"7 Simple Budgeting Strategies to Help You Generate Wealth"

Written by Sarah Mitchell | Investment Specialist

Article last updated on Article last updated on September 8, 2023 at 011:29:46 AM EDT

If you’re looking to generate wealth, budgeting should be one of the first steps that you take. Having full control of your finances is the best way to secure your financial future. You’ll be able to save more money, invest into the right tools, and make your money work for you.



Here are 7 simple budgeting strategies to help you generate wealth.



1. Pay yourself first


One of the most important steps to take is to pay yourself first. Set aside a certain amount from each paycheck to go into a Savings Account or Investment Portfolio. You could even set up an automatic transfer to have money sent directly from your checking account to your savings or investments. This way, the money will always be available to you and you won’t be tempted to spend it on something else.



2. Track your spending


It’s important to know where your money is going each month. There are a few services out there that can help you keep track of your spending such as Mint from Intuit. Mint allows you to connect your bank accounts, credit cards, and investments to track your spending and monitor your cash flow.



3. Create a budget


Creating a budget is the best way to stay on track and make sure that your spending is in line with your goals. Start with your fixed expenses like rent, utilities, car payments, etc. Then add in your variable expenses like groceries, entertainment, and eating out. Make sure to set a limit for each of these categories and stick to it. Services like You Need A Budget (YNAB) can help you create and track your budget over time.



4. Live below your means


This is a key part of budgeting: you should be living below your means. Make sure that your expenses are lower than your income. This will allow you to save more money and use it to invest in assets that will help you generate wealth.



5. Limit discretionary spending


Discretionary spending can add up quickly and, if not monitored, can spiral out of control. Take a hard look at your discretionary spending and determine which expenses are necessary and which are not.



6. Put your money to work


Once you start to build up an emergency fund, it’s time to start thinking about investing. You could open a brokerage account and invest in stocks and bonds, open a high-yield savings account, or use a Robo-Advisor to invest your money in ETFs and mutual funds.



7. Educate yourself


It’s important to stay on top of financial news and trends. Educating yourself on money management and investing strategies can help you make smarter decisions with your money and ensure that you’re always prepared. There are plenty of websites and blogs dedicated to