Why is it that saving money always seems to mean going without something you want?
Surely there must be an easier way to put some funds away for a rainy day?
Fortunately, there is.
Saving money doesn’t have to mean cutting back on your favorite fashion, foods, and fun days out. There are other ways that you start building up a nice little nest egg.
Keep reading to discover exactly what they are!
1. Embrace coupons
If you are not already a lover of coupons and promotional codes, you will soon learn to be. Arguably the simplest way to save money while shopping for all your favorite brands, you can find money-saving coupons for clothing retailers, grocery stores, pets stores, home improvement depots, and so much more.
Start by checking out the weekly circulars to discover the best available sales and discounts at all your preferred stores each and every week. From Target to Walmart, Hobby Lobby to CVS Pharmacy, you can find a way to save money wherever you want to shop.
2. Grow your own
Although this option will take a little longer than simply cutting a coupon, it will provide you with a sense of satisfaction and achievement as well as saving you money in the long run. Deciding to grow your own produce in your garden is not as hard as it may seem, with options to suit all outdoor spaces and levels of gardening expertise.
If you have never grown any fruit or vegetables before, it can be a good idea to start with some options that grow easily and need minimal intervention to thrive, such as runner beans, tomatoes, and strawberries. All you need to purchase is a few packs of seeds and some compost and you are good to go.
If you grow enough, you could even decide to sell your homegrown produce and actively make some money as well as saving some.
3. Cancel any unused subscriptions or memberships
In the spirit of saving money without cutting back, you only have to cancel any subscriptions or memberships that you don’t actually use.
For example, are you a member of the local gym but only go twice a month at best? If yes, you could save yourself over $500 a year by simply going for a run or following along with a fitness DVD at home.
The same goes for magazine subscriptions. It may seem like a good idea at the time to have your favorite magazine delivered straight to your doorstep, but do you actually take the time to read it cover to cover or could you happily go without it?
4. Save on socializing
After your essential bills, this may be the area of your life in which you spend the most money, and why not? You work hard and deserve to let off some steam at the weekends. That being said, have you ever added up how much money a year you spend on non-essential expenses?
You may be surprised at how quickly it all adds up. Now, before you get worried, you do not need to forgo seeing your friends altogether, but instead, look at ways that you can still socialize without spending as much money.
For example, why not host a dinner party at your home rather than going out to an expensive restaurant? Or, instead of going to the movies every Sunday afternoon, you could host a movie festival in your own backyard complete with deckchairs and popcorn.
Try to think outside the box and discover ways that you can have fun without spending too much. You may even enjoy it!