#SavingYourWay
Your personalized path to your best financial self
Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone, and you’ve come to the right place. Sticking to a budget can be challenging—unexpected expenses pile up, inflation drives up grocery prices, and everyday living feels more stressful. While it may feel impossible to stick to your budget right now, remaking it is doable, even if your income stays the same.
- Look at income and expensesIf sticking to a budget feels impossible, it might be because the budget itself is unrealistic. For first-time budgeters, it’s easy to underestimate spending once life gets busy. The first step is taking an honest look at your finances.For example, if you notice you tend to spend more toward the end of the month—perhaps because you lose motivation to cook at home—it might be time to adjust your budget to include occasional takeout or convenience meals.Even if you’ve been budgeting for a while, it’s a good idea to regularly review your income and expenses. Have you received a raise recently? Did your rent or other bills increase? Changes like these can throw off your budget, making it important to reassess and update your plan as needed.
- Plan for the unexpectedIf unexpected expenses keep popping up each month, setting aside some money to cover them is a smart move. While most of us don’t have extra cash lying around, a little budget adjustment can go a long way. If you notice you’ve been dining out more than not, maybe you’ll cut some of that spending down, or maybe you’ll start making coffee at home. When your budget isn’t working, it often means it’s time to reassess and shift your priorities.Having a cushion for unplanned expenses ensures your budget can handle whatever comes your way. And if you happen to have a few quiet months without surprises, that extra money can go straight into your savings—a win-win!
- Keep tabs on non-essentialsSometimes a budget stops working because of increased spending on non-essentials. It happens—maybe you got a raise and decided to enjoy a little more flexibility in your spending. But then, inflation crept in, and that extra income didn’t stretch as far as you thought it would.The good news is you don’t have to completely cut out fun spending. In fact, treating yourself occasionally can be an important part of maintaining balance. However, if money is feeling tighter, it’s worth reassessing your priorities and identifying expenses that no longer feel worth their price. Small changes can add up to big relief when it comes to your budget.Struggling to figure out where to cut costs? Start by tracking your spending for a month. Write down or log every expense to get a clear picture of where your money is going. Seeing everything laid out in front of you can help you spot areas where you’re comfortable cutting back. It’s often easier to identify what isn’t truly essential when it’s all in one place. If you choose to store your money with Percapita, our app collects and categorizes your spending and helps you analyze it for trends.You can download the Percapita app here.
- Free or low-cost resourcesThe U.S. government offers several programs to help individuals and families access food when budgets are tight. One such program is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). If you qualify, SNAP provides funds that are loaded onto an EBT debit card, which you’ll receive by mail. While SNAP benefits can’t be used for certain items like tobacco, alcohol, or vitamins, they can be used to purchase most grocery items, including fresh produce, meats, dairy, and other household staples.Another resource is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This program supports pregnant women, new mothers, and children under five by offering free healthy foods, nutrition education, and additional resources to support their well-being.If you're looking to explore additional support options, the U.S. government’s Nutrition website is a great place to start. It lists a variety of food assistance programs that may be available to you.Beyond government assistance, many communities have food banks and pantries that provide free or low-cost food. These resources can help supplement your grocery needs if prices at the store become unmanageable. Food banks often provide essential pantry items, fresh produce, and other staples, helping to stretch your budget further. In addition to food banks, grassroots programs like Lasagna Love, Meal Train, and Little Free Pantry connect neighbors through homemade meals and community-supported food sharing, offering another layer of support during challenging times.It’s important to remember that seeking assistance is a practical and often necessary step when managing life’s challenges. There’s no shame in using programs or resources to navigate periods of financial strain. Life’s necessities can be expensive, and unexpected costs or rising inflation can make even the best-planned budget feel impossible. These programs are designed to help you regain stability and build a sustainable budget—and that’s completely okay.
- Having the right mindsetBeing honest with yourself is key to reshaping and sticking to your spending plan. But that doesn’t mean you should be hard on yourself when things don’t go perfectly. Practicing self-compassion is important—life happens, and unexpected events can throw off your plan. When setbacks occur, refocus by setting a clear goal or creating a mood board to inspire and motivate you to stay on track.
Moving forward with confidence
Restructuring your budget may feel daunting at first, but it’s an essential step toward gaining control of your finances and reducing stress. Remember, no budget is set in stone—it’s a flexible tool that should adapt to your life’s changes and challenges. By reviewing your income and expenses, planning for the unexpected, and cutting back on non-essentials, you’re taking meaningful steps toward financial stability. And don’t hesitate to seek out resources when you need them; they exist to help you thrive. With patience, honesty, and a proactive mindset, you can build a budget that works for you and supports your goals.
Percapita does not provide financial advice. This material is for informational and discussion purposes only and should not be relied upon as financial guidance. Consult a financial professional regarding your specific financial situation.
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