One of the most difficult things for many people is living within their means each month. Some people carry too much debt and never live within their means. If you want to be prepared and live normally without feeling poor, then follow these 3 simple tips so that you can be healthier financially.

Set a Budget

This may sound obvious, but many people live off of credit cards and do not live within their normal income. Living within your means can completely change your income and how you are able to live. Part of living within your means includes setting a budget and sticking to it each month.

If you are drowning in debt, then part of your budget should include a payment for your debt each month. Also, look at your living expenses and see if any of them can be cut out completely or at least cut down. Spending money on unnecessary things, such as parties, entertainment, lavish dates, and expensive clothes can lead to a mountain of debt.

Add up your total income for the month, and then put in your required expenses first. This includes rent or your mortgage payment, health insurance, utilities, phone bills, and so on. You can then see how much is left to divide between luxury categories.

Use a Cash System

Another smart way to live within your means without feeling poor is by using a cash system. Instead of spending everything on your credit or debit card, set an amount of money for groceries, dates, clothes, and other basic expenses that will arise during the month.

Take out some envelopes, mark them with the name of the category, such as dates, and then put the designated amount in the envelopes. When you do this, you will be more aware of how much you are spending because you only have what is in each envelope for an entire month. 

This will help you to realize which areas you tend to be more frivolous in than others, and you can start to be more disciplined with your spending habits.

Set a Short-Term Goal

Instead of setting a goal for an entire year, start with a much smaller goal. Changing financial habits can take time, and you may make some mistakes along the way. That is why you should take things one month at a time.

If that even seems like too much, go over your budget every week and try to set a goal for your spending each week. If you have an off week, make a better effort the next week to be more disciplined.

With these 3 tips, you can live within your means without feeling constrained. You will also be healthier financially so that you can be better prepared for the future. Consult with a financial advisor for more tips.

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