Money problems can be a huge stress on a person’s life. Hopefully these 8 tips can help save some of that stress.
1. Write yourself a budget
I mean physically write it, so that you can keep track of where your money is going. Go through your bank statement and calculate all the stuff you spent on money this month. A lot of it is unnecessary, right?! Make a list of all your bills including unscheduled monthly costs (gas, groceries, etc). After those are subtracted from your paycheck, budget yourself an amount of money to have fun with and don’t overspend! You’ll be surprised how much you save when you pay attention to where your money is going.
2. Stop eating out
Groceries for one person for two weeks can easily be bought with $100-$150 depending on if you are a brand name kind of person. By the time you spend $10 here and $15 there, fast food and restaurant checks add up. Check out your bank account and see how much you are spending every two weeks on food.
3. Use cash
You’ve made your budget and have decided how much you are going to allow yourself to spend on whatever makes you happy. Take that money out in cash. It’s super easy to lose track of what you are spending when you can just swipe a card and move on, but when you are using cash from your wallet, you’ll notice when it’s going away. Another alternative if you don’t feel safe with cash, is to get your bank’s app. You can check your account everyday and watch what you are spending.
4. Start a change jar
It might sound cliché, but think about all the change you have just lying around. It can add up quick! And even if it doesn’t, you weren’t using it anyway. Put it aside in a jar and when it gets full, turn it in and treat yourself to something.
5. Shop at the thrift store
If you haven’t noticed, most of the latest trends are things our parents used to wear when they were young. It’s great to look at thrift stores for cheap clothes and some you can even make into DIY projects. Get some old Levi’s and watch a youtube tutorial on how to make your very own holey boyfriend jeans for way less than your favorite store.
6. Sell unwanted clothing
Have any clothes you haven’t worn in months just taking up closet space? Take it somewhere like Plato’s closet and make money off of it. It might not be much, but more than what you were getting for it hanging in your closet.
7. Less bars hopping
Alcohol is expensive! If it isn’t in your budget, then don’t go out. Drinks at bars are ridiculously priced. Invite some friends over and buy some drinks from the gas station or grocery store for a third of the price. You'll also be saving on the uber or cab you'd have to take home from the bar! Double win!
8. Find more free hobbies
There are so many hobbies you can get into that are free! You can start working out, whether it is at home or join a gym that keeps it cheap! Go outside and do things like hike, take a bike ride, or longboard. Volunteer at a local homeless shelter or animal shelter. There are so many things you can fill your spare time with that are fun and enjoyable, but don’t break your bank!
Happy saving!
