It’s no surprise that saving money isn’t easy. Unplanned expenses somehow always arise, the value of the dollar is consistently dropping, and hey, Chipotle is just always on point. How can we compete with that?
Unfortunately, saving money is a must, especially for young people in college looking to come out with a mountain of debt. (Yay us, right?) And we all know that being in a relationship means a full heart, but an empty wallet.
All the dates in an attempt to “woo” one another, the over-the-top anniversary presents, and the first vacation together – it costs A LOT to be coupled up.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t save money just as efficiently. Can you believe that it may just be fun? Here are six different ways for you and your honey to start expanding that bank account.
- Keep a sex jar
The more you smash, the more you save! The sex jar works like this: every time you bang, give oral, or whatever turns you guys on (that’s just not my business), put a dollar, or whatever you choose, into your jar. The extent of your sexual activity will certainly determine the amount of your savings. However, it may just be the most fun way to hold on to a couple bucks!
- Go on less expensive dates
Well, wait a second, Megan, I’m obsessed with that extremely overpriced steakhouse downtown. Are you saying I can’t go there now? Nope, I’m definitely not trying to deprive you of that porterhouse. However, it can get costly if you’re getting it more than a just a few times in a given month. Don’t get me wrong, a nice expensive treat is my favorite thing too, but I challenge you to widen your horizons and seek out some different date night ideas.
Maybe hiking, hitting the state park, or having a picnic is the way to go sometimes. Our dinner dates get boring after a while (or is that just me?), and who doesn’t like to change it up every now and then? If it means more moolah in your pocket, why not give it a shot? The possibilities are endless!
- Move in together
If you’re in a committed, long-term relationship, it may be wise to consider moving in together. It’s not only a huge step for the both of you, it could save you money in the long run! Think about how much you each are paying in rent each month. If you split the rent of one place, you’d already be saving a bunch. That’s not to mention, that you only need to pay one internet and cable bill now. *Is cable still a thing?
- Eat at home
Instead of your fancy steak dinner, yeah I’m bringing that up again, trying cooking a homemade meal together! That means more bonding time for you (and finally learning how to cook), and less dough wasted. (See what I did there?) Buying food at the grocery store is so much cheaper than eating out, and it’s healthier too! Bring this idea to the table and see what you can come up with. You never know how creative you can get with your home-style dishes until you try it. Maybe there will even be a food fight.
- Go thrifting/DIY together
I love buying things second hand. It gives my home some history, which I love. Know what I also love? Less cash spent on virtually the same thing at Home Goods. (It’s really not as cheap as people say.) Thrifting can become a great hobby for you and your significant other. Saturday and Sunday mornings are primetime to find great pieces (furniture, clothing, and other useful things) for next to nothing.
If you’re not totally into the “new to me” feel, there are still other things you can DIY to save money. Pinterest has a billion and one ideas for DIY household cleaners, make-up remover wipes, and essentially everything else. At the beginning it may not seem like you’re saving money, but trust me, if you keep up with it, it will pay off!
- Limit your air conditioner/heater use
I promise I’m not crazy, just hear me out. Cutting back on your electricity/gas use can save you up to a hundred dollars a month! Doesn’t that sound wonderful? I get that it’s super hot out right now. (Literally, even Maryland is a nightmare.) But, some smart bastard created fans, which suck way less energy – so crank ‘em up! If you still can’t handle the heat, who says clothes are mandatory? Walking around naked is not only super empowering, it can save you money! Another way you can start saving at home is by going solar. Adding solar power to your home can help offset your monthly utility costs, allowing you to save thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your solar energy system.
Flip-side, because in just a few months we are going to be frozen over again, having less heat in the house just means you have a license to cuddle 24/7. Uhm, hello?! Sign me up, already!
The fact that money rules the world sucks, but at least saving it can be made into some fun. I hope you try to incorporate one of these into your daily money saving plan, because real budgets are for adults!
(It’s going to be the sex jar one, isn’t it?)
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