On Monday, I explored the idea of what you should do in order to Quit Your Job and Make Millions. Today I want to explore one aspect of that article that kind of hit home for me. I suggested saving up at least 3 months worth of your current salary. When you’re just starting out money, above all things, money will become your main concern. If you’re prepared at the beginning, you can focus on making customers happy, making more money, and having more fun.

There was a time in my life when I started a business (several as a matter of fact) and I did it without saving a dime. I struggled for almost a year with very little sales and I was unemployed. Trust me, you don’t want to start your business on pure “adrenaline and excitement.” Take a step back, be strategic, and move when the time is right.

Note: Your current circumstances, current level of discipline, and sense of urgency about your destiny will determine how long it takes for you to save up enough to take your business full-time. If you’re serious about this then listen very carefully to the tips below.

Here are 6 things you can do to save money, quit your job, and make millions;

1. Create a 3 Month Budget – Everything starts with a plan. You’ve spent a long time getting your business plan together, why wouldn’t you put together a financial game plan? I’m not the king of budgeting and I don’t have all the money in the world; but I know exactly what my expenses are, how much is coming in, and a pretty good idea of what’s going out. It’s not hard to do, but I suggest creating one with some tools you probably already have. Microsoft Word features budget templates that you can download for free from Microsoft’s website. (You can also download them directly from Word!) Also, check out Quicken online. It allows you to track expenses, create a budget, and it’s free. (Oprah’s favorite things are gadgets. . . mine are free!)

Bonus: Try out Mint – By far, one of the best looking and performing personal finance tools to come around. Plus, it’s free! (There’s my favorite word again!)

2.  Cut Out Unnecessary Expenses - Sounds easy right? Well, your flesh will tell you, “we can’t stop going out to dinner for a month straight, are you crazy!” But, your spirit knows the plans God has for you. And it doesn’t involve working a 9-5 forever. You’re going to have to start that business God gave you and in order for His plans to prosper. So, you’re going to have to let some things go.

3. Use the Envelope System – This is a tip by financial guru, Dave Ramsey. In short, Dave says to give every dollar a predestination and place it in an envelope. Put grocery money in an envelope labeled “groceries”, gas money in an envelope labeled “gas,” etc, etc. It keeps your money separate, you’ll know exactly where it’s supposed to go, and paying with cash keeps charges (and overdrafts – the financial devil in disguise) to a minimum. You can watch the video explanation of the system as well as how to get out of debt by clicking here.

4. Grocery Shop Wisely – As a man, when I go grocery shopping, I have a tendency to shop with my eyes and not with my brain (I know, I’m not the only one!).  My mom could go into a grocery store, buy like items, and spend up to 50% less. The key (talking to all my fellas) is to use coupons, buy store brand items, and break frozen dinners down – buy the ingredients, (hungry man dinners, anyone?) and cook them yourself.

Note: Did you know that when you buy a frozen dinner you’re paying for processing, packaging, and marketing costs? Cut out the middle man, cook it yourself, and save money!

5. Bring in Extra Income – This tip won’t save you money, rather, to earn you more of it to go towards your “early retirement.” Work overtime, pick up a part-time job, have a garage sale, sell stuff on Ebay, etc. Do whatever you have to do to bring in extra loot and quit your job. You might have to put the vision on the back burner but that doesn’t mean you can’t cook it! You might have to let it sit back there and simmer while you’ve got the front burner of money boiling over!

6. Pay your Tithes and Offering – Non-believers, pay attention! The key to financial freedom is right here in this scripture (via Biblegateway.com);

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. – Luke 6:38 (New Living Translation)

Did you catch that? When you give your tithes and offering to your local worship house the bible says, the amount you give is given back to you, pressed down to make room, FOR MORE! #1 – Tithing is a biblical principle and shows our obedience to God and offering is our sacrifice. #2 – When we do it and we give consistently, God honors our sacrifice and returns what we give . . . with interest for being obedient. Wow!

Note: Read Malachi 3:8-11 and see what God has to say about testing Him when it comes to the principles of tithing and offering. (I dare you, I double dare you to click!)

And there you have it, 6 ways to save (or make) money so you can finally quit your job and start your business. I hope you were as blessed reading this as I was writing it. Where does the “Make Millions” portion of this article title come into play? That happens when you walk away from work (smartly as we’ve learned) and launch your business. Of course, these aren’t the only things you can do to save money. What techniques do you use to save or what tools have you found most helpful in keeping your mind on your money? Share them below!

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