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It can be easy to let your finances fall by the wayside when juggling work, family, school and other priorities.

The most basic financial planning everybody should do, say experts, is to set a budget and stick to it. To help, the discount experts at Dollar General are offering some useful tips to assist you in this task and avoid financial stress.

PACK YOUR OWN LUNCH
To help stick to your budget, skip pricey restaurants. Instead, save money and spend the evening cooking with your family. For affordable and simple ideas for cooking favorite dishes, consult resources like Dollar General Easy Meal recipes at dollargeneral.com/easymeals.

REMEMBER TO TREAT YOURSELF
Just because you’re sticking to a financial plan doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself. Budget time and money to indulge in your favorite activities like a night at the movies, seeing your favorite sports team in action, or going bowling.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF COUPONS
Coupons are a great way to save money and stretch your budget. Retailers like Dollar General offer online digital coupons that can be downloaded on a desktop computer or by using a smartphone. You can sign up by visiting dollargeneral.com/coupons and can receive additional savings during seasonal “Fast Way to Save” promotions, where exclusive coupons are available only to Dollar General digital coupon subscribers.

STAY POSITIVE
Don’t get bogged down by the stress of financial planning. Instead, focus on positive steps you can take to achieve your goals. Spend more time with your family cooking. Work toward your next job promotion. Ace your next exam.

Even if you’re busy, make the time for planning a budget. It may feel like work now, but feeling financially secure will offer you peace of mind.