Saving money can feel like a daunting task, especially when impulse buys and unexpected expenses sneak up on you. But you don’t have to worry about all that anymore—we’ve got your back!
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Regardless of what your goals are—saving for a big purchase, an emergency fund, or maybe your retirement—we’ve got proven hacks that will help you save money and hit your financial goals.
Track Your Spending
Here’s one thing you must know—to begin your financial journey, you must first know where your money is going. You can start by tracking every single expense for a month. To make it easier to do it, use apps, spreadsheets, or even a notebook.
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You might be surprised at how those small coffee purchases or last minute Amazon buys add up. Once you see the pattern, it’s easier to cut back on the non-essentials.
Set Clear Goals
Saving money without a clear goal can feel pointless. Hence, there is a need to define what you’re saving for—a vacation, a new car, or an emergency fund. Having a specific target makes it easier to stay motivated and disciplined.
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Always remember to write down your goals and keep them visible to remind yourself why you’re making sacrifices.
Automate Your Savings—Set It and Forget It
One of the easiest ways to save money is by automating it. That way you won’t have to deal with forgetting to save monthly. Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account.
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Treat your savings like a bill that must be paid. This way, you won’t even miss the money because it never hits your spending account. Easy peasy!
Shop with a List and Stick to It
Going grocery shopping without a list is a recipe for overspending. Before you hit any grocery store, make a list of what you need. Don’t just make the list, but actually stick to it.
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Avoid those tempting sections that have nothing to do with your list. You’ll be surprised at how much you save by avoiding unnecessary items.
Negotiate Bills—It Doesn’t Hurt
Many people don’t realize that they can often negotiate their bills. It doesn’t matter whether it’s your insurance, your internet, or cable.
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Companies are interested in keeping you as a customer, so feel free to ask for discounts or better deals. The worst they can do is say no to your request. But what if they say yes?
Cancel Unused Subscriptions
It’s easy to sign up for a free trial and forget about it, or subscribe to multiple streaming services you rarely use. Consider going through your bank statements and see if they are any subscriptions you can cancel.
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Even small amounts add up over time, and that money can be put towards your savings goals.
Cook at Home
Eating out is convenient but expensive. Challenge yourself to cook more meals at home. Not only is it healthier, it’s also a lot cheaper.
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Besides, cooking can be a fun and relaxing way to unwind. Aside cooking, plan your meals, buy groceries in bulk, and channel the extras to your savings account.
Embrace the 30-Day Rule
Ever get that itch to spend on something you don’t really need? Then the 30-day rule is for you. Whenever you feel the urge to make an impulse purchase, write it down and wait 30 days.
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If you still want it after a month, consider buying it. But chances are that you’ll forget about it or realize you don’t need it after all.
DIY Whenever Possible
Before you hire someone or buy something new, consider if you can DIY it. From home repairs to gifts, there are countless tutorials online, especially on YouTube, to help you save money by doing it yourself.
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Not only will you save cash, but you might also pick up a new hobby along the way.
Find a Savings Buddy
Everything is easier and can be achieved with a friend, including saving money. Find someone who shares your financial goals and supports each other. Share tips, celebrate milestones, and hold each other accountable.
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A little friendly and healthy competition can also make the process more fun and motivating. On days when you’re going off track, they will be there to help you.
Celebrate Small Wins
Saving money is a journey, not a competition. Don’t be unnecessarily hard on yourself. So, for every little progress, celebrate! Have you reached your first $100 saved? Treat yourself to a small reward.
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These little celebrations have the potential to keep you motivated and remind you that you’re making progress towards your bigger goals. They also keep you excited while at it.
