{"id":5801,"date":"2014-11-07T10:47:01","date_gmt":"2014-11-07T18:47:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/faithfulwithfinances.com\/?p=5801"},"modified":"2016-04-27T17:37:31","modified_gmt":"2016-04-27T17:37:31","slug":"how-to-not-blow-your-budget-this-weekend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/faithfulwithfinances.com\/im-faithful-blog\/2014\/11\/how-to-not-blow-your-budget-this-weekend\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Not Blow Your Budget This Weekend"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Screen<\/a><\/p>\n

When the weekend comes, many of us find ourselves in a spending frenzy\u2026<\/p>\n

We have dinner with friends, we have friends over for dinner, we see family, we drive to see a new place, we go on a date night, we have football parties \u2026<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s face it, if there was ever a time to \u201cblow the budget\u201d it would be the weekend!<\/p>\n

In a normal workweek, it can be easy to simply pack your lunch, come home & make dinner, and there\u2019s really little time left in the day to do too much damage.<\/p>\n

But when you have an ENTIRE day off \u2026 that\u2019s when the spending begins!<\/p>\n

Here are 5 sure ways to NOT blow your budget this weekend:<\/p>\n

1. Remind Yourself of Your Categories<\/h3>\n

You once set up a budget \u2026 a long time ago \u2026 at the beginning of this month. Revisit the categories you might be spending in, and make sure to check yourself and see if you can even spend this weekend. Do you have money left in your \u201ceating out\u201d category? Can you afford to go shopping – even for something small? If not, find other fun things to do. Have a picnic, or play a new sport. Need inspiration? Visit our post on the 10 free things you can do today.<\/a><\/p>\n

2. Look for Sales Ahead of Time<\/h3>\n

Planning a football party? They are pretty popular this time of the year! Plan your menu around the sales. If pork is 50% off in your weekly flyer – make pork carnitas, or something \u201cpartyish\u201d that involves the item that is on sale. You will save MAJOR bucks doing this instead of creating a fancy menu with 1,000 ingredients.<\/p>\n

3. Don\u2019t Impulse Buy<\/h3>\n

Have you been wanting to go check out a new car this weekend? Take the time to make your purchase – DON\u2019T feel pressured by the salespeople, DON\u2019T make a decision right on the spot, and DON\u2019T follow your impulses when you see something shiny and new. Go home, think about it, analyze it with your spouse or someone you can be accountable to, and then make your decision. It\u2019s also a great idea to do the \u201c30 day\u201d rule where you wait 30 days to make a big purchase. Your mind can easily change in that time period.<\/p>\n

4. Plan for the Week Ahead<\/h3>\n

Use the time you have at home this weekend to do some planning. Plan out your meals, your budget, and look over your expenses. Reminding yourself of the spending you will do in the coming week will be the ultimate \u201creality check\u201d to help you stop spending this weekend.<\/p>\n

5. Visit Somewhere Close<\/h3>\n

Depending on where you live, there are so many fun things to do in your area. With gas prices so high, it can be tough to take long trips over the weekend, only to come back Sunday night and fill up your tank again. Play \u201ctourist\u201d in your area and do some of the things that you normally wouldn\u2019t do. Want to earn bonus points in the frugal category? Bike to your destination! You and your family will have lots of fun, and you will save money by not burning through gas.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, we hope you enjoy your weekend and have lots of fun. We are here simply to give you great ideas to still have an amazing time without breaking the bank!<\/p>\n

Have an idea to share? We love to hear from you, leave a comment below!<\/p>\n

– Erika from Faithful with Finances<\/em><\/p>\n

\"get-attachment.aspx-9\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Share this:<\/h3>