As I entered “the real world”, I knew money management was important, but I convinced myself that there was a time and place for all of that in the future.
You know…once I actually had money.
It never occurred to me that making good use of the money I had now, would be the key to having more money in the future!
It wasn’t until I started learning more about budgeting that everything started to click.
I began to realize that it was up to me to control my spending. I had the power to tell my money where to go. I could reduce my spending by making simple, (temporary) sacrifices so we could save money.
I finally started to figure out what we really needed, and what we could live without.
These are a few simple tips to cut down on your expenses and save more money:
Switch to Store Brands
Name brand products are good, but store brand products are often just as good (if not identical). Make the switch to the bargain labels, and you’ll slash a percentage off of your weekly grocery bill. With more and more grocery chains launching their line of organics and other premium products, there’s never been an easier time to switch.
Shop With a List
Ever gone to the store for a few items and come out with a whole cartload? Who hasn’t? To keep impulse shopping from taking hold of your budget, make a habit of shopping with a list. Jot down everything you need, and then only shop for those items.
Still tempted to add an extra item to your cart? Go home and think about it first. If you still want the item, you can always add it to.
Only Buy New Clothes to Replace Old Clothes
It’s a great system to prevent yourself from just buying clothes for the sake of buying them.
Your spending becomes intentional and purposeful.
If you haven’t tried this, it’s a great way to evaluate the clothes you wear and minimize both your wardrobe and your shopping bill.
Get Rid of Cable (Satelite): Opt for Showmax or Netflix (or even Both!)
Cable has about a billion channels you do not want or need.
Netflix and Showmax have everything you “need” when it comes to tv shows and movies. You can pause, stop, rewind, and watch over and over again.
Plus it’s so much cheaper!
Limit Dining out/Takeaways
Every time I go out to eat, I’m shocked at how expensive it is.
How many times do you go out to eat every month? How about every week?
If it’s more than a few times per month, you’re sitting on a jackpot of extra money in your budget!
Cooking from home can be a pain, but it saves so much money. Start meal prepping as well, then shop for the ingredients and try out some new recipes as well. You’re less likely to eat out and end up saving loads of money and having fun in the kitchen. Bonus! You develop your cooking skills.
Furthermore carry snacks whenever you out on errand runs to avoid hunger attack buying.
Ask for a Better Deal
Call all of your service providers up—phone, Internet, etc.—and ask them to give you a better deal. You may just be surprised at what they’re willing to offer to keep your business. It’s worth a try and there is no harm in asking.
Pay Off Your Vehicle ASAP!
The problem with cars is that they are not an investment. They go down in value, and FAST
You will always need to invest in repairs and maintenance, so why would you want to make a car payment on top of that?
I know it’s not always possible to buy a used car and pay cash. However, work on paying off your car installments as soon as possible.
Shop to Save
Challenge yourself to save more every time you shop. If you usually buy something at regular price, challenge yourself to find it on sale. When you’re always on the lookout for a bargain, there’s no end to the money that you can save; and soon it becomes a game that you look forward to playing.
What Changes Can You Make Today?
It takes a certain mindset to change your lifestyle and make changes to really save more money. It also takes defined goals and dreams to motivate you to sustain the changes.
Find something on this list that you think you can do and get to work! Start changing your lifestyle one habit at a time and start saving money. Your future self will be happy you did.
Let Me Know in the Comments
What have you cut out of your budget to save more money? Was it worth it?
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