Most people in their 20s are just beginning to learn about money management and best spending practices. Since no courses were administered in school or college on managing funds, many young people put themselves in dire financial situations by accident before they are 25-years-old.

Consumerism is fun, and treating yourself to a new shirt after a paycheck is a nice reward to yourself. However, everything works best in moderation. Here are 4 effective ways to get in control of your spending:

1. Make A Budget:

Even if you don’t necessarily need a budget, the most stress we experience when it comes to money is “not knowing” what is coming in and going out. Tracking how much you make and exactly how much you spend every month will help assuage your fears.

2. Use Cash:

If you think about it, using a credit card makes it much easier to splurge than using cash. When you pay with card, you don’t need to think about pricing. You just swipe and move on with your life. If you limit your spending to the cash in your wallet, you’ll actually lower your monthly expenditures.

3. Budgeting Apps:

There are apps out there today that can alert you when you’ve crossed your ideal spending amount in a given month. It can be hard to keep track of all the transactions, which is why these apps will do it for you.

4. Money Goals:
   If you’re more of an old-fashioned person, tape posted notes to your cards and wallets that constantly remind you of your spending limit in a given month. It’s a reminder you probably need now and then.

Don’t be afraid of money management in your 20s. Take it slow, budget it out, and you’ll be good to go.