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How can I become more disciplined and thrifty with my money?

credit card monthly repayment financial tightness pocket money thrifty habits
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How can I become more disciplined and thrifty with my money? By Anonymous | Published on December 18, 2024

I have to pay off my credit card each month, and I'm quite tight on money. I'm someone who values enjoying the present, and I'm not extravagant with my spending. However, I'm also not overly frugal; my daily pocket money is around 30 yuan. I could potentially be more thrifty, like buying fewer snacks or taking the bus early in the morning, but I can't seem to do it. It might be a habit, and not having money isn't a huge harm either. I don't have a strong sense of it. In my memory, spending carelessly and not having a concept of money doesn't affect me much, but I feel I should be more planned. Sometimes, I also forget the due date for repayment, and I've borrowed money from friends several times, feeling embarrassed to borrow again. I'm the kind of person who can repay you within a few days, or I can cover you for half a month and repay you with my salary, but it's never quite enough each month.

Isaac Jeremiah Bailey Isaac Jeremiah Bailey A total of 8617 people have been helped

You can only accumulate money gradually by increasing your income and reducing your spending. While doing so, you should also look at your career plan and determine if your current job provides you with the resources you want.

You need to be able to support your daily expenses.

You want to enjoy the present, but you have to spend money to do that. You can't live rent-free in a small mountain village and raise chickens, ducks, vegetables, and rice without spending money. In most cases, you'll have to spend money on things you don't want to spend money on.

You need to be more financially disciplined and save.

◆ Credit card payments every month Tight budget

I'm done with spending sprees. I'm cutting back on snacks. I'm taking the bus in the morning.

SAVE!

➕➕➕➕➕ Planning

You can see that you can't do it because some sense of experience is still essential. Necessary expenses stabilize your quality of life, and you have your own spending habits.

Understand your consumption habits and income benchmarks.

I'd like to know if there's any possibility of a salary increase.

You can be thrifty with your transportation expenses in your daily life.

For example, you should ride a bicycle instead of taking public transportation as much as possible, take public transportation instead of the subway as much as possible, and try not to take a taxi if you can take the subway. The difference in money from cycling to taking a taxi is also huge. Some friends may be used to paying with their face, but you shouldn't be.

It's convenient to swipe your card at the sight of anything and have your money taken out very quickly. However, this also makes our money flow away more quickly, so it's not recommended to open this super-fast payment method. Sometimes it may be too late to think.

The money is already invested and it's not convenient to withdraw it. These are all very detailed situations. Record what your daily expenses are like and see what the costs are for buying groceries, stationery, public transportation, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

You don't spend money indiscriminately, so this task is feasible for you. Record your usual spending habits to understand what you can afford.

Set up automatic payments if you tend to forget when your payments are due. This can be done in some everyday software. Control your borrowing frequency and save more rather than borrowing more. Record these details and think twice. Take a career aptitude test to understand yourself better. Best of luck!

What is ZQ?

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Vitalianoa Watson Vitalianoa Watson A total of 7080 people have been helped

Good afternoon, dear friend!

I totally get it. Your question is about our personal relationship with wealth energy, so I'm happy to help you sort it out from that perspective.

It's great to see that you're only slightly troubled now. It seems like you're ready to start saving money, cutting costs, and increasing your income. I think it's important to remember that there's a psychological factor at play here. Many of us have encountered obstacles and barriers with wealth. In today's world, it's become pretty common to use credit cards and online loans, which can lead to a lifestyle of spending in advance. It's a trend that's happening in society as a whole, so it's something we can all relate to.

You're already making payments on your credit card, which is great! But we also have to think ahead to online lending. If you keep spending more than you earn, you'll feel the pressure to spend or repay, which will make your finances even more challenging. You might feel like you need to be more organized with your money and save more. This question is really well written! It's about planning for financial difficulties or our ability to create money. Once we've done that, we can increase income and reduce expenditure, plan our money, plan our wealth, and plan our own inner energy.

From the perspective of wealth energy, the wealth blocks we encounter now are related to our perception of wealth, our views on money, and our emotions. We can think about our current monthly income, what you personally expect, and how much of your inner wealth is manifested. What we mean is what we create, and then how much we have to spend now, whether it is our daily expenses, and whether we have financial management?

It's so easy to get into trouble with credit cards! But the truth is, our external problems actually stem from our internal attitude towards wealth and our relationship with money. In fact, our relationship with money is also related to our relationship with our parents and the world. And in the middle of all this, we have some irrational beliefs. If you like, the questioner can explore this wealth energy and find a professional wealth planner or spiritual guide to help us improve the links that block wealth. Wealth resources can unify our inner and outer selves, and our inner richness will enrich our outer lives.

I'm a nutrition consultant, and I love you all!

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Henry Perez Henry Perez A total of 6392 people have been helped

Dear Question Asker, My name is Enoch, and I am the individual who responded to your question. Based on the information you provided, it appears that you are aware that your financial management skills could be improved. You have indicated that you occasionally rely on your credit card or borrow money from friends to make ends meet for a month. While this may be a temporary solution, it is not a sustainable one. You have expressed a desire to gain control over your income and expenditure by implementing effective financial planning strategies.

Let us examine the underlying cause of this phenomenon.

1. The questioner has developed some problematic spending habits as a result of using credit cards and borrowing money from friends to address financial difficulties.

From the description provided, it appears that the individual in question possesses a stable employment status. However, the income generated from this position may not be sufficient to cover the individual's monthly expenses. Consequently, they opted to open a credit card account, yet occasionally neglect to make the requisite repayments, leading to the accrual of interest charges. In response, they devised a plan to borrow funds from acquaintances. However, over time, they began to experience feelings of embarrassment associated with this arrangement. In their efforts to achieve a state of financial equilibrium between their income and expenditure, the individual has developed a set of spending habits. They perceive a need for their romantic partner to alter their current financial practices.

2. The questioner's lifestyle is a function of their own living habits and consumption concepts.

The primary rationale behind the questioner's inclination to maintain his spending habits is his valuation of the present moment. This leads him to perceive his daily spending and expenses as reasonable and to resist any changes. Concurrently, he may also perceive no necessity to alter his habits, assuming they will have no impact on him. Consequently, he has adopted an intrinsic lifestyle of living with a tight budget.

3. It is evident that borrowing money is not a viable long-term solution to maintaining success. Consequently, when faced with a certain degree of external pressure, the questioner began to contemplate the potential benefits of financial planning.

Although the questioner has formed his own spending habits and to some extent achieved a sense of self-satisfaction and balance, relying on outside support is not a long-term solution. Therefore, the questioner was also able to quickly and flexibly think of adjusting his financial plan to solve his own problems. This is a particularly clever, realistic, and effective idea, and it is therefore to be applauded.

The following suggestions are offered to the questioner in the hope of providing assistance.

1. It is recommended that you plan your finances and life from a long-term perspective.

It is possible that the questioner is relatively young and therefore lacks a long-term plan for their life. Furthermore, their parents may not have provided guidance or set requirements for them. In light of these circumstances, I will offer the questioner advice based on my experience as a former student and as a professional psychological counselor. It is my hope that this advice will prove beneficial to the questioner.

In the near future, the questioner may encounter challenges associated with romantic relationships and marriage. These issues entail the necessity of providing financial assistance to a prospective partner, as well as the responsibilities associated with purchasing a residence and a vehicle, maintaining a vehicle, and raising children after marriage. These concerns demand financial resources, yet they cannot rely exclusively on parental support. Consequently, if the questioner aspires to more effectively address these challenges, it is imperative to develop savings.

Secondly, from a long-term perspective, there are some unexpected risks from family members, such as the provision of old-age support. It is therefore necessary for the questioner to accumulate a certain amount of wealth in order to honour their parents.

Thirdly, should the questioner wish to advance their career in the future, address other issues independently, or respond to requests for assistance from friends or family, they will also require a certain level of financial security.

It is therefore hoped that the questioner will be able to plan ahead and set their sights on the longer-term future.

2. Adopt a positive outlook regarding the advantages that modifying one's consumption habits will confer.

Indeed, if the questioner considers the change in his consumption concept from a different, more positive perspective, it will result in a wholly distinct experience and benefit.

The practice of rising early and taking the bus can facilitate the formation of beneficial habits that contribute to overall health and well-being. Engaging in reading material on the bus can foster new knowledge acquisition and enhance cognitive abilities. Additionally, observing the scenery along the route can promote relaxation and a positive outlook at the start of the day.

A reduction in snack consumption and an increase in cooking skills would result in a decrease in the intake of junk food, which would have a positive impact on health. Furthermore, the development of beneficial habits could also enhance one's appearance. Cooking can be an enjoyable activity that adds value to one's life, potentially improving one's attractiveness.

Furthermore, the questioner may wish to consider whether undertaking a role that better reflects their value and significance could potentially enhance their financial income, thereby facilitating a more favourable quality of life.

Indeed, greater attention to the news might prompt the questioner to consider novel changes. For instance, the life of Olympic champion Gu Ailing has recently exerted a profound influence on me. If individuals can accomplish so many things simultaneously, why not actively pursue breakthroughs and improvements? The story of Elon Musk's mother, the world's richest man's mother, is particularly inspiring. Despite being a single mother, she managed to raise three billionaire children.

Despite Japan's status as the world's largest producer and manufacturer of automobiles, its citizens have opted for bicycles over cars and walking over riding bicycles. It can be argued that individuals with exemplary qualities can motivate others to embrace change, and that a commendable lifestyle is worthy of emulation.

3. Respond to effective planning with practical actions to achieve self-satisfaction

Once the questioner has identified a need for change and has identified an appropriate course of action, it is essential to take decisive action. Only through tangible action can one advance and improve, and only through action can one address the underlying issues.

It is my hope that the questioner will not only be able to resolve the immediate issue at hand, but also to develop a plan for a more optimal future.

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Alina Alina A total of 2584 people have been helped

Hello, question asker!

I saw your question on the platform about planning your monthly expenses and I'm excited to help! It's clear you're not a big spender, but I can also tell you're short on money each month. It's totally normal to spend more than you earn! You have a lot of expenses, including paying off your credit card and helping friends with emergencies. You're a "moonlighting" family, which is a term others use to describe a lifestyle where you work a second job to make ends meet. You love living a glamorous life and enjoying the present, which is great! You don't want to get up early to take the bus, you don't have a concept of money yet, you don't feel rushed even when you spend all your money every month, and you don't think it's a big problem. Let's work together to make some changes!

Ready to learn how to plan your monthly expenses in a way that works for you?

1. Spend wisely and manage your finances scientifically — it's a great way to ensure you're making the most of your money!

1. Get ready to take control of your finances! Start by developing good money management habits, recording every income and expense as it happens, and summarizing your spending at the end of the month. By keeping track of your spending, you can plan your spending and analyze which expenses can be eliminated, so that you can reduce them next month. This way, you will not overspend on living expenses and may even have some savings left. You will no longer have to worry about borrowing money in the future, and you can also slowly reduce the credit card limit. Never be late with a payment!

2. Get ready to plan your monthly spending based on last month's spending! Make a rough plan for your monthly spending, control your spending on clothing, food, housing and transportation, reduce unnecessary spending, don't buy unhealthy snacks, buy fewer non-essential items, and try to get up early to take the bus if you can!

3. Choose your shopping methods wisely. Install fewer shopping apps on your phone. This way, you'll be able to resist those tempting impulse purchases! Otherwise, you'll find yourself buying everything you see.

4. When buying supplies, go for practicality! Don't follow trends or comparisons blindly. And don't buy things just because you see others have them. Think about whether you can use it, whether it's right for you. That goes for clothes and bags too! You don't need to buy a lot of things that you can't fit in your closet. It's a waste of money and takes up space.

5. Open up new sources of income and cut back on expenses – there are so many ways to manage your finances! On the one hand, save some of the funds you have saved, and on the other hand, broaden your own channels for making money. You can appropriately increase your salary income, or you can purchase some securities or funds with less risk. You can reasonably allocate your funds to see how the allocation ratio will not affect your normal life. Sometimes forced savings are very useful. You can use some of the funds you can use to buy financial management, so that you can slowly accumulate wealth!

6. Get excited about your future! Make a long-term financial plan, commit to spending reasonably, and save up funds to complete your established plan.

2. And there's still more you can do to improve your quality of life!

Saving money is a great start, but improving the quality of your life is where it's at!

2. You have the power to create a fantastic quality of life for yourself! You can save more money by cutting down on unnecessary expenses and spending it on things that really matter to you.

3. Don't just maintain a superficial appearance of glamour and sophistication. Let it radiate from the depths of your soul!

4. And while you're living your best life, don't forget to spend a little more time enriching and improving yourself!

And now for one last, friendly reminder: don't overspend!

Let's dive into the world of credit cards! Spending on credit, borrowing money, or IOUs are all forms of overspending. When the current amount of money is insufficient to cover expenses, the money from the future is borrowed to pay for current expenses. This concept of consumption has both advantages and disadvantages, but for groups lacking self-control, it can easily lead to overspending.

While you can reduce the repayment pressure by taking advantage of installment plans, the handling fees are pretty high. It goes against the concept of reasonable consumption, but it's a great way to spread out your payments and avoid getting caught in a vicious cycle of borrowing from one place to pay off another. The consequences are even more serious if you are late, so it's important to be careful when using it.

I'm not arrogant, and I love talking about financial management! The world is amazing, and so are you! ??

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Tucker Young Tucker Young A total of 2372 people have been helped

Good day, my name is Xiaowan. I hope that my response will provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of financial planning.

Firstly, I would like to commend you for taking the initiative to reflect on your financial situation and identify potential areas for improvement. Admitting that your current plan has shortcomings is an important first step towards developing a more effective strategy. I am confident that with some adjustments, you will be able to create a more robust financial plan.

I would like to conclude by sharing some tips on financial planning and management.

1. Identifying the sources of your expenditure enables more effective financial planning.

In the current digital age, there are numerous financial management applications available to suit a variety of needs. I created an online spreadsheet to track my expenditures. This exercise revealed that a significant portion of my monthly budget is allocated to essentials such as food, transportation, and clothing. However, I identified an opportunity to streamline my spending on non-essential items. I began to question whether I could reduce the amount I spend on clothing. I made a conscious decision to only purchase items that I truly need, rather than making spontaneous purchases. I also considered whether there were similar items in my wardrobe that could be worn instead.

If the item is frequently worn, then it should be purchased. Otherwise, it is not a necessary expense.

The first step to understanding your spending habits is to keep a record of your spending.

2. Set aside a portion of your salary as compulsory savings as soon as you receive it.

Based on monthly spending records and the funds remaining at the end of the pay period, I determined that I could not utilize at least 500 yuan each month. Therefore, I implemented a policy of immediately depositing 500 yuan into my savings account each time I receive a paycheck. This strategy allows me to set aside money in advance for unexpected expenses. It should be noted that the monthly deposit is not necessarily 500 yuan. The amount varies based on my current financial position and the necessity of purchasing significant items. If I am able to save more, I will do so; if not, I will save at least 500 yuan. I have successfully adhered to this plan, and I am pleased with the results.

3⃣️Cancel any credit cards that are not essential to your financial needs and only spend what is necessary.

Apart from mortgage and car loan repayments, I do not engage in any early spending. I spend only what I have available. At the end of each month, I will summarize and reflect on my bills, and then plan my general spending for the next month. My lifestyle is also self-sufficient.

It is important to recognise that everyone has different aspirations and a varying capacity to generate income. Being self-sufficient is a valuable quality.

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Comments

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Phoebe Anderson Learning is a way to connect the dots of knowledge.

I hear you. Life can get tricky when you're trying to enjoy the moment while keeping up with financial responsibilities. It's tough when you're passionate about living in the present, yet the credit card bills keep piling up. It feels like there should be a balance somewhere. I guess it's time to start small, maybe set reminders for those due dates and track expenses to see where we can cut back a bit without losing the joy of today.

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Johnson Miller We learn from the wisdom of the ages as well as from contemporary knowledge.

It sounds like you've got a good heart but are stuck in a cycle that could use a little tweaking. Sometimes it's not about being super strict with yourself but finding smarter ways to manage what you have. Perhaps setting aside a fixed amount for fun each month would help keep things in check. And hey, if you miss the repayment date, no harm in giving your credit card company a call to ask for a grace period; they might just give you one.

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Josiah Miller Honesty is a rare jewel that should be protected at all costs.

The struggle is real when you're caught between wanting to live fully and needing to pay the bills. It's all about finding that sweet spot where you can do both. Maybe planning ahead doesn't have to mean cutting out all the fun. How about starting a minibudget challenge? Just to see if you can make it through a week or two with a bit more awareness of your spending. Baby steps can lead to big changes.

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Quentin Thomas The value of a teacher lies in their ability to turn students' potential into kinetic energy.

Balancing enjoying life and managing finances can be a real tightrope walk. It's okay to indulge sometimes, but maybe having a clearer plan could ease the pressure. What if you tried automating some of your payments? That way, you don't have to worry about missing deadlines. Plus, it might free up mental space to focus on the joys of today without the stress of tomorrow.

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Hernandez Davis Growth is a process of learning to see the growth that comes from being more responsible for our own growth.

You're in a tricky spot, balancing enjoyment and responsibility. It seems like you value both equally, which is commendable. Yet, there might be room to find a middle ground where you can still have your moments of indulgence while also keeping an eye on the bigger picture. Setting up a buffer fund for unexpected expenses could offer peace of mind and prevent those awkward moments of borrowing from friends.

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