10 simple steps to get off the “expensive” train

Here are 10 simple steps to get off the “expensive” train

1. Plan for your goals and invest your money in the correct assets. Take professional help, if needed. Put the investments on auto pilot like a SIP, RD etc. That is what works best for most people. This will ensure that you can spend only the rest.

2. Understand how much you are spending by tracking the expenses. You will be surprised how much you’re spending on the “misc” head

3. Don’t borrow to spend. Credit card spends ensures that you do precisely that. Use a debit card instead.

4. Buy most provisions for a month at one go. You’ll end up spending less time, effort and money.

5. Do focused shopping. Write out what you want buy, buy that and head for the exit. Don’t take children with you on these occasions. They fill the shopping cart with unwanted fluff.

6. Don’t buy unwanted items or in huge quantity, just because there is some offer.

7. Don’t buy a toy due to your guilt that you are unable to spend enough time with your child. Try and find the time instead. You child wants you, not another toy.

8. Stop spending on that item, once you reach the limit in that month. For instance, if your entertainment allowance for the month is Rs 3,000 and that is spent by the middle of the month, then it needs to be dal-chawal and TV for the rest of the month.

9. Same goes for fuel. Long drives and excursions on weekends are out, once the fuel limit for the month is breached.

10. Don’t switch on the AC by force of habit. Use AC as required. Switch off fans/ lights and other appliances, when no one is around. In many households, TV is on, irrespective of whether someone is watching or otherwise.