A new year is a great opportunity to adopt a new mindset when it comes to money.
Learning how to efficiently save and make it a new consistent habit can be very hard. Especially when there always seems to be things you need to replace, all the bills and never ending social events. The stress of stretching your money, running out of money and not having a savings cushion when you really need it however, is so much harder.
Instead of being super strict on yourself and making yourself completely miserable, in this post we have listed some of the easiest ways to save money that won’t drastically compromise your lifestyle and make you feel like your missing out.
IS THIS A NECESSARY PURCHASE?
One of the best things you can do for your finances and to start saving money is to make more mindful decisions about how and when you spend your money.
Before you purchase something new try to get into the habit of checking in with myself and asking ‘Do I really need this?’. Is it something that you truly need or something that you just want to have? Questions you can ask yourself when considering a purchase are:
- Can I really afford this?
- Will it make me happy?
- What will I do with it?
- How often will I use it?
MORE HOME COOKING
We all love eating out, however it can get really expensive. It’s much more cost effective and healthier to make and prepare your own meals. Even meal prepping and taking a packed lunch for work can really help you save money across the weeks. Try skipping your morning takeaway latte for a coffee at home and watch the pounds pile up.
GIVE YOURSELF A BUDGET
Setting yourself a budget can help you stay in control of your spending and on track with your savings. Workout your monthly expenses, list all of your bills, direct debits, food shopping and all necessary spending. Once you have worked out what you spend each month compared to your income, you then can plan a realistic savings goal each month. If your expenses workout so high that you can’t save that much, it might be time to cut back.
COFFEE MACHINE
Buying a coffee machine can be a great way to save money in the long run, especially if you’re a frequent coffee drinker who often buys coffee from cafes or coffee shops. Here are some steps to consider when purchasing a coffee machine to maximize your savings:
- Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on a coffee machine. Coffee machines come in a wide range of prices, so it’s essential to establish your budget beforehand.
- Type of Coffee Machine: There are various types of coffee machines available, such as drip coffee makers, espresso machines, French presses, and single-serve coffee makers. Choose the one that suits your coffee preferences and budget.
- Operating Costs: Consider the ongoing costs of operating the coffee machine. This includes the price of coffee beans or pods, filters (if applicable), and any maintenance costs.
- Features: Look for features that align with your coffee-drinking habits. For example, if you enjoy lattes or cappuccinos, you might want an espresso machine with a milk frother. Programmable timers and temperature control can also be valuable features.
- Size and Space: Ensure that the coffee machine fits in your kitchen or designated coffee-making area. Check the dimensions and make sure it’s a practical addition to your space.
- Consider Long-Term Savings: Calculate how much money you will save by making coffee at home compared to buying it from cafes. Factor in the cost of the machine and ongoing coffee supplies.
So if you can’t go without your daily espresso then look into the best automatic espresso machines and see if it can save you money over time.
COZY NIGHTS IN
Date nights are important to all couples and is probably something you look forward to all week. Whether your relationship is new or you’ve been together for years, making date night a priority allows couples to focus on their relationship and forget about of all the stress from day to day life such as bills and jobs. However, date nights out to restaurants, cinema or bars can get really expensive. It’s much more cost effective to have a cozy night in and that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Some fun things to do at home for date night include making a nice dinner together, watching your favorite film or just playing music and having a good chat over some drinks.
EARN SOME EXTRA CASH
Boost your savings by earning some extra cash. Whether you have an extra room you can rent out, have old clothes you can sell there’s lots of ways you can boost your income. Look into dog walking, or learn how to make money as a mystery shopper.
DIY BEAUTY TREATMENTS
We all love popping to the salon for a pamper. Getting your nails done, a spray tan, eyebrows etc each month feels amazing, but it’s much cheaper to do it yourself. A monthly nail appointment, or spray tan, or eyebrow tints can set you back quite a bit of money; there are so many amazing at home products available now that will give you similar results to your favorite beauty salon.
Overall, there are lots of ways to save money and/or earn extra dollars. – Ask around, you’ll be surprised at the things people are willing to farm out to others because they have more money than time. Let it work to your advantage!