Budget, budget, budget! You hear about its importance all the time and, unfortunately, it can often prove to be a tiresome, long-winded task. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be! Here are our top tips for making budgeting fun:
Download a Budgeting App
Budgeting apps make the process so much easier – and a lot more enjoyable too! Take ‘Budget Buddy’ for instance. This local app has over 5000 downloads and an impressive quality score of almost 4.5 stars! Basically, you tell the app what your different budget categories are (such as groceries, debt repayments, entertainment, etc.) and which words in the SMS messages that you receive from your bank link to which category (for example, ‘Spar’ links to ‘Groceries’). From there, Budget Buddy will automatically help track your spending according to either your budget or your income (your choice). Furthermore, the app doesn’t require an internet connection to work, it’s free to download and use, and it supports all major South African banks.
Take Pleasure in Reaching Your Goals
While the act of creating a budget might not sound all that exciting, realising your financial targets and goals certainly is! Treat yourself to (an affordable) reward, like a long bubble bath or an afternoon spent watching the rugby, every time you stick to your budget or manage to save a little bit extra.
Don’t Do It Alone
For those of us who have struggled with debt, we all know how lonely it can be. If you have a partner or a few supportive family members around you, you can overcome this loneliness and make the budgeting process a little bit more fun by getting them involved and brainstorming ideas on how to save money. You could even have a budgeting competition with some of your friends. At the end of each month, compare notes and share tips and advice to ensure even more progress going forward. If, however, you don’t feel comfortable involving those closest to you, there is also the possibility of joining a community. There are countless online communities filled with real people who are going through very similar journeys. What better way in which to find much-needed support and to learn a few new approaches to budgeting along the way?
Take Up a New Hobby
Do you tend to spend a little bit too much money whenever you walk past your local bakery? Save some cash by learning how to bake your favourite treats yourself instead! Spending hundreds of Rands every month at takeaway establishments because you never learnt how to cook? Now’s your chance! Get a couple of your foodie friends together and enjoy plenty of fun times learning all about the culinary arts.
If after reading these tips you are still struggling to make your budget work, or if you are experiencing persistent problems with debt, Debt Free with Armani is here to lend a helping hand. Contact us today and take your first step towards regaining your financial freedom. You’ll be very glad you did.
