If you’re someone who lives paycheck to paycheck and maybe even finds yourself with bounced checks, then chances are you probably would like to have more money in your pocket at the end of the month. Whether you’re bad at tracking your finances, or you’re simply going through a tough financial time, the great news is that there are money-saving tactics you can start right away.
While they might not make you millions overnight, they can certainly make a difference in the amount of money left over in your bank account at the end of the month. Are you ready to find out how you can save more money every month? Here are some simple money-saving techniques you can start right now.
DIY
So many of us have been conditioned to believe that we have to buy products or services from a third party. You’d be surprised how many things are not only easy to do ourselves but are also a fraction of the price.
Whether you’re fixing your own bathtub stopper or doing your own nails, learning to DIY things without the help of a specialist can save you a significant amount of money over the years. Thanks to the internet, just about anything can be learned online with simple tutorials and instructions.
Create a Budget
For many people, the word budget immediately makes them panic. They have negative associations with the idea of budgeting because they think it means they’ll have to hold back on spending money on the things they love. This isn’t always the case.
A budget is all about allocating a certain amount of money for each aspect of your life. In other words, you can still enjoy that Starbucks every now and then— it’s just important that once you hit your spending limit on your budget, you cut yourself off. Listing your expenses and allocating where your money should be going can be one of the best things you can do for your finances.
Stop Eating Out for Three Months
We know, we know, you love eating out with your friends, and you love ordering takeout when you can’t be bothered to cook. But did you know that these seemingly innocent restaurant expenses add up significantly over the year? Think of it this way—the average meal costs $20 in today’s economy. If you eat out even once a week, that’s $1,040 a year just on restaurants. And let’s be honest, chances are you’re probably eating out a lot more than that when you add it up over the course of the year.
Imagine what you could do with that money. You could put it in your retirement fund or go on that trip you’ve been dying to take. The next time you feel like ordering takeout, ask yourself if not having to cook is really worth skipping out on a potential trip to Italy. Take a break for three months, and notice how much money you have left in your bank account!
