The Best Laid Plans

Taking time to figure out your finances and decide where you want to spend vs.. save is fine and dandy, but are you communicating your plan to others? If not, you might be setting yourself up for failure. 

Get your friends and extended family on board by telling them about your goal to increase your savings and reduce your debt and why you’re doing it. Explain that you’ll be making some different choices when it comes to spending money and that may affect what you've typically done together. 

Here are a few tips for navigating everyday money situations:
1. A co-worker asks you to lunch...suggest you both bring a sack lunch and eat together tomorrow.
2. When friends ask you out to dinner, suggest a potluck at your home.
3. If your mom asks you…“want to go shopping,” get a rain check or make the choice to have fun looking but not buying -- and leave your money at home.
4. Movie night? Make it a movie afternoon at a matinee instead.
5. Invited to yet another birthday party? Instead of a gift, give them a card and homemade coupon for help with a project like weeding the yard, babysitting for a night or housecleaning.