6 Practical Ways To Save Money Every Week
You don’t need to completely change your lifestyle to save money. You just need to be aware of how much you’re currently spending and decide whether specific expenses are worth it or not. Follow these 6 tips for success:
1. Set a Savings Goal
The first step is to decide how much you need or want to save. Every family is different, and what you’re able to save should adapt to your budget and paycheck. Be realistic but specific. If you want to chop $200 off your monthly expenses, break that into $50 a week. Keep track of your savings throughout the week to see how you’re doing.
2. Stick to Your Shopping List
It’s really easy to go overboard when visiting the grocery store, especially with all the varieties of products available. Taking your kids along to the store is a losing battle since they tend to beg for the latest things they see. Before you leave the house, make a shopping list of the things you really need for the week. Stick to your list and you’ll be amazed how much you save.
3. Enjoy the Free Things in Life
There’s nothing wrong with going out sometimes, but if you’re trying to save, you may want to cut back on entertainment expenses such as movie tickets. Remember, the best things in life usually involve family and friends. Play baseball in the backyard or have a barbecue. Call an old friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Rent a film the library and have an unforgettable (and free) movie night.
4. Check Your Subscriptions
On the surface, subscriptions often seem like a tiny expense. Just $12.99 a month for unlimited streaming? The problem is that these memberships add up quickly, and many people forget how many different services they’re subscribed to. Go through your bank statement to look for automatic deposits and decide whether you need multiple memberships for music, movies, games and other services.
5. Handle Repairs Yourself
Repairs are a tricky subject, and sometimes you will avoid costs by just hiring a pro in the first
place. For many projects, however, DIY is a great option. The internet has helpful videos (the
ones created by home-improvement stores are the best) that explain how to stain your deck,
repair your roof or replace your sink. You can potentially save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
6. Exercise Instead of Spending
Many people spend money to alleviate anxiety. They buy things they don’t need (and end up not using) just for the thrill of the purchase. Unfortunately, the feeling you get from impulse buys doesn’t last. To save money, replace stress-shopping with exercise. Whether it’s Zumba or a bike ride, you’ll be amazed at how great the adrenaline and endorphins make you feel. You don’t need no credit card to ride this train.
Saving money usually requires giving something up. To stick to your long-term financial goals, you need to remember why you’re making the sacrifice. Do you have your eye on a romantic getaway? Then you may need to hold off on buying that designer dress. Trust me, those trade-offs feel completely worth it if you keep in mind what’s most important to you.
