I know I have another post on this same topic, but I thought I would do another one for the new year. Living paycheck to paycheck because we spend money on stuff we have nothing to show for is not the business!!! So here are some tips on some easy ways to save money:
1. Eat at home. Seriously, it all adds up. Even though we may be only getting something on the dollar menu, or getting a lunch special, all that adds up. I didn't really see how much I was spending on eating out until I stopped doing it for 2 weeks. Once I saw how much money I was saving, it encouraged me to keep it up and I hardly eat out anymore.
2. This kind of falls under eating at home, but plan your meals and make a grocery list. I say plan your meals because if you already know what your meals are going to be for the week, then when you make your grocery list you only need those items. Before I really got into managing my money better I would make a list, but it was disorganized and random and I spent a lot of money on stuff that wasn't being used right away, defeating the purpose of saving money. So if you are like me and your eyes are bigger than your stomach--plan your meals in advance.
3. Cut down on expenses you do not need. I do not have a house phone (who still has one of those?), nor do I have cable. Had I wrote this post two weeks ago, I would have even said I do not own a TV (just bought my first one ever and I am in love!). Instead of a gym membership I use the gym at my apartment complex and run outside. I do have internet though and even with that I tried to get the best deal possible. The internet is a necessity for me because of school and my sanity! Cant be sitting at home completely bored to death!
4. Write down all your bills and prioritize them. We know we have bills, but it is a lot easier to see the whole picture if it is in black and white.
5. Look for coupons and sales before you shop! Ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you I always get a good deal. And that is because I refuse to pay more when someone else is selling it for less. My go to app for shopping is called Shopular. If I am going shopping for something in particular (or sometimes I just want to shop! Hey, it happens…) I always check out the sales in the app first before I go driving all over town. Not only does it save me money, but it saves me gas. I have tried other apps before, but this is my holy grail and I recommend it to EVERYONE.
6. Shop online. I know that as humans its in our nature to be impatient, but sometimes waiting really isn't that bad--especially if it is a better deal online. I recently got myself a TV for Christmas (Merry Christmas to me!!!) and I bought it on Amazon. The black friday sales in LA were more or less the same and I the lines to get into Walmart and Target for TV's we just beyond ridiculous so I decided to get it online instead and save myself the headache. Originally I going to get something small, because it is just me and I am not a fancy kind of person, but then I came across a deal I couldn't refuse. I ended up getting a 50-inch SMART TV by Samsung for $599. I'd say that is winning :)
7. Put aside money for a rainy day. It is the most obvious thing, don't think I need to elaborate on that ;)
8. Treat yourself. If you are constantly pinching pennies and saving it could lead to unintended splurging. You should always take care of yourself and do something nice for yourself (within reason) every once in a while. Otherwise, it would be like a diet. You loose all that weight, you look great, but as soon as you stop dieting all that weight comes right back. Saving money, like dieting (or healthy eating I should say), should be a lifestyle choice. Its not something that is temporary and it shouldn't have to suck all time! Treat yourself and enjoy life, but also think about the future. You only live once!
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