The Internet is overrun with many tips and tricks to save money. After some time, it can become hard to find practical ways that actually work.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, this list consists of habits to help you save and plan your finances:
Lessen your trips for gourmet coffee
ilyuza/Unsplash: Spend less money on fancy caffeinated drinks
If you really need to kickstart your day with caffeine, then maybe it is time to start thinking about an espresso maker because over time, trips to coffee shops stack up.
Fewer spa visits
runejohs/Unsplash: Treat yourself with a full spa day
Yes, taking care of yourself is essential, and spa trips make us feel special, but they also cost a lot. Next time you are itching to get a manicure, try painting your nails at home. A decent pedicure/ manicure can cost $20, but a nail polish bottle that will last longer costs anywhere between $4 and $15.
Home cooking
edgarraw/Unsplash: Have home cooked meals to save money
Being tired from a shift usually leads to placing a take-out order or eating out. While we understand that it may be a hassle to cook for yourself, it is also hard to ignore that making your own food is inevitably cheaper and healthier.
Cutting ties with Cable TV
Unless you are making effective use of all TV channels, consider switching to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ – the options are endless.
Maintain a savings goal
Depending on your earnings, the goal should be to save first and then spend whatever is left. Even if it is $1/ day, that accumulates to $30 a month!
Become environment-savvy
Consider buying a permanent water bottle instead of getting a plastic bottle every day. Mother Earth and your bank account will thank you for it!
Save electricity
Your electricity bill can be significantly low if you optimize how you use power, so remember to turn off AC or any lights that are not in use.
Sell the unused stuff
We are all guilty of holding on to things that have long served no purpose in our lives. Sell it for some extra cash to remove clutter from your surroundings and earn money in the process.
Go for discounted rates
Gone are the times when you needed to pay full price for everything. It is now easy for you to land a great deal by scouring for coupons online.
Be determined when you enter a store
Buy only the things you need! People are notorious for visiting Walmart and coming out with a bunch of stuff that they did not really need. Make a shopping list and stick to it.
Public transport
This option depends on where you live. If you have accommodation in a well-connected area, try taking the bus or subway instead of a cab.
Budgeting
At the start of every month, calculate the cash inflow and prospective expenses, and evaluate where you can cut costs. There are always subscriptions or extra fees of some kind that can be stopped.
Avoid branded clothes
Going thrift shopping or choosing a more generic brand for clothing are two great ways to save money. Branded clothes have a ton of margin, and you end up paying a lot of money just for the name, which is seldom worth it.
Anytime you want to impulsively spend money, remember these points and ask yourself – “Do you really need it, or is it something I want?”