Who doesn’t need a little extra cash in their wallet? Whether it’s to buy a new coat for winter or to splurge for a girls’ weekend, saving a little extra each month can have serious benefits. Sure, it can be a struggle to save instead of spend, but with these easy tips you’ll be saving like a pro in no time.
Save the small stuff
It can be really easy to get rid of coins because they seem “worthless,” or to spend small bills frivolously because they seem insignificant, but those small denominations can add up to big bucks. (Like this woman who saved $36k by saving $5 bills.) Instead of spending change and those $1 or $5 bills start storing them away in a safety box. Before you know it, you could have hundreds or thousands of dollars you wouldn’t have had otherwise!
Change your method of transport
If feasible, use public transportation as your main method of transportation. You’ll save a lot of money on maintenance and repairs the less you use a personal vehicle. If that’s not an option for you, see if any friends or co-workers are interested in carpooling. That Monday morning drive won’t be so draining if you can share it with your BFFs.
Don’t discount your discounts!
Think breaking out the coupon book is lame? Think again! Coupons are an easy way to save a few extra dollars while making standard purchases, and apps like RetailMeNot and The Coupons App make couponing a virtual (and painless!) process. If you use rebates as a shopping incentive, use Ibotta to shorten the timeline between buying a product and getting your rebate. Other sites like Splender.com can also help you save big while getting cashback on every purchase. So, before you shop online, check for available coupons and rebates!
Make your workplace work for you
Depending on where you work, you can also get extra discounts by using company codes or showing your work ID when paying. Schedule some time with your HR rep and ask them to walk you through your company’s discount policies. No matter if your workplace is big or small, they’re bound to offer some way to save money on everyday expenses.
Unplug
Even if your electronics are shut off at home, the fact that they’re plugged in means that they’re using energy. To save on your electric bill, unplug devices that you don’t use during the day like your television, computer, lamps, etc. You’ll cut down on costs and also save energy.
Fill your calendar with freebies
The next time you want to go out on the town with your friends, instead of headed to the newest (and priciest!) club, see what local, free events are going on in your area. No matter the season, there’s bound to be festivals, art exhibits, tastings, and more in your area. Use Eventbrite to find events in major cities, and also look at local newspapers and magazines for more detailed listings.
When in doubt, have somebody else do it
There’s no need to hire a financial advisor, but there are plenty of digital resources you can use to help you save. Digit will transfer small, specified amounts from your checking account to a FDIC-insured savings account. Simple Finance, another app, has a “safe-to-spend” feature that tells you exactly what you can spend while still saving for your goals (which the app helps you reach).
There are plenty of ways you can save and still live life to the fullest, you just have to figure out what steps work best for you!
