How To Live Frugally To Pay Off Debt

Apr 15 | Money Saving Tips, Budgeting, Frugal Living

The Best Frugal Things to Do To Pay Off Debt

There are tons of tips for how to live frugally to pay off debt out there. But today, I have gathered some of what I feel are the best ways for you to focus your income to get rid of debt and create financial freedom. Some simple changes in how you view money can truly make all the difference in the world.

Create a functional household budget.

A functional household budget is actually looking at your true reliable monthly income and true reliable monthly expenses. Fluctuating pay from part-time jobs that aren't consistent, selling something online or occasional side jobs are not consistent and shouldn't be included in your household budget. Focus on what is your primary income, then create a list of all your regularly occurring expenses. This list should include things like housing, utilities, transportation, health, savings, groceries and similar items.

A functional budget shows you what you have coming in and going out each month. If you have less coming in than going out, it's time to look closely at the differences. Is the difference because your income is too low, or is it because you're making poor spending choices? It's often a combination of both poor spending habits and an income issue. If you cannot easily change your income status, it's time to look at what your expenses actually are and streamline as much as possible. That means eliminating things that are not necessities until you are in the clear and able to meet your needs.

Understand wants versus needs.

This is one of the biggest things to understand when you want to know how to live frugally to pay off debt. It boils down to what is coming in as income and going out as expenses. Typically the expenses that are unnecessary are what have to go. What is necessary to some is not to others. For my online business I have to have Internet at home to do my work efficiently. Others can do with using their cellular phone carrier for using the Internet. What is a necessity to me is a want for them. Take the time to look in detail at each item on your expense sheet and determine what can be removed as a want until you are better able to afford it.

Things to consider that are typically wants and not needs:

• Newer vehicle
• Larger home or living space
• Pampering like: manicures, pedicures, professional hair styling, massages or spa treatments
• Eating out
• Entertainment like: new video games, movie theater tickets, or amusement parks

Make savings a priority.

Ultimately if you want to live frugally to pay off debt, you need to also consider saving money in the process. For most families, debt racks up because of a lack of savings to pay for expenses that occur unexpectedly. A savings account is not just for vacations and future purchases, but for unexpected expenses. Job loss, poor health, vehicle repairs or even a new roof on your home can all happen out of nowhere and quickly incur debt if you do not have a savings fund in place.

Once you realize what you have coming in and going out each month, you can begin to focus on how and where to save money. Using coupons, eliminating expenses and cutting corners can all be done better once you understand what your true financial needs are.

Related budgeting posts:

• How to create a spending journal
• Is it really a good deal?
• How to start a budget