In the past couple of weeks I have received wedding invitations for at least 5 different people, AND am expecting more. I love weddings. They’re fun and happy and full of excitement. However, they’re also expensive!
The major expense obviously belongs to the bride and groom, but with at least 5 weddings, I will be spending a bit of money on wedding presents. But, how can I fit these weddings into my personal budget without going over my previously allocated budget category limits?
There are a couple of things that I have done and will continue to do to keep wedding presents within my budget. While I do have a lot of different things that I do, I will only share a couple of them with you.
First, I really like to make the gifts I give. It makes them much more personal. I’ve found that the people I give thoughtful and homemade gifts to really appreciate and cherish them. Be creative. Think of something that you and that person share.
I know there are a lot of situations when you don’t know the people as well, but still feel like you need to bring a gift. So, then next thing I like to do that saves me money, but is still an acceptable gifts, is to go in with someone else.
Previously I have talked about sharing meals, hotel rooms, or car rides with friends so you can split the cost. I’m suggesting doing the same thing with a wedding present. Get a couple of friends together who are in the same situation, pick out a bit more expensive gift, but then split the cost between you. This makes it possible to stay within your budget, but also to get a gift you won’t be embarassed of!
These are just two things that you can potentially do during wedding season to stay within your personal budget. Wedding season can be so enjoyable…just remember not to ruin it because you spend too much of your money and go way over your budget!
I know I talked about this yesterday, but it has become one of my most valuable personal budgeting ideas. What exactly am I talking about? Sharing!
It’s the most basic childhood lesson we’ve all learned. And luckily, the concept applies with budgeting as well. In the last couple days I have eaten out twice-both for dinner. And have only spent about $10 for both nights. Why so low? Because I share my meal and then split the cost with the other person!
This concept of sharing and splitting cost applies to all kinds of things. For example, I’m going on a short weekend trip this weekend. Instead of driving by myself, i’m carpooling as well as sharing a hotel room with a couple of other women.
I know this sounds pretty obvious and a LOT of people do this automatically (which, if you do, give yourself a pat on the back, because as much as it may seem like it’s not a big deal, it’s a great budgeting/money saving move!).
By sharing and then splitting costs, you’ll end up spending only a fraction of what you could potentially be putting out. Personal budgeting isn’t just setting aside money for specific areas of spending, it’s also being smart with that budget and stretching it as far as you can without exceeding it.
Share. Split the cost. Save yourself a ton of money, and have fun all at the same time!
In past post I have talked about making some room in your personal budget for eating out. Lets be honest, we ALL eat out way more often then we should. But, if you have a reasonable amount of money set aside for monthly “eating out” trips, it’s not a big deal.
The key word here is reasonable. It’s important to remember that, while eating out is easier and perhaps more fun, it also more expensive (and, on a side note, generally not as healthy). I have found one thing that has allowed me to keep a lower budget for dining out, but also allows quite a bit of leeway on the number of times I go out.
Share your meal! Portion size is one thing that is often stressed for healthy eating. It can also make a huge impact on your pocket! I have found that it is much easier, and more cost effective, to share a meal with someone, and then split the cost.
I generally get full on bread or salad before the meal anyway, so sharing is usually a great way to go. I understand that some people (MEN) eat more than others, but if at all possible, try to share your meals when eating out. It will save you money and help you maintain a healthy weight and diet (which are just bonuses!).