For starters, this post is by no means sponsored. I had a lot of questions with little answers up-front and ended up learning a lot from my first cruise with Virgin Voyages. Therefore, I figured many others had the same questions, so I decided, you know what? I’m going to write the post that I wish someone else had written before I went on my first cruise with Virgin.

So, let’s get into it! 

This site contains affiliate links. These help fund my blog site at no extra cost to you. View the disclaimer for more information.

This year I will be going on my second voyage with The Virgin Voyages to travel throughout Alaska and Canada. I absolutely loved my first cruise with this cruise line; their staff was phenomenal, I met so many amazing people, and the excursion crew operated like a well-oiled machine–making the entire trip feel especially safe as a solo female traveler. Since my upcoming trip is to Alaska, I’ll also be sharing my Alaskan cruise budget with you as an example.

My first cruise with them, I made a budget and while I stayed mostly within my planned budget, I did end up going a little over. So this blog is to share what I learned from my first cruise and how I will plan to budget for my upcoming cruise this year. 

If you are also going to be cruising this year, here’s everything I recommend to help you learn how to budget for a cruise realistically. This may vary cruise line by cruise line but you can always do a little extra research to see what others are saying based on which cruise line you go with.

We’ll start with what you need to include in your budget, then end with a breakdown of how to pull this altogether and determine how much to save for your cruise based on your budget.

12 Things to Include In Your Cruise Budget

Here are 12 things to consider when planning for your upcoming cruise:

1. Base Cruise Fare

For Virgin Voyages, I saved money on my upcoming cruise by booking while onboard my last cruise. When you do this, you get free Sailor Loot, which is essentially onboard credit that can go toward food, drinks (including alcohol), excursions, and more.

I also happened to be cruising during Thanksgiving, and at the time they were running a huge sale on future voyages, which helped lower my overall cabin fare. If you can, I highly recommend booking during a major sale. Virgin Voyages runs this sale every year.

2. Crew Gratuities

Virgin Voyages no longer includes gratuities in the base cruise fare. This is an additional charge that must be paid either before boarding or at the end of your cruise.

• Prepaid: $20 per person, per day
• Paid onboard: $22 per person, per day

For a 7-day cruise:

• 1 person: $20 × 7 days = $140
• 4 people: $20 × 4 × 7 days = $480

If you can, prepay to save a little.

3. Excursions

One of the biggest questions people ask when learning how to budget for a cruise is how much excursions actually cost. For Virgin Voyages, I recommend budgeting around $150 per person, per excursion. Not all excursions are this expensive, some are only about $80-100 but it is better to come under budget than over budget. Plus, the additional budget could always go towards souvenirs as you’re wrapping up your excursion.

4. Excursion Accessories

If you’re wondering how much to budget for cruise excursions, don’t forget to also budget for excursion gear and accessories! Pay attention to the types of excursions you book and what gear you’ll need. Here’s how I planned for mine:

Reference: This was their Sunny San Juan & Isles of Beach Miles cruise on Brilliant Lady

Horseback, buggy rides & beach swim with lunch (6.5 Hours)

For this excursion, I purchased:

1. This face mask with ear loops to protect my face from the dirt/sand during dune buggy riding (I highly recommend the ones with ear loops so they don’t fall down during riding. I have found that the style with no ear loops falls down easily and is less comfortable for breathing.)
2. These ATV dustproof, foam-lined goggles to protect my eyes for the same reason
3. Long sleeve cover-up. I got this idea from Reddit reviews and while I was skeptical due to how hot it was going to be during the time of my excursion, I am actually so happy I bought one. I just wore a flannel long-sleeve like this one that I could leave unbuttoned and just throw over my crop top. Was it hot? Absolutely. But did I burn from being under the sun for 6.5 hours? Nope. Plus, it saved me from getting mud all over my arms during the dune buggy riding. That was a win-win for me! (Don’t worry, the mud washes off super easily)

If you’re wondering, do I really need to buy some of these things now or can I just wait until I get there? Here’s my honest response: Tour guides may sell gear, but I prefer buying my own so I’m not forced into low-quality options. For example, the masks sold on my tour were extremely tight with no breathing holes, and goggles weren’t sold at all.

Now, you can wear sunglasses but these foam-lined goggles off Amazon will do a much better job protecting your eyes from getting dirt in them (and from experience, it sucks trying to keep your eyes open while riding with dirt in your eyes).

On another note, I also read reviews saying I needed 1-in heeled boots and thick pants for horseback riding. On the contrary, I wore Converse and thin leggings with zero issues. Just wear what’s comfortable for you and allows you to flexibly get on the back of a horse!

ATV tour to Maho beach (3.5 hours)

For this excursion, I purchased:

1. These ATV riding gloves off Amazon because I read many reviews about how much it can hurt your hands to grip onto the ATVs for long periods of time. I wasn’t convinced until the day came, and there I was trying to grip onto the ATV handlebars for the first time. Let me tell you, as a woman with small, thin hands, this was not as easy as I expected. But having these gloves should help to relieve your fingers of the tight grip. 
2. I also wore glasses during the ATV tour because again, you have dirt specks flying into your eyes. Not only that, but on my tour it ended up raining a bit and let me tell you–water droplets also hurt a lot when they hit your eyes during high speeds. You can wear any pair of glasses, like sunglasses, or choose to wear a pair of goggles. Sunglasses worked just fine for me since this tour was on regular roadways. But if you are riding in dirt/mud, I highly recommend the foam-lined goggles.

Sea turtle swim & snorkel (1.5 hours)

For this type of excursion,…

1. I highly recommend bringing a long sleeve bathing suit or swim top when snorkeling since you will be under the sun and likely to burn more due to the sun reflecting on the water. I absolutely love this women’s long-sleeve one piece because it has UV protection, is extremely comfortable and super cute. I wear this for my snorkeling, kayaking, and all-day boat excursions so I don’t roast in the heat haha!
2. Reef safe sunscreen (Blue Lizard is my favorite). I actually didn’t even know “reef safe” sunscreen was a thing until visiting the Florida Keys but it turns out, regular sunscreen has harmful toxins in it that is not safe for coral reefs. So if you book a snorkeling/swimming tour, make sure to check out reef safe sunscreen options!

Culture, cocktails & culinary delights (3.75 hours)

Since this involved lots of walking, I didn’t want anything heavy. I recommend…

1. A fanny pack or money wallet. It also helps reduce pick-pocketing risk, which can be common in tourist areas. This fanny purse is a personal favorite given how cute it is while also staying secure around the waist. But if you want to travel super light and only need to carry money, I highly recommend sticking to a thin money wallet like this one.

5. Other Accessories

• If you are in a cabin that’s closer to decks 7&8 front/midship, I recommend ear plugs like these because it can get really noisy late at night when people are still clubbing until 2am.
• Cruise bathrooms are very small. If you haven’t been in one before, it’s typically the size of two bathroom stalls combined. That’s it. That means your counter space is super limited. Therefore, I recommend getting a hanging toiletry bag like this one to maximize the space you have. 
• This next one is close to my heart. I have traveled over the last 6+ years and on my last cruise, my mom decided to surprise me with a travel diary where I can document all my travels. How amazing! I wish I thought of this sooner. So, if you are a traveler at heart and aren’t already documenting your travel stories to share down the road with friends and family, or even to look back on for yourself, I highly recommend this. It’s now become a special part of my travel, something I look forward to opening up each night. 
• This last one is about safety–especially for my solo travelers. There’s not many safety accessories you can take with you on cruises and flights. However, I recently learned about this personal safety alarm made for women which is a key chain that sounds an alarm when you pull on it. As a female traveler, I am absolutely getting this as an extra layer for protection because I have been in multiple uncomfortable situations while traveling and this seems to be a great safety precaution for when you need to quickly scare someone away and/or grab others’ attention.

6. Onboard WiFi  

Unlike many cruise lines, Virgin Voyages actually offers free basic WiFi while onboard. However, since I work remotely, I choose to upgrade my WiFi and pay for their “Work from Sea” option. This one is$50/day for 1 device only (+$25 for each additional device) or they offer a flat-fee if you purchase it for your entire voyage. This ended up being cheaper on my last cruise which was 9 days so I ended up paying for the flat fee of $210.

If you want tips on balancing work and travel while working remotely, check out my guide to work-life balance for remote workers.

7. International Service

I use AT&T, which charges $10 per day for international service. Personally, I only used my phone while onboard, so I didn’t need this. That said, I still recommend budgeting for it just in case. You never know.

If you also use AT&T as your service provider, there is no setup needed in advance. You just use your phone as normal when you travel and it will automatically add to your plan and charge you for each day. Talk to your service provider to find out what your options are and what advanced setup is needed.

8. Onboard Spending

Virgin Voyages offers a TON of free food, drinks, amenities, and so forth. You could absolutely go on the cruise and enjoy yourself without spending another dime. So, if you’re asking yourself how much spending money do you need for a cruise, don’t overestimate this one (at least on a Virgin Voyages cruise).

That said, I still saw plenty of people diving into the up-charged offerings on the cruise. If that sounds like you, let’s break down what that could look like from a budgeting perspective.

Food & Drinks

Virgin Voyages includes dining in your cruise fare, but alcohol and certain food and drink options cost extra.

On my last cruise, I budgeted $300, but only ended up spending $85.72. This gave me a much clearer idea of how much spending money for a cruise actually makes sense for my travel style. I found there were more than enough free food and drink options to choose from that I didn’t feel the need to spend more. I also don’t drink much alcohol, which helped.

Drinks onboard are usually about $10 each, give or take, and they offer drink packages that are usually closer to $200-300 if you wish to include this in your budget. 

One thing I love is that the Virgin Voyages app tracks your spending. You can check your tab every night to make sure you’re staying within budget.

How this works: 

You receive a bracelet at check-in that’s linked to your room and credit card. You use it as your room key and to pay for everything onboard. Each purchase shows up in the app under your virtual tab.

Onboard Events/Activities

Again, Virgin Voyages offers tons of free onboard events, but there are also limited-seat events that cost extra (paint and sips, themed dinners with shows, auctions, etc.).

Some events appear in the app before boarding, but others don’t show up until you’re onboard.

I personally didn’t feel the need to pay for these since there was already so much to do for free. However, if this sounds appealing to you, I’d budget $50–$80 per person per event, or about $200–$250 total per person if you plan on doing 2–3 events.

If you tend to overspend on trips, this is where having a solid budget system matters most. I shared a few simple ways to stay organized in these personal finance organization tips.

9. Passport

If you have never traveled internationally before and do not need a passport, make sure to include this in your budget. In Florida, this currently costs $165 for an adult.

On the flip side, if you have a passport but it expires within 6 months of your cruising date, you will need to renew your passport prior to boarding. In Florida, this currently costs $130 for a passport book, $30 for a passport card, or $160 for both.

10. First-Aid Kit

Yes, there is an infirmary on board if you don’t bring your own mini first aid kit. However, my experience going to the infirmary felt much like an urgent care visit where you have to sit in the waiting room for a bit, fill out a bunch of forms, and go through all these hoops just to get ibuprofen. I recommend packing the essentials in a mini pouch and carrying this whenever you travel. Here’s what I carry in mine specifically when cruising:

• Excedrin (for headaches or muscle aches)
• Dramamine (for motion sickness)
• Pepto (unfortunately, many people get stomach bugs or upset stomachs while cruising so I always bring this with me as a precaution)
• Benadryl (I have allergies, so this is a must!)
• Zinc (keeps my immunity up and fights potential colds while onboard)

Note: I am not a medical professional so this list is for educational purposes only. Please speak to a doctor and do your own research when curating your own first-aid travel kit. The list above is what works for me. You must do what works for you. 

11. Transportation & Lodging

How much you budget for this is going to depend on a handful of factors, mainly being how far away the port is from you. I am going to give you two case scenarios.

Scenario 1: Port is within driving distance

My first cruise with Virgin Voyages went out of Miami which was only a ~3 hour drive for me. In this case, I did not budget anything for flights or hotels. All I budgeted for was gas, tolls, and parking.

• Gas: $30 (full-tank) lasted me to and from the port
• Tolls: $25 (this is my default amount for toll budgeting unless I am going on a long roadtrip)
• Parking: $200 flat fee for stays of 7+ days. Otherwise Port Miami charges $22-35/day depending on which garage you park in (Virgin Voyages is Garage G which charges $25/day).

I parked directly at Port Miami for safety and convenience. While some people park farther away to save money, that felt overly complicated and less secure for me as a solo traveler.

Scenario 2: Port distance requires a flight

My upcoming cruise only goes out of Seattle, Washington which is out of state for me. In this case, I am budgeting for gas, tolls, a round-trip flight, taxis and a hotel.

• Gas: $30 (to/from airport)
• Tolls: $25
• Taxis: $160 round-trip
• Flight: $555 round-trip
• Hotel: $200 (1 night pre-cruise)

For gas, this is accounting for a family member that is taking us to the airport. The taxi then accounts for the driver taking us to/from the airport to the cruise terminal. For hotels, we’re skipping a post-cruise hotel since the ship returns at 7am and our flight is later in the day. We will have plenty of time to grab lunch and get to the airport before flying back home. 

12. Cruise Outfits

Lastly, Virgin Voyages has Scarlet Night, where everyone wears red and parties all night. Other cruise lines have themed nights too (for example, Disney’s pirate night).

If you already know you’ll want new outfits, budget $50–$300, depending on how many nights you’re cruising and how much shopping you plan to do.

My girls who “never have anything to wear” will understand this one.

How Much to Save for a Cruise

Now begs the question: How much do you need to save for your cruise and how can you incorporate this in your budget?

This is where everything comes together. Once you understand how to budget for a cruise, figuring out how much to save each month becomes simple. It’s important to note that Virgin Voyages requires a 20% deposit at the time of booking. Then, full payment is due 120 days before your sailing date. In the table below, this is exactly how I organized my Alaska cruise budget.

Important Note: This budget is for 2 people for a 7-night Virgin Voyages cruise. Take what’s relevant to you, and leave the rest.

First I calculated the following (also denoted in the email from Virgin Voyages after you book the cruise):

• Total Cruise Fare (cruise only): $4,280
• Deposit Paid (20%): $735.20
• Balance Due (120 days before sailing): $3,544.80

I’m going to use “balance due” and incorporate that in my budget. If you are trying to budget for a cruise before booking it and paying the deposit, simply use the total cruise fare amount posted on the website and keep in mind that you’ll need to pay 20% up-front when you actually book the cruise. 

This method works whether you’re planning a weekend sailing or a longer trip and want a clear answer for how much to save for a cruise.

Alaska Cruise Budget Example

Below is a full breakdown of how I built a realistic Alaska cruise budget, including everything from travel to onboard spending.

Then, simply take the total planned budget amount and divide it by the total # of months you have until your cruise date. For example, if I have 11 months from the time of booking to the time of my cruise, I’ll take $7,409.08 / 11 months = $673.56/month. 

This means I need to save $673.56 per month to achieve a total savings of $7,409.08 before I set sail. Breaking it down monthly is my favorite way to approach how to budget for a cruise without stress. If staying consistent is your biggest struggle, here are 11 tips you can use to stay on track and keep motivated with your finances.

Here’s an example payment schedule if I booked my deposit in November, then plan to use the next 11 months to save, with my cruise being the following November:

Conclusion

That’s everything! This is why I love budgeting for travel ahead of time. Instead of stressing about thousands of dollars at once, you’re intentionally setting aside a manageable amount each month so you can fully enjoy your trip when the time comes. 

This approach completely changed how I think about how to budget for a cruise, especially when it comes to travel that spans multiple months of saving.

I hope you have an amazing time on your cruise! If you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment down below or send me an email. 

For more budgeting tips, check out my other posts here.

The post How to Budget for a Cruise (Based On Virgin Voyages Cruise Cost) appeared first on The Allie Edition.

If budgeting feels overwhelming or you’re not sure where your money is actually going each month, stick around — this is completely normal. Most people aren’t looking for something complicated, just a simple starting point. And that’s exactly what this mini-series is meant to be.

This is the third post in the series, and it focuses on the zero-based budgeting method— what it means, how it works, and how you can apply it to your budget today.

Let’s get started.

This site contains affiliate links. These help fund my blog site at no extra cost to you. View the disclaimer for more information.

What is the Zero-Based Budgeting Method?

This is not only my favorite budgeting method, but it is the best method for those who are trying to gain ultimate control over their money. This method helps you see exactly where your money is coming and going.

Put simply, every dollar you earn is assigned a job, whether that be for spending, saving, investing, donating, or paying off debt. Every single dollar should be accounted for so that if you subtract your expenses from your income, you end up with $0.

In this post, I’ll share some examples of budget categories you can assign your dollars to, followed by how this compares to other methods such as the 50/30/20 budget rule and the 70/20/10 budget rule, and finally a zero-based budget example that you can use to start budgeting today.

What Spending Categories Should I Use for the Zero-Based Budgeting Method?

Let’s start by thinking about where you might assign your money. There are three broad categories that come to mind, which if you’ve already read about the 50/30/20 budget rule, these will sound familiar: needs, wants and saving.

From there, I would break each broader category into subcategories, which is how you will truly allocate your budget. Here is a breakdown of those subcategories by needs, wants and saving:

Needs include things like…

• Rent/mortgage
• Utilities (gas, water, electric)
• Groceries, toiletries, or other essentials
• Insurance (car, health, home)
• Minimum debt payments
• Transportation (gas, tolls, parking)

If you are struggling to determine whether your expense is considered a need or a want, ask yourself, “Can you live without it? Are there impacts of not paying this expense (i.e. late fees, fines, etc.)?”

Wants include things like…

• Dining out, ordering food online, and entertainment
• Shopping and hobbies
• Subscriptions (Apple, Netflix, Spotify)
• Gym membership
• Vacation and travel
• Upgrades and luxuries

Think of this bucket like your nice-to-have’s.

Savings & Debt includes things like…

• Personal sinking funds (vacation, gifts)
• Emergency fund
• Retirement contributions
• Extra debt payments (to pay off the principal)
• Investment accounts (Fidelity, Vanguard, Charles Schwab)
• Big purchases (house, car)

This is your opportunity to pay yourself first. I personally aim to make sure at least 15% of my budget goes toward savings/debt, with the ultimate goal being 30%. Of this amount, I try to put at least 5-10% toward investing in retirement. Note: this is only for educational purposes, this is not financial advice.

Zero-Based Budget Example

Alright, let’s look at an example of the zero based budget in action. In this example, we’ll be using a salary of $45,000/year or $3,750/month (gross income, before taxes).

When we budget, we want to use net income (in other words, the amount of money that actually hits your bank account after taxes/fees are deducated). So now, let’s pretend that of the $3,750/month, your take-home pay is $3,400. We would utilize the 50 30 20 budget rule as follows:

Zero-Based Budget Example for $3,400/month take-home pay

If I had $3,400 a month, this is how I would budget my money. This ensures that I am paying no more than 50% of my monthly income to afford rent/utilities. Further, it ensures that at least 10% of my income goes toward retirement, with at least 5% more going toward savings.

You will need to tailor your budget to your lifestyle and financial situation, but feel free to use this zero-based budget example as a starting point. Plug-in your actual monthly income, adjust the budget categories as needed, and start breaking down your budget for the month.

How Do I Track My Zero-Based Budget?

I would highly recommend tracking your budget regularly, whether that be on a weekly or biweekly basis, to make sure you are staying within your budget for each category. A simple way to track a zero-based budget is to spend approximately 10-15 minutes each week logging all of your expenses and comparing actual spend against the planned amount.

There are several ways to do this:

1. Download a personal finance app (my favorite is EveryDollar by Dave Ramsey and it is literally designed for this method. Plus, it’s free!)
2. Get a physical budgeting planner (I like this one by Clever Fox)
3. Explore digital budgeting spreadsheets (I use this one for my business)
4. See if your banking apps offer budget tracking (if you bank with Chase, their app offers this!)

For more tips on how to track your finances consistently without getting burnt out or demotivated, check out this post.

Pros of Zero-Based Budgeting

Zero-based budgeting is a great way to see exactly where your money is coming and going. If you are struggling to identify spending patterns in order to effectively cut back on costs, this budgeting method is the perfect solution.

Further, it gives you complete control to decide exactly how much money you will save and invest each month. This budgeting method is, in my opinion, the most realistic because each person has a unique financial situation, requiring that they allocate their income differently than the next person. Not only that, but if you consider holidays, anniversaries, etc., these times of the year also warrant unique spending and saving patterns.

Using the zero-based budgeting method means you have flexibility to accommodate these fluctuations in spending and saving. And not just for this month, but for every month. Want to save $100 this month, then $200 next month? No problem. Want to cut back more aggressively for 3 months so you can finally pay off that credit card? No problem. You are the boss.

Cons of Zero-Based Budgeting

As much as this budgeting method is my favorite, it’s not for everyone. Here’s why.

This particular budgeting method can feel more time consuming compared to other budgeting methods given it requires that you log each individual expense. Some people may feel like they do not have enough time to dedicate to this method or will find it overwhelming to start.

If this sounds like you, it may be best to try out more simple methods like the 50/30/20 budget rule or the 70/20/10 budget rule. As a reminder, any budget method can (and should) be tailored to suit your needs.

Is Zero-Based Budgeting Right for You?

There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to budgeting BUT,… If you are new to budgeting and are finally ready to gain control over your finances so you can hit your financial goals by the end of the year, this budgeting method may be perfect for you.

This is honestly my favorite budgeting method because I am a bit of a control-freak when it comes to my finances and I like to make sure that if I say I am going to save $5,000 this year for vacation, I have an exact plan in place to do so. And when I say having a plan in place, I mean having a solid budget.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to drop a comment down below. I’d love to help!

For more information on how to start a budget from scratch, check out my beginner’s guide here.

The post What is Zero-Based Budgeting (Example Included)? appeared first on The Allie Edition.

If budgeting feels overwhelming or you’re not sure where your money is actually going each month, stick around — this is completely normal. Most people aren’t looking for something complicated, just a simple starting point. And that’s exactly what this mini-series is meant to be.

This is the second post in the series, and it focuses on the 70 20 10 budget rule — what it means, how it works, and how you can apply it to your budget today.

Let’s get started.

This site contains affiliate links. These help fund my blog site at no extra cost to you. View the disclaimer for more information.

What is the 70 20 10 Budget Rule?

This method divides your money in 3 simple ways: 

• 70% of your budget gets allocated to spending
• 20% of your budget gets allocated to saving (or debt)
• 10% of your budget gets allocated to investing (or giving)

When you total this up, 100% of your budget should be fully allocated across these 3 budget categories.

What Do We Mean By “Spending, Saving, and Investing” for the 70 20 10 Budget Rule?

The spending category encompasses all living expenses, both needs and wants, like…

• Rent/mortgage
• Utilities
• Transportation (gas, tolls, parking)
• Insurance
• Groceries/Toiletries
• Minimum debt payments
• Restaurants
• Shopping
• Hobbies
• Subscriptions (Apple, Netflix, Spotify)
• Childcare
• Pets
• Vacation/Travel

The saving category can span a set of savings goals or debt payoff goals like…

• Personal sinking funds
• Emergency fund
• Retirement contributions
• Extradebt payments (to pay off the principal)
• Big purchases (house, car)

This is your opportunity to pay yourself first. When you get your paycheck, you should plan to allocate 20% here and can choose to spread it across 1 or more of the items I listed above. For example, you might choose to put 5% savings across 4 of these: sinking funds, emergency fund, retirement contributions, and debt payments. 

The final category is for investing (or giving) for things like…

• Stocks or bonds
• ETFs or mutual funds
• Cryptocurrency
• Real estate
• Business start-up
• Charity and donations

If you are new to investing, I would start by checking out Fidelity, Vanguard, and Charles Schwab. I have tried all 3 before but I personally choose to stick with Fidelity. Here, I have an individual brokerage account where I invest in a variety of stocks, bonds, ETFs, and mutual funds. Fidelity is super easy and beginner-friendly to use, I highly recommend it!

How Can I Apply the 70 20 10 Budget Rule to My Finances?

Let’s play out this scenario using a salary of $45,000/year or $3,750/month (gross income, before taxes).

When we budget, we want to use net income (in other words, the amount of money that actually hits your bank account after taxes/fees are deducated). So now, let’s pretend that of the $3,750/month, your take-home pay is $3,400. We would utilize the 50 30 20 budget rule as follows:

Example for $3,400/month take-home pay

What If My Personal Finance Goal(s) Require Me To Save More Than 20%?

It’s important to remember that personal finance is personal. Meaning, each person’s financial situation is going to look completely different. Therefore, you will require a budget unique to your income/expenses. If your personal finance goals require you to save more than 20% a month (or invest more than 10%) then you simply would want to adjust the weighted percentage across each of the 3 categories.

For example, you could budget this way instead: 60% spending, 30% saving, 10% investing. For more information on how to start a budget, check out my beginner’s guide here.

How Do I Track My Budget Using the 70 20 10 Budget Rule?

I would highly recommend tracking your budget regularly, whether that be on a weekly or biweekly basis, to make sure you are staying within your budget for each category. There are several ways to do this:

1. Download a personal finance app (my favorite is EveryDollar by Dave Ramsey)
2. Get a physical budgeting planner (I like this one by Clever Fox)
3. Explore digital budgeting spreadsheets (I use this one for my business)
4. See if your banking apps offer budget tracking (if you bank with Chase, their app offers this!)

For more tips on how to track your finances consistently without getting burnt out or demotivated, check out this post.

Pros of the 70 20 10 Budget Rule

Similarly to the 50 30 20 budget rule, this gives you a simple structure to follow making it easy for beginners to follow. This budget rule, too, helps you reinforce basic money management and gain a stronger sense of where your money is going each month. 

I personally love the 70 20 10 budget rule because it encourages a more aggressive saving and investing ratio, helping people to get out of debt and save more money. This is perfect for those who are getting introduced to saving and investing at a later stage in life and are trying to fast track their way to their finance goals (such as building a 6-12 month emergency fund, paying off your home, building an investment portfolio or retiring).

Lastly, this rule is great because it allows more flexibility when it comes to your needs and wants. As compared to the 50 30 20 budget rule, where some may find difficulty containing their living expenses to 50% of their income, this rule allows you to stretch it as much as 70%.

On that note though, if 70% if your income is solely needs (like bills and debt payments) as opposed to a healthy balance of needs and wants, then I highly recommend looking at ways to increase sources of income so you can lower this percentage to 50% or less.

Cons of the 70 20 10 Budget Rule

While the 70 20 10 budget rule can be a helpful starting point, it isn’t right for everyone.

There are some people who will require more than 20% monthly saving or 10% monthly investing ratios in order to hit their finance goals (maybe age and timing plays a factor here). On the flip side, others will have difficulty saving/investing as much as 30% of their income.

For me, personally, I struggle with this rule because it does not allow you to separate your needs from your wants. I like to see these broken into sub categories so I can closely track how much of my budget is going toward bills versus leisure spending. If that sounds like you too, you may wish to explore other budgeting methods like zero-based budgeting.

Is the 70 20 10 Budget Rule Right for You?

There is no “one right way” to budget.

The best budgeting method is the one that fits your lifestyle, reflects your real expenses, and helps you stay consistent. If the 70 20 10 budget rule gives you structure without feeling restrictive, it may be a great option. If it feels stressful or unrealistic, that’s a sign to explore a different approach.

As long as you understand how much money you’re working with and you’re consistently tracking where it’s going, you’re already setting yourself up for success.

What’s Next?

Check out my next post in this series where I break down zero-based budgeting.

Have any questions? Don’t hesitate to drop a comment below — I’d love to help.

The post What is the 70 20 10 Budget Rule? appeared first on The Allie Edition.

If budgeting feels overwhelming or you’re not sure where your money is actually going each month, stick around — this is completely normal. Most people aren’t looking for something complicated, just a simple starting point. And that’s exactly what this mini-series is meant to be.

This is the first post in the series, and it focuses on the 50/30/20 budget rule — what it means, how it works, and how you can apply it to your budget today.

Let’s get started.

This site contains affiliate links. These help fund my blog site at no extra cost to you. View the disclaimer for more information.

What is the 50 30 20 Budget Rule?

It’s actually really simple. 

• 50% of your budget gets allocated to needs
• 30% of your budget gets allocated to wants
• 20% of your budget gets allocated to savings/debt

When you total this up, 100% of your budget should be fully allocated across these 3 budget categories.

What Do We Mean By “Needs, Wants and Savings/Debt” for the 50 30 20 Budget Rule?

Needs include things like…

• Rent/mortgage
• Utilities (gas, water, electric)
• Groceries, toiletries, or other essentials
• Insurance (car, health, home)
• Minimum debt payments
• Transportation (gas, tolls, parking)

If you are struggling to determine whether your expense is considered a need or a want, ask yourself, “Can you live without it? Are there impacts of not paying this expense (i.e. late fees, fines, etc.)?”

Wants include things like…

• Dining out, ordering food online, and entertainment
• Shopping and hobbies
• Subscriptions (Apple, Netflix, Spotify)
• Gym membership
• Vacation and travel
• Upgrades and luxuries

Think of this bucket like your nice-to-have’s. Sometimes these feel like needs, but in reality, they are not essential. They are just wants. 

Savings & Debt includes things like…

• Personal sinking funds (vacation, gifts)
• Emergency fund
• Retirement contributions
• Extra debt payments (to pay off the principal)
• Investment accounts (Fidelity, Vanguard, Charles Schwab)
• Big purchases (house, car)

This is your opportunity to pay yourself first. When you get your paycheck, you should plan to allocate 20% here and can choose to spread it across 1 or more of the items I listed above. For example, you might choose to put 5% savings across 4 of these: sinking funds, emergency fund, retirement contributions, and debt payments. 

How Can I Apply the 50 30 20 Budget Rule to My Finances?

Let’s play out this scenario using a salary of $45,000/year or $3,750/month (gross income, before taxes).

When we budget, we want to use net income (in other words, the amount of money that actually hits your bank account after taxes/fees are deducated). So now, let’s pretend that of the $3,750/month, your take-home pay is $3,400. We would utilize the 50 30 20 budget rule as follows:

Example for $3,400/month take-home pay

What If My Expenses Make Up More Than 50% of My Income?

It’s important to remember that personal finance is personal. Meaning, each person’s financial situation is going to look completely different. Therefore, you will require a budget unique to your income/expenses. If your expenses make up 60% of your income, you’ll simply want to adjust the other percentages for wants and savings. 

For example, you could budget this way instead: 60% needs, 20% wants, 20% savings. For more information on how to start a budget, check out my beginner’s guide here.

How Do I Track My Budget Using the 50 30 20 Budget Rule?

I would highly recommend tracking your budget regularly, whether that be on a weekly or biweekly basis, to make sure you are staying within your budget for each category. There are several ways to do this:

1. Download a personal finance app (my favorite is EveryDollar by Dave Ramsey)
2. Get a physical budgeting planner (I like this one by Clever Fox)
3. Explore digital budgeting spreadsheets (I use this one for my business)
4. See if your banking apps offer budget tracking (if you bank with Chase, their app offers this!)

For more tips on how to track your finances consistently without getting burnt out or demotivated, check out this post.

Pros of the 50 30 20 Budget Rule

The best thing about this budgeting rule is that it is super simple to follow and even easier to remember. As compared to the zero-based budgeting method where you are assigning every single dollar a job, this rule allows you to simply track your spend against a broader category/amount. As long as you don’t go over, for example, 50% of your budget in needs, 30% of your budget in wants, and 20% of your budget in savings, then you are solid. 

Not only that, but following the 50 30 20 budget rule helps you reinforce basic money management and gain a stronger sense of where your money is going each month. 

Further, it suggests that you save 20% each month which is far more than most people tend to save. A good rule of thumb is to save at least 10-15% of your money toward retirement and following this rule enables you to do that, then an extra 5-10% toward other savings goals such as for vacation, a home, or a car. 

Cons of the 50 30 20 Budget Rule

While the 50/30/20 budget rule can be a helpful starting point, it isn’t right for everyone.

As mentioned earlier, many people find that their expenses make up more than 50% of their income — and this is extremely common. When that’s the case, following the 50/30/20 rule exactly as structured can start to feel unrealistic.

Trying to force your spending into fixed percentages may lead to consistent overspending in certain categories, especially during seasons when expenses naturally fluctuate. Unexpected medical bills, higher utility costs, or holiday spending can all warrant changes in your spending patterns. Because this rule assumes your income and expenses will stay relatively consistent month to month, it doesn’t always leave room for real-life changes.

Over time, this can lead to burnout, overwhelm, or even a loss of confidence in your ability to manage your finances.

Is the 50 30 20 Budget Rule Right for You?

There is no “one right way” to budget.

The best budgeting method is the one that fits your lifestyle, reflects your real expenses, and helps you stay consistent. If the 50 30 20 budget rule gives you structure without feeling restrictive, it may be a great option. If it feels stressful or unrealistic, that’s a sign to explore a different approach.

As long as you understand how much money you’re working with and you’re consistently tracking where it’s going, you’re already setting yourself up for success.

What’s Next?

Check out my next post in this series where I break down the 70 20 10 budget rule.

Have any questions? Don’t hesitate to drop a comment below — I’d love to help.

The post What is the 50 30 20 Budget Rule? appeared first on The Allie Edition.

Growing up, our family always went all out with stocking stuffers—even for the pets! We’d open them on Christmas Eve, and honestly, that was sometimes the best part of the holiday. In fact, my favorite stocking stuffer that I remember to this day was a set of peace-sign earrings—like a 10-pack in every color imaginable. I was obsessed with peace signs back then, and I couldn’t wait to wear them with my peace sign shirt the next day!!

So yes, cheap stocking stuffers can absolutely be memorable. It’s all about picking little gifts that bring lots of joy. Lucky for you, I’ve already done the digging, and I’ve rounded up the best stocking stuffers under 5 dollars that are guaranteed to make anyone smile.

I’ve even divided these up to help with your shopping. In this post, you’ll find stocking stuffers under $5 for women, , men’s stocking stuffers under $5, and stocking stuffers under $5 for kids.

Drop a comment and let me know which one you’re grabbing!

This site contains affiliate links. These help fund my blog site at no extra cost to you. View the disclaimer for more information.

Stocking Stuffers Under $5 for Women

Men’s Stocking Stuffers Under $5

Stocking Stuffers Under $5 for Kids

Which stocking stuffer under 5 is your favorite?

See? You really can give thoughtful, fun gifts without spending a fortune. These stocking stuffers for under $5 are perfect for family, friends, coworkers—or even a little treat for yourself. From practical little goodies to quirky surprises, these cheap stocking stuffers under $5 prove that tiny gifts can make big memories.

So go ahead, grab a few, tuck them in stockings, and enjoy the holidays stress-free. After all, the best gifts don’t have to be expensive—they just have to be fun, thoughtful, and under $5.

The post 67+ Best Stocking Stuffers for Under $5 appeared first on The Allie Edition.

The good news? You don’t have to overspend to make him feel appreciated. With a little creativity (and some smart budgeting), you can give a gift that feels personal, useful, and totally aligned with your financial goals.

In this post, I’m sharing 31+ budget-friendly gifts your husband will actually love (all under $100!)—from practical everyday items to small splurges that still help you stay within budget.

This site contains affiliate links. These help fund my blog site at no extra cost to you. View the disclaimer for more information.

That’s a Wrap!

At the end of the day, a great gift doesn’t have to be expensive—it just has to feel meaningful. Whether your husband loves practical gadgets, cozy must-haves, or simple everyday upgrades, there are plenty of ways to celebrate him without straining your budget.

Pick something that fits your financial goals, add a personal touch, and you’ve got a gift he’ll actually use (and remember).

And if you want even more money-smart ideas—from budgeting to saving to managing your finances—stick around The Allie Edition. I’ve got plenty of practical tips to help you stay on track without sacrificing the joy of giving.

The post 31+ Budget-Friendly Gifts for Husbands Who Have Everything (Under $100) appeared first on The Allie Edition.

Budgeting for beginners tends to feel overwhelming because most of us were never taught how to do it. And when you’re staring at a pile of bills, random expenses, and maybe even some debt, the idea of “making a budget” is almost an instant “no, thank you.”

But understanding how to begin budgeting doesn’t have to be complicated. Think of it like this: budgeting is simply telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.

Today I’m here to help you get your personal finances back on track with a simple, beginner-friendly budget you can actually stick to (and mold as your life changes).

So if you’re ready to learn the best way to start a budget let’s dive in.

This site contains affiliate links, view the disclaimer for more information.

Before You Start A Budget, Understand Why You’re Doing It

Before we start shaping your budget, I want you to pause for a moment and think about your why. You might be thinking, “Allie, really? Isn’t it obvious?” But here’s the thing—most people don’t stick to their budget because they never define what they’re working toward. So ask yourself:

• Do you have debt you’re ready to tackle once and for all?
• Are you tired of running into emergencies with no financial cushion to back you up?
• Do you crave the freedom of spending less time stressing over money and more time enjoying life?

Whatever your reason, write it down. Put it somewhere visible. This “why” will become your reminder when budgeting feels like a chore and you’re trying to justify the urge to give up.

Step 1: Know Your Income

The first step to starting a budget is figuring out exactly how much money you’re working with. Write down all your income sources, something like this:

• Company paycheck #1
• Company paycheck #2
• Bonus pay
• Side hustle earnings (or that random $20 you earned from selling clothes on Facebook Marketplace)

Be sure to use net income (your take-home pay after taxes and deductions), not gross income. If you’re a freelancer, I recommend setting aside around 30% for taxes and treating the rest as your real paycheck.

Step 2: Track Your Expenses

This step is all about auditing your spending. For the next 30 days (or by looking back at past statements), track where every dollar goes. In doing so, it’s best to break up your expenses by putting them into unique categories. This step is an essential part of budgeting for beginners because it is going to help you get a sense of how much you’re spending on things like food, shopping, travel, etc.

Example Expense Categories

• Savings
• Debt
• Housing (rent, utilities, storage, etc.)
• Gas & auto (gas, tolls, insurance, parking)
• Food (groceries + eating out)
• Personal/Entertainment/Home/Lifestyle (pets, subscriptions, shopping, etc.)
• Health (insurance, co-pays, prescriptions)
• Travel

Tools for Tracking Expenses

I know when you’re learning how to begin budgeting, it can feel overwhelming to build everything from scratch. If that sounds like you, I recommend starting with something super simple like these budgeting sheets. They let you create your own spending categories, but still give you some structure so you’re not staring at a blank page.

If you don’t even want to think about categories and would rather have it all set up for you, I think one of the easiest ways to make a budget is by using a simple budgeting planner like this (and honestly, it might just become your best friend by the end of the month).

Not a pen-and-paper person though? No problem. You can try a personal finance app like EveryDollar by Dave Ramsey or go with an online budgeting tracker like this EasyBookkeeping tracker.

Once you’ve picked a system, it’s time to actually start tracking!

Steps to Start Tracking Expenses

• If you already have 30 days’ worth of spending (from bank statements or credit card statements), pull those up or print them out so you can start analyzing them. This is the perfect time to bring out your favorite highlighters! Feel free to color code by category, fixed vs variable, or simply highlight any expenses you want to scale back on in the future.
• If you don’t have any statements to reference, no worries—just use the next 30 days to jot down your spending using one of the tracking tools from above.

As you sift through your expenses, take mental notes of which bucket each one falls in:

• Fixed expenses → things you know you have to pay regularly, like rent, auto insurance, health insurance, your phone bill, or even that streaming subscription you refuse to give up.
• Variable expenses → things that change week to week or month to month. Think groceries, gas, pets, beauty, or eating out.

Look for patterns in what you spend and how much tends to go into each category/bucket (example: $100/month on pets, $200/month miscellaneous, $175/month on hair & beauty). This step will give you the foundation you need to actually set up a realistic budget.

Step 3: Choose a Budget Method

Now the fun part—picking your system. There’s no “one right way” to budget, but here are three of the most popular methods to help budget for beginners:

• 50/30/20 Budget Rule → 50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings (most beginner-friendly)
• 70/20/10 Budget Rule→ 70% spending, 20% saving/debt, 10% investing/giving (more aggressive, great for debt-heavy situations).
• Zero-Based Budgeting → assign every dollar a “job” until your budget hits $0 left to allocate (great for ultimate control)

Personally, I tend to float between the 70/20/10 budget rule and zero-based budgeting method. Meaning, I make sure to put at least 20-30% away for savings/investments and minimize the cost of my “needs” (like rent) to no more than 50% of my income. Whatever I have left after that, goes towards wants.

When I do my budget each month, I assign every dollar as I like to get really specific on where my spending takes place. This helps me to make sure I don’t overspend on categories that I value the least—therefore, freeing up money to spend on categories that I value the most.

Step 4: Build Your Budget

Alright, it’s time to start building your budget. Let’s take the work you’ve done so far and give it some structure.

1. Write down your total net income (or planned net income)
2. List out your expenses by category
   • Make sure to prioritize setting aside money in categories that are essential like housing, utilities, food, and transportation
3. Decide how much to put toward savings + debt payoff based on your personal finance goals
4. Allocate what’s left to wants and lifestyle categories
5. Begin tracking your expenses using your new budget

Budgeting Methods in Action: Examples

Let’s use the 3 budgeting methods we discussed to create a budget based on an annual income of $45,000/year. If we set aside 30% for taxes, your take-home pay is about $31,500/year, or $2,625/month.

50/30/20 budget Rule

Reminder, this is a simple, beginner-friendly budgeting method that is great if you don’t know where to start. Using the 50/30/20 rule, you’d budget:

• $1,312.50/month (50%) → Needs
• $787.50/month (30%) → Wants
• $525/month (20%) → Savings/Debt payoff

To learn more about the 50/20/30 budget rule, check out this post.

70/20/10 budget Rule

This method is great if you like to focus on savings and debt payoff, and have a higher percentage of expenses to tackle. Using the 70/20/10 rule, you’d budget:

• $1,837/month (70%) → Spending
• $525/month (20%) → Saving (or debt)
• $263/month (10%) → Investing (or giving)

To learn more about the 70/20/10 budget rule, check out this post.

Zero-Based Budgeting

This one’s for you if you like more control and detail (admittedly, this is my favorite). The concept: every single dollar you bring in gets assigned a “job,” so that your income minus expenses equals zero at the end of the month. (Don’t panic — zero doesn’t mean you’re broke; it means every dollar is accounted for.)

• Rent & Utilities → $1,000
• Groceries → $400
• Transportation (gas, insurance, etc.) → $350
• Health/Insurance → $250
• Personal/Entertainment → $200
• Debt Repayment → $300
• Emergency Fund/Savings → $100
• Retirement Account → $25

To learn more about zero-based budgeting, check out this post.

Step 5: Stick to Your Budget & Adjust

Here’s the thing: your first budget is not going to be perfect—and that’s totally normal. It usually takes a few months to get the hang of tracking your spending and really see where your money is going. The most important part? Consistency. Like most things in life that are worth it, sticking with your budget is what makes the difference.

As your life changes, so should your budget. A raise, a new savings goal, paying off a debt, or even a surprise medical bill—these all mean it’s time to tweak your numbers. And don’t forget seasonal shifts! The holidays, summer trips, or back-to-school season can all throw your budget off if you’re not ready for them. That doesn’t mean you failed—it just means your budget needs a refresh. Planning for those higher-spend months ahead of time helps you feel prepared instead of stressed.

If you’re looking for practical ways to stay consistent, check out my post on 11 tips to stay motivated and accountable with your budget.

FAQ: How to Start a Budget

What is the easiest way to make a budget?

The 50/30/20 rule is one of the easiest ways to make a budget. With this budgeting method, there’s no need to fixate too much on where every single dollar you’re spending is going. Instead, just focus on getting the bulk of your income set aside for needs, with the rest split between savings and personal spending. This is an easy way to make sure your money is going into three of the most foundational categories: needs, wants, and savings.

What is the best way to start a budget if living paycheck to paycheck?

Keep it simple and realistic. Don’t try to save tons of money or set super high financial goals if you can’t realistically achieve them—that’s only going to burn you out. Over the coming weeks, take a close look at your spending and see if there are ways you can cut back on expenses. It’s easy to consider certain “wants” as “needs,” or convince ourselves that bills like car insurance are fixed when sometimes they aren’t. The truth is, a little bit of digging or shopping around can go a long way. Check out this post I made on common expenses that tend to drain people’s budgets—and how you can spot them. Even if you only save $20/month, that’s $240 more you’ll have to work with in a year.

How do you start a budget if your income is irregular?

If your income is irregular, it just means you’ll need to revisit your budget more often to make adjustments. Whether you need a biweekly or monthly budget, the steps are the same: write down your income and expenses, then identify flexible categories where you can cut back if needed. For example, if one month you bring in less, trim your “wants” or “personal spend” categories first so you can still cover essentials and bills.

I also highly recommend setting aside an emergency fund if you don’t already have one. This creates a cushion during months when income is low. On the flip side, when you bring in more than expected, set aside the extra to support yourself during leaner months. If you don’t have an emergency fund or are struggling to build it, I wrote an entire post on how to start one here.

How do you start a budget if you have debt?

If you’re juggling debt, having a budget is actually more important — it gives you a baseline to track against and helps you stay on top of your payoff goals. When budgeting with debt, simply treat your payments like any other fixed expense or bill. At the very least, make sure you budget for the minimum payment you owe each month (since that’s non-negotiable).

From there, look at what extra you can realistically add. Even if it’s just an extra $50–$100, work that into your budget ahead of time so you’re not just “hoping” to pay more — you’re planning for it. Doing this consistently will help you pay down debt faster while still keeping the rest of your budget balanced.

Do I need fancy apps or can I just use paper to start a budget?

You definitely don’t need fancy apps to start budgeting. I started with pen and paper myself—simple, cheap, and effective. Check out some of my favorite budgeting tools here that are perfect if you like to keep it old school.

How much should I be saving each month when starting a budget?

As with all personal finances, the amount you save each month depends on your situation. A good starting point is to see what’s left after bills and essential expenses. Then, consider your financial goals—whether that’s saving for a house or vacation, paying off student loans, or tackling car payments. From there, choose a savings amount that feels realistic.

The amount you can afford to save might fluctuate month to month—and that’s okay! Some months you may be able to save $200, while others it might only be $20. If this sounds like you, then just make sure to budget the minimum amount you can save each month so that you are always contributing something to your savings goals. What matters most is consistency and building the habit.

Should I budget weekly or monthly?

I personally prefer to budget on a monthly basis so I have a clear picture of my bills, savings goals, and spending limits for the weeks ahead. However, I also track my budget on a weekly basis to make sure that my spending habits align with my budget. This helps me make sure I end the month on a good note with bills paid, savings added, and no financial surprises. If you’re someone who struggles with overspending though, weekly budgeting might give you more control in smaller chunks. I did this when I first started budgeting and it helped me tremendously!

What are common mistakes beginners make when starting a budget?

Great question! Honestly, this is where a lot of beginners get tripped up. The biggest mistakes that come to mind are things like creating an unrealistic budget, dipping into your emergency fund for non-emergencies, spending more as you earn more, and spending your entire savings on one big purchase. I actually put together an entire blog post on the 29 biggest money mistakes people make—and exactly how to fix them fast. You can read the full post here.

Conclusion

Learning how to create a budget for beginners isn’t about getting it perfect on the first try—it’s about creating a plan for your money and learning as you go.

The good news? Every time you sit down with your budget, you’re building financial confidence and moving closer to your goals (financial freedom here we come!).

So if you’re wondering how to start a budget for beginners, the answer is: start messy, start small, but just start.

And once your budget is in motion, the next step is learning how to save more effectively. Check out my post on 9 Smart Money Saving Challenges for beginner-friendly strategies you can use right away.

The post How to Start A Budget From Scratch: Ultimate Beginner’s Guide appeared first on The Allie Edition.

Cutting unnecessary expenses out might sound easy to do—just cut out the “wants” and focus on the “needs.” Right? Until you start looking at your expenses and realize that most of your spending feels like needs.

But here’s the truth. By making small changes in your financial routine, you can achieve big financial results that allow you to meet your savings goals, get closer to financial freedom, and make time for what matters most (like traveling or pursuing your dream remote job).

When you know which expenses to watch out for and how to start building smarter spending habits, budgeting becomes a whole lot easier. If you’re tired of unnecessary expenses throwing off your finance goals and causing you to feel guilty or stuck, this post is for you.

I’m sharing tips for cutting back on unnecessary expenses, how to identify expenses that may be draining your budget, and what you can do to stay on track without feeling burned out or deprived.

This site contains affiliate links, view the disclaimer for more information.

Welcome to part 9 of 10 in my personal finance blog series, where we dive into how a money saving plan can be your key to successfully transitioning from debt to savings. If you’re just joining us, be sure to check out the first post for a deeper dive into why a money saving plan is so crucial. It’ll lay the foundation for everything we’re discussing moving forward.

Part 1: Easy Wins to Cut Back on Unnecessary Expenses

Before we dive into 11 unnecessary expenses that could be sabotaging your budget, we’re going to start off with some easy wins you can start achieving today to help cut back and save money.

Pick a couple to start working into your spending routine and stack on more as you go. You’ll be surprised at how big of a difference it makes when you start implementing even the smallest of changes. Let’s get started!

Set Calendar Reminders Before Free Trials Expire

Mark your calendar 1-2 days before a free trial ends so you can cancel it before you get charged if you’re not satisfied (don’t you hate when that happens?!).

Buy in Bulk When It Saves You Long-Term

If it fits your budget, buying in bulk can be a great way to cut down on unnecessary expenses and save hundreds of dollars each month.

An easy place to start is with groceries—warehouse clubs like Sam’s Club, Costco, or BJ’s usually offer the best bang for your buck. Got a local butcher? See if they offer bulk deals on meat. If you don’t have these options nearby, you can check out these bulk pantry staples on Amazon.

Limit Trips & Plan Errands to Save Time and Gas

• Visiting the gas station? Fill your tank fully instead of partial fill-ups when on the go.
• Going to the grocery store? Try to limit your grocery shopping to once or twice a month instead of weekly visits.
• Running general errands? Batch your errands to avoid repeat trips and plan your route to be most efficient on gas mileage .

Black Friday, Memorial Day, Spring Sales—waiting a little longer can save you a lot of money.

Feeling thrifty? Keep an eye out for nearby estate sales or store closures. I’ve been able to buy items in brand new (or near new) condition for a fraction of the price that major retailers charge.

Use Cash Instead of Card for Non-Essentials

I’m not a huge fan of carrying around a ton of cash—but when I was first learning to manage my money, it totally worked.

There’s just something about seeing your money physically leave your hands that makes each purchase feel more real. Give it a go for a few months and watch how it transforms your spending habits!

Cancel or Adjust Recurring Charges (Subscriptions, Insurance, etc.)

• Cancel anything you’re not using or that no longer fits your budget goals
• Be on the lookout for rate increases (unfortunately, this is super common and oftentimes you receive zero warning)
• Shop around at least once a year to look for better deals

Pick Up a Hobby or Side Hustle (Blogging Is My Go-To!)

Filling your time with creative projects or side hustles that earn you extra income doesn’t just help you avoid mindless spending or endless scrolling—it actually gives your day purpose.

For me, starting a blog was one of the smartest (and most rewarding) ways to spend my free time. It’s helped me earn extra income, tap into my creativity, and end each day feeling like I actually did something for me.

If you’ve been thinking about starting a blog—or turning your existing one into a money-making side hustle—I seriously recommend checking out Sophia Lee’s Beginner’s Blogging Bundle.

Try the 24–48 Hour Rule Before You Buy

Add to cart, walk away, and reassess after 24-48 hours. Most of the time, you’ll have found a better deal or won’t even want it anymore!

Use Free Loyalty and Rewards Programs

Have a local restaurant or shop you frequent? See if they have a free loyalty program you can sign up for (oftentimes with your phone number or email). Or, see if they have an app or punch card system.

This is an easy way to earn free products and save money from purchases you were already going to make.

I’ve gotten many free drinks, meals and $10 off coupons from doing this. And it only takes like 30 seconds!

Want to Start Earning from Blogging? Here’s How

For years, I dabbled in different side hustles, but nothing felt like the right fit—until I discovered blogging. I wanted something profitable, flexible, and enjoyable, but I had no clue where to start. After weeks of researching blogging courses, I finally found Sophia Lee’s Beginner’s Blogging Bundle, and it changed everything.

This bundle includes two courses: Perfecting Blogging and Perfecting Pinterest. Perfecting Blogging breaks down SEO strategies, Sophia’s step-by-step formula for creating high-quality blogs fast, and the exact strategies she used to grow her site into a six-figure business. Perfecting Pinterest reveals her traffic-driving secrets, time-saving content strategies, and how to maximize Pinterest for rapid blog growth.

If you’re just starting out or struggling to get traction, this bundle gives you a clear roadmap to success. I can confidently say it made my blogging journey 100x easier, and I know it can do the same for you!

Part 2: 11 Sneaky Unnecessary Expenses to Watch For

When you cut out the expenses that don’t serve you, you make more room for the things that do—like building an emergency fund, saving for a vacation, or even giving yourself a runway to switch careers or start that blog you’ve been dreaming about.

With that, let’s take a look at 11 of the most common unnecessary expenses that could be sabotaging your budget and smart tips you can implement to cut back.

1. Subscriptions You Forgot About

This one sneaks up on most of us. And it’s not necessarily the monthly subscriptions that get us. It’s those annual subscriptions that you pay for once a year.

You spend $99 for the first time, try it out, and halfway through the year you stop using it but completely forgot you ever paid for it. Next thing you know you get another $99 charge out of nowhere and—*face palm* oh yeah, THAT.

Pro Tip: Use a budget tracker to jot down all of your subscriptions and regularly audit your accounts. Cancel any subscriptions you’re not actively using, no longer satisfied with, or have had rate increases that no longer fit your budget goals.

2. Excessive Takeout and Hidden Delivery Fees

I’m not saying stop takeout and delivery altogether, but try to scale back or find ways to save money through what you’re already doing. This is where budgeting smart—not extreme—makes all the difference.

Pro Tip: Meal prep more, pick up instead of getting delivery, and limit takeout nights. When you do order, call the restaurant directly—apps like DoorDash, Toast, Seamless, and Grubhub often add fees and mark up menu prices. I’ve saved $15+ per order just by skipping these apps—that’s basically a whole meal’s worth of fees!

3. Late-Night Impulse Shopping

I’m guilty for this too, so I get it. But this can be easier to avoid than we think. Just takes a little discipline.

Pro Tip: Enforce a 24-48 hour rule where you wait this long before following through with the purchase. Further, try to reduce the number of days you allow yourself to shop online each month. Tend to shop online during weekends? Pick one day to commit to no spending.

Think of this as making space in your budget for what really lights you up (like that summer vacation!).

4. Being Loyal to Brand-Names Only

There are some things that I only get name brand because I’ve tried so many other products and nothing truly compares. But if you’re just going off of brand reputation and you haven’t really tried other products to compare for yourself, why not give it a go? You might just be surprised by how often the quality is just as good as the name brand option.

Pro Tip: Choose generic brands when possible. This includes food, drinks, medicine, clothes, accessories, tools & equipment, etc.

5. Paying for Warranties or Protection Plans You’ll Never Use

How many times have you purchased a warranty and actually used it? I’m talking about TVs, headphones, mattresses, rugs, bikes, concert tickets, excursions, clothing, shoes,…

Sure the extra protection can be nice (such as for a pricey airplane ticket), but sometimes we buy these to feel a sense of security when we know we won’t really need it or use it.

Pro Tip: Carefully assess if the extra coverage is actually worth it.

6. Random Bank Fees and ATM Charges

This is so minor but as with everything, money adds up! Anything you can do to avoid tacking on extra fees or charges is a financial win.

Pro Tip: Move to a no-fee or online bank to avoid additional charges. Make sure to pull cash when you’re near your bank or using an in-network ATM. Try to carry a little cash on you so whenever you’re in situations where cash is required, you’re prepared. No need to use their convenience ATM that charges an extra few dollars just to pull money from it.

7. Paying for Too Many Streaming Services

My family is huge on movies and when you’re being offered new movies regularly across multiple paid platforms like Hulu, Netflix, Disney+, and more, it’s tempting to pay for all of them so you can watch whatever you want, whenever you want.

But do you really need to? Are you realistically going to watch enough movies to make up for the amount you’re spending on streaming services? Unless you’re my friend who is a cinematic fiend, probably not.

Pro Tip: Limit to 1–2 services at a time and rotate as needed. For example, rotating between Hulu and Netflix depending on what you’re watching could save you $15-30 a month!

8. High Electric Bills From Easy-to-Fix Habits

If you’re using up all your outlets due to the number of electronics or household appliances you own, even when they aren’t in use, you could be unintentionally spiking your electric bill.

Pro Tip: Use smart power strips that require less energy when being used and unplug electronics when not in use.

9. Overpaying for Insurance

If you have any kind of insurance—car, home, health—then you know it’s not uncommon for rate increases to happen once or even twice a year.

I used to stay with the same car insurance company for 5+ years and then one day I realized, my insurance is up well over $150 from when I first enrolled. By making a few phone calls and getting a few more quotes, I was able to switch insurance and instantly save hundreds on my premium for the year. That’s more money toward my savings goals!

Pro Tip: Shop around annually and adjust coverage based on your current needs.

10. Parking and Valet Fees That Add Up

I see people all the time paying for luxury parking when dining or staying in big cities, luxury resorts, theme parks, etc. But is it always because they have to? No.

Pro Tip: Choose free or cheaper parking options whenever possible and consider that extra money for your pocket later!

11. Buying Big-Ticket Items at the Worst Time

Think about buying a car, moving into an apartment, shopping for major appliances or electronics, booking travel and vacation, etc. If you can plan your purchases during off-peak seasons, this little bit of strategy can mean huge cost savings for you.

Pro Tip: Plan major purchases during off-peak times to get better deals.

Cutting back on unnecessary expenses doesn’t mean cutting out everything fun. It just means being more intentional with your money—so you’re spending on what matters most and building habits that actually support your goals.

Whether you’re trying to save more, stick to your budget, or finally feel in control of your finances, it starts with being aware of where your money’s going—and deciding if it’s really worth it.

Start with a few small changes from this post and stack on more as you go. You’ll be surprised how much further your money goes (without feeling like you’re depriving yourself in the process).

Remember, you work hard for your money. So let’s make sure it’s working just as hard for you.

You’ve got this! Drop a comment down below to let me know which tip(s) you’re looking forward to implementing and what questions you have to get started.

Next up in the blog series

In the final part of this blog series (part 10), we’re going to dive into the power of adopting a positive money mindset and how crucial this is for transforming your finances. Click here to read now!

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