Managing your Finances

This post brought to you by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. All opinions are 100% mine.

As you know we rented for a few years, and then recently bought a house. I really forgot how much owning a home costs. We just had a plumber out today to look at a leaking pipe. So I wanted to share a few tips with you on how we manage our finances.

1. Communication

The most important thing for my husband and I is to communicate with what is going on. It is never good when the other person has no clue where the money is going and why. If you aren’t living with someone, it is still important to communicate with yourself! Sometimes it’s easy to get in a rut, sit down and really think about what you are doing and if it is necessary!

2. Planning/budgeting

You should always have a budget. I know it’s hard and we deviate often, but having that structure there is a must!!

3. Spreadsheets

I keep a spreadsheet with all our bills. This allows me to not only stay organized, but also to track any changes I see in our bills, like electricity and water. It is important to recognize those changes for the future to help you plan better.

4. Coupons

I try not to pass up coupons. I’m no extreme couponer, but there is a lot of money to be saved with the coupons you get in the mail, newspaper. You don’t have to spend hours and hours to save a little bit of money, just a little bit goes a long way!

5. Evaluate 

Evaluation your situation often. Things change! Kids get older and start eating more food (trust me!) Maybe you have to get a new car, or make a big fix on your house! We are always trying to figure out ways to save money on our monthly bills.

This week as part of the BMO Harris Bank Scavenger Hunt Sweepstakes you will find some tips on managing your finances, because we all know the unexpected can happen and can quite often leave us in a pickle!

So be sure and like BMO Harris on Facebook and play along in the sweepstakes and enter for a chance to win $2,000!

This weeks Sweepstakes runs from 3/17/2014 @ 12pm CST through 03/24/2014 @ 11:59am CST. The Drawing will be held on 03/27/2014 and you are entering for a chance to win $2,000