In previous articles, I have discussed setting limits through shopping less and devoting time to religion and volunteering. Another way of setting personal limits is to become aware of where your money is going. One way to do that is budgeting. Budgeting is a very useful task to become aware of your wealth. If you are aware of what you can afford or how much you’d have to stretch your money to buy something, then in all likelihood, you won’t buy or will wait until you have more saved up. It can help you get a spending plan, and if you stick to it, can help you find out what you can and cannot afford. Budgeting is relatively easy, too. You don't have to be an accountant or even know much more than basic math. You simply take how much money you make and break it down into different categories, such as giving, saving, food, transportation, pocket money, and entertainment. If you correctly disperse all the money in those categories, you should have no 'extra' money not put anywhere. Dave Ramsey's budgeting method is one of the best out there and is the one I personally use. It has helped me stop spending every dime I earn and figure out how much I spend where. Along with that, it has also helped me to save significant amounts of money.
Dave Ramsey's budget form available here.
In conclusion, materialism is a very common social disease. It can sneak up on its victims and can cause dramatic side effects. However, through the methods I have discussed, most people should be able to pull themselves out the pit. The methods, while relatively simple, do require patience and self control to work. Stick to it, and you will be living a new, improved life before long.
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