Do you tend to overspend to such an extent that you can not even remember what you did with your money?
It’s easy to spend money but it’s not easy to earn it, so you might want to be responsible when you spend it.
Here are a few tips to help you save money:
Write a list before you go shopping – and stick to it
One of the easiest ways to save money is to only shop when you have a list. Because when you’re without one, you typically end up making impulse buys and unplanned purchases – all things that cost money.
Invite friends over instead of going out
Going out to eat or “out on the town” has a way of completely destroying both your food budget and your entertainment budget in one fell swoop. And no matter what, it is always cheaper to stay in with friends and come up with your own entertainment.
Instead of hitting the town, host a fun pitch-in dinner with your friends. Play cards, sit around a fire pit, or watch movies with your guests. You’ll all save money – and have a blast.
Repair clothing instead of tossing it
Don’t toss out a shirt because of a missing or broken button – sew on a new one with some matching thread. Don’t toss out pants because of a hole in them – put in a patch of some sort and save them for times when you’re working around the house.
Don’t spend big money entertaining your children
Most children, especially young ones, can be entertained very cheaply. Buy an end roll of newspaper from your local paper and let their creativity run wild. Play ball in the backyard. Head to the park. Plant a garden. Teach them to ride a bike without training wheels once and for all.
Realise that what your children want most of all is your time, not your stuff, and you’ll find money in your pocket and joy in your heart.
Clean out those closets
Go through your closets and find anything and everything you no longer use. Then, don’t just get rid of it, use it to your benefit.
You can have a yard sale with it, sell it on eBay or Craigslist, take it to a consignment shop, or even donate it for the tax deduction (mark down what you give away so you can get a receipt). All of these options can turn old stuff you don’t want any more into money in your pocket. Not only that, it’s often a psychological load off your mind to clean out your closets.
Drink more water
Not only does drinking plenty of water have great health benefits – it has financial benefits, too. Drink a big glass of water before each meal in order to stay fuller longer and ultimately eat less. Not only will you save on the food bill, but you’ll also feel better after you become properly hydrated.
Even better, drinking more water – whether in a refillable bottle or at restaurants – means spending less money on beverages like soda, juice, and tea.
Avoid convenience and fast foods
Instead of eating fast food or just nuking some prepackaged dinner when you get home, try making some simple and healthy replacements that you can take with you. An hour’s worth of preparation one weekend can leave you with a ton of cheap and easy dinner and snack options for the following week.
Also consider breaking out the ol’ crock pot for some inexpensive meal options that not only save money, but time, too.
For those times when you simply can’t avoid dining out, maximise your savings with coupons and a rewards credit card that gives a bonus for restaurant spending (but you know yourself best, so only spend what you know you can pay off each month with no interest).
For heaven’s sake, quit smoking
If you’re still a smoker, you have to know by now that your habit is not only expensive, but potentially deadly as well. If you want to add years to your life and save a boatload of money, the easiest thing to do is to stop smoking altogether. You can quit cold turkey, try some of the many anti-smoking products that are out there, or switch to an electronic cigarette to buy some time. Whichever path you choose, you will be much better off.
Turn off the lights
Keeping the lights on in your home may not be expensive on a per watt basis, but it sure does cost money over time. To save as much as you can, turn off lights any time you leave your house – or even when you leave the room. Turning off lights when you have plenty of natural sunlight can also help keep your electricity bill down over time. The bottom line: If you aren’t using a light, turn it off.
Maximise yard sales
Yard sales are a great place to score awesome deals on items you need anyway – think houseware, shoes, clothing, or even sports equipment. The key is, you have to be careful not to use the low prices found at sales as an excuse to buy things you don’t need. At your next garage sale, limit yourself to items that were already on your list of things to buy.
Buy quality appliances that will last
It’s worth the time to do a bit of research when you buy a new appliance. A reliable, energy-efficient washer and dryer might cost you quite a bit now, but if it continually saves you energy and lasts for 15 years instead of five, you’ll save a significant amount of money in the long run.
Do a price comparison – and find a cheaper grocery store
Most of us get into the routine of shopping at the same grocery store, and we may not even realise that we’re not getting the best deal. Fortunately, there’s a simple way to find the cheapest store around. Just keep track of the 20 or so things you buy most often, then shop for these items at a variety of stores. Eventually, one store will come out on top for your purchases – just make that one becomes your regular shopping destination and you’ll automatically save money.
Avoid stress-spending
It’s easy to justify spending money just to wind down from a stressful day at work. However, it’s rarely a good idea. Instead of buying things you don’t need to make yourself feel better, it might be wise to find other ways to de-stress instead.
Exercise is always a good option, as is meditation and even a good old-fashioned nap. Read, watch movies, or work in your yard if you’re stressed out. Spending money won’t reduce your stress in the long run.
Source: https://www.thesimpledollar.com
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