9 Money-Saving Tricks To Start Using Now
We hear all the time how important it is to have money saved. When people tell us to save money, do they ever tell us how to get started? Many people live paycheck to paycheck. So… how can you save without any extra money lying around? If this situation applies to you, you may be thinking of ways that you can find savings in your income. There are a few solutions. Each may be small, but in the end, they will make a huge difference. Here are 9 ways to save money quick.
Create a Budget Journal
This is a simple task that requires a pen and paper. At the start of the next month, before your first paycheck, create a budget journal. You can do this by writing down your paychecks, how much they should be, and when you will receive them, and remember to write down your expenses and when they are due. By doing this, you’ll see how much of your money goes toward bills, and how much you have left to save or spend on non-essential items.
Cancel Unused Subscriptions
Do you have a gym membership that you never use or a streaming service that goes to waste? If so, you may want to cancel these if you are serious about saving. This doesn't mean you must cancel everything. Try to get rid of the ones that you do not use often enough to pay for them.
Eat at Home
Do you spend money each month eating out with friends? This can be a huge factor in missing money. It is much cheaper to cook at home. If you want to spend time with friends, have them over for dinner at your home. You'll see big savings with each paycheck.
Limit Credit Card Use
The more you spend on a credit card, the more your monthly payments will be. If you get close to the max limit of the card, you will notice your payments increase and your credit score decreases. Try using money you actually have in cash or your debit account instead.
Save Energy
A big way to save money easily is by saving and limiting resources. Try to shut the water off when brushing your teeth, turn the shower on only when you are about to get in, and use your heat only when necessary. This may seem trivial but will truly help you save each month in utilities.
Use Cash
When using your debit card, it's easy to forget how much you have and how much you have been spending. Using cash provides you with a visual of how much money you have left to spend. This also can prevent over-drafting your account as well.
ATM Surcharges
Going to your bank’s ATM to take out money is free. Using gas station and store ATM’s can cost around $2.50 per transaction. These unnecessary charges can really start to build up. Try to only use your bank’s ATM to avoid these extra charges.
Make Lists
When going shopping for example, at the grocery store, make a list before going. Make sure to stick to your list. This will prevent you from impulse buying. You can even set a budget limit for shopping to only spend what you know you have already.
Bring Your Own
Pack a lunch and bring your own coffee from home to work. By limiting stops each morning to Starbucks, you can save up to $100 each month. You can also save by bringing your lunch from home from preventing having to buy lunch each day. This can save you hundreds of dollars at the end of the month.
If you find that these tips are not making a big enough difference in your monthly savings, you have another option. You can always look into New Mexico title loans. You can use your new loan to pay off some old, outstanding bills, and proactively pay for upcoming bills as well.
Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.