Easy Tips to Help You Save Money
6 Tips to Save You Money
Everyone wishes they could make more money, have more money, and spend more money. Money is a part of life, but that doesn’t mean that you have to feel like you are drowning because of your lack thereof. There are a few tips that we have learned that have helped save money and have find freedom from money.
When my husband and I first married we were pretty low on funds. I had a part time job and was still trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life and my husband had just gotten his first “real” job in the industry he wanted to be in, but had a very entry level salary. And on top of that we needed to start paying off my student loans. We had to learn how to live on a pretty tight budget together.
Today we have been married for almost 10 years, paid off all my student loans, funded an adoption, and our pay has increased; we still live on a budget and use all the same tips we did back then because we like having freedom from our money. Today I am going to share with you 6 tips we use to help us save money and I know will work for you too.
Tip #1 to Save Money- Make a List before going to the Grocery Store
Planning before going into a store is my number one tip to save money. Knowing what you actually need so that you only buy what you actually need is the simplest way to save yourself money.
Making your grocery list will require you to meal plan, but a little extra time could end up with you having huge savings. After meal planning your week a few times it undoubtedly becomes quite easy to do; it just takes practice. Now instead of having 5 cereal boxes in your pantry because you can’t remember if you need more (I know I have been guilty), you don’t put that cereal box in your cart because it is not on your list.
When you go into a grocery store with your list in hand, buy only what is on your list, and walk up to the checkout aisle; then you see why a grocery list is my number one tip. Those savings honestly start to add up.
Tip #2 to Save Money- Buy Reusable products
My second tip is to use reusable products. There is a cost upfront when using reusable products, but when you get them and start using them you see the cost savings.
Example: Use kitchen towels instead of buying paper towels. They make reusable paper towels as well, but I find kitchen towels work just fine, and I already have them, so I don’t have to buy something else.
Example: Reusable sponges. You can find reusable sponges on Amazon. All you do is wash them and use them again and again.
Example: Cloth diapers. Cloth diapers definitely have an upfront cost, but you can start the cloth diaper journey for a pretty reasonable cost depending on what system you choose. Covers and flats are by far the least expensive option with All in Ones being the most expensive, and other systems in between. Once you start not having to go to the store to pick up diapers, you will understand the pros of cloth diapering.
Tip #3 to Save Money- Repurpose things you already have when Decorating
The third tip I have for you is to repurpose things that you already have while decorating. I like to tell my husband I’m “going shopping in the basement”.
Before I go buy something to help decorate my home I first start by seeing what I already have. The chance that I already have a vase for some flowers I bought is highly likely.
The second thing I do while decorating is see if I already have something that I am not currently using that can be turned into something I do need.
Example: I have turned an old art canvas that no longer fits your space into one that does, by DIYing it. There is a blog post in which I talked through the steps of doing so here.
After I have checked to see if I have what I am looking for or if I can make it myself and still can not find what I need, I will head to the store to buy it. But even when I do buy something new I make sure it is at least a good price.
Examples: Waiting until Hobby Lobby’s 40% sale, using a coupon at Micheals, or shopping at Walmart or Homegoods where you can find things at a good price.
Tip #4 to Save Money- Buy Second Hand
I don’t know about y’all, but thrifting has really gained popularity where we live, which is amazing! People are getting excited about the cost savings and the joy of finding something that they love. And I get it!
You can buy yourself clothes by thrifting, but as a mom, you can also save money by buying your kids things too.
When we were preparing for our son before I bought anything I made sure I couldn’t find it secondhand, such as a baby swing, baby carrier, stroller, baby clothes, etc.
Examples: Facebook Marketplace, Once Upon a Child, Thrift Stores
Tip # 5 to Save Money- Credit Cards (when used properly)
To be honest I almost didn’t even include this tip. One can easily use credit cards to become more in debt and not to help them prosper. For this tip to work you must have self-control. When using Credit cards there are definitely ways to save yourself some money, but you must be careful.
First of all, you must use credit cards like they are just another debit card and pay them off every month. Otherwise, you will be paying interest; which is the opposite of saving money.
When used correctly credit cards have lots of benefits. Such has big welcome offers; which depending on the type of credit card will give you points for travel or cash back.
Tip #6 to Save Money- Make Goals
The final tip I will leave you with is to make goals. You will be surprised at how much money you do not spend and instead save just making a goal!
Here is a little secret; the word goal is in truth just another word for budget. But “goal” makes it sound so much better and easier to do.
Budgeting is knowing what you normally spend and setting a goal to stick to a certain spending number. You can make an Excel sheet yourself if you feel confident to do so or there are lots of apps you can use that make it even easier. We currently use EveryDollar, which is by Dave Ramsey (I have no association with the company, we just truly love the app and how easy it is to use and wanted to share).
Conclusion
In conclusion, everybody needs easy ways to help them save money. Life literally stands on needing money and knowing how to save it and spend is important.
These 6 tips that we went over together are easy and simple ways to help you save money. Be able to not feel like you are drowning and enjoy your life to the fullest.
