Easy Steps to Creating and Sticking to a Budget – Capital One 360

Establishing a budget and sticking to it is probably one of the most difficult things we can do as human beings.  Trust me when I say, I understand and I know how it feels when you see something on a shelf, in a window or online and you have that feeling of “I must have that”.  But nothing says “I’m ready to get serious about financial planning” like looking at the Holidays as a way to start. The best time of year to start thinking about your financial peace of mind is NOW.

As most of you know, I am currently a stay-at-home mom while my husband works full time and overtime.  Budgeting for a family of five is no easy feat, but it is not difficult either.  It takes a little planning, smart decision making and of course, a good support system.  With only one income coming in, there are times when bills can slip through the cracks, saving money is near to impossible and it feels like sticking to a budget is down right outlandish, but it can be done.

Here are a few tips to help in creating a budget and sticking to it.

• First of all, if you feel like you could use some help with budgeting or even creating a budget – ASK FOR HELP.  Now a days there are programs like Capital One 360 that are there to help with questions you may have, ways to get started and plans for future savings.  Capital One 360 products are designed to save consumers time and money and with an online and mobile app, Capital One 360 is available 24/7.
• Second, know your financial situation inside and out.  Keep a calendar or list of bills currently being paid on and a list of expenses you foresee in the future.  Calculate those to ensure that what ever your income for the month, make sure those bills are automatically accounted for.  This goes for your 401K plans, retirement, etc.  Saving for these costs now will eliminate worrying about “needing” to save for them later.
• With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, keep a list of goals for saving and stick with it.  Many throw out their financial goals during the holidays and forget that we still need to remain grounded while celebrating.  Don’t lose sight of your goals for your budget that you set up.  Keep them in mind and spend only what you have planned for.
• Most importantly to me is to not stress out.  Creating a budget and sticking to it should not be difficult.  If it’s difficult, it serves as a challenge and then no one really wants to stick with it.  Stay within your means, allow yourself to still have some spending money, but make sure that you have planned accordingly and you’ll be just fine.

Since our Thanksgiving celebrations are done, now is the perfect time to check out Capital One 360’s plan and give yourself a lasting gift of financial peace of mind.  Take advantage of Capital One 360’s deals on banking, brokerage and mortgage products.  This is the perfect way to be prepared and ahead of the game for the new year.  Remember, creating a budget and sticking to it is about proper planning and sometimes self control.  In addition to checking out Capital One 360 and taking advantage of deals on banking, brokerage and mortgage products for yourself, give your friends and family the gift of financial peace of mind by encouraging them to take advantage of the deals and refer them.  If they sign up, you will be eligible for a $40 referral bonus.

Visit Capital One 360 to give yourself the lasting gift of financial peace of mind by taking advantage of Capital One 360’s deals on banking, brokerage and mortgage products.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.