Do you feel like it’s difficult to hold onto your money? Does it seem like you’re always broke even though you have a budget? It’s time to take a close look at your spending habits and patterns in order to find areas where you can save.
Saving money can require lifestyle changes that results in uncomfortable adjustments in your habits. However, these changes go a long way towards keeping more money in your bank account, and you can see the savings build up quickly. Here are eight changes you can make to your lifestyle to help you save without making huge sacrifices.
1. Make Lunch or Dinner at Home
If you go to the office on a full-time or hybrid schedule, you may find yourself eating out for lunch or dinner on a regular basis. Instead of eating out, pack a lunch or a frozen meal that you can put into the microwave.
2. Fill a Thermos with Coffee
Getting coffee from a major chain adds up, even if you get it black. Buying coffee grounds and filling a thermos with a day’s supply of coffee is economical and you get a brew that’s always to your liking.
3. Cancel Unused Subscriptions or Memberships
Stop paying for subscriptions and memberships you’re not using. You’re essentially giving the provider free money as you’re getting nothing in return, and there’s nothing that stops you from picking them up at again at a later date.
4. Designate a Day for No Spending
It’s easy to spend money every day, even if it’s only a few dollars. Identify a day where you’re most likely to not spend money, then stay off shopping sites, don’t go to the store, and find entertainment that’s free.
5. Stay Off Social Media
Social media delivers ads and pictures of people living a lifestyle that generates a feeling of a fear of missing out, or FOMO. Stay off social media to avoid these images and feeling like you need to spend to keep up with the Joneses.
6. Switch to a Prepaid Mobile Phone Service
A prepaid mobile phone service is typically much less expensive than a postpaid plan, and they also offer further savings in the form of Wi-Fi calling. You can use a prepaid phone the same as your postpaid plan, get the same amount of service you’re accustomed to, and save on your monthly bill.
7. Cut Back on Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol in all of its forms tends to be expensive, even if you buy it at the liquor store for drinking at home. Buying less of it at the bar and from the stores helps you save money. When you want to keep alcohol at home for days you want to relax, stock up when there’s a sale on you favorite brands.
8. Stock Up and Store Basic Food Items
Everyone’s idea of a pantry staple differs from each other, but as long as they’re items that are easily stored, you can save a lot of money on your groceries. Pick staples that easily stored or frozen for long periods of time.
