This year, many individuals have set financial resolutions, with saving being a common goal. I’m no exception, as I’ve also made it a priority. However, unlike past attempts, my approach is different. Rather than making saving the sole focus of my efforts, I’ve decided to prioritize reducing stress and achieving a better work-life balance.
Creative Stress-free Ways to Save Money
I’ve come to terms with my tendency to spend freely, but I know that instant gratification is the root of the problem. To curb this impulse, I’ve adopted a simple strategy: the Thirty Day Rule. Whenever I’m tempted to make a purchase, I wait thirty days before deciding if it’s really worth the investment. This approach has worked well for big-ticket items like my upcoming Blendtec purchase, and I’m looking to apply it to smaller purchases, such as planner stickers, too.
Another way to save money is by cooking at home more often. It may not be a revelation to many of us, but did you know that Americans now spend more on eating out than they do on groceries? According to Cheapism. com, the cost of a sit-down meal can add up quickly – $16 for a chicken and two sides translates to $6.50 per person if you were to make it at home. To simplify things, I recommend designating one day a week to cook in bulk or double a recipe to freeze for later.
This approach can help you save time and money.
Pay with Bills, Not Card
Purchase a Year in Advance when Possible
That One Amount
I’m sharing this story because it’s a testament to the power of dedication. A customer of mine took a similar approach, using quarters to fill up a large water container. The end result was astonishing – they had accumulated nearly six thousand dollars by doing so. What’s remarkable is that each quarter was deposited separately, without feeling the impact of the individual contributions.
This example serves as a reminder that small, consistent efforts can lead to significant results when combined over time.
Keep the Change
Seven months ago, I began a simple yet effective habit of saving spare change online. The process started with opening a dedicated savings account, initially depositing just $5 to get the ball rolling. Next, I discovered a feature on my bank’s website that allowed me to transfer loose change from my checking account directly into my savings. For instance, when I stop at the gas station and pay $41.16, I log $42 in my budget and the remaining 84 cents is automatically transferred to my savings.
This straightforward strategy has resulted in a significant accumulation of approximately $300 in just a short period.
Grocery Shop with Lozo
At Lozo. com, they take your eating discounts to the next level by allowing you to input the groceries you need and receiving coupons that match. This intuitive process involves clicking on the desired coupons (in this case, 12 for milk) and printing them off for immediate use. Additionally, consider investing in your favorite grocery store’s membership program. Most are free and offer valuable rewards when utilized correctly.
For instance, my father-in-law has mastered the art of shopping at Kroger. He combines a one-dollar-off coupon from the store with the same item on sale for 99 cents on the discount shelf, resulting in a penny saved. Furthermore, as a loyal customer, he receives special treatment during seasonal sales (like Christmas balloons). The store even offers him these items for free due to his regular patronage.
Moreover, his frequent purchases enable him to earn a dollar-off fill-up each month, reducing his gas expenses from $22.20 to just $1.22.
Figure Out Trip Costs
We’re gearing up for a significant family adventure in June, courtesy of thoughtful Christmas gifts from my girls’ grandparents. To get a handle on the expenses involved, I’ve been crunching numbers and discovering some fantastic online tools. One standout resource is Be Frugal’s Fly or Drive Calculator, which provides a detailed breakdown of the time and cost savings associated with driving versus flying – including factors like airport parking fees and accommodation costs.
In our case, the calculator suggests that driving would save us a substantial $519, although this calculation doesn’t take into account food expenses. Another invaluable resource has been Gas Buddy, which helps me plan our route and identify the most affordable gas stations along the way. This information will be crucial in helping me prepare for each stop and minimizing our travel costs.
Get Creative with Gift Giving
My sister has been sharing her entrepreneurial spirit with me over the years. One memorable occasion was when she gifted my husband candy-coated pecans that I unfortunately devoured most of. Her latest venture is a lavender farm, which will be in full bloom by next summer. Her intention is to share lavender goodies with loved ones for Christmas next year. I decided to join the fun this year and gave away many handmade treats. For instance, I crafted around twenty bath bombs and a few bubble bars.
These DIY creations only set me back about twenty dollars, whereas Lush’s equivalent products retail for twelve dollars each. If you’re curious about how to make your own lavender goodies, we have a step-by-step guide available
Rethink Your Car Situation
For over a decade now, my husband and I have been proudly driving our 2001 Dodge Caravan, after previously owning a reliable 1997 Ford Contour. The Contour was purchased in the summer of 2016 for $700 and went on to log an impressive 1,500 miles from Sydney, Nebraska to Dallas, Texas before becoming my daily driver for seven months. During that time, we continued to set aside funds equivalent to a car payment, ultimately using it to purchase the Caravan for a mere $1,500.
We sold the Contour for the same price we paid for it just seven months prior. Our last brand-new vehicle was acquired in 2005 when our eldest daughter was just six months old. However, as she grew older and my husband grew more frugal, he decided to let our then-current car go repossessed (although hindsight may suggest this wasn’t the wisest decision).
Two weeks prior to the repossession, we had already picked up a 1998 Talon for a bargain $300, which we went on to drive for seven months before trading it in for a Honda Civic that remained in our possession for four years. Since then, we’ve enjoyed a car payment-free life for an impressive ten-year stretch.
Rather than sending monthly payments, we’ve been setting aside funds for any necessary repairs and saving up for the next great find – all while enjoying the financial freedom that comes with it. I truly cannot emphasize enough the immense relief this has brought to our household.
Re-purpose Old Things
One effective way to reduce expenses is by giving old items a new life. Take, for instance, clothing – especially worn-out T-shirts. By transforming them into fresh outfits, you can breathe new life into your wardrobe without breaking the bank. In fact, we have an article dedicated to this very topic [here](link). You can take it to the next level by repurposing old flip flops, just as I did with my Mardi Gras beads, turning them into a unique door decoration.
The possibilities are endless, and with a little creativity, you’re bound to discover numerous items lying around your home that can be repurposed to save you money on buying new ones.
Keep Track of Your Finances
As I begin a new year with my planner, one habit I’m committing to is holding myself accountable for every transaction. By doing so, I’ve noticed that I tend to spend less, mainly because the act of writing it down serves as a mental reminder of my financial decisions. Furthermore, having a clear record of where my money is going provides valuable insights into areas where I can make adjustments to optimize my spending.
With this newfound awareness, I’m better equipped to identify opportunities for cost-cutting and make more intentional choices about how I allocate my resources.
Be Responsible with Your Bills
Establishing a routine of timely bill payments can help avoid unnecessary fees. When adding a new bill to your financial tracking system, communicate your payment schedule to the provider, requesting that they deduct the payment on a specific day each month. This ensures you’re always aware of the impending charge and less likely to spend the money impulsively. To maintain accountability, record the payment in your ledger or budgeting tool.
If you’re struggling with overdue bills, don’t hesitate to reach out to the companies involved. A proactive approach can often lead to more favorable payment arrangements. For instance, a friend of mine successfully negotiated a reduced payment plan with a creditor after explaining their financial situation. Prioritizing prompt payments may not only save you money but also foster stronger relationships with your creditors.
Last but not Least- Have Fun Money
One of the main reasons I’ve taken control of my finances is due to the regularity of my monthly payments. On payday, I tend to splurge, only to regret it a week later when I’m back to living on a shoestring and have no savings set aside for the fun stuff. With aspirations like purchasing a high-end blender or embarking on a dream trip with my girlfriends in six months, budgeting has become essential.
It’s crucial to remember why you’re saving in the first place – visualize your goals by placing reminders everywhere: on the planner’s cover, as the background image on your phone and computer, or even tacked up in your car. The key is to keep those goals top-of-mind. After all, life should be enjoyed, not wasted due to financial stress. By being responsible with my finances, I’m able to reduce anxiety and savor the little things.