Whether money is readily available to you or it is a rare commodity, everyone needs some tips on saving some extra green every now and again.
Pack your lunch. As simple as it sounds, getting fast food every day can add up quickly – in both calories and dollars. Settling for a sandwich and some fresh fruit is a healthier and more economical option. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
Use coupons. Though it is tedious scanning through newspaper ads and online searches, in some cases it is worth your time. Just as spending a little money over time adds up, so does saving a little. Do it with your friends or siblings or mom to make it more fun. It helps. However…
…Don't use coupons as an excuse. When using coupons, the appropriate technique is to find coupons for what you need, not vice versa. do not buy something you don’t need simply because you have a coupon for it. You’re not actually saving money that way, even if it seems like it.
Hunt down sales and clearances. Working in retail teaches you that items go on sale in cycles. Wait for what you need to go back on sale when you can. You might have to sort through messy racks and tables for that “diamond in the rough” item, but when you find it — especially when it’s half off – it’ll all seem worth it.
Buy out of season. When shopping for seasonal items, buying them before they come into season, or after they go out of season increases the chances of them being on sale.
Buy in bulk when possible. This is big with groceries. For things like hand soap, paper towels, toilet paper, body wash, and razors, you know you’ll use them eventually and they don’t expire. When you find them listed as BOGO or even buy one get one-half off, buy a bunch. Okay, let me rephrase, buy a reasonable amount — enough to last you until they go on sale again.
Limit the amount you eat out. Dining out is expensive and calorie heavy. Eating in will save you cash and pounds. There’s nothing like home-cooking and you’ll miss it when you leave, so enjoy it while you can. When you’re making your own food, you’ll wish you did.
Make your coffee at home. Coffee shops are great money vacuums. Consider it a splurge, not an everyday run. They make Starbucks and Dunkin’ that you can prepare at home for much less. Use it. If you can’t resist, try ordering regular hot or iced coffee instead of a fancy drink. This is another scenario where your jeans and your wallet will thank you.
Carpool to save gas. Set a schedule with your friends for going to school or alternate who gives rides when you’re going to the same place. No sense polluting the environment and wasting money. Do it for the trees.
Invest in a Brita filter and reusable water bottle. Another way the environment will thank you is to stop using plastic water bottles. A pack of water bottles, or worse, buying single waters, is a great way to waste money when you are lucky enough to have plumbing and running water. A Brita filter will help reduce money wasted and your carbon footprint.
Turn in plastic, glass, and aluminum to a recycling center (where available). If you can’t help but get a couple non-reusable containment vessels, at least recycle them. If you’re lucky enough to live in a state with can and bottle returns, take advantage of it! You are getting paid for getting rid of your waste. Sounds like a good deal to me.
Pick sensible items to splurge on. A dress you’ll wear once or your shower flip flops wouldn’t fall into this category. Coverup that you wear every day and doesn’t make you break out would be logical. Or a super comfy t-shirt that you can wear with all of your jeans and shorts is another example. Just do your best to be reasonable.
While these things might not turn you into the next billionaire, it is my hope that they’ll help everyday people make everyday decisions. Best of luck out there and happy shopping!
