That is where the good news comes into play. There are quite a few simple ways to save money that don’t involve getting rid of your favorite things. Instead of looking at money-saving techniques as a restriction, try to consider it as a step towards an overall goal. Whether you are trying to save money to put away for an emergency, a new car, or a vacation, having a goal and set amount in mind can make budgeting a lot more doable … and even fun. Keeping track of how much you are saving monthly can encourage you to keep going. If you ever feel defeated, reach out to a friend or family member for support. Having people around who are encouraging you to succeed can make the whole process much easier. One of the best ways to make sure you’re not overpaying for your cell service is by comparing prices with other competitors. You can also try switching your plan to a prepaid account so you know exactly what you are paying for. Customers benefit by paying a cheaper per-unit price for each item. Household items that don’t go bad like toilet paper, detergent, and toothpaste are all good products to stock up on. Unwanted fees are probably the easiest thing to get removed from your account. You can also try negotiating for lower interest rates and better cash rewards. Keep in mind you can also negotiate for a better benefits package at work, room rates at hotels, and even lower food costs at grocery stores. Thankfully, one website is helping people save hundreds of dollars a year. GoodRX offers discount prices on prescription drugs at more than 60,000 U.S. pharmacies. Customers who use the site save an average of $355 a year. Try to find coupons for those essential household items like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and hygiene products. When couponing, remember to stay organized and keep track of how much you are spending. If you really want to try to cut down on buying laundry detergent, you could also try making your own at home. All you have to do is mix together two parts Borax, two parts washing soda, and one part grated Fels-Naptha soap. Also, keeping the curtains closed during the day can decrease a household temperature by 10 to 20 degrees. If things still aren’t cooling down, avoid using any electronics that give off heat, such as lights or the stove. So, while regular lightbulbs have a lower upfront cost, the LED bulbs can save you money in the long run. They use an estimated 75% less energy and last around 25 times longer. Brushing with baking soda will help whiten your smile while preventing bacteria growth. Another natural bleaching agent is hydrogen peroxide. It is suggested that you only use the 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash. For one, it’s a great outdoor activity the whole family can enjoy. Your family will feel a sense of pride when they pick the fruits of their labor. Researchers have also discovered that homegrown vegetables tend to have more nutrition than their store-bought counterparts. Other than the excitement of bargain hunting, shopping secondhand can save you a lot of money. Some items are reduced by at least 50% or more. Thrift shopping also reduces your environmental impact. The emphasis on birthdays should really be on creating memories, not opening presents. One saving technique would be to take advantage of public low-cost locations like parks and beaches to host parties. Also, keeping the guest list small can help cut food costs. If selling your car isn’t an option, try giving your car a break by taking the bus or the subway to work a few days out of the week. The majority of big cities and towns provide low-cost public transportation to residents. Even if it is a few coins, if the cash stays in your wallet or purse, you may end up spending it. Out of sight, out of mind is a good method for saving money over time. Luckily, there are cheap alternatives to looking your best. Rubbing appropriate colored eye shadow along your roots will help disguise regrowth. Also, spraying a mixture of fresh lemon juice and water in your hair before a day in the sun can naturally bleach your hair. Before you leave for work, all you have to do is place your meat and vegetables into the pot. Then set it and forget it. A deliciously effortless meal will be waiting for you and your family when you get home. Despite the disadvantages of credit cards, there are quite a few benefits. Financial companies like Bank of America and Chase offer their clients cash-back rewards when they spend at certain places. Free trials can last anywhere from a week to a month. However, once the trial period is complete, you must remember to cancel it. If you forget, you could be left with another expense you never originally planned for. Going through your house and decluttering is a great way to stay organized and make a little extra cash. You might be surprised at how many items you have stored away that are in good enough shape for reselling. If your favorite drink is a vanilla-iced coffee, buy a gallon of pre-brewed cold coffee and a carton of flavored creamer. You can even invest in a nice reusable cup so you don’t have to keep on buying disposable ones. As a thank you, you could try to offer them something you have that they could use. Also, remember to return the appliance in good shape and in a timely manner. Network applications and streaming services like Netflix and Hulu are a great alternative to pricey cable TV packages. The best part is that they have hundreds of television shows, movies, and documentaries to pick from. Even if someone packs their lunch just three days out of the workweek, they could save around $120 a month. A great way to get into the routine is by packing lunch every day around the same time so it becomes a habit. If replacing your favorite brands seems too difficult, try doing it in increments. Start off by buying generic cereal at your local grocery store. Then slowly start replacing some of your everyday brand-named items like deodorant, shampoo, and body wash.
