Great Ways to Save Money Every Day of the Month
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “It’s not how much you make, it’s how much you spend.” There’s truth in that saying, but the challenge is figuring out how to spend less each day. Keep reading to learn about smart ways you can save money throughout the month.
1. Don’t purchase anything on certain days
Pick out at least one day a week that you don’t purchase anything at all. No spending is allowed on your designated spend-free days. That includes everything and anything.
2. Reinvent last night’s dinner
Leftovers from last night’s dinner provide an easy way to create a new meal for little to no extra cost. For example, last night’s leftover pot roast and veggies can become tonight’s stew, vegetable beef soup, or pot roast tacos.
3. Brown bag your lunch
Pack a healthy lunch from home to take to work a few days a week and watch your savings add up. A nutritious lunch also contributes to a healthier lifestyle.
4. Choose free entertainment
You don’t need to spend a ton of money to have some fun. Enjoy public parks, beaches, lakes, and nature trails, and take advantage of free admittance days to local zoos and museums.
5. Make your favorite coffee
Add up the cost of your daily coffee purchases for a month, and you’ll likely be surprised at the total sum. You can easily save money by brewing your favorite coffee at home to take with you.
6. Avoid pricey restaurants
Eating out at pricey restaurants can quickly put a huge dent in your budget. Exchange expensive restaurant dining for budget-friendly meals at alfresco cafes, charming diners, or quaint eateries.
7. Round up your purchases
Certain apps help you save money by rounding up your purchase to the next dollar. For example, if you buy a snack for $2.50, the app rounds the purchase up to $3.00, with the extra 50 cents transferred from your checking account to savings.
8. Slash your utility costs
Downsize your utility bill by switching off lights, televisions, and computers when they’re not in use. Also, adjust your home’s heating and air conditioning thermostat when you’re sleeping or away from home to save additional dollars.
9. Avoid multiple shopping trips
Multiple shopping trips during the week at online or brick-and-mortar stores typically result in increased spending. Make a list of what you need and limit your opportunities for overspending.
10. Look for seasonal bargains
By planning ahead, you can save money with seasonal deals. For example, buying shoes, clothing, bedding, furniture, and other items when they’re at end-of-season clearance price can save you big bucks.
11. Enjoy simple pleasures
Sometimes life’s little joys can give you the most contentment for little to no cost. Savor a cup of coffee on your patio, relax in a warm bubble bath, or take your dog on a walk around the neighborhood.
12. Take care of yourself
Being kind to yourself can actually make a difference for your bottom line. For example, exercising regularly, eating nutritious food, getting good sleep, stressing less, and maintaining a positive attitude can lead to less desire to seek happiness through spending. Better mental and physical health can also contribute to fewer costly doctor visits and pricey medications.
13. Learn to say no
Every good spending and savings plan has fun activities built into it. But limiting excessive expensive sporting events, dinners, trips, and entertainment you can’t afford will help keep a smile on your face even when you’re not out frolicking. By focusing on a few activities that truly mean the most to you, it’s possible build your savings account instead of busting your budget.
14. Resist impulse buying
Save yourself some cash and next-day regrets by resisting emotional splurge spending, especially on high-ticket items. Distance yourself from the thing you want to purchase and think about it for at least a couple of days.
15. Create a vision board
If you visually remind yourself of your savings goal, you’ll likely be more inspired to practice disciplined spending. You can do this by creating a vision board. Buy a bulletin board and pin pictures of what you’re saving for, such as a beach vacation, emergency fund, retirement, or a new car.
Now’s the time to challenge yourself to save more money. Incorporate as many of the above tips as you can to really stash that cash. As you’re able realize the ambitions laid out on your vision board, you’ll truly delight in the rewards of your deliberate frugality.