How to ... Budget For Happiness

Hello Friends !

How are you ? I hope you're happy because everybody deserves to be happy. Unfortunately from time to time when money gets tight it can be a lil bit difficult to budget in a way that allows you to pay for the things that help keep you smiling. Especially when you're a student struggling along on very little money and a lot of stress from studying which is NOT a good combination. However, recently I've been working with Earnest.com to learn about ways you can control your money. They have a new system that allows graduates to refinance their student loans to fit their post-college life, with the ability to skip or change your monthly payment. It got me thinking about ways I can break down all this complicated money malarkey into five key areas that I'm going to explain in simple, no fuss terms so that YOU can budget for the happiness you deserve.

I like to divide my monthly wages into four. This allows me to see what I have to spend each week and makes it harder for me to lose track of my budgeting and over spend. I then split the weeks money between five key areas for happiness.

Nutrition

Without the nutrients that your body needs then how will you be able to feel happy and healthy in the most important part of your body, your mind. Spend some time planning out healthy meals filled with plants and whole grains that won't cost the earth. A healthy diet can fit to any budget. Buying frozen vegetables is a great way to bulk up any meal and adds a delicious twist for a low price ! You can even reduce the price of your favourite meals by removing expensive meats. For example switching the mince beef in chili con carne for extra kidney beans and some quinoa ! Alternatively, you can switch your expensive super food smoothies for the fresh homemade kind or even the healthiest drink of all, water!

Fitness

Keeping with the theme of  Healthy Body = Healthy Mind and it's important to keep yourself fit ! There are lots of ways to do this. Some budgets will allow for gym memberships, if so then makes sure that you shop around for the best membership deals. Think about inclusive exercise classes, good equipment, Is it in walking distance ? I always look for a gym that I can walk to because that walk acts as a warm up for my session ! However if a gym is a little out of your price range there are lots of alternatives. How about taking up yoga. You could go to weekly classes or if that's not fee-sable then how about using YouTube videos to help you to learn, for example Yoga With Adriene.

Treating Yourself

Every now and then it's important that you treat yourself to a little present to remind yourself of how special you are. It doesn't need to be something big, perhaps a little nail varnish or a bar of chocolate for a little pick me up ! You could even save up your extra money over the month to buy yourself something bigger like some new hair straighteners or a nutri-bullet !

You Time

There is very little more important than spending time with yourself, it's essential for learning who you are, who you'd like to be and how you're going to get there. There are lots of ways to spend time with yourself. You can simply curl up with fairy lights and a good book or if you have a little more money, what about a spa day? There's no better way to relax than a lovely massage or a facial. It's the perfect reminder of how wonderful you are and how much you deserve happiness.

Time With Friends And Family

However important it is to spend time learning to be grateful to yourself, it is also important to spend time with your loved ones. Sometimes, especially as a student you can begin to feel very isolated when you feel that you don't have enough money to go out and socialize with your friends and family . But there's no need ! If you have a slightly higher income then how about a trip to the cinema with student discount and pre-bought snacks from the supermarket. If you have a lower income then don't despair, put together a picnic and take your family to the park to enjoy it ! It a lovely day out and think of all the fun the younger members of your family will have !

How do you budget for happiness ? I'd love to hear from you in the comments ! If you found this post helpful and would like some more ideas then head over to the Earnest Blog for lots of brilliant ways to take charge of your spending habits and continue to live a happy and fulfilled life

Stay Strong <3 Stay Smiley :) Stay In Budget

Lots of love, Marianne xxx

P.s. I wrote this post in collaboration with Earnest.com but all opinions are my own.

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