I’m no expert at all at saving money. In fact, I’m probably the worst at saving it…until recently. I’m still not the best, but since quarantine, I’ve been doing good and have even saved up a pretty good amount during my time being inside. I know you’re probably thinking it’s not that hard with places being closed, but remember, online shopping exists.
Like I said, I’m no expert, but I do have ways that I used and just know are good tactics you can use to help you save money. We are going through tough times with some of us still not being back at work after being furloughed months ago. With these uncertain times, money is needed more than ever so I hope that these tactics are helpful to you or anyone you may know who needs to see this.
1. Create a savings account.
If you have a bank account, then creating a savings account is a good way to make sure you save up your coins. I know with the bank that I’m with, every time you spend money, they put a dollar into your savings. With how much we tend to spend, your savings should build up in no time! The only downfall that I see with this option is the ability to take money out of your savings. If you want to save money, then you also have to practice willpower.
2. Hide your money from yourself.
I haven’t used this tactic exactly, but something similar. When I was saving up for something specific (that I’ll hopefully be able to talk about soon), I took the money out for it and put it in a box. I then put that box somewhere basically hidden in plain sight. This way no one else can see it, and I can only see the box when I’m looking for it. Sometimes, it’s helpful to do that with your cards. If you’ve spent too much on your credit card or even your debit card, then it might be best to hide it from yourself for a bit. There is a slogan that fits this one:
Out of sight, out of mind.
3. Cook more at home instead of going out.
One thing I really can thank quarantine for is basically forcing me to cook more at home. I’ve been cooking a lot more at home. As a matter of fact, I could probably count on one hand since quarantine the amount of times I’ve even been eating fast food. Cooking does take a lot, and it’s certainly not fun having to clean the dishes, but it’s been fun trying to make different meals. I’ve been making my own quesadillas and they are even better than when I get them from Taco Bell! The money you spend on fast food really adds up, so if you can, try making some of your favorite meals at home and see how you like it!
4. Act like you are broke.
Another way you guys can save money is to act like you’re broke. You’ve heard of fake it til you make it right? Well, this applies too. You have to fake as if you’re broke. Technically, you are. Read this for me and then when you’re done, read it again:
Just because you have money doesn’t mean you’re not broke.
You could have $300 in your account right now but you really just have $100. At least, that’s how you need to act. There is nothing wrong with treating yourself and having fun with your friends, but also know when to say no.
5. Budget, Budget, Budget.
Last, but certainly not least, budgeting! I’m still trying to figure out how to get this one down and am jealous of the ones who do have it down. Budgeting takes planning and (to me) skill. Look at what bills you have, separate them, total up costs, and put the money aside. Then look at what’s left. Figure out how much you can afford to put towards leisure items and activities. Some people like to use a budgeting book and some hire others to help them. However you choose to do it, it’ll really help you in the end.
Saving money can be a hard task, especially if you don’t have much to save, but start off small. Whether you’re starting with dollars in a bundle or coins in a jar, it all still adds up in the end. No one starts off a pro, and it’s no different with saving money.
Do you have any tips to add to the list? Share them in the comments!
Budgeting and cooking at home are big ones for me. I also like to use cash when I go shopping instead of my debit card. So I don’t go over my budget. Thanks for sharing these tips.
I haven’t used cash in so long now that I think about it. If I have cash, but I usually put it back into my card when I want to use it. I might have to give that a try and see how it works for me. Thanks for reading and commenting♥
This is such a helpful post and spmething that I need to work on!
Amber | The Unpredicted Page
You’re not the only one! It’s still for sure a struggle for me, but I’m glad that I’m not where I used to be. I’m glad you found it helpful!