Let’s face it – even if you are the most money-conscious person, there might be a way or two left to save, especially after the holidays. While we are not financial advisors or gurus, here are a few simple tips to help you start saving without sucking all the joy out of everything. Ready?
Here are 25 Ways To Save Money And Still Have A Life.
These celebrations will remind you that the work is worth it! If you make $15 an hour, and something costs $30, that means it costs 2 hours of your life. How much do you need or want it? Time = money. You can also set up to have a portion of each deposit you make transferred to savings. Sometimes, the product is even made at the same factory. You might find a couple of products that don’t follow this norm, but easily 90% of the time, you’ll save yourself money just by buying the generic. Give yourself a challenge to only plan and make meals around those random things in your pantry and freezer. It will help you save money on that shopping trip, and it freezes up physical space in your life. It’s easy to forget to add these services to your list of expenses – $5 a month, $30 a month, $9 a month. Either say no to these services or review your statements every three months to see what’s being charged and what you’re not using. However, the cost of new books can quickly add up. Your local library is a happy alternative. If you check out a book that you LOVE and want to read repeatedly, buy it. The library also offers fantastic programs and fun seminars you might enjoy. And then…50% off your favorite XYZ thing! The sale is too good to pass up, even though it will reduce your budget. Money-management boss status, what? Remove the temptation by either unsubscribing or having a separate email account only for offers and coupons. When you need or have budgeted for XYZ, search that email account for a coupon or discount. While you are happily munching, think through what you want to prepare and eat for the next week. Make a list of what’s missing, and then stick to your list! Why the snack or a full stomach? Shop while hungry, and you will buy ALL THE THINGS. Plus, food helps your brain work better. The food plan will save money and take the guesswork and frustration out of meals by eliminating the question, “What am I going to make for dinner?” Phew, well, besides being either exciting or overwhelming, it also makes next month’s budget needs a little higher. Ask yourself what big things are coming and adjust accordingly. If you know you have 5 birthday parties you want to shop for, start saving a month or two early so it’s not as huge of a hit. Not just for your car but for your house, health, etc.? Rate criteria are adjusted periodically, and you might have additional life changes to help lower your rate. It might not yield much, but you might find that you’ve been paying several hundred dollars over for premiums. The common thought is, “Meh, that’s what all the tourists do. Not the locals.” Well, time to be a tourist in your town. Check for resident or military or teacher or whatever discounts, save yourself flights, accommodations, etc., and play in your backyard. They might not sound like huge savings, but you’ll be surprised how those nickels and dimes add up. As a side note, you might say, “…but all the emails!!” Set up a separate email account ONLY for when you need to sign up for these programs. Setting aside money in an emergency will help alleviate much of this stress. All the money gurus say the ultimate recommended amount is 3-6 months’ worth of expenses. However, starting small is better than not starting at all. Even having $500 in savings could help take the pressure off. There is freedom and power in knowing how much money you have coming in and how much you have going out. Having this information can help avoid painful mistakes and wasted money…and this is true whether you make $3,000 a month or $300,000 a month. Is it $500 a month extra for fun shopping and activities? There will come moments when you find your willpower waning, and it will be SO easy to say forget it. Having a realistic goal in mind, which you have to work towards, will help keep your focus on the end game.
