5 Spending Rules to Follow So You Never Run Out of Money

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1. Spend Less Than You Earn (Always)

It sounds obvious, but most people don’t actually do it.

You’d be shocked how quickly little “treat yourself” moments add up and drain your paycheck.

So you want to make sure every dollar has a job. And spending less than you earn keeps you in control, not your bills.

Here’s what this looks like in real life:

• Set a spending cap that’s lower than your monthly income.
  
• Track daily purchases so no dollar disappears without purpose.
  
• Cut recurring costs like unused subscriptions or pricey coffee runs.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Write down your income and subtract essentials first. Then only spend what’s left for fun.

Make It Easy: Try using a budget planner binder with labelled envelopes to separate your spending categories.

2. Save First, Spend What’s Left

Most people do the opposite. spend first, then wonder where their savings went.

If you flip that rule, you’ll never “forget” to save again.

Even small automatic transfers add up and give you peace of mind when life hits unexpectedly.

Try these simple moves:

• Automate savings right after payday so you never touch it.
  
• Label savings accounts for goals like vacations, emergencies, or home upgrades.
  
• Start small, even if it’s $25 per week. It builds momentum fast.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Set an automatic transfer from your checking to savings the same day your paycheck arrives.

Make It Easy: Open a Betterment Cash Reserve Account to automate your savings and earn interest effortlessly.

3. Use Cash for Daily Purchases

Cash hurts more to spend than a card, and that’s the point.

You actually feel the money leaving your wallet. Unlike when you swipe or tap away your budget.

It’s a simple trick that makes you think twice before spending.

Here’s how to make it work for you:

• Withdraw your weekly allowance in cash for daily spending.
  
• Keep cash in labelled envelopes for groceries, gas, or fun money.
  
• When it’s gone, it’s gone, which means no overspending.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Pay in cash for groceries, coffee, and outings for one week to reset your habits.

Make It Easy: Use a cash envelope wallet to organise spending categories stylishly.

4. Use a Weekly Spending Limit Instead of a Monthly One

Monthly budgets sound great. until you blow through them by week two.

Weekly limits are smaller, easier to stick to, and give you faster feedback.

It keeps you from thinking “I’ll make it up next month” (spoiler: you won’t).

Try doing it this way:

• Split your income into four weekly mini-budgets.
  
• Reset every week, not every month, to avoid burnout.
  
• Carry over leftovers, rewarding yourself for saving.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Divide your total monthly budget by four and stick to that number weekly.

Make It Easy: Get a weekly budget notepad and hang it on your fridge for easy tracking.

5. Say No to Buying on Credit

Credit cards are like that friend who says, “Don’t worry, you’ll pay me later.”

Except “later” usually means interest, stress, and regret.

You should never buy what you can’t afford to pay in full this month.

Keep this in mind every time you’re tempted:

• If it’s not in your account, it’s not yours to buy.
  
• Pay off balances weekly, not monthly, to stay ahead.
  
• Keep only one credit card and use it strictly for essentials.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Only use your debit card or cash until your balance hits zero again.

Make It Easy: Try a credit card lock box that keeps cards tucked away until bills are paid.

📌 SAVE IT FOR LATER! 📌