If you’re looking to be more selective in your spending in the new year, I’ve got some fabulous money-saving tips you’ll want to try. Saving money has always been a challenge for me because there always seems to be some kind of emergency, unexpected bill or unexpected find and I just end up spending what I save! So, I decided to search the web for some simple money-saving tips that even a pseudo spendthrift like myself can follow. Even if you’re a master at saving money, you might find some new ideas on how to save even more!
Avoiding sales is one of the unexpected yet highly effective money-saving tips to remember. Although it might sound contradictory, shopping sales is a good way to get into debt, buy more than you need and spend money that you didn’t even want to spend. If you need something and you can find it on sale then by all means, get it. However, shopping just because there is a sale is where we often get into trouble. Avoid dropping into stores just because they’re advertising sales and unsubscribe your email from store sale alerts and flash sale sites to avoid temptation.
Buying numerous water bottles and gourmet coffee drinks adds up quick, but that doesn’t mean gals on a budget can’t enjoy their favorite drinks. Invest in a basic coffee maker or a single serve coffee maker so you make less stops at the coffee shop. If you opt for a single serve coffee maker, you can get reusable K-cups or coffee pods so you can refill it yourself. You can also get yourself a water filter and a reusable water bottle so you can stay hydrated for less.
I love having a variety of movie channels to choose from, but let me tell you, the bill adds up! Having premium channels is nice, but if you aren’t watching them regularly, you’re paying for an unneeded service. Look at your cable bill and see if you can downgrade your package or eliminate some of the premium channels.
Have you amassed a wealth of vintage perfume bottles or used to collect Disney figurines? If you currently have a stash of stuff that you used to love but now have lukewarm feelings for or just need to get some cash ASAP, sell it! Have a yard sale, post your stuff on Craigslist or sell it on eBay. Even if you don’t love your stuff anymore, chances are there is someone out there who will want it.
Body and face scrubs, hair masks, moisturizers and new nail polish shades can all be made in the comfort of your own home. So why go out and buy the latest, pricey It beauty product when you can make it at home? Check out AWS for tons of DIY beauty and skin care recipes that will save you cash and are fun to make. Why not invite some friends over and have a little DIY party?
Throwing out food is like throwing away money. One good way to try and avoid throwing out food is to plan your meals. Planning your meals in advance is a great budget tip since you avoid purchasing things you don’t need and you’re less likely to throw out food since you have your meals pre-planned. It does take some getting used to, but this method can help cut costs and help you eat healthier and stay on track with your eating plan.
You’re going to love this next money-saving tip because it’s so easy. Making slight adjustments on some of your appliances can add up to some significant savings in the long run. Try washing your clothes with cold water, unplugging items that you don’t use while you’re out during the day and increasing your refrigerator’s settings to 36-40 degrees and your freezer to 0-5 degrees Fahrenheit. According to SavingAdvice.com, if your fridge is set 10 degrees cooler and your freezer 5 degrees cooler than it needs to be, it can increase energy use up to 25%.
This is probably another budget tip that might not quite make sense, but trust me, it does! If you’re running into the grocery store to pick up a few specific items, refrain from grabbing the shopping cart. You’re much more likely to buy more items just because you have that big cart; in fact, Marie Claire says you can end up buying 40% more. The same goes for those seemingly convenient shopping bags at clothing stores. Having that bag on you makes you more likely to purchase things that you normally wouldn’t.
Chances are, your workplace offers benefits or perks that you aren’t using so make it your mission to maximize those benefits! Maybe you have a flex spending account for certain expenses, classes or training opportunities, tuition reimbursement or discounts on certain services. If you’ve been wanting to go back to school, take a class on dealing with difficult people or get a discount on your insurance, now is the time!
Are you trying to save up for something? Maybe your goal is to save up for a new car, some new tech or paying off your credit card debt. Whatever your goal is, keep reminders of it close by so you can look at it anytime you feel like giving in to an impulse purchase or splurging on something big. Each time you save money or stop yourself from buying something you don’t need, you’re that much closer to your goal!
The last money-saving tip I want to share is to work out at home. There are so many amazing workout videos on YouTube that are totally free that it would be a shame to shell out the big bucks to go to a gym! If you want to use specific exercise equipment, you can use the gym in your apartment complex or go to your local rec center where the membership comes at a steep discount. If you already have a gym membership, be sure to take advantage of it or freeze or cancel it if you’re not.
There are lots of easy ways to save money, it just takes some creativity! Making little changes can add up to big savings so even seemingly little savings can make a big difference in the long run. Do you have any money-saving tips you’d like to share with us?