Budgeting is an essential part of saving up for a mortgage, wedding, or major purchase, and it’s not always easy. Many people build a solid plan and start out strong only to falter later, which can put your goals further out of reach. Budgeting doesn’t have to be complicated, so below are several helpful tips you can use along your journey.

How to Stay Committed to Your Budget

1. Create a Realistic Plan

Trying to cut your monthly spending in half will ultimately leave you with little money to do anything after you’ve handled your bills and basic necessities. Reducing spending by a fourth, however, is much more manageable. If you have to struggle, budgeting will become a burden, but if you slightly reduce your spending, you can still enjoy watching your savings grow.

2. Track Spending

Seeing how you’re overspending is one of the best ways to create a budgeting plan. There are many mobile apps that sync with your bank account and then track every penny spent. You may discover that cutting out a morning coffee saves a decent amount of money you can put toward a mortgage or rent. These apps usually also show reoccurring expenses you may have forgotten about and still pay for, such as magazine or streaming service subscriptions you aren’t using anymore.

3. Set Auto-Deposit

Budgeting is easy when it’s done for you automatically. Once you’ve determined a reasonable amount you can put away each week, set up an auto-deposit service with your bank. This will automatically withdraw money from your checking account and deposit it into your savings account.

4. Take the Time to Learn New Hobbies

Hobbies to accommodate and encourage your budgeting are the best for your efforts to save money. You can reduce how frequently you go out to eat and start exploring new dishes at home. Also, you can take on DIY projects at home, like making your own cleaning supplies, buying used clothes to restore them, and starting your own vegetable garden. These are great ways to continue saving money after you secure a mortgage or have a new car payment

Whether you’re looking for a mortgage or just need your everyday banking needs handled, Citizens Bank offers all of the services needed. This Byhalia, MS, bank is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and has welcomed customers since 1919, offering consumer loans, mortgage, and more. You can learn about opening an account on their website or call (662) 838-2146 if you’re ready to speak with an associate.