Ok so we’re officially a couple of months in the new year and how are you doing with budgeting? I know money is something we all love to spend but hmmm maybe not so much manage. It’s a new year which means it’s time for you to turn over a new leaf. Here are a couple tips that will have you not just rockin’ a fly clutch but making sure it is full as well!

Vision Board- Just a little reminder. The best way to see and to reach a savings goal is to visually see it. So whatever you’re saving for cut out a picture and put it on your wall or bulletin board. This way you’ll be constantly reminded of why you need to save and much more careful of what you spend your money on.

Rainy Days- Yes, we would love to live in a perfect world where we know what would happen next but unfortunately we don’t (at least it keeps life exciting, right?). Anyways let’s jump back on track. So you never know what can happen and yes that includes unexpected expenses. I know looking at your checks you feel like you don’t have enough money to save, well you’re wrong. You do not have to put hundreds in the bank a week, just put what you can afford. Instead of agreeing on an amount of what you would save because your check changes every week, agree on a percentage. So let’s say every two weeks you put 10% of your check. Trust me…it adds up!

“You Can’t Touch This”- Just like MC Hammer said as he rocked the stage same goes with you and your savings account. As excited as you get by how much you are savings you have after couple of months, make sure you do not touch it. And if you do it has to be in emergency situations in which the savings were made for! Oh and let me get one thing clear the shoe sale at the boutique does not quite make the cut!! I know it may seem like self torture now but you will thank me for this later

Score! It’s A Goal- Once you get in the habit of tracking what you spend (I promise it won’t seem like a chore after awhile) you can begin setting goals for yourself. You’ll begin to see and notice spending patterns you have within yourself. You can slowly begin to cut back on what you notice what you spend a lot of money on. And each week you should have atleast one goal. If it’s bringing your lunch or cutting back on your destinations to not go over your gas money, it will all help at the end.

-C.O.R.E Fam

Yes, we have all have to admit we have said this word and even heard our parents mutter it out of their lips. We probably even received piercing looks from our friends after saying it. It slowly comes out of our mouth and may even hurt a little while trying to pronounce it. Yes, the “B” word sometimes feels like it is ruining our life day after day. Now let’s all say this word together….
B-U-D-G-E-T!

The word seems painful but is more helpful than anything!  Here are three helpful hints to start off budgeting so it will be second nature by the time you’re adults!

Show It To Me!- Yes, sometimes it is true, we do need to see it to believe it! Having 343 thoughts running through your mind at once you can easily forget or let something fall through the cracks especially when it comes to money. Create a list or a basic spread sheet of everything you spend each time you receive your check. The list will either show how savvy you are with savings or simply surprise that money runs though your hands easier than water. This way you can set an amount of how much you’re going to spend in each area.

Want vs. Need-  Oh wait, you didn’t think there was a difference??  You automatically assumed that everything secretly snuck in that good ol “Need” stack! Tsk Tsk…it’s time to re-evaluate. No that new one shoulder top from the boutique or those cute pair of shoes you’ve been eying don’t quite make the “Need” list.Since you ‘re getting hip to the visual scene, create two different lists of  all the things you spend money on that’s a “want” and the same thing for what is a “need.” A need would be gas money for your car or money for lunch for the week not the fly pair of boyfriend jeans that just came out.

Time to Take Inventory!- Yeah,yeah you might be what we would call a “Repeat Offender.” The one who goes out and buys 5 more items that almost look identical to the ones you have in you r closet. No one’s pointing fingers because I stand here GUILTY. But you would be surprised how much money you would save if you take inventory before going shopping. There is nothing worse than wasting money on replicas.

So I hope I made it a tad bit easier to say  the “B” word. Hey, Who know? It might start to be part of your day to day vocabulary!

Miracles & Blessings

-C.O.R.E Family

Hey Gorgeous Gals,

Ok, so you had a tough week. You made it through your biology test, a 2 hour extended volleyball practice and a 5 hour lecture from your parents about how you need to be more responsible. You wish you could have a spa day but realize that you don’t have $200 bucks to dish out. Well you can bring the spa to you! Check out these beauty goodies that you can get all under $15…

Superstar Nail Lacquer Bombshell Blue- $10.oo

Hello Kitty Big Smile Gloss- $9.00

Target Red Velvet Cupcake Candle- $10.00

Extracts Brazil Nut Body Butter- $9.00

Aromafloria For Feet’s Sake Foot Scrub- $11.99

The days of cold, snow and 12 layers are slowly dwindling down. Since we know Spring and warm weather will be here before you know it, it’s time to think about new & fun fashion that you can add to your wardrobe collection.  Yes, I know thinking ahead is something you rather not do but trust me you’ll love us once you do! Check out three tips of how to get your wardrobe Spring Fresh on a Budget…

To Give is to Get- Ok, so you have TONS of clothing in your closet. Even if you just shook your head “no,”  I still don’t believe you and neither should you. When we all think about everything we own we always feel like we never have enough of anything. Once you go diving into your closet and pull out all the clothes you have and haven’t worn, you may have found your ticket to getting new clothes. Gather up all your gently used clothes and take them to places like Buffalo Exchange or Platos Closet and go cash in. This will allow you to make room for new clothing while putting money in your hand for new outfits!

One by One- Ok so I know everything you see flipping through mags, blogs & stores is what you want. But one key item you have  to remember is to try not to get all new items at once. That is too much pressure for you and your trendy wallet. Since it’s only February you have the perfect time to save up and buy a new item every other week until Spring gets here! If you follow this plan, you will be one of the fashionable girls around!

Thrifting!- Yes, I know when you think of thrift stores, you might be a little sketchy about them. But I promise you won’t be disappointed! Make a list of staple products you need that you want to get from main stores. And then for accessories or anything else drop into the thrift store and see what you can find.  For instance if it’s difficult for you to find jeans that fit, go to your fave store to buy them but for jewelry or a cute cardigan check out your local thrift shop. Trust me there is nothing better than looking fly and only spending $ 2.99 for it instead of 29.00, just saying.

-C.O.R,E FAm