She Works Hard for the Money

This is a new subject on the ol' blog. Money. Let's talk money and budgeting.

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I graduated from college almost two years ago and ever since I, like most people, have had the anxiety of what would happen if I lost my job and didn't have a source of income. Finally, as of recent, I feel comfortable with my financial situation. I'm also very blessed to say I graduated with no debt. (Thank you again mom and dad.) No, I didn't win the lottery, and no, I didn't get a raise. I simply have added up some decent savings that would last me a couple of months just in case something happened.

I found an awesome budget chart via DailyWorth that I happily noticed I loosely follow...



Using this type of breakdown has helped me build a decent savings slowly over time (remember, I said two years) without having to sacrifice my social life and love for shopping and traveling.

Don't know how much you're spending each month? Try Mint.com!

By the way, I totally recommend bookmarking DailyWorth for a great, quick and informative read on a rainy day. After reading DW, I always feel inspired to shift some more money into savings. Just sayin'. :)

Do you have a strict budget you follow? Do you have loose guidelines like I do? Tell me! :)

Getcha Save On!

With a ton of traveling coming up (eee!! So excited!), I've been trying to save as much as possible in order to be a little less tight in the spending department during our getaways.



I've been...

Bringing my lunch and all snacks to work every day

Making my own meals at least during the week

Buying groceries at Trader Joes (the most heavenly and inexpensive grocery store ever)

Splurging far less on impulse buys

Making far less Target trips because I spend hella money every time I go

Clipping coupons like a crazy every Sunday (P&G coupon book, you rock)

Drinking far less (alcohol is expensive, thanks Mint.com)

Canceling my gym membership (thanks Insanity!)

Canceling my garage rent (boo city street parking)

Speaking of Mint.com, have you tried it? It's glorious if you want to see how much you're spending on things like alcohol, food, restaurants and shopping (as it categorizes all of your transactions), but it's hell when you realize how much you frivolously spend on the first and third of those items.

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How do you save? I'd love to hear your tips!

Happy Tuesday!