Why can't I seem to save anything :(

[fnord]

I am perpetually dealing with people who complain about tight budgets, yet when obvious solutions are pointed out the advice is ignored because it means getting rid of something you're used to or feel you "need" to survive. I earn a similar income to the OP, yet I'm able to save several hundred dollars a month after my expenses. Stop eating out. This phrase is repeated to no end, yet the chronically broke continue to do it. I pick up a $4 burrito here & there and maybe every few weeks treat myself to a special meal at a restaurant. The rest of the time? I buy food in bulk, keep a veggie garden, etc etc etc...and I make my meals from scratch. Every 2-3 days I typically make a big batch of food that I keep in the fridge and that's my breakfast, lunch, and dinner until it's gone. Pack a couple plastic containers with food to bring to work, keep some snack items at your desk - simple, and easily 1/2 the $ amount you would spend on take-away food.

I hear the stories from people who can't pay their rent on time, hear them arguing with debt collectors on the phone, crying about the economy...then they zip out at lunch every day in their car to pick up some $6.50 crap in a styrofoam box when they could have packed in their own lunch for a third of the cost.

If I read correctly, you have a car payment? Make it go away. If you absolutely and truly need a car to get by in life - and I mean really - either try to sell the liened car for more than you owe on it or scrimp and save for a while until you can pay cash for a used car. Debt is evil. I found myself in a hole once and I got rid of the car and just rode a bike. Borrowed a friend's car once a week to run errands and such. Saved HUNDREDS each month. If it's feasible, just do it.

[las vegas drunk]

Originally Posted by fnord

I am perpetually dealing with people who complain about tight budgets, yet when obvious solutions are pointed out the advice is ignored because it means getting rid of something you're used to or feel you "need" to survive. I earn a similar income to the OP, yet I'm able to save several hundred dollars a month after my expenses. Stop eating out. This phrase is repeated to no end, yet the chronically broke continue to do it. I pick up a $4 burrito here & there and maybe every few weeks treat myself to a special meal at a restaurant. The rest of the time? I buy food in bulk, keep a veggie garden, etc etc etc...and I make my meals from scratch. Every 2-3 days I typically make a big batch of food that I keep in the fridge and that's my breakfast, lunch, and dinner until it's gone. Pack a couple plastic containers with food to bring to work, keep some snack items at your desk - simple, and easily 1/2 the $ amount you would spend on take-away food.

I hear the stories from people who can't pay their rent on time, hear them arguing with debt collectors on the phone, crying about the economy...then they zip out at lunch every day in their car to pick up some $6.50 crap in a styrofoam box when they could have packed in their own lunch for a third of the cost.

If I read correctly, you have a car payment? Make it go away. If you absolutely and truly need a car to get by in life - and I mean really - either try to sell the liened car for more than you owe on it or scrimp and save for a while until you can pay cash for a used car. Debt is evil. I found myself in a hole once and I got rid of the car and just rode a bike. Borrowed a friend's car once a week to run errands and such. Saved HUNDREDS each month. If it's feasible, just do it.

Very good point. I have been trying to to tell people this for years. For example, I save a lot by owning a cheap used car that I paid cash. Since it is only worth a few hundred dollars, I can skimp and get only liability car insurance. The main problem is this guys car, scrap it and there is at least $300 that can be saved. Then, do the sack lunches, and even more can be saved...

[homeowner35]

Originally Posted by BryceE

I've got a huge problem. I can't seem to save anything. I still live at home and have a very low paying job, $10/hr video editor and I can't seem to save anything. How can I keep myself from going out and eating 5-6 meals a day, stop myself from just spending on things I don't need.

Pay yourself first. Open an online account and request automatic deposits into this account. Don't get an ATM card. Forget about it and watch your money grow. Credit unions are also good. Good Luck!