We are always told that we can’t have our cake and eat it too, but that is not always true. If there is something that you really want, you can save up money quicker than you think and go out and buy it. You do not have to watch every penny and make lifestyle changes just to afford a new car that you really need or a deposit on a new home. Here are a few tips that can help you save more money than you think, while you continue to live your life the same as always.
#1. Check Your Thermostat
If you are at work from nine to five, then why is the air on at your house? If you live in a cool area during the wintertime, turn off your heat during the day. Just setting your thermostat three degrees higher can save you up to one hundred dollars during the winter. Imagine if you turned it off. If you live in a warmer climate, turn your air conditioning off while you are away. It might be uncomfortable for a few minutes when you return but it is worth it.
#2. Limit Spending on Clothes
We all need clothes to wear to work and the occasional get together. What we don’t need to do is go out and buy the most expensive thing just because of a brand name. Wait for a good sale or buy clothes during off seasons, like bathing suits in the winter. Another good idea is to buy clothes from second hand stores like Plato’s closet, you can find a few gems in there sometimes.
#3. Use Coupons
Do not let your pride get in the way of saving money. Use coupons whenever you can. This rules is especially targeted for the grocery store. You can save massive amounts of money buy utilizing coupons and sales at the grocery store. It might take you a bit longer for you to go shopping, but it is definitely worth the extra money you will be saving.
#4. Utilize Public Transport
This is obvious if you live in a big city like New York or San Francisco, but if you live somewhere with a decent train system like San Diego you should definitely use it as much as possible. If you have a shorter commute you can always ride a bike. If you ride a bike you can kill two birds with one stone. Get your exercise in while you commute to and from work.
#5. Learn To Cook
All the money you saved from grocery shopping in tip three, should not go to waste. Start packing your lunch and taking it with you. You will be surprised at how much money you can save that way. Another thing that adds up is coffee. You should not be going to Starbucks everyday. They are making an insane amount of money off of your daily coffee purchases. Start bringing your coffee with you, you will be more productive at work and you won’t have to wake up early to make it to Starbucks.
If you do not feel like cutting out your Starbucks or spending an hour to prep your grocery store trip, there are other ways to find the money that you need. Companies like TitleMax offer quick loans at a very low interest rate, which can help if you are in a crunch for time.
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