Set limits on discretionary spending in particular. Pick a set amount that you cannot go over each month and stick to it.  It’s fine to budget for discretionary spending -- you can’t live a life without any fun. However, setting a budget and sticking to it will help keep that spending in check. For example, if you routinely go to the movies, set a budget of $40 a month for movie tickets. Once you’ve spent that $40, you can’t go to any more movies until the next month. Even your essentials section should be looked at closely. Regular expenditures should usually only take up so much of your income. For example, food purchases should only take up 5 to 15 percent of your budget. If you are spending more than that, you should consider cutting back on that spending. Obviously, the percentage you spend will vary; for example, for groceries it will vary depending on things like the price of groceries, your family size, and any special nutritional needs. The point is simply to make sure you aren’t spending money you don’t need to. For example, do you spend a lot of money on prepared foods that are more expensive, when you could cook more at home? By incorporating expenses for possible contingencies into your budget, unexpected medical, car, or house maintenance costs will have less impact on your overall budget and financial health.  Estimate what you might have to spend on these in a year and divide by 12 for your monthly budget. Your buffer will mean that if you go slightly over your weekly spending limit, it will not affect your hip pocket and will not end up going on the dreaded credit card. If you get to the end of the year and have not needed to use your buffer for these types of expenses, then great! You will have extra money that you can funnel into your savings or retirement investment plans. These are not contingency costs but instead are part of your plan. Do you need to replace any household items this year? Do you need a new pair of boots this year? Do you want to buy a car? Plan for this in advance and you won't need to draw on your long term savings.  Another important point to note is that you should aim to only buy these items after you have saved for them. Ask yourself, do you really need it right now? Once you actually send the money that was budgeted as a contingency or planned expenditure, record the actual expense and delete the provisional expense you had created, otherwise they will end up being doubled. Combine your buffers and goals with your actual expenditures and income. This exercise will not only assist you in making an effective budget and helping you to save, making your life a little less hectic and more relaxed, it will also motivate you to trim your expenses so you can achieve your goals and make the purchases you aspire to without having to go into debt to do it. Try to stick to just spending on the fixed expenses. Cut out the discretionary items wherever possible.

Summary: Target specific areas of your spending to decrease. Estimate and incorporate contingency expenses into your budget. Calculate how much your short term, medium term, and long term goals are going to cost. Draw up a new budget.


This event is usually something your school will hold towards the end of summer, although they may hold it earlier. Not only will it make you more comfortable in your new school environment, and help get you used to a few teachers, but you can also use orientation as a social opportunity. That's right -- instead of hanging out with your mom, you can go out of your way to meet a few new people, and to hang out with your old friends. Look sharp. Wear your normal clothes, but make sure to put some effort into your appearance and hygiene. You only get to make one first impression. If you're lucky enough to already know a bunch of people going to your high school, then great. Then you can talk to your friends in advance, ask about their schedules, and see who can sit with you at lunch. You can also be bold; make friends with kids at your swim club, at the mall, or from your summer soccer league. You'll feel much more comfortable in school if you do. If you're the new kid, don't worry. You won't be the only one. Another great leg-up in high school is if you know any older kids at the school. If you have an older sibling that you actually like who will look out for you, a neighbor, or even a friend of the family who goes to the high school, this person can be a great help to you, along with being your friend. Upperclassmen can help you figure out the following things:  How to act around certain teachers Which people to avoid The low-down on the clubs or sports you're interested in The game plans for acing certain classes This may sound a little dorky, but don't underestimate how much more comfortable you'll feel at your new school if you actually know where you're going on the first day. Not only should you pay attention in orientation, but you should grab a map of the school if you can, so you can begin to figure out the best way to move from class to class. Figuring out how to make those precious 3-4 minutes during passing period count can help you eliminate stress and get to class on time. Before the first day of school, you should be prepared with everything you need so you don't have to scramble on the first day. You should have a copy of your schedule if you already have one, all of your books, binders, notebooks, and school supplies, and a change of gym clothes if you have to take gym. Don't be that guy who forgot his gym clothes on the first day or the girl who had to borrow a pencil in every class. Some schools have stricter dress codes than others; that is to say, some schools will have teachers that flag you down, send you to the nurse's office, and make you go home if you don't have a change of clothes -- or worse, make you change into your gym clothes. If you have a required uniform, then make sure you wear it appropriately, but if not, look out for the following:  Short shorts. Many schools say your shorts have to be longer than your fingertips. Girls, after you put on your shorts, stand up with your hands at your sides to see if you pass the test. Displaying your undergarments. Girls, avoid showing your bra straps, and guys, avoid sagging your pants and revealing your boxers. Most schools have a code against this and well, it just ain't classy. Offensive logos. Don't wear T-shirts with offensive language or offensive references. These could even get you suspended, in the worst cases.
Summary: Don't skip the freshman orientation. Make friends before school starts. Get friendly with upperclassmen. Get to know your school's map. Get everything you need. Be aware of your school's dress code.