Building up a savings doesn’t have to happen all at once or in large quantities, sometimes it’s a dollar here and a dollar there that can make a big impact. Keep reading to discover some small things that can lead to big savings.
Plan a Staycation!
Vacations don’t always have to be destination driven. The idea is to get away from the day to day to do something you enjoy or to relax by yourself or with your family or friends.
- Play tourist in your own city. Visit places you’ve always wanted to or look up your city website for ideas.
- Plan a mini camping trip. Set up a tent in your backyard, build a campfire and pack the cooler full of treats.
- Plan ahead! Create an itinerary with all of the fun stuff you want to do to keep you on track and focused.
- Get your house in order beforehand– clean, organize and get your grocery shopping and meal planning in so you don’t have to do it while staycationing.
Pack Your Own Lunch
If you go into the office every day and you’re eating out, the extra spending can add up quickly. With a little pre-planning and packing your own lunch, the savings can really start to add up.
- Meal prep on the weekends! Cut up your fruits and vegetables, build your salads, and get your tupperware in order for the week.
- Lunch doesn’t have to be fancy, keep it simple so you don’t stress yourself out. It’s ok to eat the same thing every day then change it up the next week.
- Try foods that you can prepare ahead of time – lettuce salads, pasta salads or taco bowls.
- Make your lunch the day before. That way you’re not scrambling in the morning to pull something together.
Shop Wisely
- Use coupons when shopping or compare brands and look at prices. Name brand doesn’t always mean better.
- Research cash-back apps. Most will give you points or cash back with no catch for something you are buying anyway.
- Be mindful of utility bills
- Turn off lights when you don’t need them or when you leave the room.
- Pay attention to your water usage, do you leave the water running while washing dishes or brushing your teeth?
- Unplug any electronics that aren’t being used.
Cook at Home
Eating out can add up quickly. You don’t have to cut it out completely but put some thought behind how often you are eating out and try to cut that in half.
- Planning ahead will make cooking from home easier and more fun. Give yourself a few minutes to write down your menu for the week and make your shopping list during this time too!- Use coupons when shopping or compare brands and look at prices. Name brand doesn’t always mean better.
- Research cash-back apps. Most will give you points or cash back with no catch for something you are buying anyway.
- Be mindful of utility bills
- Turn off lights when you don’t need them or when you leave the room.
- Pay attention to your water usage, do you leave the water running while washing dishes or brushing your teeth?
- Unplug any electronics that aren’t being used.
- Pick a day of the week that works best for you to grocery shop and meal prep.
- Use grocery delivery or pickup to save some time.
- Make it a family affair and get everyone involved.
- Trade off cooking and cleaning duties – whoever cooks doesn’t have to clean.
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