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1. Make a list, create a budget and commit to it
This is perhaps the very foundation of a healthy financial life, and it may sound cliché, but it’s also imperative: you need to have a budget.
A budget is vital in helping you keep track of your spending, so you know where your money goes before you even spend it.
How does that tie with cheap living?
I always think of a budget as a tool that helps you identify areas where you can cut back so you can maximize your savings.
If you think you’re over-budgeting for entertainment this month, then it’s time to get more creative and find free sources of entertainment.
If you feel your clothing allocation is going to ruin your overall budget, then you probably need to postpone shopping or look for cheaper clothes elsewhere.
Suffice to say, a budget helps you decide what and what not to keep so you can live within your means.
Another important thing that’s closely related to creating a budget is making a list.
You go shopping a few times each week, and in those moments, how many times have you felt vulnerable to overspending? If you can’t curb your impulsive buying behavior, then you’re not living cheaply. A list tells you what to get, so you don’t end up getting anything else. It’s also an essential weapon to help you stick with your budget.
2. Choose cheap but healthy food
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