With this day and age, no matter the salary, we should always try to find ways to save money. Often times when we get our paychecks, a bonus, or find some extra cash we want to go out and splurge. Well I used to splurge a lot; this was before I actually had real bills. Now I am more conscious on how I spend my money. Every month I create a plan to see how I will spend my money. Sometimes things do not always go according to plan, but I try not to veer too far away from my budget.

When people hear the word budget they often cringe. A budget is not bad at all and everyone should have one. A budget is simply “telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.” So here are a few of my budget basics

1. Drugstore makeup! I have quite an impressive collection of makeup and many people think I spend tons of money on makeup. In all reality, some of my favorite eye shadows, lipsticks, blushes, and mascara are drugstore brands like Maybelline, CoverGirl, Revlon, and Milani. One thing that is great about drugstore makeup is that it is of great quality and there is always a coupon so you save even more!
2. Use coupons! I am far from an extreme couponer but yes I use coupons! Saving a dollar here and there really adds up. I use coupons at supermarkets, department stores like Macy’s, drugstores like CVS, and beauty supply stores like Sally’s. Also before I shop online I always Google coupon codes for online retailers. I have had success with quite a few like getting free shipping or 20% off certain items. Try www.couponcodes.com to get started.
3. Sample Sales! Every so often I post sample sales on the site. I try to post sales that are of brands that you all love and also in great price ranges. Most, if not all, of my designer jeans come from sample sales. There is nothing better than getting a pair of jeans for $50 that originally cost $150. I check sites like Daily Candy for sample sales quite often.
4. Shop in Bulk! I buy most of my household items from BJs. Things like paper towels, lotion, deodorant, etc. can be purchased in bulk and it will always end up being cheaper. I also buy a lot of my snacks for home and work at BJs. When I bring my own food I do not have a reason to head to the vending machine or to go to the corner store. I also bring my own breakfast and lunch four days a week. I give myself one day to splurge.
5. Invest in classics, go cheaper with trends! I think this is one of the most important shopping rules that is budget friendly. Every season there is a new it item, a new it color, a new must have bag, or a shoe that everyone “has to have.” Well 9 times out of 10 this it item will only last one, maybe two, seasons. When it comes to trendy items I would not splurge. I would go to stores like Forever 21, H&M, and even Target to get what is trendy. The quality is still good but you won’t regret spending $20 on a shirt or $50 on a shoe instead of buying the designer trendy piece that will cost you about $300. For inexpensive, yet comfortable trendy shoes, try sites like Shoe Dazzle and Just Fab.
6. Check your points! If you have reward cards or get points for using your debit/credit card check to see if you get points and the perks of getting those points. With certain rewards cards you can get money back. So, utilize your points!

These are my budget basics. What are some of your money saving tips?

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Fifth Third Bank via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Fifth Third Bank.