懶人理財:年輕鬆存錢10步

We all wish we could save More, spend more wisely, and stick to our Budgets--but with the average American hanging on to approximately $8,000 in credit card debt, budgeting is clearly not a priority for most of us. The problem is, saving and sticking to a budget is a lifestyle change, which is why saving money is about as easy as losing weight. But no worries--here are 10 great tips for budgeting and saving your money so that you can start making those changes easily and effectively.

1. Be Realistic:
Make sure your budget is realistic. Giving yourself close to no wiggle room will make following a budget more than miserable, and we all know the harsher the budget is, the less likely you are to stick to it.
定一個可行的計劃
保證你的計劃是可行的，我們都知道，計劃定的越死就越難實現，所以要把定一個可行的計劃。

2. Recognize Past Habits:
Before making your budget, look at your statements for the month and figure out exactly what all of your money goes towards.
掌握錢的主要流向
在死定計劃之前，問自己錢主要是用在什麼地方了。

3. Determine Problem Areas:
After you categorize how much money you spend in each area, look at the areas that surprised you the most for where you can save. For example, if you didn't expect that you spent $500 last month on clothing, maybe that's the area you need to concentrate on most in your budget.
將花費歸類
在清楚自己每個月的花費之後，將他們進行歸類，並弄清楚那個是你花費的主要地方，如果有些地方可以不用花的，記着提醒自己。

4. Make Small Adjustments to Reap Big Rewards:
Make a list of the top three areas where you can save and cut your spending by just 20 percent or less. For example, consider this: if you started shopping at wholesale outlets or farmer's markets, would you be able to lower your grocery bill each month?
適當地調整
找出3個你可以省錢的環節，例如，你可以去集市買菜，這樣你的菜錢就可以省下來一下。

5. Take Control of Mortgage Payments:
Is your mortgage a large chunk of your spending? Maybe you bought a house that was a bit over budget. With current mortgage rates at historically low levels, now is the time to refinance and lower your mortgage payment to get your finances under control.
控制房貸
換房貸是不是你主要的支出呢？現在的房貸利率降低了，你可以將這筆錢減少。

6. Learn to Cook:
Is one of your problem areas eating out? Change your lifestyle by buying a few cookbooks, or watching a few cooking shows such as Good Eats to help you learn to enjoy successful cooking at home. The amount of money you'll save in the end from eating in versus dining out is extraordinary.
多在家裏吃飯
外出吃飯會花費你很多錢，試着自己做飯吃，學學烹飪，這樣會省一點。

7. Utilize Technology:
Is it hard for you to keep track of where your money is going? Try for great graphing technology that monitors your finances. also offers great tools for keeping track of your home and financial spending and even gives you a free credit report.
網上記賬
你是不是發現記賬很困難呢？現在有很多網絡都提供這樣的服務，試着在網上記賬吧

8. Self Reflect:
If you don't like using web programs to budget, another way to cut spending quickly is to begin writing down every single thing you spend money on for a week straight. This reflective process helps you curb spending and think twice about each purchase.
自我反省
如果網上記賬你還嫌麻煩，那麼你就一週記一次賬，然後看看自己主要把錢花在哪些方面了。

9. Minimize Your Consumer Clutter:
Do you have a lot of clutter in your home? Oftentimes, buying habits develop from collecting objects that don't really add value to your life. Resist the urge to buy an extra dolphin figurine, and instead save that money for better uses.
減少購買衣服的開銷
你家裏是不是有很多衣服呢?我們經常會不自覺地去買一些我們不需要的東西，這就是一種浪費。

10. It's More Than a Budget; It's a Lifestyle:
After creating your budget, the most important thing is to take active steps towards changing your lifestyle so that it's easier to follow. If you stop for coffee every morning, consider investing in a programmable coffee machine that brews great coffee or espresso in the morning. While you may have to spend more initially, finding ways to make that budget a long-term habit without sacrificing the things you enjoy is the key to lifetime savings.
養成良好的生活習慣
在做好預算之後，接下來就是付諸實踐了，養成良好的生活習慣是幫助實現自己的預算的最佳方法。

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