It’s 2023, and with rising costs across the board, saving money whenever you can is more important than ever. While many think this can be a Herculean feat, it’s actually not difficult to implement basic money saving habits into your daily lifestyle, especially if you’re saving up for a purchase or a vacation.
If you’re looking for simple yet creative ways to save a few extra bucks with your everyday habits, here are a few tips from us on how you can get started:
Make a shopping list and stick to it.
When you prepare to go grocery shopping, consider making a meal plan and shopping list so you can avoid impulse purchases and stick to what you intend to buy. It’s easy to find simple, affordable recipes online that can feed and nourish you and your family, and it’s also not difficult to find coupons online for your local grocery store.
Try to run all your errands in one trip.
The cost of fuel is high, and wear and tear on your car can leave you with maintenance costs you weren’t expecting. And if you use mass transit, those costs can add up as well. If you’re running errands, map out your stops so you can make them all in one trip, and cut down on travel time as well.
Avoid dining out and pack your lunch.
If you work outside the home, you can save a bundle by packing a lunch on a regular basis rather than visiting a local restaurant or fast food spot on your break. This is also a good choice if you work from home, and prepping lunches over the weekend can save you time during the week.
Make sure you pay your bills on time.
Paying your monthly bills the day they are due (or earlier) can be cost saving in the long run; not only will your credit score continue to improve with regular on-time payments, but you’ll also avoid late fees that can put a dent in your checking account.