Live Paycheck to Paycheck No More

Your paycheck arrives and it’s finally time to catch up on those bills and have a night out… until your bank account is back to bleak and you spend your days counting down to the next paycheck.
About one-third of American households are trapped in this vicious cycle; but with a few helpful tips, you can live paycheck to paycheck no more! Here are some ways you can take better control of your finances.
Create a budget.
Starting a budget is easier said than done. To gain a clear understanding of how you are spending your money and what adjustments you need to make, the best thing to do is track all of your expenditures for a month – every single one; even the smallest ones! Review this list and compare it to your monthly income. Are there any unnecessary expenses on there, such as that new top you were dying to have or those designer sunglasses you just had to add to your collection? Figure out how you can keep your spending levels as far below your income as possible. Use a spreadsheet, a budgeting app or good old-fashioned pen and paper.
Trim the fat.
No, we’re not talking about your body! Think about your larger expenses. Is there any way to reduce those costs? Do you really watch all of those channels? Call your cable company and see if there’s a cheaper package available. Are you really using that gym membership? Even if you are going to the gym here and there, it might not be worth the monthly price you’re paying. Consider at-home workouts, or simply switching to a cheaper gym. Are you buying unnecessary groceries? Grocery shopping can be a huge expense, especially if you have a large family. Stick to the necessities, and seek out sales and coupons. You’d be surprised how a little savings here and there can add up in the long run!
Boost your income.
There are plenty of ways – both big and small – to pocket some extra money. If your schedule allows it, consider a part-time job in addition to your main one. Or, take your talents and passions and turn them into a side business, such as selling clothing or jewelry, or teaching art classes. For those with busier schedules, make some additional cash simply by participating in paid online surveys, or selling items you no longer need on eBay, Craigslist or Facebook. Put that extra money toward your savings or bills, and it will make a great impact on your budget.
Save through self-improvement.
Quitting a bad habit such as smoking can save you hundreds of dollars or more over a period of time. When you have the urge to buy another pack, put the money in a savings jar instead. It will take some willpower, but in the long run you’ll save both your health and a ton of money. Use that money to pay off a credit card, or reward yourself with a vacation or goodie you’ve had your eye on.
Establish an emergency fund.
If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, you most likely won’t have cash available if an emergency situation arises. Work you budget so you can put a certain amount of money toward an emergency fund on a weekly or monthly basis. Set a dollar amount that would cover three months of overall expenses if you were suddenly unemployed, and when savings exceed that figure, put that extra money toward something else!