6 Easy Ways to Start a Better Relationship with Money

These days, it seems like most of us have a difficult relationship with money.

Unfortunately, the school system doesn’t teach us how to handle our finances in the same way it teaches us about biology and history. That means that we’re left to work out how to achieve financial freedom on our own. For some of us, the lessons are more painful than for others.

The good news is that if you’ve been struggling to make the most of your money for a while, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’re going to look at some of the simplest ways that you can transform the way you handle your money and start getting more out of your spending habits.

1. Start with a Budget You Can Stick To

First of all, do you know where you’re spending all of your money each month? If not, then you’re going to have a hard time changing your spending habits. The best way to make a sustainable change is to start with a budget. Get an overview of all the money you have coming in and going out each month, and work from there.

If you’re spending more than you make each month, look for places that you can start to cut back without being too restrictive. Remember that not allowing yourself to have any fun with your cash can make budgeting harder.

1. Be A Careful Consumer

When it comes to spending your money, how do you go about it? Do you have a list when you go to the grocery store, and a pile of coupons ready to use? If not, then you’re missing out on some great opportunities to save money.

Taking a list with you when you go shopping means that you’re less likely to overspend on things you don’t need. It also gives you the guidance you need to research and find the best prices before you get to the checkout counter.

1. Have Realistic Goals

To accomplish anything in life, you need a solid plan in place. That means that the best way to start your financial transformation is with a goal. Figure out what you want to accomplish with your money, and tackle life like an investor.

Every time you purchase something or take money out of your savings instead of putting cash in, ask yourself how you’re going to benefit in the long term. Especially if you’re needing to take out loans for such purchases. Most of the time, good financial health is all about making your money work for you. When you have your goals in mind, you’ll find that it’s much easier to keep yourself on track.

1. Keep Track of Everything

The idea of watching every penny you spend might not seem like much fun, but it’s the best way to get your spending habits in check. The more you keep track of the money you use, the less likely you are to end up paying bills late, or over-drawing from your bank account.

There are plenty of smartphone apps that you can download today that will help you to keep track of your spending habits. Just make sure that the one you pick is secure. Alternatively, you can make notes on a sheet of paper.

1. Work as a Team on Financial Goals

If you’re married, or in a relationship where you both spend the same money, then it’s important to work as a team on your budgeting and financial goals. One of the biggest issues facing any couple is the process of dealing with money. Rather than getting into arguments with your spouse over cash, make sure that you’re both on the same page from day one.

Agree to a goal that you’re both passionate about and set rules in place that mean you both compromise the same amount. Try to have a little fun from time to time too. Remember that you’ll always struggle to stick to your budget if it feels like a chore.

1. Commit to Savings

Ultimately, the best thing you can do when you’re trying to change your spending habits for the better is commit to spending less and saving more. For most people, this is easier said than done, but it’s important to force yourself to stay focused wherever you can.

If it helps, tape a visual representation of your goal somewhere that you’ll be able to see it every day. For instance, if you’re saving towards a deposit on a family home, you could tape a picture of your dream house to your fridge.