional savings on top of coupons?
• Do I take advantage of the benefits of buying in
bulk?
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25. Action Tips:
• Reduce your energy use as much as possible.
• Sign up for Savings Card Programs.
• Find coupons for the items you buy all the time.
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