How to be Rich*

*Rich: having enough money to buy things that you need and some things that you want

If you're reading this blog, you are probably interested in saving money. Coupons are a fantastic way to save money on groceries and toiletries, but there are so many other ways to save! I find myself in a trifecta of being poor (as a young, recently graduated newlywed), so I have learned a thing or two hundred about being broke. I'd love to share some tips with you and hear some of your tips, too!

Learn how to coupon effectively.
(Did I even need to list this one?)

Cut down on unnecessary expenses. 
I know this seems obvious, but some people dish out money for things that they don't even need or use. Do you really still need a landline? How many of those 2,000 channels do you actually watch regularly? Can you clean your house instead of hiring the job out to someone else?

Pack a lunch.
I have a confession: I love going out to lunch in the middle of a busy day at work. It's a nice break to get away from the madness that comes with working around kids all day! At my previous job, I ate out almost every day at lunch. Now, though, I pack every day and I can't believe how much money I'm saving. Think about it: if I spent an average of $3/day for a lunch, that's $15/week. When I pack, I spend about $8 and get enough stuff to last me for 2 weeks. That's a $22 savings in just 2 weeks! In addition to saving money, I've also lost weight. Whoo!

Budget, budget, budget.
My husband and I are preparing to begin the "envelope system" method of budgeting. The name is self-explanitory, but the basic idea is that, when you receive a paycheck, you get it out in cash and divide it into envelopes. You should have a pre-determined budget for each envelope (for example, $100/paycheck for gas, $25/paycheck for eating out and entertainment, etc.). Bills go into envelopes, too, although we will be re-depositing that money into the bank and writing checks for bills. Using this system is said to give you financial freedom, because you always know where your money is going and you can budget money for things you want and need (for example, work shoes!) I also know from experience that I am much less likely to spend unnecessary money if I have to fork over cash instead of just swiping my debit card. I am excited to begin this budgeting method and will keep you updated! (I will link to more information at the bottom of this post!)

Pay off debts.
Obviously, this one is easier said than done! Thomas and I have an intimidating amount of medical bills (thanks, asthma!), a credit card, a car... OH! and student loans to pay off. It will be easier when we begin the envelope system, and I can't wait to feel the excitement of paying off loans. It'll be awhile before we're debt-free, but we're setting goals and will be working toward them.

Here are some other quick tips that I have learned:
-When eating out, drink water or share a drink with someone else. When Thomas and I go to Chipotle, we buy 1 small soft drink and just keep refilling it!
-Don't shop at convenience stores. I know, I know... they're convenient. Just remember that you'll be paying for it!
-Use cruise control. This has been a lifesaver during my 65-mile daily commute to and from work! It saves gas like you wouldn't believe. And, on that note...
-Don't let your gas tank go below half-full. There is a scientific reason for it that I can't properly explain, but I do know that it takes less money to fill it from half-a-tank than to fill the whole tank!

***Here is some more information on the envelope budgeting system!***