The husband is usually the one who provides for the family’s needs while the wife manages the expenses. Couples differ in their priorities, and that is why there are those who can save, those who have enough, and those who lack in budget.
Women should be smart in spending money. They should be sharp on all the details of where their income is going. A household with an intelligent woman has an advantage when it comes to finances. She seldom lacks budget and most often has more savings.
You can’t control whether your boss fires you, if the stock market falls, or whether you suddenly get sick; however, you can decide to consciously manage your money by taking the reins of your spending habits. — Nicole S. Urdang, MS, NCC, DHM
10 Tips For Wives To Save Money:
- Bring a list when you go to the grocery store. Never go there unprepared as you may buy more than what you need. Sometimes when we see stuff in the grocery, we get amazed by some products and end up buying them without really needing them.
- Never go to the grocery store when you are hungry. You may crave for everything you see on the shelves and end up buying all of them, but when you get home, you would only eat not even half of what you thought you could finish.
- Always have a list of the things you need to pay like the utility bills, mortgage, and such. If possible, have a separate envelope for each so you can quickly identify them.
- Buy only the things you need. If you are tempted to purchase something, ask yourself “Do I need it? Will it affect my daily life if I do not have it?” If your answer is no, then do not buy it.
A 2018 survey conducted by Bankrate found that 19% of Americans report not saving anything whatsoever, and another 21% save less than 5% of their income. — Utpal Dholakia Ph.D.
- Talk to your husband about setting up a separate account for your emergency fund, holiday fund, or individual savings. You can also opt to open a savings account for the kids.
- Learn a variety of cuisine and be great at it. That way, your family will be able to avoid dining out. It is hard to notice, but dining out can be where most expenses go.
- Avoid online shopping because you will most probably want to buy everything you see, especially those that are on sale.
- Teach your kids to spend wisely, and avoid buying them unnecessary things like gadgets. It is good for entertainment and some learning, but it is better to play and spend quality time with them rather than give them these things.
- Plan your yearly vacation. It is better to know and separate the expenses you will need. That way, you will be able to budget your money rather than go home from the vacation broke.
- Take good care of the furniture at home and even the clothes and shoes, so you can avoid buying new ones whenever you see your husband wear a worn out shirt.
The future rewards that saving allows us to reap are intangible, and saving pots (especially for retirement) are the cumulative effect of many seemingly insignificant contributions. — Alain Samson Ph.D.
Wives should be smart when it comes to handling money. They determine the financial stability of the family. They need to know the things they should do to save money and the things to avoid like spending too much. A smart woman provides peace of mind to a husband who works hard to make sure his family gets what they need.