If you’re like me then you click on posts like this all the time, in hopes of finding some super obscure tip that will allow you to save money while simultaneously allowing you to maintain your Thai takeout and Sephora habits.
I’m sad to report, that this post will not have anything like that in it, but it will have some useful, easy to implement tips that I’ve used for years that really do save me a significant amount of money in the long run.
It’s kind of like when you google “easy ways to lose ten pounds” and then are horrified to find that the best way to lose weight is to just eat healthier and exercise. The good news is that it’s simple and straightforward, the bad news is that it requires patience, discipline, and sacrifice.
But, just like learning how to cook can help you make those healthier meals taste delicious, learning how to save in small ways throughout the month can be more enjoyable than you think.
Here are 5 easy ways I save money each month!
TRACK YOUR MONEY
I love the money diaries series from Refinery 29 (who doesn’t?) and it inspired me to track my own finances when I really wanted to get serious about budgeting.
Every month I start a new note in my phone that lists every purchase I make and I check-in and review it weekly. It’s super helpful when it comes to seeing where I’ve over/under spent because I do often use cash and it can be hard to keep track. I am very much in the habit of tracking my spending so I will write it down in my phone pretty much immediately after I make a purchase.
Obviously there are apps like Mint you can use to track your spending and maybe if you’re the type of person who will check it often and rarely uses cash that will work better for you. But if you’re trying to scale back on your spending, there is something about having to actually go and make a note of a purchase that can give you pause. It’s made me a lot more intentional about how I use my money every day.
BECOME A DINNER PARTY QUEEN
We all love to go out and try new restaurants but that can seriously add up. I do have dining out as part of my budget but I try to really only do it a few times a month. That way a lot of my dining out fund will roll over into the next month and if I want to go somewhere really nice I have the money to do it without going over my budget.
I have recently become obsessed with teaching myself how to cook (along with frequent texts to my cousins asking for help) and truly enjoy having friends over for dinner. It’s so much more low key, we get one on one (unless it’s a group!) time and we can really catch up. Plus, it’s a quarter of what it costs to go out to dinner. As in I’m able to buy groceries that will feed myself, a friend and give me ample leftovers for less than half the cost of waiting 40 minutes for a table in a loud restaurant.
If you’re someone who feels like you have to eat/drink out to have a good time, give cooking at home a try and get back to me. And while you’re at it, maybe consider making most of your meals (with or without company) at home too. You’ll watch your food spending drop drastically. Just saying!
MEAL PREP BASED ON WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE
Even if you’re not quite a meal prepper but you are trying to grocery shop more often instead of dining out (good for you!) you should still be strategic.
It can be easy to get bored with what you’ve been eating and decide to get a bunch of new ingredients or easy meals at the store. But you could be wasting money by not doing a double-take at the fridge and pantry.
Before I make my weekly grocery list I always look through everything I have and search for recipes that include those ingredients. I have a specific food budget set but if I can underspend I’m always a happy camper. If I see that I still have some tortillas and cilantro, tacos are happening. If I have some super ripe bananas and spinach leftover, maybe next week I’ll do smoothies for breakfast, etc.
Be smart about how you’re spending to not only save money but also to not be wasteful. It’s a win-win!
ELIMINATE LAST MINUTE PURCHASES BY PLANNING AHEAD
There’s always that moment during the day where you feel the need to stop by the nearest coffee shop for a little pick me up, or grab a bottle of water and some snacks at the store by your workplace.
There’s nothing wrong wanting to have those things throughout the day but it means you’re probably spending $10-$20 a day on things you could have just brought with you from home.
I make my coffee every morning and if I feel like I’ll need a second cup I make another and take it to go in my thermos. I always pack a handful of snacks in my bag and bring my water bottle (aka my child) with me everywhere. Not only is this a money saver but it also is so much better for the planet!
My coffee costs me $5 and lasts for weeks (versus $5 for each cup of coffee I’d be buying out every day), my snacks are a part of my grocery budget and my water bottle was a gift (that keeps on giving!). It’s a no brainer.
Plan ahead the night before by packing snacks, getting your thermos out and filling your water bottle (plus any other little things you can do to prevent unnecessary purchases the next day) so you have everything you need.
BE STRATEGIC WITH YOUR SHOPPING
I love clothes, beauty products, and home decor and that will never change. There are tons of things I see online that I want to buy for my closet or my home but I’ve gotten very good at pausing before I click that “add to cart” button.
I try to be strategic and before I even begin to think of what the best way to shop for this item is, I ask myself if I really need it. The answer is usually no but when it’s a yes I still am strategic.
I like to wait for things to go on sale, see if the retailer uses programs like Afterpay where my purchase could be split into four payments or if I can find any discount codes online. If none of this works and I really really want whatever it is (which is rare) then I’ll still get it. But I like to do my due diligence first.
I use to just buy buy buy and often would purchase things I never ended up really using or wearing. I was just in the habit of seeing something I liked and immediately purchasing it and it added up to a lot of unnecessary overspending over the years.
Really be intentional about your purchases and watch how much more you love and appreciate the things you do buy.
How do you save money? Tell me in the comments!
Xo,
She
