Ever wondered how to squeeze the most of your salary? These small lifestyle changes are some of the best ways to save money. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be living a more frugal lifestyle in no time.
Some say that money can’t buy you happiness, but a little extra money can sure make a person happier.
Whether it’s being able to afford groceries, paying off your latest gas bill or even treating your partner to the romantic dinner they deserve, a little extra money can go a long way to making your life a little more comfortable.
Whilst this idea seems all well and good, the part where you actually “save” money can be very tricky for some people.
Because of this we’ve prepared a guide on some small lifestyle changes that will ensure you can save money and treat yourself.
You deserve it.
Cut Down On The Vices
Everyone has a guilty pleasure that they’re not willing to admit, and more often than not, it can be the main reason you’re feeling some financial strain.
Whether it be your daily coffee, an energy drink, or the occasional cigarette, these things can add up.
A quick and easy option is to cut small vices like these out of your life. Some of these daily rituals may take some time to cull but restricting the amount you consume weekly will mean you’re instantly saving money.
On top of the fact that you’ll start to see more money in your bank account by cutting down on things like coffee and smoking you’re also doing your body a world of good.
Make Use Of Leftovers
Everyone’s entitled to a takeaway lunch every now and then, but purchasing your breakfast and lunch every day can get very costly. An easy way to eliminate this problem altogether is by making use of your leftovers.
When cooking your dinner the night before try and make larger portions and freeze anything that’s leftover. Simply take this meal to work the next day, reheat it and you’ve instantly saved yourself some cash.
While you may have to spend a little extra money on groceries, by doing this every day of the working week you could be saving hundreds in no time! Meals like pasta, chicken and rice or even curry are all good meals that can be frozen and reheated.
Bottle Your Own Water
While a new, cold, fresh bottle of water to quench your thirst does sound appealing it’s also an easy way to spend unnecessary amounts of money. while it may seem like a very small amount to pay for something that’s healthy, the accumulation of the amount you spend on bottled water can get outrageous.
Purchasing just one bottle a day could possibly equate to over $900 a year. Double that if you purchase more than one bottle daily. A quick and easy fix is to simply purchase a durable drink bottle that can be refilled whenever you need. Allowing you to instantly save money you would normally spend on bottled water and put it towards something that is worth the spend. You’re also helping the environment by reducing the amount of plastic wastage.
Stick To One Shop Per Week
Have you ever done a small shop on Monday, instantly run out of food and then found yourself doing four more shops throughout the week? Or have you found yourself doing a shop and left with 2 tubs of ice cream, a block of chocolate, a pack of Tim Tams and nothing that you actually need?
A very easy way to save money is by sticking to one strict shop per week. By taking the time to write a list of every grocery item that you’ll need throughout the week and then strictly shopping to that list is an easy way to only spend money on what is absolutely necessary.
A good way to do this is to organise your meals throughout the week and then plan your list accordingly. Another small tip to remember is to not shop when you’re hungry! Shopping when you’re hungry promotes impulse and unnecessary purchases.
Financial Services
Saving money can be hard and at times very stressful. It’s a common problem faced by people in most households. By following some of these little tips and tricks and making a few small lifestyle changes you can improve your financial situation significantly.
However if you are frequently feeling stressed about money and feel as though you need professional advice visit the financial services category on the White Pages website for further information.
