Financial Cookie Jar

Weddings can be very expensive affairs for everyone who is involved. However, there are many ways to cut the expenses while maintaining the quality of the wedding.

1. 1. Find bridesmaid dresses online. Many people purchase bridesmaid dresses and then resell them online. You can save by purchasing these discounted dresses that have been worn once, and then reselling them when you are done with them as well.
2. 2. Do your own makeup and hair. Makeup and hair can be very expensive to get done professionally. By doing it yourself, you will save a lot of money and you will look more like your natural self.
3. 3. If you are in charge of the bridal shower, know that it is okay to do it cheaply. You can still host a very nice party on a budget. Look online for tips in ways to do this.
4. 4. Do not be afraid to say no if you cannot afford it. The bride and groom will understand if you cannot afford to be part of the wedding party. They are spending a lot of money themselves, but they may find a way to help you out.

It can be very difficult to live within your means at times. However, it is at this point of time that it is most critical to live within your means. It is very easy to forget about how much you are spending when you simply swipe a plastic card every time you make a purchase.

Instead you may want to consider using cash. When you use cash you can physically see how much you are spending and keep a check on yourself. If you run out of cash, you will not be able to spend anymore without pulling out your card. However, put a ban on the card and try to stick to cash throughout each budget period.

If you can control yourself, credit cards can be very useful. However, credit cards should be used only in emergencies. If you cannot exercise control over your use of the credit card, give it to your spouse to hold onto or chop them up. By giving it to your spouse to hold on, you will still have it if you need it, but he or she will be a check on how often you use it. It may be difficult at first, but it will be worth living within your means.

No matter how old you are, you may find that you need to reconstruct your budget with your spouse. Priorities, needs, your income or a variety of many other factors may have changed. Here are a few steps on how to plan a new budget with your spouse.

1. Devote one hour to making the budget. Do not spend longer than this on it unless it is absolutely necessary or it may become too stressful. This time should be uninterrupted.
2. Both you and your spouse should write down their top three priorities. This should be done separately with no input from the other. These priorities should not be basics such as food, as those are a given priority.
3. Talk about each of your priorities. Do no belittle the other person for their priorities. Try to understand your spouse and their spending habits. This will save you a lot of frustration and you will be able to come to an agreement.
4. Together, combine both of the lists into one list.
5. Then, design the budget to cover the basics and these priorities.
6. Commit to the plan. If you or your spouse is not completely committed to the plan, there is not use budgeting. You may not be perfect at first, but as long as you strive to reach your goal you will be on the right path.
7. Review and adjust the budget as needed.