Life should be enjoyed, but it is hard to have a good time when most of your hard earned money is spent in playing catch-up
But there are ways you can improve your financial situation and still have some good times. Another bonus is it can help alleviate you stress levels and actually improve your health.
With just a little planning and discipline you can save thousands of dollars by adjusting your everyday expenses.
Here are just a few ideas for you to consider:
Transportation
Don’t buy a car less than two years old. Most new cars depreciate very quickly.
Pay off one car loan before you decide to finance a second vehicle.
Don’t buy impulsively. Shop around and pick out a dependable vehicle with a good resale value.
Only get a vehicle you actually need. Do you really need a $40,000 truck for trips to the hardware store when you can rent a truck for $20 per hour.
Before financing a car, figure out all your expenses. Down payment, monthly payments, insurance, gas and oil, and the inevitable garage visits, if only to keep up the manufacturers warranty.
Instead of taking your older car out on long road trips, think of renting one. It will save the ware and tear on your everyday vehicle and if a problem should occur you will have a backup from the rental company.
Shop around for the best Insurance rates. Get Online Insurance Quotes and submit several inquiries to see if you can get a smaller monthly payment.
Consider increasing the deductible to have a smaller monthly payment.
Do you really need full coverage for that older vehicle?
See if your insurance offers lower rates if you pay six months up front, instead of per month.
Shop around for fuel prices.
Use public transportation when possible.
Combine your trips. Make a list and complete everything possible in one outing. Save money and time with multiple errand runs by not scheduling them during high traffic times.
Walk, or bike to whenever possible.
Ride share with other workers and your friends.
Keep your car tuned.
Eating Out
Limit how often you go out to expensive restaurants.
Use coupons. Eat out earlier in the day instead of the higher priced dinner hours.
Find a locally owned restaurant with specials.
Split a meal.
Order only what you want.
Don’t go out to eat when you’re very hungry. You will end up spending more money.
Home Savings
Winterize / summerize your home to help prevent heat loss/gain.
During the winter wear a sweater and keep your thermostat as low as you can remain comfortable. During the summer don’t let yourself become misrable, but use your air conditioner as little as possible.
Take short showers.
Use cold water when washing your clothes whenever the materials will allow you to do so.
Close all the doors to rooms not being used. Close the heating/ air conditioner vents in those rooms.
Use your grill in the summer and oven in the winter.
Install water saving devices in your yard and home.
Plant your yard with native plants. Generally, they will require much less water and attention.
Get some exercise and sweep your walks and driveway, instead of using a water hose or an electric blower.
Entertainment
How many cable channels do you really need? Why pay for channels you’ll never watch? Try out Net Flicks and rent movies instead of rushing out to see the newest release.
Go to the movies during the lower priced matinee hours
Go for a walk, hike or a picnic. Enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
Instead of subscribing to a magazine, read it at your local library or on the internet.
Buy used books.
Go to the movies during the low priced matinee hours.
Rent certain items instead of buying. Recreational gear for instance can be rented for much less than it would cost to buy them and you do not have to worry about storage.
Clothes
Don’t spend extravagant amounts on a trendy items that will rapidly go out of style.
Wait for items to go on sale.
Shop for quality. It is better to have fewer clothes that you really like and look good in, than a wardrobe full of stuff you’ll lose interest in.
Buy in quantity, the basics if you find a good deal, such as on socks.
You can pick up great bargains at the end of the season specials.
Buy clothing that is easy to care for, check the labels.
Don’t shop on impulse or emotional reasons.
Shopping is not an entertainment.
Bargain shop, compare prices, check out consignment stores, thrift stores, garage sales and online sales.
These few money saving ideas will not cramp your style too much, but they are just little things you can easily do that will add up to significant savings throughout the year.
