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You've got to start somewhere

© Erin Huffstetler

Groceries -$153.10, gas -$15.78, dinner for two -$53.52, babysitter -$22.00, movie rentals -$7.63, electric bill -$120.89, natural gas bill, life insurance premium, cell bill, haircut, dry cleaning, water bill, doctor's visit, lawn service, car repair, new shoes, long distance charges, kids' allowance, credit card payment, birthday present, field trip money, mortgage payment, auto club membership, lunch with a friend, gym membership, oil change, car payments, vet bill, auto insurance premium, vacation deposit, health insurance premium, student loan payment . . . ENOUGH ALREADY!

If you find yourself working more and more, only to have less in the bank at the end of each month, then perhaps it's time for a change. Adopting a thrifty lifestyle could be just the solution to your current budget crunch.

Before I go any further, let me emphasize that a thrifty lifestyle could be the solution to all your financial woes. The changes I am suggesting are not for everyone. A thrifty lifestyle requires effort and determination on a daily basis. If you are not committed, nothing will change.

As such, it is crucial that you establish why a lifestyle change is worth the extra work. Simply stating that you are sick of not having money is not enough. Take the time to sit down and list specific problems that your overspending is creating in your life. Maybe it's preventing you from investing in your 401K, perhaps it's causing stress in your marriage, maybe it's preventing you from taking a dream vacation or even making you lose sleep at night. Whatever the problem, write it down.

Your list will serve as motivation in moments of weakness. When you see a pair of shoes you think you can't live without, think back to your list. Is an extra pair of shoes worth lost sleep or a tense marriage? Would you rather have the shoes or money for a vacation and your retirement? Keep a copy of your list tucked inside your wallet as a constant reminder of what you are trying to accomplish.

I also recommend making a list of your short and long-term purchasing goals. Place items that you need right away on your short-term list and items that you will need to save for on your long-term list. As an example you might list socks, an umbrella and a swim suit on your short-term list; and tires, a sofa and a house on your long-term list. With practice you will find that listing your purchasing goals will give you focus when you go shopping. If an item is not on your list, pass it by.