Living within your means can already be very difficult due to all the new gadgets and shiny toys that are constantly being thrown at us. We live in a very instant world where we want it all. We tend to base our lives on things rather than real issues, and this is dangerous. Here are some tips to help you manage your money and stay out of the money trap.

First of all, if you get a raise or get a better paying job, don’t start spending and changing your life right away. You should never change your lifestyle, meaning where you live, because you drive and other things you have, without first having 6 months to a year of your new bills in the bank. This gives you the padding to switch back if you lose your job or to find another job if you lose your job.

Second, understand that money is not your master. He is a horrible teacher and he will always lead you down a wrong path. However, if he allows money to be his servant, he can do wonders for his bank account, his self-esteem, and his stress level. Think of it this way, if you had $50,000 in the bank, then you would have a lot less to worry about when it comes to money. This would relieve your stress and make the life changes that are sure to come much easier.

Lastly, know what you can afford. Make sure if you can’t afford something, you stay away from it. Learning to budget your money isn’t hard, but it does take discipline, and that’s what makes it hard. You have to set a budget for yourself and stick to it. If you plan correctly, this should be pretty easy, and you can always add an extra column for emergencies or unexpected expenses.