Managing money can seem daunting, but it doesn’t need to be an intimidating process! Like your health and relationships, everyday choices create your long-term outcomes. Whether financial freedom is a goal or a reality, see how these small changes can lead to not-so-small savings.

1. Divide your paycheck and start saving

It’s simple economics: You have to make more money than you spend. Even though we all understand this principle, it’s sometimes easy to let our budgets get away from us.

If you struggle with balancing your budget, start by dividing each of your paychecks between your savings and checking accounts. Set a specific percentage to automatically deposit into your savings account so you’re less tempted to spend it. This will help you save without even thinking about it and make it easier to avoid temptations like midday snacks, appetizers and drinks at dinner, and late-night online shopping sprees.

Whether you set aside $5 or 10 percent, it’s just important that you start. Once you’ve made this practice a habit, it will be easier to put more and more away over time.

2. Ditch soda, alcohol, and other expensive specialty drinks

Drinking water is a no-brainer for good health, but it’s a winning financial strategy as well. Soda, juice, and especially alcohol can hike up your grocery bill and restaurant check. Instead of choosing a daily afternoon soda and drink with dinner, opt for water most days. You’ll save a good chunk of cash when you indulge only every so often or not at all.

Keep things interesting with a drop of Vitality™ essential oil. Add a splash of summery flavor with Lime Vitality, Lemon Vitality, Grapefruit Vitality, or Orange Vitality. You can also get a quick pick-me-up when you add a drop of refreshing Peppermint Vitality to your ice-cold water. You’ll be surprised how much you save when you ditch your usual splurge and stick to water instead.

3. Try eating in-outside

Eating in doesn’t mean you have to keep meals indoors. Add a little fun to homemade dinner and bring a picnic to a park, the beach, or even your backyard. You’ll make your meal a little more special without pricey entrees, unknown ingredients, and added tips. Whether the meal is simple or extravagant, you’re sure to make a memory when you host it in a fun setting—all for a fraction of the cost of a restaurant, takeout, or fast food.

4. Prioritize your health and wellness

Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, take your supplements, wash your hands—you know what it takes to stay healthy. But do you think about how these efforts can save you money? A little rest, healthy food, and exercise help prevent expensive medical bills down the road.

While there are lots of ways to give your body the attention it deserves, something as simple as a new workout, an additional healthy meal each week, or a full night’s rest can kick-start a healthier you. Check out some of our simple ways to revamp your everyday TLC.

Jump-start your workout with a 15-minute full body workout from National Gym Association member Edina Hamulic.
Perfect your nighttime routine with seven tips for a better night’s sleep.
Try a new recipe with fresh, wholesome ingredients and Vitality essential oils.

5. Experiment with DIY and homemade personal care

You don’t have to spend a fortune for a spa day filled with facials, body scrubs, and hair masks. Pamper yourself at home with easy-to-make DIY goodies. You’ll feel great because you took the time for extra pampering and because you saved money! Try some of the DIY ideas featured on our blog or create your own at-home beauty favorites.

Use a DIY detangler for silky soft hair.
Take a break in a steamy bath enhanced with a calming oatmeal soak.
Get your feet ready for flip-flops and strappy sandals with three steps to fab feet.
Try a fun, fizzy shower bomb or relaxing bath salts, both infused with refreshing essential oils.

6. Make a clean sweep with homemade cleaners

Making your own household cleaners is a great way to save money and keep harmful chemicals out of your home. Vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide are all great replacements for store-bought, processed cleaners, but Thieves® Household Cleaner makes it even easier to whip up affordable, naturally derived cleaners for your whole home. Infused with the power of Thieves, this cleaner makes it easy to create everything from window spray to carpet cleaner. Need some help getting started? Check out our blog post for three innovative ways to clean your whole home with Thieves Household Cleaner!

While it’s important to save and work toward financial freedom, it always helps to keep things balanced. Use these practical steps to work toward your goals and you’ll avoid feeling so restricted that your resolve breaks down and you end up filling your shopping cart, running up an expensive restaurant bill, or splurging on an expensive spa treatment. Give yourself a reasonable treat once in a while, find little ways to cut down your spending, and always keep your long-term goals in mind. It’s the small steps you take every day that will get you there!

This blog was reprinted with permission from the Young Living website.