How many times have you heard that hard work is the key to success? Probably a lot, and it’s true! Hard work is key to success, and it’s for a variety of different reasons.

But before we dive into our reasons why being hardworking is the key to success, let’s talk about why it matters!

Why does working hard even matter?

Well, simply said, hard work leads to success. I’m living proof of that.

Several years ago, I knew I needed to make a change that would require me to work harder than I had ever before. I wanted to move back into management in the nonprofit sector.

One of the issues I was coming across in my career change was not having a bachelor’s degree. I had an associate’s, which was great for where I was but not the next step.

For the next two years, I dedicated myself to getting my bachelor’s while continuing to work full time. It was HARD. I worked from 7 am to 4 pm as a teacher then went to class every weeknight from 6 pm to 9 pm.

I did my homework when I could during breaks and I leveraged time blocks. On Saturdays, I would write an essay instead of hanging out with friends. And on Sundays, I spent the whole day catching up on sleep and prepping for the week ahead.

During those two years, people knew me as a hard worker. I had to be in order to be committed and dedicated for two years!

As a result of my reputation, several job offers found their way to me post-graduation. Because of this experience and others, I believe that hard work is key to success.

5 Reasons why being hardworking is the key to success!

I already shared my story with you and now I’m going to share why hard work is the key to success and how it can pay off in your own life.

Not only will hard work get you appreciation from others and more opportunities, but there is also a lot of personal growth that results from it. Here are the reasons why you should work hard!

1. Hard work motivates and rewards you

Being a hard worker is rewarding. When we work hard, we can see our success and achievements. And the whole process of hard work can be a reward in itself that can help you become a better person and keep you moving in the right direction.

Success isn’t everything, but seeing how far you’ve come is motivating. Especially with big projects such as going back to school or working hard to snag a promotion at work.

2. Hard work shows you are dependable

Another reason why being hardworking is the key to success is because it shows you are dependable. When you’re someone people can count on, people will keep you in mind. After all, why not?

People will start to talk when you’re known for working hard in your field. At the workplace, people might start asking you to be on their team or want your help to oversee any projects they may need assistance with.

If you own your own business, your products, and/or services could become the first choice for your customers because of your dependability.

People want someone who’s going to get things done on their side, and based on your hard work, they’ll know who to call. People wanting to work with you is an excellent example of how hard work leads to success!

3. Hard work shows commitment

For myself, when I decide on a path for myself and work hard to get there, I’m committed to that goal. This means I might have to say no to anything that comes up that does not align with my purpose or path.

Saying no to things that don’t serve you and staying focused while working hard shows commitment. Your commitment is what is going to help you succeed in the workplace and/or in business.

Choosing to be dedicated to your work can have both financial and career benefits, so it is worth it.

4. It helps you develop self-discipline

Hard work means that you are able to develop your self-discipline over time. Procrastination can set you up for failure when trying to achieve the simplest tasks.

Giving in to distractions can lead to idleness, but the opposite is true, also. When you are focused on being a good worker self-discipline will follow. It’s another reason why hard work is key to success!

And in addition to discipline, you can gain other good qualities such as patience and persistence. The character quality of self-discipline can also be useful for sticking to your financial and personal goals.

Be sure to check out our list of best books on self-discipline!

5. The harder you work, the quicker you get ahead

You already know by now that hard work pays off. The harder you work, the faster you get the results you want. But working hard doesn’t always mean that you’ll be able to get everything you want on the first or even second try.

You have to be patient and trust that hard work leads to success. What you put in now will get you ahead later.

Expert tip

Hard work matters but it’s also important to work smart! I’m a big fan of working smart, because that way I’m not wasting time, I’m able to identify opportunities and can effectively take action toward my success.

5 Key tips to embrace hard work because hard work is the key to success

Now that you know why hard work is key to success, here are some tips for working smarter, not harder.

1. Keep a log of your accomplishments to keep you motivated

I have ADHD, but even without a disability, it’s hard to remember everything you do so that you can be acknowledged for it later on via a promotion or raise.

By printing out emails as they come in or jotting down the results of projects or even compliments you receive you can create documentation of all of your accomplishments.

For me, having all of my achievements at hand made it that much easier to go back to my boss to ask for a promotion when I felt I had earned it.

A hardworking person can earn more money or move up in their career as a result of preparation and strategic actions like logging their accomplishments.

2. Post professional updates on social media

Sometimes your hard work leads to success but other times may go unnoticed. While that can be frustrating, know that you can fix that by sharing your accomplishments on social media.

LinkedIn is an excellent professional tool that’s free. So if you aren’t already utilizing it to its full potential, we have a Clever Girl Finance LinkedIn Course that’s completely FREE and can help.

By sharing your professional updates on a consistent basis with your network, people will keep you in mind the next time an opportunity with your name on it presents itself.

Plus you’ll gain momentum to continue as you see your accomplishments growing, proving that being hardworking is the key to success.

3. Set SMART Goals

Commitment is an excellent characteristic for anyone, but it’s easy to commit to the wrong thing if you don’t know where you’re going. Having goals can help you not only make new things into habits but also keep you focused.

Consider setting SMART Goals based on your to-do’s to get you further with your career and finances. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.

When you know how to set the right goals, you’ll know what to focus on with laser precision and you’ll achieve them much faster. Hard work is key to success, especially when you focus on what you want to accomplish.

4. Gamify your results and treat yourself

Maybe it’s the ADHD I mentioned above, but one of the ways I’m able to hit my commitment goals is to make them into a game with a fun reward at the end. For me, it’s hard sometimes knowing that I have to do something repetitive, like working out.

I know I should work out and that it’s good for me. But having to do it week in and week out sometimes gets overwhelming. And that can be with anything you need to commit to and work hard on.

But making your goals into a game may give you a greater degree of satisfaction when you do well and help you get rid of bad habits and replace them with better ones.

So break down your commitment into smaller, more manageable steps, and then treat yourself at the end. For example, if I need to work out four times a week, I will give myself $10 extra spending money to have fun. How else am I going to fund my gardening hobby?!

5. Plan out your schedule and utilize time management

I mentioned above that I’m able to stay committed by “gamifying” my results, but my other secret to getting ahead with hard work? A good old-fashioned paper planner!

When you’re working hard, it’s hard to balance everything and even harder to keep track. Time is limited, which is why time management is your friend, and many successful individuals operate this way.

Make a list of everything that you need to do every week. Then sit with your planner and figure out how you’re going to schedule your week.

Only when we see our week in advance can we plan properly. You can also take advantage of time blocking to make sure you get things done.

By using a planner, you can manage your time to get ahead quicker while still taking time for yourself and other important things when they come your way.

Who said, “Hard work is the key to success”?

“Hard work is the key to success” is quite a popular saying that doesn’t have just one source. It is commonly attributed to Vince Lombardi, and John Carmack, amongst others.

What are the key points for hard work?

When it comes to hard work, the key is to have a vision, create specific goals to get there, and then take intentional ongoing action to make progress.

Setbacks are inevitable but as long as you pick yourself back up and consistently keep doing what you need to, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone, success is inevitable.

Articles related to achieving success

If you enjoyed this article on how to achieve success, check out this related content:

• How To Keep A Commitment To Yourself To Achieve Your Goals
• I Am Broke! 10 Reasons Why And How To Do Better
• Women & Money Survey: The State of Our Finances
• 7 Simple Habits To Improve Your Self-Discipline
• 17 Best Books On Self Discipline

In the end, hard work is key to success!

When you’re a disciplined person, people know it. No one will ever question what you do because they know you are reliable, dependable, and committed. Plus your hard work will pay off in dividends as you start to see results in achieving the goals you have set for your life.

Being hardworking is the key to success, so don’t feel that it’s a waste of time. You can work hard by practicing perseverance, sharing your success stories, and continuing to avoid laziness. Keep your eyes on the prize and keep striving!

The post 5 Reasons Why Hard Work Is Key To Success! appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

When I first moved into my first apartment, I had a lot of reality checks. Some I was semi-aware of (why is furniture SO expensive anyway?) and others I wasn’t, such as grocery shopping.

And so based on my experience, I’ve gathered 25 of the cheapest meals from around the web, so you can not only dine in style, but you can slash that grocery budget too.

Keep in mind that cheap doesn’t mean unhealthy, unsavory, or lacking flavor! These are delicious and healthy meals that can also work as cheap easy meals, especially if you have kids or a large family.

Even if you have lots of room in your budget for groceries, this list of the cheapest meals can help you save more money while you’re grocery shopping on a budget!

25 of the best cheapest meals

These ideas are not only budget-friendly but also classic and simple to make. So check out these easy recipes that will make breakfast less stressful.

Cheapest meals for breakfast

Let’s start with the most important meal of the day…breakfast! Here are some cheap breakfast ideas for families that are easy to make and that taste delicious.

1. Breakfast casserole

A breakfast casserole is easy, and you may get multiple meals out of it! One of my favorites is this four-ingredient breakfast casserole with biscuits. It’s perfect to add to your list of cheap easy meals.

2. An oatmeal bar

Oatmeal is such a cheap staple by itself (either in a canister or by bulk) you can afford to jazz it up a little.

The Modern Honey website shares tons of different ideas for toppings, and none of them break the bank. You can always sub fruit out or in, depending on what’s in season, to make it even cheaper.

We also found this delightful lemon bar recipe that’s super easy to make!

3. Pancakes

Pancakes are always a cheap and easy favorite. For example, this pancake recipe from All Recipes is low in cost but high in flavor once you add in some butter and syrup.

4. Yogurt and fruit

This simple yogurt recipe teaches you how to make homemade yogurt with only two ingredients.

Top some homemade yogurt with honey or fruit, and you have a cheap on-the-go breakfast. Yogurt is also great in breakfast smoothies, which are filling and easy too.

5. Breakfast scramble

One of the easiest ways to save money at any meal is to cut meat, and this breakfast scramble from the Urben Life does just that. Just substitute the egg alternative for a dozen regular eggs, and this meal also comes in under $10 to make.

Plus, this yummy scramble contains healthy ingredients like mushrooms, red peppers, spinach, avocado, baby red potatoes, and eggs. And eggs contain protein. So it’s a win-win!

Cheapest meals for lunch

Whether you prefer hot or cold lunches, these ideas are sure to please! Plus, for some of them you can easily make extra and have leftovers for a few days.

6. Wraps

There are so many different variations of wraps out there that you could easily make a different one every day for a month and not even have scratched the surface.

If you snag bacon when it’s on sale, you can make these bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado wraps in a snap.

7. Burrito bowls

If wraps aren’t your thing, try a burrito bowl. You can always grab rice and also beans for a fraction of the price of other foods.

Grab cheese when it’s on sale and a bottle of salsa, then voila! Instant lunch for a week for under $5. You can even get creative by adding guacamole in addition to other toppings to keep this meal interesting.

You can also try this chicken burrito protein bowl recipe if you aren’t sure where to start.

8. Soups

Soups and stews are top on the list of cheapest meals to make. Try this slow cooker chicken tortilla soup, which promises to come in at $1.63 a serving.

Remember, you can buy managers’ special chicken breasts or even chicken thighs to save more money on buying your meat!

9. Salads

Salad doesn’t have to be expensive or tedious. Check out this recipe for a chickpea tuna one. Chickpeas and tuna are both packed with lots of nutrition for a fraction of the price.

We can’t imagine this meal being too expensive, but we can imagine it being extra tasty. And it’s also a great spin on a regular tuna salad!

10. Pinwheels

As mentioned above, there are various wraps for just about anybody, but we also wanted to share pinwheels because they are more fun and less messy.

This turkey pesto pinwheel looks like it’s going to be happening in my near future. I always suggest grabbing turkey from the deli because you can buy what you need and pick whatever’s on sale.

Cheap easy meals for dinner

Dinners can get expensive fast. So we rounded up easy dinner ideas that are good for the budget and yummy in the tummy!

11. Grilled cheese

Nothing says an easy dinner like grilled cheese. You need two slices of bread, some butter, and a slice of cheese to toast up on the stove. You don’t even need to use the oven for a cheese sandwich!

A meal like this can feed an army for less than five bucks, but we found fancier grilled cheese recipes if you are feeling adventurous. You can even serve it with tomato soup for an extra filling meal.

12. Skillet meals

Skillet meals are cheap and fast to whip up any dinner on a weeknight. For instance, this one-pot cheesy chicken broccoli and rice have three staple ingredients that are pretty cheap on price but not on flavor.

13. Sheet pan dinners

Like skillet meals, sheet pan dinners are a fast and cheap way to make dinner any night of the week. You can make easy chicken fajitas with this recipe or go even easier with this sausage, potato, and green beans bake.

14. Spaghetti

Spaghetti is known as one of the cheapest meals to make on the planet that you can make with pantry staples. With a bottle of sauce available for under $2 and a box of pasta under $1, who’s to argue?

But for a little bit more, you can make your homemade sauce with meat. Got kids or a large family? Definitely add this to your list of recipes.

15. Pizza

Sure, you could pick up some pizza somewhere fast and quick, but the key to making a frugal pizza is in the homemade dough. Check out this recipe from the Family Balance Sheet for $2.50 pizza or spend slightly more and make kid-friendly ones on garlic toast.

Try making a cauliflower pizza crust for a healthier alternative!

16. Baked potato bar

Potatoes are a cheap and filling vegetable. One of the most inexpensive and fun ways to serve up potatoes is in a baked potato bar.

Toppings such as cheese and sour cream can be purchased as store brands, while onions, bacon, and beans can be purchased when on sale or in season.

You can hit your sweet spot with some sweet potatoes and top them with brown sugar and marshmallows!

17. Tacos

As a Latina, tacos were a staple in my house growing up, along with almost any type of soup. Tacos meant we could make ground beef stretch farther with potatoes.

Soup meant we could eat whatever vegetables were leftover from the week (Spoiler, it was always potatoes).

You can add whatever you have on hand to your tacos, including black beans, cheddar cheese, bell pepper, and also other common ingredients.

You can easily make your taco seasoning that tastes way better than the store’s and toast up some corn tortillas or tostadas. If you would like to up the ante, we found this recipe for some baked ones that are still frugal.

18. Quesadillas

Just like tacos, quesadillas can be made frequently and are a cheap dinner idea. One way that I love to bulk up a quesadilla is to add sauteed veggies.

I like to pick whatever veggies are on sale and use up some cheese or tortillas that can be found with 10 for a dollar or two. Cheesy chicken quesadillas can be a filling meal that doesn’t break the bank.

19. Chili

All of the chili ingredients are cheap themselves, so it only makes sense that it’s on our list. Any beans will work, and you can substitute ground beef for ground turkey or leave it out.

You can also grab tomato sauce on sale along with whatever type of onion or pepper you want. Toppings are optional, but sure do make the meal. Don’t forget the chili powder!

20. Ham and cheddar croissant roll-ups

Looking for cheap recipes for families that are super simple to make? Try these ham and cheddar croissant roll-ups!

Grab just enough ham and cheese that’s on sale, along with a package of croissant rolls, to make this easy dinner a tasty yet frugal one!

21. Egg roll in a bowl

An egg roll dinner recipe can be made using rice which is an essential frugal staple. This recipe from Project Meal Plan allows you to use rice as a filler to make the meal go even further.

Try using brown rice for a healthier option. Brown rice has a bit more fiber which is good for you.

It also allows you to use up any leftover veggies you didn’t get around to using in other recipes.

22. Burgers

There’s nothing quite like a well-cooked burger! Ground beef is one of the cheapest meats you can purchase for entrees. A pound of ground beef can cost up to $5.

However, a dollar pack of buns, a bag of frozen fries, and whatever condiments you have in the fridge can have you under $10 with this dinner.

You can swap out the fries with a cut-up cucumber for a healthier side dish.

23. Casserole

Casseroles are not only easy and cheap, but they are also an easy food to freeze one day and then defrost when you need a quick meal.

It’s significantly less expensive and healthier to do this than to rely on a frozen one. And this chicken noodle casserole from the Country Cook is easy, filling, and tastes good!

Casseroles make tasty, cheap meals for large families!

24. Lo Mein

When made with ramen noodles, you can buy them for 30 cents a pack, plus frozen veggies. A lo mein dish like this one is what we call frugal and is perfect when it comes to easy cheap dinner ideas!

25. Baked chili hot dogs

You can’t have a cheap meal list without hot dogs, but we decided to find an even better recipe for some baked chili ones.

You can have a side of mac and cheese with it for a frugal side dish. Try it out, and thank me later!

Expert tip: Get creative with your meals

It’s easy to be creative with your meals and still save a lot of money. Remember that the key to saving money is to not let things go to waste and also to keep your meals interesting!

So explore easy meal combinations and leverage platforms like YouTube for meal planning and cooking ideas.

Why cut costs on food?

Food isn’t cheap. The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) estimates that a moderate budget to feed a family of four can range anywhere from approximately $600 on the cheaper end of things and go past $1,100 per month.

Spending that much on groceries could easily be up to 20% of a family’s take-home pay or even more.

Since this is such a vast variable expense, it only makes sense to cut here when you can to lead to better budgeting. So it’s essential to find ways to make your grocery store visits more frugal!

Additional tips to cut costs

So now you have ideas for the cheapest meals to make, but there may still be room to save money in your budget. Here are some key tips!

Coupons

Don’t make fun of the extreme couponers you see on TV. You can find deals by checking out the best coupon websites or checking your weekly mail, online, or even on a store’s app.

I’m known to march up to customer service if my coupon for pasta wasn’t applied correctly! I manage to save between $5 and $10 a week on my groceries and household items.

Rebate apps

Check out Ibotta and also Fetch since they let you scan receipts for free money! Retailers partner with apps such as these to share in-store offers and coupons.

Once you’ve made your purchase, you check your receipt, and all savings are applied to the account.

You can then cash your account out via PayPal. It can take some time to accumulate enough cash-out points, but you can easily earn $20 a month with one of these.

Meal planning

Planning what you’re going to eat is one of the most shared tips because it works. Meal planning allows you to shop the ads, make sure nothing goes to waste, and gives you a list of items to buy so you aren’t distracted while at the store.

You wouldn’t drive somewhere without directions, so it only makes sense to have a plan here too.

Utilize the freezer

The key to making cheap easy meals is to utilize a freezer! Many items that you can buy on sale can be frozen to help extend the life of the food and allow you to stockpile when you can.

Meat, dairy items, bread, casseroles, and soups are all food items that can freeze for later use. Please check out FoodSafety.gov for more tips and recommendations.

What meal is the least expensive?

All of the meals on our list are very inexpensive to make, including pancakes, soup, and sheet pan dinners.

Can I buy enough groceries for the week for $50?

That depends on the cost of groceries where you live and how many people you need to feed. It is more likely that you will be able to spend less if you live in a low-cost-of-living area and are shopping only for yourself or a small family. You can check out our ideas for what to buy at the grocery store to maximize your budget.

What is a cheap meal that is most easy to make?

Grilled cheese sandwiches are one of the easiest cheap meals to make. They are easy to put together and are also a very inexpensive option.

Inexpensive food idea articles

If you enjoyed this article about the cheapest meals, check out these articles:

• 35 Delicious Frugal Meals For Every Food Category
• Meal Planning On A Budget! How To Do It!
• 25 Cold Lunch Ideas Your Budget Will Love
• 8 Tasty Frugal Meal Plans To Try!

Try out this list of the best cheapest meals!

Feeding your family doesn’t have to be the most significant variable item in your monthly expenses budget. As you can see, it’s possible to prepare healthy and simple meals without spending a fortune.

We hope these recipes and tips will help you cut here and spend more on other areas. When you spend less on groceries, you can focus on things like how to pay off credit card debt fast and saving more money towards your big goals using fun challenges like the 200 envelope challenge.

The post 25 Of The Best Cheapest Meals appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

It’s happening again. It’s the end of another month, and you aren’t sure why you can make any progress on your monthly financial goals.

Maybe you overspent on a housing project or didn’t account for a last-minute expense, but your budget got blown again.

While many conventional money methods are about spreadsheets and spending apps, that doesn’t work for you. Thus, a paper and pen option like a budget binder could be the tool to unlock your financial success.

What is a budget binder?

A budget binder is a visible way to use a zero-based budgeting system. With a binder, you can see all of your money goals simultaneously while being able to tweak them as necessary.

Think of it as a day planner but for your money.

You can customize it to fit your pay schedule, weekly or monthly bills, and spending. The wonderful thing about a budget binder is that it is made to help YOU and YOUR budget.

It’s also a great way to organize your finances alongside a budget calendar. You can collect bills in real-time as they come in instead of losing them in the back of a drawer.

A budgeting binder also gives you space to save any receipts you may need in the future as well as space to utilize cash envelopes and develop sinking funds. It helps you keep your financial documents in one place and saves time too!

What can you use a budgeting binder for?

You can use a budget binder for many things, and here are some ideas.

Goal setting and tracking

Writing down your goals can increase your chances of achieving them. According to a study by Professor of Psychology Dr. Gail Matthews, participants were 47 percent more likely to achieve their goals because they wrote them down.

With a budgeting binder, you can write out a whole section for goals related to financial goals, such as saving money and paying off debt.

Consider your long-term saving goals, such as a down payment for a house or new car. Short-term saving goals could be Christmas spending or replenishing a sinking fund, like house maintenance.

With a savings tracking sheet, you can plan how much money to allocate to your savings each month. As the money increases, you note it on your sheet, thus motivating you to keep saving.

There are also trackers, just like ones that you use when paying off debt, that you can color or doodle to make it fun.

Budget binders are an easy and fun way to keep track of your progress toward your goals.

Paycheck tracking

If you’re like me, you assign different bills to different paychecks. For example, my first paycheck of the month is always designated for rent, so I know there isn’t a lot of wiggle room.

My second check of the month gives me more spending freedom. However, the challenge with a bi-weekly payment schedule is getting paid on different days each month.

However, with paycheck tracking, I can keep an eye on which bills are coming up to assign the correct amount and still hit my financial goals.

It’s easy to spend money you think you have, so giving every dollar a job is important. By tracking your income, you can nip overspending in the bud before it even happens. Therefore paycheck tracking is an essential technique to utilize.

Debt payoff tracking

No matter the amount of debt you have, it can accumulate fast. Credit card debt, student loans, car financing, medical bills, or personal loans can contribute to more debt.

No matter your debt type, you can easily track your debt, and your debt pay off with your binder. Many budget binders have sections dedicated to paying off debt, including sheets you can color in to see your progress and a payoff ledger.

Once you decide what debt payoff method to choose, paying off debt is satisfying. A whole section to see how far you’ve come could be the extra oomph you need to keep going.

Expense tracking

One of the most significant factors in getting your money on the right track is deciding to track your spending.

We often have an “idea” of what we would like to spend in each category, but we’re usually unsure. It’s hard to know if you are overspending or underspending, in any category, without knowing where your money is going.

We also fail to account for any fees we encounter, regular expenses that may increase, or old subscriptions we forgot to cancel. Tracking your expenses will help you better plan for the unexpected.

In a budget binder, you can write out your monthly budget while tracking your spending in each budgeting category.

Expense tracking can also help you determine if your spending aligns with the values and goals you have set for yourself.

Sometimes our biggest downfalls can be variable spending areas such as groceries, but this can easily be corrected with your binder.

Planning purposes

Nothing derails my budget like forgetting expenses.

For example, I once completely forgot when my car registration was due. Since I have a newer car, paying that few hundred dollars I didn’t account for was pretty painful.

Using a budget binder, I can plan better without being caught off guard.

If you want to avoid unexpected expenses, you can use a budget binder to keep track of yearly or quarterly costs. By doing so, you can plan as necessary for any upcoming events.

For instance, you can write a meal plan and track what you need to buy at the grocery store.

And you can also keep track of important financial records and login information so that someone can easily take over the household finances in case of an emergency.

Weekly and monthly check-ins

Your budget binger will allow you to manage your money weekly and monthly. The components of the binder can include worksheets that track your weekly spending. Or goal worksheets that help you outline your goals each month.

Because your binder is something you will usually use weekly and, at the very least, monthly, you’ll always understand what’s going on with your finances.

What to include in your budget binder

There are certain elements that your binder should include to ensure you use it to its potential. Here’s what to have, and remember that each component is important.

Your budget binder cover

The cover is where you can have some fun and express your creativity. Decorate the exterior of your binder with something that makes you happy. You can add a photo, cut-out pictures of the Bahamas, or even an inspirational quote.

A pretty cover page can represent who you are and what you want to achieve. In addition, it can encourage your to pick up your binder and use it.

Goals pages

Writing out your goals gives you direction and focus. Having your financial goals written out and placed where you can frequently see them will help your goals feel more obtainable.

To create a goal sheet, plan for the year and break down your goals into monthly goals.

For instance, if your goal is to create a side hustle each month, you can create goals such as updating your resume, taking an online course, or filing for an LLC.

Or you can have a new goal each month, such as a no-spend month or a don’t use your credit card month.

You can even add your personal goals for more motivation.

Expenses page

An expense sheet is one of the budget binder printables that can help you keep track of essential bills and payments.

You can see which bills require the most money by writing a list of recurring expenses such as rent, electricity, internet, gas, car payment, etc.

In addition, you can see which expenses are unnecessary and can be excluded from your budget.

Your actual budgets

Your actual budget sheet will be your place for tracking how much money you spend.

Some of your spending, such as rent/mortgage payments and car loan payments, will be fixed. Yet some costs of living, such as groceries, electricity, and gas, will fluctuate.

A budgeting sheet lets you see how much money you spend on specific areas. For example, you can see how much money you spend eating out.

If that number is too high, you can adjust your budget so you spend less money for the upcoming month.

Check-in pages for your budget binder

A budget binder isn’t just pages full of numbers. You can include pages to help you reflect on your financial decisions.

A check-in page for your expenses can have questions such as:

• What costs can I cut back on this month?
• Which subscriptions am I not utilizing, or is it unnecessary?
• How much money could I save if I eliminated certain expenses?

A check-in page for your goals could have questions such as:

• How much money did I save this month?
• What are my savings goals?
• What is preventing me from saving money?
• How can I save more money in the future?

How to create a budget binder

It doesn’t take a lot to create a budget binder. It can be as fancy or as simple as you want it to be, and that’s the real beauty of it. You’re creating something that you can stick with!

Here’s how to get started.

The binder

A three-ring binder with a clear cover would be the best one to get the job done. However, it’s crucial that you choose a binder size that will accommodate your lifestyle and your printouts.

I highly recommend a two-inch binder since it will go through a lot.

Remember, you can personalize the front with an insert or make one yourself.

Fun colored pens

I love writing different areas of my budget with different colored pens. It’s an easy way to keep categories separate and see how much I have going out at any given time.

One way I use my colored pencil is by using vibrant colors for the expense I need to pay attention to. For instance, I may highlight my rent, insurance, and electricity bills in red.

I also use more natural colors like browns and dark greens for categories that include money for nonessential spending. By color coding categories, I train my mind to prioritize different expenses.

Color coding also makes budgeting more fun.

Whiteout & paper clips

You’re bound to make a few mistakes here and there, so having a whiteout can be handy.

Paper clips are helpful so that you can attach any documents or receipts to your binder. Clipping together receipts can be beneficial when calculating your total spending. Or perhaps you clip a rebate you’ve meant to mail to get some money back.

Plastic pocket dividers

Dividers are an easy way to separate different areas in your binder. With pocket dividers, you can insert any recipes or bills you need to add to your tracker or keep on hand.

Storing receipts in your binder can help you better understand exactly where you’re spending is going. For instance, when you review your grocery receipt, did you use all the groceries you bought?

Pocket dividers will also make locating a different section in your binder easier. For instance, you can immediately flip to your budget section without flipping through the whole binder.

Envelopes

Envelopes are an easy way to stack cash for future purchases, goals, or sinking funds.

You can invest in cute and colorful envelopes or purchase simple ones from the dollar store. Envelopes can also help you with your budgeting. For instance, you can have envelopes allocated to different expenses.

Alternatively, you could use digital cash envelopes!

Download your free budget binder printables

No budget binder is complete without the printable templates! There are many FREE budget binder printables that you can use to build out your binder.

The essential printables include budget sheets, a tracking sheet, and budget worksheets. Once you get comfortable using the printables, you can also add more.

 

Manage your money better with a budget binder!

There are so many different apps and methods for managing your money. And although technical means can be efficient, there’s no reason money management can’t be fun and effective.

A budget binder is excellent for people who are visual learners, creatives, or anyone who wants to try something new.

When starting, be sure to set yourself up for success. Gather the correct materials, such as the right size binder, colored pencils or highlights, envelopes, and dividers.

Don’t overlook decorating the cover. Once you have the structure of your binder in place, be sure to add your printables, such as your expenses sheet, your actual budget, and your money worksheets.

A budget binder can be the key to managing your money and achieving your financial goals

The post How To Create A Budget Binder + A Free Budget Binder Printables appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post 21 Realistic Ways For How To Save Money Fast! appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post 7 Budgeting Best Practices appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

You secretly (or not!) love fashion if you're anything like me. Since I've been working from home lately, I miss being able to dress up for the office, but I'm trying to utilize the time I do go out to try out new trends with my classic pieces. And yes, my classic pieces include some luxury ones. This is why I make sure to follow my favorite luxury influencers.

What's a luxury purchase inspired by luxury influencers?

Luxury purchases are seen as higher-end and usually purchased by those with a higher income. Luxury purchases can be physical items such as purses, jewelry, and cars.

It can also include experiences or memberships to private invite-only spaces like golf clubs, art studios, and resort-style clubs.

In this article, we are focusing on the fashion aspect!

To not blow my budget, I love to get inspiration from luxury influencers, primarily those I can watch on Youtube.

What do luxury influencers do?

Luxury influencers highlight their fashion pieces from high-end designer brands. Many luxury brands partner with influencers to help spread the word about their products. They also use luxury influencers for advertising to us at home in a fun and friendly way.

Many influencers partner with luxury designers on product launches and collaborations. Along with highlighting high fashion, many influencers also discuss their lifestyle, including their routines and life hacks to help you live better.

Okay, what can I learn from luxury influencers?

While you may expect not to learn a lot from luxury bloggers or YouTubers, you actually can. You can leverage luxury influencers' ideas and reviews while saving for your luxury purchases. For example, you know you need to invest in classic pieces, but what are they?

You can also learn about trends and fast fashion, which can sometimes be a complete waste of time and money. Financially, think of this just like you would think of any research when making a big purchase.

Making purchases inspired by luxury influencers work in your budget

First and foremost, keep your finances in mind before making a big luxury purchase. While you can save for them or make them a line item in your budget, you'll want to ensure that you are taking care of your financial priorities. While that new Louis Vuitton may look perfect on your arm, being late on your bills isn't so perfect.

What are some ways you can save for a luxury purchase? First, if you haven't already, create a designated sinking fund. Next, make clothing an item line in your budget just like you would for any other important purchase.

It's always easier to make more money than it is to cut expenses so you could sell items from around your home to put towards a luxury purchase. You could also look into a side hustle via the gig economy.

As another side note, many luxury YouTubers make a lot of money through ads shown on their channels. They also make money through brand partnerships and affiliate links they post in their video descriptions. Some luxury influencers may even get free wardrobe pieces!

Your wardrobe would stretch a lot further if you got stuff for $Free .99! So don't compare what you own to these luxury influencers' closets.

19 Luxury Influencers/Luxury YouTubers you need to check out

Luxury influencers can be a lot of fun to keep up with and they give great information. So now that we've shared some ins and outs, check out our favorite luxury influencers below!

1. Highlowluxxe

"Where Luxury & Style are Attainable" is the tagline for the influencer Jenee from HighLowLuxxe on YouTube. She's excellent at mixing high and low-priced items in her outfit of the day posts on Instagram.

She also utilizes the resale site Fashionphile to grab her extensive handbag additions at an affordable price. Definitely one of the luxury bloggers and YouTubers to check out.

2. Karen Brit Chick

A British fashinova living in New York City, Karen Brit Chick, also known as Karen from Where Did You Get That is a great one to watch. She vlogs about high and low fashion while investing in quality and sometimes quirky pieces. If you love different styles, she's for you.

3. A Heated Mess

Cindy from the YouTube channel A Heated Mess is one of the most relatable luxury influencers. She's also a previous corporate lawyer who gives salary negotiation tips to help you conquer the women's wage gap. She is the prime example of a luxury/ personal finance vlogger!

4. Jocelyn Partee

Look, Jocelyn Partee knows what's up and we love her YouTube channel. She gets honest about quality and shares tips on how to tell if a purchase is worth it. In this video, she shares whether she still thinks Chanel is worth the money.

I'm all about being honest when it comes to fashion. She is one of the luxury Youtubers you can trust.

5. Scout The City

If you're looking for someone to make you laugh, Sai De Silva from the YouTube channel, Scout The City is the one. Full of energy, she shares luxury fashion mixed with her beautiful family and lifestyle tips. She also has funny short videos, which are great for someone who loves luxury but is short on time.

6. Kristina Braly

Kristina Braly is a YouTuber that is an anesthesiologist by day and a luxury influencer by night. She's also an amazing mom and a fashion designer of a luxury line of scrubs called Cloud 9.

Kristina is helping the medical industry stay fashionable both on and off the hospital floor. Who says luxury influencers can't start their own fashion lines?

7. The Chic Maven

Kristin from The Chic Maven YouTube Channel is an avid lover of fashion. Her channel focuses primarily on styling outfits together to look amazing. She also ventures into how social media can influence luxury item purchases and discusses if it's devaluing certain items.

She expresses that you shouldn't be trying to keep up with luxury influencers because many of their items are funded by an industry designed to keep you broke. Like I'm saying, definitely a unique point of view!

8. Noori Ana

Youtuber Noori is an avid traveler based out of London who lives for her fashion. When she's not traveling, she's putting together videos to show you how to build around a luxury capsule wardrobe. I love how she can style fashion staples with new pieces to experiment with trends more traditionally.

9. Je Suis Lou

Lucia from the YouTube channel, Je Suis Lou strongly advocates mixing luxury items with more casual pieces. She primarily focuses on handbags, but she also ventures into shoes and jewelry from time to time.

In her weekly video, she lists purses that she found at a discount to help you snag the best prices. I love it when people share sales!

10. Colorful Noir

Colorful Noir brings you the luxury influencer, Eileen. Eileen believes that luxury purchases should be intentional since you spend your hard-earned cash. She reminds you that many luxury influencers get free products to review or sponsored shopping trips.

Prioritizing financial goals while wanting nice things can be challenging, but she makes it easy.

11. Brittany I PocketsandBowsTV

Something I haven't mentioned yet on this list is plus size fashion which my curvy self needs. Many plus-size women sometimes feel out of place because a lot of luxury clothes do not come in our size. A lot of luxury YouTubers also aren't plus size.

YouTuber Brittany makes me proud to be curvy and shows me that we can look stylish too. She mixes luxury items with low-cost ones, and looks fly while doing it.

12. Tiana Peri

Tiani Peri's YouTube channel is fun, down-to-earth, and realistic. She expresses that her humble beginnings have led her to work harder than other luxury YouTubers. As a result, while she loves her Hermes handbags, she has a more realistic approach to luxury purchases.

She expresses how important it is to her to look after herself after becoming a mother and how her children motivate her to take care of herself even more. She's down to earth which I love. Luxury YouTubers self-care tips for the win.

13. Chase Aime

Aime is a mobile and desktop application designer by trade with her company Venture Appital. When she's not designing, you can find her on her Youtube channel showing off her latest luxury item finds. Since I'm all about the budget, I loved this video on expensive-looking things that aren't going to make my bank account cry.

14. Geranika Mycia

YouTuber Geranika, or Gi as she's known to her friends, highlights luxury, fashion, beauty, and self-care on her platforms. She advocates for living a luxurious life while balancing self-care.

She shares what items you shouldn't pay full price for on her channel and shows how to make sure you snag these items for a discounted rate. I love when luxury influencers share a great discount.

15. Tamara Kalinic

Tamara Kalinic's channel is fun. She shares a lot of travel videos, so you're able to fulfill your wanderlust through her Youtube channel, and she's one of the most fashionable luxury bloggers as well.

She also shares her luxury finds and reviews fashion shows and productivity tips to help keep you focused. After all, you've got to have your eyes on the prize when you're scouting for that unicorn bag.

16. Tenicka Boyd

Based out of Manhattan, YouTuber Tenicka is a wife and a mother who uses her luxury influencer channel to ace the art of storytelling. When she's not sharing her beauty favorites, she's sharing luxury and affordable items.

She's also fully transparent with her income which is so important. She's part of the group of luxury YouTubers who are honest.

17. Cassie Thorpe

Cassie is a self-diagnosed luxury addict who loves to give light-hearted advice on luxury items. She shares her opinion on popular luxury item topics.

She is willing to be controversial to make sure her subscribers know both sides of the story. Her most recent one? Spoiler alert: it's why you shouldn't buy luxury investment bags.

18. Amelia Rose's Closet

Amelia's channel is full of unboxing videos with high-end luxury purses. If you're looking for a rare bag, she's found it. She also tells you what to look for when shopping online at fashion resell sites.

Since consignment stores like The Real Real are how many of us are most likely securing our luxury purses, I found the tips very beneficial. Luxury influencers should be honest. She also has a really great personal finance YouTube channel too called Amelia Rose Talks Finance.

19. Monroe Steele

Monroe Steele is one of the luxury influencers who share high fashion and home decor. I believe in keeping your space clean and looking nice because it influences how you present yourself.

She's also partnered with Amazon as part of a new fashion line called The Drop. Who says life doesn't imitate art?

Get inspired by these luxury influencers

Just as a reminder, utilize this list of luxury influencers as inspiration. You CAN have luxury items while prioritizing other financial goals.

It may take a bit of creativity, finding ways to make extra income, or additional discipline. Still, you too can have that Fendi bag. These luxury bloggers and YouTubers will show you how.

Let us know who's your favorite luxury influencer we should check out. And see our other luxury fashion articles to keep you looking stylish while also being mindful of your money!

The post 19 Favorite Female Luxury Influencers On YouTube appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post How To Plan Your Finances If You’re Getting Paid Monthly appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post How To Create A Self Care Week: 7 Days Of Self Care! appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post How To Make Money For Kids: 21 Easy Ways appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post Dealing With Racial Discrimination In The Workplace appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post Don’t Give Up On Your Dreams! 8 Reasons Why! appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

So, have you wondered how to save $10,000 in a year? Is it possible? Also, why would you want to? Well, a lot of goals and events in your life come down to one main factor; Money. It’s true that money isn’t everything, but it’s also true that money buys you freedom and options.

Sometimes, we need an amount that's larger than usual to give us some of the options we want. I’m talking a five-figure amount. Is a house down payment or epic trip is something you’ve been pining away for? Or maybe you want to kick your student loan debt to the curb once and for all?

Or perhaps, you want to bulk up your investment accounts? Well, saving an extra $10,000 this year could definitely help. If you have struggled to save in the past or earn a low income, it might seem like a pipe dream. But don't dismiss it yet.

What if I told you that with some hard work and some financial resiliency, you could save $10,000 in a year? Here's a plan to help you do just that.

Figure out what saving $10,000 breaks down to

When it comes down to how to save $10,000 in a year, you need to know what it breaks down to and what it looks like. Cold hard numbers motivate you to save more than a fancy affirmation on a whiteboard does. When you look at a number, you’re either saving it, or you aren’t.

Saving money is like losing weight. The number isn’t going to lie. Each month for 12 months, saving $10,000 in a year would break down to $833.33. That may seem overwhelming for many people, including myself, so let’s break it down to something that’s smaller than someone’s rent payment.

Finding money to save in smaller increments may seem more achievable to you than trying to find almost $1,000 a month. If you are paid bi-weekly, saving $10,000 would equal putting aside $384.62 per paycheck. If you are trying to decide what it would be weekly, it would mean finding $190.30 to stash.

No matter what number you prefer to break it down to is up to you, but the point is, this is what you need to hit your goal.

6 Ways how to save $10,000 in a year

Now you know what the breakdown is to save $10,000 in a year; let's go over specific ways in which you can start saving!

1. Save on bills

The easiest way to find $833 to save per month is to sit down and go over your expenses with a fine-tooth comb. Some people may not have a significant amount to cut, but twice as many have expenses that can easily be trimmed. 

Now is the time to call your providers and see what you can negotiate. Is there a service on your cell phone bill you’re not using? Are you carrying too much insurance coverage on a vehicle considered a beater? See what can get cut and pay for only what you need.

The biggest expense someone has in their budget is usually rent but see if you can get a roommate or if you would be better off finding a new place to rent altogether.

2. Cut back on eating out

Simply eating more meals at home is how to save $10,000 in a year fast. Americans love eating out, and the typical household spends thousands a year doing so. Even if you aren’t eating at a fancy restaurant every week, coffees and lunches through the drive-through add up.

If the money factor wasn’t enough to persuade you to start bringing lunch more often, think of the calories you’ll be stopping from going to your waistline if you stopped eating out so much. Start packing a salad and learn how to make tasty meals at home more often.

3. Reduce your entertainment costs

If you’re a social butterfly, you might spend a few hundred on outings with friends per month and not even realize it. Brunch, happy hours, admission, and Lyfts can run you to $300 a month easily. I give myself $50 a week, and I’m amazed at how it feels like I can barely make it cover one activity a week sometimes.

But, I have found doing stuff at home more with friends, such as potlucks or game nights, seems more relaxing and doubles as a budget saver. Finding budget-friendly things to do is how to save 10,000 in a year easier.

4. Finding ways to earn more is how to save $10,000 in a year faster

A lot of people don’t have $833 a month to cut from their expenses. This is a fact. While I always advocate trying to find money to cut from your budget to avoid wasteful spending (more money in the bank means more money to travel!), but I’m also a firm advocate of earning more.

Ask for a raise

Earning more money by asking for a raise is how to save $10,000 in a year possible! As a Latina, I earn on average 53 cents to a white non-Hispanic male’s dollar. I can’t save money I don’t earn. The only way to save more for many people, including myself, is to earn more.

Make a list of all of your accomplishments for the past year and ask your boss for a raise. If a raise isn’t in the cards, ask how it could be. You may need additional training or skills, so ask for a performance plan to get what you need so you can take your career to the next level.

Sometimes a raise isn’t realistic for your job or employer, and in that case, it would benefit you (and your career) more to seek another position elsewhere.

Start a side hustle

If a new job or raise isn’t feasible, you can still earn more money by starting a side hustle! In fact, the average side hustle can bring $200-$1,100 a month! We live in a gig economy with so many jobs that can be done from home, online, or both!

Uber is a fast way to earn money while driving if you enjoy being around people and seeing your city. If people aren’t so much your speed, consider signing up to pet sit or walk dogs. You can also make money from flipping items found at Goodwill on eBay, freelance writing, or being a virtual assistant.

So many side hustles require different skill sets, so there is bound to be something out there for you. Side hustling is how to save $10,000 in a year quickly!

Learn a new skill

One way to earn more so you can save $10,000 in a year is to learn new money-making skills! I’ve been able to grow my income to almost 65% as a non-profit professional by going back to school to learn new skills and negotiating my pay. I’ve also grown a successful freelance business by looking to support other small business owners.

I’m a people person, so when others win, I win. My skill set allows me to flourish in both positions above. Once you discover what skills you have and learn new high-income skills, your options to earn more are endless!

5. Find easy ways to automate your savings

One way I’ve been able to hit my savings goal, such as saving to study abroad or financing an emergency vet bill, is by automating my savings. For example, my bank allows me to move a dollar into my savings account every time I swipe my debit card.

By not realizing I have small amounts being transferred here and there, I am pleasantly surprised to see a few hundred dollars in my savings account by the end of the year without thinking about it.

You can automate a transfer like this or even a small but mighty amount per paycheck, then increase it little by little as you go. Automating your savings is how to save $10,000 in a year without much effort!

6. Try a spending fast

One way how to save $10,000 in a year and jump-start your savings to help you reach your goal faster is to try a spending fast for a month. A spending fast is when you give up shopping or spending in certain categories to limit your cash flow. By planning ahead, you’re able to distinguish your needs and wants to help you spend less and save more.

A lot of people limit spending to just essential items such as food to be prepared at home and gas while others allow themselves a meal out or a pass to check out a new film they’ve been wanting to see.

A spending fast and what you do with it is completely up to you. By limiting your spending to needs and not wants, you can see realistically how much you need to get by.

You’re also able to see what you waste money on and what expenses you can cut even further. Another benefit to a spending fast is you find ways to simplify your life, which results in less stress less cash being spent. All of this equals more money in the bank.

Remember why you want to save $10,000 in a year 

At the end of the day, a lot of personal finance is emotional.  Our minds have different money scripts we may be trying to break after believing false money beliefs for years. This isn’t your fault, and now that you know better, you can do better.

Remember why you started your big audacious goal of saving $10,000 in a year in the first place. Was it to travel? Max out your retirement to help you achieve financial independence faster? A college fund for your kids? Or maybe it was the down payment for the little house on the corner that keeps making your heart sing.

Whatever the reason, remember you are worth it. It’s okay to put your needs and desires first. This doesn’t mean you’re selfish or greedy. Putting yourself first helps ensure you are able to be your best self and, in turn, give more to others.

Only when you have a solid foundation can you be of true service. This looks different for everyone, but you know in your heart of hearts what it looks like for you.

Accomplish your goal and save $10,000 in a year!

Now you know exactly how to save $10,000 in a year! A lot can change in a year. Saving $10,000 in a year doesn’t have to be unrealistic.

It can be yours by cutting expenses, earning more, and resetting the belief in yourself that you can do it. Get started saving with our free savings challenge bundle!

Once you've got your savings in place learn how to take strategic actions to grow that $10 to $100k. You can also learn key tips to earn $10 a month!

The post How To Save $10,000 In A Year! 6 Simple Steps To Take Now appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post Do You Have To Spend Money To Make Money? appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post Is Working Overtime Worth It? It Depends! appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post How Speaking The Truth Will Help Your Finances appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post Find A Great Online Personal Trainer For Your Budget appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post 15 Ways To Stop Buying Crap You Don’t Need appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post Challenging Yourself To Achieve Your Financial Goals: 12 Ideas appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post 12 Signs You Have A Shopping Addiction. What To Do appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post 52 Budget-Friendly Ways To Treat Yourself appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

The post Can I Afford To Move Out On My Own? appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.