Regardless of your specific financial situation, almost all of us could stand to save a little more money. However, it can seem daunting; you might assume that in order to save as much as you really need to, you will have to completely change your lifestyle. Fortunately, you don’t have to change everything about how you live your day-to-day life in order to start saving more money. There are small steps you can take right now that over time, make a big difference. In this blog, we have listed some money saving tips that may assist While not all of these tips will apply to everyone’s situations, choosing a few that apply to you can help you save, allowing you to be more financially independent.
Try the 30-Day Rule
One of the most important aspects of your finances is delaying instant gratification. Sure, you want that new TV right NOW, but that may not be the best decision for your wallet. The 30 day rule suggests that you wait 30 days before making a large purchase. Chances are, after a month, your fervor for this large purchase will have subsided and you don’t feel the need to buy it anymore. If you still find yourself wanting a new television with the same level of desire a month later, then it has proven to be worth your money.
Pay yourself First
If your company has a retirement savings plan, you can start out with a small percentage of your pay and increase it as your salary increases. Over time these saving s grow and are reinvested to grow even further. If you do not have such a plan at your disposal, set up your bank account to automatically draw a planned amount to your savings, with the balance going to your checking account. Talk with your bank about investment options, the important thing is to save now, for the future.
Stick to Your Shopping List
You would be surprised to learn how much extra money you spend on impulse items. You might think that a pack of gum and/or snack item aren’t going to make a difference in your budget, but these little purchases add up to a lot of money that you could have saved instead. Before you go to any store, especially when it comes to groceries, make a list of what you need, and don’t stray from this list whatsoever. This will prevent you from making impulse purchases.
Give Your Time, Not Your Money
Many people feel the need to give their friends, family, and particularly their children, stuff. While your gesture likely doesn’t go unnoticed, it isn’t necessary to spend hundreds of dollars to show that you care. In reality, your time is much more valuable to your loved ones than your money, particular for your kids. Instead of spending a lot on toys and games, find low-cost experiences to have with your loved ones. Make them a delicious meal, go to a free concert, or make a toy with your child. These gestures are much more valuable than any gift could be.
Make Food at Home
Eating out can get really expensive, especially in inflationary times. Consider how much you usually spend on a meal when you go out to eat at a restaurant. Even if you kept your budget to under $10 a meal, which is almost impossible, that is still $30 a day; for one person, that can be enough for groceries to feed you for several days. Taking the time to meal prep, choosing budget friendly and healthy foods, can save you a ton of money in the long run. Don’t just grab the pre-made sandwiches in the grocery store; buy a loaf of bread and your favorite deli meat, and feed yourself for the whole week. Additionally, take advantage of bulk prices by making large amounts of food, such as a casserole or a soup. Freeze what you don’t eat and you will have a quick, healthy meal at your disposal.
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