Saving can be really easy if you commit to doing it. Look around you, review your spending patterns and I’m sure you can easily find ways to trim the money that flies out of your wallet each month.
Ironically as you grow and age and likely make more money that you did a few years ago, you also learn the value of a dollar. You realize the importance of things that money cannot buy. Understand that spending money does not bring you happiness.
10 Painless ways to start saving more right now
1. Use Ebates for every online purchase.
Earn cash back on any purchase you make online (and even in store in some cases)
Related: 15 money saving apps you should use right now
2. Bring your lunch to work; resist the urge to go out.
Try to pare down one time this week and take a walk outside instead. Your wallet and health will thank you.
3. Try a spending freeze.
For this week, literally, spend no money. Don’t shop; eat what is in your refrigerator and pantry. Next week you can start with a fresh slate financially and give your refrigerator a good once-over on things that have been sitting there for a while.
4. Download your grocery store’s app and clip their digital coupons.
Even if you’re not the Sunday-paper-clipping type, you can easily still save by clipping digital coupons to your loyalty card.
5. Thinking of buying that new gadget, kids toy or a kitchen appliance?
Borrow a neighbor or friends. Give it a test drive before you actually buy it. You may find out you don’t need it or borrowing on an as-needed basis is plenty. We do this with our neighbor’s Nesco. The one time per year we want to use it for a party is worth the ask of borrowing it.
6. Online shopping? Don’t check out today.
Put items in your cart, fine. But resist the urge to check out. In a few days, you may forget all about “needing” these items. Or, you may get an auto-generated abandoned cart email for an additional coupon off. Either way, you win.
7. Plan a date night in.
Whether it be with your spouse or your family/kids. A romantic dinner in with steak and wine is so much more affordable (and relaxing) at home. Or, try a picnic lunch or dinner with the kids. It’ll create a nice change of pace and create memories! Check out date nights in my husband and I enjoy.
8. Skip the latte and vending machine.
Crave that morning coffee or mid-day snack? Your wallet and waistline will thank-you by overcoming the urge to go through the drive-through. Bring your own coffee, or even treat yourself to the “expensive” coffee at the grocery store. You’ll still be ahead compared to your morning java run.
9. Shop for new insurance.
My husband and I literally just did this last month and saved hundreds. I was on auto-pilot with my car insurance until my last bill slapped me in the face. My car is getting older and has more miles, why is my insurance going up? We will save hundreds in the next year by changing – and in some cases between auto and home have BETTER coverage.
10. Write a list before you go grocery shopping – and stick to it!
Do you have a tendency to put more in your cart than you were intending? Yes, Target has a way of doing that to me too. Write a list of what your household actually needs, go shopping, and stick to the list. There will always be another temptation, another sale price, another gimmick for the store to entice you to give them your hard-earned money. Stick to the list – go in and out!
Conclusion
There is no reason you can’t be saving more money today. Even when you think you’re a budgeter and tight with your money there are always additional things you can trim. The question is, what are you willing to give up to achieve your financial goals faster?
What’s your favorite way to save?
Take one small step today – to help your finances tomorrow, Steph
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