We’ve all heard it before: if you want to save money, you should cut back on your expenses. However, it isn’t always that simple. Identifying wasteful spending in the categories below will help you save more money each month. But don’t be concerned. Whether you’re saving for a new home, a wonderful vacation, or just trying to build up your “emergency fund,” these small modifications can help you cut down on unnecessary spending.
Make a visual reminder
Use this method to manage debt and the expense of something you’re saving for. Seeing these figures on a regular basis will motivate you to make changes.
Visual reminders can be found in your phone’s reminder app, a budget diary (which is fun to decorate and build), or simply writing daily goals on a piece of paper and crossing them off. It’s satisfying to visually cross things off a list, and if you can see it all the time, you’ll be less hesitant to open your bank app.
Create a list
You may have heard that having a shopping list before going to the store will help you avoid impulse purchases. But did you know that you can apply the same method to save money on clothing by buying only what you need instead of what looks beautiful in the store?
Lists should be used for a specific purpose. Don’t just write down the first thing that comes to mind. Create columns instead:
- What I’m after
- What I require
Make an honest assessment of whether something is a wish or a need. A wish is anything that isn’t necessary for your daily functions or that you don’t require right now. If you’re unsure if something is a want or a need, it’s probably a want. You’ll know when something is a must right away; as humans, we instinctively recognize what is necessary for our existence and functioning.
Don’t chuck your wish list after that! Keep a visual reminder of what you’re saving for by hanging your wish list. Is that additional cup of coffee or outing for lunch really worth it? Take a look at your wish list. Dream it and make it a reality.
Remove paper from the equation.
Dish towels and cloth napkins are a better option than paper towels and napkins since they can be reused.
Even if this means doing more laundry, merging items into larger loads will save you more time and money than buying paper products on a regular basis. They’re convenient, we understand. They’re also bad for the appearance of your home and your cash! Save the paper products for occasions when you need to feed a large number of people, such as a party.
Utility bills that are less expensive
Utility costs are a common source of unaccounted for spending. Consider bundling your TV, phone, and internet for a better deal, or removing your cable. There are a variety of options that will allow you to keep viewing your favorite TV episodes and movies while saving money on your monthly subscription.
Cutting the cord is a viable choice, but don’t rely solely on streaming services for entertainment. Make a list of your favorite shows and TV shows, then see which streaming services provide them. If you have a smart TV, you should download the following apps:
- It’s free TV on Pluto or Xumo! You’d be astonished at how many channels are available for free.
- Youtube is a great place to start. It’s great for watching cat videos and keeping up with crucial news! Many people, including ABC and NBC, now do livestreams on YouTube.
- There’s a crackle. Free movies and television. That’s all there is to it!
- Kids on PBS. This is a good alternative for safe kid-friendly entertainment if you have young children, in addition to YouTube Kids.
Bank fees should be avoided.
Calculate the total amount of fees you’ve paid in the last six months to a year (including ATM fees) and consider switching accounts or banks to save money.
Make it a habit to check your bank account every day to keep track of your expenditure. There are also a plethora of apps for spending analysis available right now.All of these are viable possibilities, and you should consult with your bank to see what they propose. Some companies even offer in-house services for this!
Your piggy bank should be broken.
Keep your spare change! Check your pockets, clean out your car, and grab coins from the bottom of your purse. Set aside a jar and don’t touch it until it’s completely full. Because most grocery store machines will take a 10% or more cut of your change, ask your bank if they have a coin counting machine available to cash in with.