It’s Your Money – Simple Ways To Keep More of It
It’s tough to have a good time if you constantly end up finding yourself playing financial catch-up.
But there are ways you can easily improve your money affairs and still have a great time. Along with the bonus of lowering those stress levels that can affect the quality of your sleep and overall health .
With just a little discipline and ingenuity, within a short period of time, you will be able shave thousands of dollars off of your everyday expenses.
Ideas to Consider:
Transportation
Don’t purchase an automobile less than two years old. The value of new cars depreciate as soon as you drive them off the lot.
If possible, pay off one car before you finance a second vehicle.
Do not buy on impulse. Shop around, read reports and choose a reliable vehicle with a good resale value.
Only get a vehicle you really need. Do you really need that $40,000 truck for just a few trips to the hardware store when you can often rent a truck for $20 per hour.
Figure out all of your expenses before purchasing a vehicle. Down payment, monthly payments, insurance, gas, oil, tune ups,and the necessary garage visits to keep up the manufacturers warranty.
Rather than take your aging car on a long road trip, consider renting one. It will save ware and tear on your day-to-day vehicle and if trouble should happen, you’ll have a backup car available from the rental company.
Shop around for the best Insurance rates.
Consider increasing your deductible to have a smaller monthly payment.
Do you really need full coverage for that older vehicle?
Ask if your insurance company offers lower rates if you pay in advance.
Shop around for fuel prices.
Use public transportation whenever possible.
Save money and time by combining your shopping trips, and don’t schedule them during busy traffic times.
Walk, or bike to where you need to go.
Ride share.
Keep your car tuned.
Restaurants
Limit how often you eat out.
Use coupons when available or eat out at lunch 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.
Keep your heating thermostat no higher than 65F in the winter and the air conditioner to no lower than 75F in the summer.
Take short showers.
Use cold water when washing your clothes whenever possible.
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.
Rent certain items instead of buying them. For example, recreational equipment can be rented for much less than it would cost to buy and insure them, and you will not have to pay for, or worry about storing them.
Clothing
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 with credit cards is an expensive entertainment.
Bargain shop and compare prices, check out consignment stores, thrift stores, garage sales and online.
These money saving ideas are not going to cramp your style that much, but they are just little things you can do which will add up to substantial savings throughout the year.
Filed under: Business