SIMPLE SAVINGS STRATEGIES

GUEST BLOGGER: LIZ VANCE

This time of year especially (but really all year long) everyone could use a little extra savings! It can be hard to think of simple things that can save a few bucks in your daily life but that is one of the best ways to grow your savings account. I’ve come up with a list of a few simple ways you could save money. If you’d like to implement them all, that’s great! But you’re more likely to stick with it if you start with one and make it a habit before adding in another. That way you won’t overwhelm yourself! So take a look at some of these ideas, pick one, and really work at it until you’ve got it down! Check them out below:

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Drink Water
Water is free. Any other drink is not. It can be amazing how quickly drink costs can add up! If you are a drive-through “Dr. Pepper a day” kind of person you could consider cutting down to 4 days a week. It won’t drastically change your budget over night, but those few dollars a week can really add up! Not to mention the health benefits! 

Stick to a Grocery List
Almost every. single. time. I go to the grocery store I think of something that isn’t on my list that we could use. Sometimes it’s an item that I really do need, I just forgot to write it down. However, it’s more frequently something we can do without. Its kind of fun to add extras to the cart but that definitely raises the final bill! Take the time while you’re still at home to really go over your list and make sure you have everything you need on it. Then when you get to the store have a strict “no extras!” mentality! If it helps, picture something that you’re saving up for while you roam the isles. It can help you realize that the extras aren’t worth it!

Turn the Thermostat Down
It’s really not very hard to throw on a jacket and a pair of socks. Plus, those are things you don’t have to spend money on every day. It really is that simple to save some cash! This is something I wasn’t into for a while. I thought that I shouldn’t have to add layers in my house to stay warm. But then the heating bill kept going up and my attitude changed! If all I had to do was cuddle up in a blanket to save a chunk of money, I was willing to do it! Talk it over with the people you live with and decide where your thermostat should sit comfortably. Hopefully everyone will agree that an extra layer is better than a higher bill!

Wouldn’t we all love to have huge amounts of money to save every month? Well each of these ideas won’t drastically change your life but getting in the mindset of simple ways to save can help. Starting simple can grow to something really big. Maybe you’ll even get your dream vacation out of the money you save using these simple tips!

Liz