Saving money is easier said than done. Mortgages, car payments, utility bills, groceries, and other everyday expenses make it difficult to put leftover funds in the bank. But stay with us because we have some out-of-the-box ways to save that you may never have considered. Let’s discuss!
Delay Purchases Using the 30-Day Rule
This particular piece of advice is for those who tend to make impulse purchases. The 30-day rule works like this: If you see an item you want, wait 30 days, giving yourself additional time to think about the purchase. During this time, you can also look into coupon codes and sales to see if any savings are involved in the purchase.
Use Shopping Rewards Apps
Rebate sites and discount apps like NerdWallet and Ibotta make it easy to shop for deals and get cash back. Simply connect the apps to your existing credit and debit cards and shop at participating stores. At the end of every billing cycle, you’ll see the savings on your statements!
Stop Splitting the Bill at Restaurants
Dining out with friends when you’re on a strict budget is challenging. But there is a way to get around it, have a good time, and plan accordingly. First, set your budget and bring the amount of cash you’re willing to spend. Then, request separate checks. That way, you only pay for what you ordered.
Plan Your Meals in Advance
Groceries are a significant expense, but the best way to save money is to plan your meals in advance. Make a shopping list and stick to it. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and get out of the store quicker!
Cancel Unnecessary Subscriptions
Your gym membership you never use? That’s an unnecessary subscription. If you watch one movie a month on Hulu and nothing else, that’s an unnecessary subscription. If you never listen to Spotify, that’s an unnecessary subscription. Take some time to review your subscriptions. If you’re not using them regularly, it may be time to cut the cord.