budgeting tips that saved my sanity

So, I've been on a bit of a personal finance journey lately, and I thought I'd share some tips that have really helped me keep my budget on track. Maybe it'll help someone out there too! 1. **Weekly money check-ins**: I started setting aside just 15 minutes every Sunday to review my expenses from the past week. It's amazing how much more conscious I am about spending when I know I have to face the numbers soon! 2. **The envelope system**: This old-school method is a game-changer. I put physical cash into envelopes for different categories like groceries, entertainment, and dining out. Once the envelope’s empty, that's it for the month. It's like a fun challenge and helps curb impulse purchases. 3. **Meal planning**: Seriously, this saves both money and stress. I plan meals for the week, make a shopping list, and stick to it. It cuts down on food waste and those last-minute takeout orders. 4. **Using cashback apps**: I've started using a couple of these apps whenever I shop online. It's a nice little bonus to get some money back on purchases I'd be making anyway. Anyone else got tips or want to share how they manage their finances? Always looking to learn new tricks!