Subscribe to THRIFTY TIPS
 
Subscribe to DEAL OF THE DAY
 


June 17, 2025

Read about our staffGreetings!

Inflation isn't just a news headline—it's hitting where it hurts: your grocery cart, your gas tank, even your shampoo. A recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report confirms it: Americans are spending more on food, electronics, personal care items, and yes, even alcohol and tobacco.

But here's what's more concerning—many Americans aren't budgeting properly. Only 1 in 3 keeps a detailed monthly budget, and that leaves a lot of room for financial stress.

Let's fix that. Whether you're a seasoned saver or new to the idea of budgeting, here are some smart reminders (and a few fresh habits) to help you stay on track.

Be Well,
Anisa

Please add [*FROM*] to your address book or visit here.
Wanna hear something gross? Your phone is 7 times dirtier than your toilet. But don’t worry - this $4 gadget will fix that!

1. Make Time for Your Budget

If your budget is “set and forget,” chances are it's already outdated. Life changes—your budget should too. Make it a habit to review and adjust it at least once a year, or anytime there's a change in income, bills, or spending patterns.

2. Give Yourself Time to Adjust

Starting a new budget? Don't panic if it feels bumpy at first. It takes a few weeks to get the hang of tracking and adjusting. Budgeting is like exercise—you don't run a marathon the first week, and you shouldn't expect perfection either.

3. Plan for Emergencies

Oval 5 DollarIf you're not budgeting for the unexpected, you're not really budgeting. Aim for an emergency fund that covers 3–6 months of living expenses. Even starting with $500 or $1,000 makes a difference when surprise bills come calling.

4. Don't Be Too Strict or Too Loose

Too tight, and you'll feel deprived. Too loose, and your savings vanish. Good budgets have breathing room—for essentials, for goals, and for the occasional treat (because a life without a little fun is hard to stick to).

5. Budgeting Isn't Just for Bills

Include things like birthdays, travel, car repairs, and seasonal expenses. These “non-monthly” costs sneak up on people all the time—and they're usually what break a budget. Planning ahead can turn a stressful surprise into a paid-in-full moment.

In Closing...

Budgeting isn't about cutting out joy—it's about giving your money direction. When your budget reflects your real life (and your real priorities), it becomes a tool for freedom, not restriction. The best time to get your budget in shape? Before you feel like you've lost control.

Featured Freebie: Download Free Budget Tracker

A simple tracker to get you started on tracking.
VISIT HERE


Missed An Issue? Visit our archives loaded with past and new issues.

You gotta see the deals we have on ALL KINDS of DVDs... from 99 Cents and up we've got a great selection of WWII, Classic TV and more VISIT HERE TO BROWSE OUR SELECTION