In September 2012, the U.S. Federal Reserve noted that the amount of household debt for the second quarter of the year topped out at a level not seen since 2008. Experts proceeded to speculate that this increase might point to improving economic conditions, because people had more confidence about taking out loans.
However, this spending trend also means that some people are struggling to make ends meet or saving up for big-ticket items. If you’re among them, help with managing your spending habits could be as near as your computer’s desktop.
A Constant Visual Aid
Depending on your line of work, you might spend several hours a day gazing at your computer. Why not use that time to keep yourself motivated about something that you’re saving up to buy?
For example, if you’ve always dreamed of seeing the country while riding on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, change your desktop background to reflect that desire. On a practical note, don’t forget to make room in your budget for things like motorcycle insurance or meetings with a motorcycle attorney.
Notepad Applications for Your Desktop
If you’re the type of person who uses both words and pictures to restrain your spending behavior, think about using a virtual notepad application that works in conjunction with your desktop. Whether you use a PC or Mac, you’ll find several helpful options, and many are free of charge or might already be installed on your operating system.
After you’ve begun using these virtual notepads, customize them as much as possible. Often you can change the color of the paper plus the font size and style. Aim to make the note something you’ll enjoy looking at, because then you won’t be tempted to see it as a nuisance. You could even make a list of when your favourite stores are having promotional offers on your favourite products. Every time you’re tempted to shop your notes will remind you that soon the items you want will be on sale.
Free Budget Helpers
Once you’ve decked out your desktop to your liking, search for websites that help you see how much you’re spending in comparison to your income. At first your results might be an eye-opener, but don’t feel discouraged. The key to managing your budget begins by understanding your current habits and learning what you can do to make improvements. These improvements can be anything from finding more discount voucher codes, to cutting out your weekly happy hour.
With the knowledge that many people like to take technology on the go, some budgeting websites have iPad applications. There are even some budget calculators that can permanently reside on your computer’s desktop, making it simple to see the impact of every purchasing decision.
Becoming more responsible with your money isn’t a skill you can develop overnight. However, with the right mindset and a willingness to make changes in your current habits, you’ll make a difference. Soon it’ll be clear that it’s not always necessary to buy fancy software packages to keep your spending on track. Get started today by customizing your computer’s desktop in a way that reflects your goals.