Life Lessons 101
Find the Hidden Money in Your Budget
Katie McCaskey
07/05/08 - 08:00 AM EDT
It's best to have your top financial goals always in the back of your mind as you're dealing with money, so you can figure out how to find the extra cash you need to achieve those ends.
(And, if you can't name your top three or four financial goals, you should probably try to figure them out, so you can get focused with your plans.)
Here are the top approaches you should use to find the "extra" money necessary:
Budget
No one likes the word, and fewer like the action. Luckily, you don't have to be a perfectionist. Even a broad budget will help keep your spending in line. However, the more detailed your budget the more control you'll have over your money and the more likely you'll uncover more available cash. Geezeo's budget tools include setting category-specific "spending targets". Some set spending targets named "Savings" or "Investing" to stay on mission.
Tax Savings
Adjust your withholding to accurately reflect your tax obligation. Dump your fat yearly tax refund. Instead, take an increase in weekly pay. Put this money to work for you directly. It takes discipline but it can pay off because this money is earning interest for you year-round instead of returning to you interest free from Uncle Sam.
Cutting Expenses
Oh, no! No one likes this suggestion. But, cutting expenses can be the most effective strategy since many of us are prone to overspending. The trick with cutting expenses is to really cut them -- and not use reduced spending in one area as an excuse to spend more in another category.
Look at your budget carefully and itemize all expenses. Evaluate each one as a necessity or indulgence and trim accordingly. One way to stay motivated is to take the money you "saved" and actually put it in a separate savings account or directly toward your goals. This habit makes the money "saved" more concrete.
Earn More
Obvious advice, no? Look for ways to increase your inflow with a second job or other income-producing activity. Earmark this additional cash flow to put toward your financial goals. Separating it from your "regular" income or budget will help you from inadvertently spending it.
Here are five ways to make an extra $1,500.
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