Money can be a real hassle to save, but sometimes it’s the smallest changes that can make the biggest difference for your bank account. Here are ten ways you can save money.
1 - Make A Shopping List
Rachel Smith from Cycling Rachel Smith offers her advice. “Toilet rolls, shampoo, toothpaste, washing-up liquid, fabric conditioner – the household items needed in all households can easily cost hundreds of dollars every month. We, humans, are creatures of habit. We tend to go to the same shops and supermarkets every week, buying the same things each week without thinking. Simple ways to save money are:
Calculate how much of each item you use each week
Make a budget based on what you use
Use up what you already have before buying more
Make a shopping list and stick to it!
Only buy what you really need”
Find out more about Cycling Rachel Smith by following her on Facebook and Instagram.
2 - Get Quality Bedding
Here me out; bedding can really make a difference to your overall spending. If you have a duvet that’s way too light during the colder months, you’re going to turn up the heater overnight and not only does the temperature skyrocket, but so does your electricity bill. It’s a lot easier to warm yourself up than it is to cool down, but if you’re stuck with a crappy duvet, you’re going to end up shivering instead of sleeping. A quality quilt from MyDeal could be a great way to keep yourself comfy at night, and lower your heating bill all at once.
3 - Sell Clothes You Don’t Wear
Do you just keep piling up clothes that you intend to wear, but just don’t? It’s time that you go through every piece of clothing that you have. Yes, every piece of clothing, and evaluate if you have worn it in the last 12 months. You can’t really evaluate if you’ve worn the outfit in the last six months, since seasons can affect the choice of clothing you wear. However, if you haven’t worn a piece of clothing since 2015 or 2016, it may be time to give it to a new home. Of course, this does not have to include pieces that are special to you, such as a wedding dress or ball gown, but you get my point. Selling clothes has become easier, and it’s a great way to make some extra cash on the side.
4 - Cancel Unused Memberships
This one is a killer to the bank account; the unused gym membership. You may tell yourself that you’ll go to the gym after work or on Sunday morning, but will you really? It doesn’t even have to be the gym, it can be anywhere that has a paid membership, including streaming sites such as Netflix. If you haven’t used the membership in more than a month, cut it out. Grab those metaphorical scissors and say bye to unnecessary spending.
5 - Write Down Your Monthly Budget
Keeping track of your finances is one thing, but planning your finances is another. Abigail Koch, a representative from Compare The Market explains further. “Running a household is an expensive undertaking and it’s easy to set yourself on autopilot. Being vigilant with household expenses can help you cut back and save money on everyday items like utilities, groceries and maintenance. Start creating a realistic household budget and record your financial objectives for each month. Make sure you use the support network of your friends and family to keep you motivated!” Find out more about Compare The Market by following them on Facebook and Twitter.
6 - Make Sure Your Pet Is Occupied
If you work all day, and your pet is left alone, chances are they are going to get bored and start stirring the pot. If you have a cat, they may become so bored that they start to knead away on your furniture, which is no fun at all, and can cost you a lot of money in the long run. Keep them occupied with a cat scratching post from MyDeal, and keep them away from tearing apart your lovely furniture.
7 - Choose Generic
If you’re a bit of a brand snob, it may be time for you to take a seat. Sure, the expensive option may make you feel fancy, but nine times out of ten, you can get the same exact product, for half the price. If you choose generic brands, you’re more likely to save money and get the exact same item.
8 - Grow Your Own Veggies
Growing your own veggies is a great way to reduce spending on expensive food in the supermarket, and it’s also a great way to make food that tastes even better, just because you grew it yourself.
9 - Cook More, Go Out Less
Speaking of food that tastes even better, eating food that you’ve made yourself is not only cheaper, but it’s also a great way to up your cooking skills and stop spending so much money on expensive meals out, when you can just do it at home.
Spending less money is a tricky thing to accomplish, but if you work hard and you do it right, you can put yourself on autopilot and save some real cash, really fast.
