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This Month, We’re Taking a Fresh Look at How We Spend

Separate Wants from Needs – We just started doing this again. It’s really easy to forget you don’t need everything you’re buying!!

Separating wants from needs is a foundational skill for managing your finances, making smart purchases, and setting realistic goals. Here’s how to do it effectively:

What Are Needs?

Needs are essentials required for survival and basic well-being. These typically include:

• Housing (rent or mortgage)
• Utilities (electricity, water, heat)
• Food (basic groceries, not dining out)
• Healthcare
• Transportation (for work, school, or medical appointments)
• Basic clothing

Ask: “If I didn’t have this, would it negatively impact my health, safety, or livelihood?”

What Are Wants?

Wants are things that enhance your life but aren’t necessary for basic survival. Examples:

• Dining out or takeout
• Subscriptions (streaming, magazines, premium apps)
• Designer clothing
• The latest phone or gadgets
• Vacations
• Gym memberships (when free alternatives exist)

Ask: “Is this something I could live without or replace with a cheaper option?”

How to Tell the Difference

1. Use the 24-Hour Rule – Wait a day before buying. Needs usually can’t wait; wants can.
2. Apply the “Double Check” Test – If you’re unsure, ask twice: “Is this a must-have or a nice-to-have?”
3. Budget Categories – Label your spending categories clearly in your budget (e.g., Groceries = Need, Dining Out = Want).
4. Prioritize Long-Term Impact – Needs often have lasting value; wants often provide short-term pleasure.

Why It Matters

• Keeps your savings and debt in check
• Helps you live within your means
• Prepares you for financial emergencies
• Encourages mindful spending

The budgeting 50/30/20 rule is a simple guideline that suggests allocating 50% of your income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings and debt repayment. It’s a way to quickly and easily organize your spending and ensure you’re saving enough.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Needs (50%):

These are essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and debt payments.

• Wants (30%):

This covers discretionary spending on things you enjoy but aren’t essential, such as entertainment, dining out, hobbies, and travel.

• Savings and Debt Repayment (20%):

This includes building an emergency fund, saving for future goals, and paying down debts.

The 50/30/20 rule is a starting point and can be adjusted based on your individual financial situation and goals. It’s a flexible framework that encourages balanced spending and savings, while also allowing for some wiggle room in discretionary spending.

We often hear or say ourselves “I don’t have the money to… go on vacation, buy a new mattress, get another car”  Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build your savings effectively:

1. Set Clear Savings Goals

• Short-term goals: Emergency fund, vacation, new phone
• Medium-term goals: Car, home down payment, wedding
• Long-term goals: financial freedom

Knowing what you’re saving for keeps you motivated.

2. Create (and Stick to) a Budget

• Use the 50/30/20 rule as a starting point:
  • 50% Needs
  • 30% Wants
  • 20% Savings/Debt repayment
• Track every dollar so you know where to cut back.

3. Pay Yourself First

• Treat savings like a bill—transfer money to savings as soon as you get paid.
• Automate transfers to a separate savings account.
• If you get a tax return or an unexpected check, put it in savings account

4. Cut Expenses Strategically

• Cancel unused subscriptions
• Cook at home more often
• Shop with a list to avoid impulse buys
• Negotiate bills (e.g., internet, phone)

5. Increase Your Income

• Side gigs: freelancing, rideshare driving, tutoring, etc.
• Sell unused items

Even small increases can accelerate your savings.

6. Use the Right Accounts

• High-yield savings accounts: Earn more interest than traditional accounts
• Certificates of deposit (CDs): For funds you won’t need for a while
• Roth IRA/401(k): Save for retirement with tax advantages

7. Save Windfalls and Bonuses

• Tax refunds, gifts, or work bonuses should go straight to savings.
• Avoid lifestyle inflation—don’t spend more just because you earn more.

8. Track Progress and Adjust

• Review your savings monthly
• Use apps or spreadsheets to monitor growth
• Adjust your budget as your income or goals change

Knowing when to spend is just as important as knowing when to save. Smart spending helps you get the most value from your money without derailing your financial goals. Here’s how to decide when it’s the right time to spend:

✅ Spend When It Aligns With Your Priorities

• It supports your long-term goals
• It meets a true need (e.g., fixing your car).
• It improves your health, safety, or well-being.

✅ Spend When You’ve Planned for It

• You’ve saved for the expense (no credit card needed).
• It’s part of your monthly budget.
• It’s a planned splurge that won’t hurt your financial stability.

✅ Spend When It Saves You Money Long-Term

• Buying in bulk (if you’ll use it all)
• Investing in quality that lasts (vs. cheap that breaks)
• Paying off high-interest debt

Avoid Spending When:

• You’re stressed, bored, or emotional (impulse buys)
• You want to impress others (status spending)
• It would increase your debt (unless it’s an emergency)
• You haven’t compared prices or thought it through