How many people do you know who don’t like to save money? None? Same here! The truth is, we all like to save money, whether it’s a real necessity or not. Some of us simply enjoy the challenge of seeing how much we can save. So whether money is tight or you just don’t like to overspend, here are 12 simple ways you can save money each and every month.
1. Drink Water
Do you buy soda, get refills regularly, or swing by Starbucks on your lunch break most days? Think of what you’re spending on fancy or bubbly drinks every month — not to mention getting drinks with friends. If you just switch to water — even just 5 days out of 7, how much could you save?
2. Cut the Cord
You hear a lot of people cutting the cable these days, and most of them are perfectly happy with Netflix and Hulu — which cost a lot less.
3. Pack a Lunch
Instead of eating out for lunch, bring leftovers from last night’s dinner or make yourself a nice sandwich and brown-bag-it. Don’t forget your water bottle!
4. Let it Add Up
Come home with loose change? Make a designated change jar at home and let it pile up for at least 60 days before counting it. You might be surprised how much is in there.
5. Round Up Your Checkbook
When balancing your checkbook, round every entry up to the next dollar, as if you’d spent a little more than you actually did. At the end of the month, you’ll have automatic savings sitting there.
6. Turn the Lights Off
During the day, do you really need the lights in your kitchen or living room on? Must you have the bathroom light on while you’re in the shower? Open the blinds instead.
7. Cancel That Gym Membership
Or any other membership you aren’t using regularly. Go walking or jogging, or do workout videos instead — you can find plenty of those used on Amazon for less than a month at the gym.
8. Go Out on the Cheap
Instead of meeting friends for dinner and a movie, go get some frozen yogurt or coffee and sit in the cafe and catch up. You’ll spend less and probably have more fun.
9. Sell Stuff
You can sell books, DVDs, and all kinds of stuff on Amazon Marketplace. The process is really easy, and you can make some great extra cash.
10. Take a Day Off
No, not a vacation. Take a day off from spending once a week, where you pledge not to spend any money on anything. You’ll get 4 no-spending days per month.
11. Plan Your Meals
Nothing adds up like getting pizza or takeout when you haven’t planned what’s for dinner. Instead of scrambling at the last minute, plan a week in advance and shop only for the things you’ll need to make those meals.
12. Get Thrifty
Need a new outfit? Jeans getting worn out? Instead of spending $50+ for a pair of pants at the mall, hit the thrift stores first. Chances are, you’ll find something that looks just as good as what you’d pull out of your closet, and you’ll only spend a few bucks.
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