All of us understand how nice it would be to have some extra cash lying around from time to time. As much as we’d like for that to be the case, most of the time, we’re either broke or in debt. How do we remedy the situation? We could get a side gig, doing simple tasks like answering surveys or sharing our broadband for money on sites like Pawns.app, for example. That’s a pretty viable solution. Another way to be financially secure would be to save whatever we earn.
What Are Creative Ways to Save Money?
It’s so important to save money whenever we can. This extra cash can go towards an emergency fund, a long-awaited vacation, or investments. However, many people find it challenging to build up a healthy treasure chest of savings. For them, the only way out is to find creative ways to save.
If you think about it, we don’t have to start with humongous, unattainable goals. We can begin with small amounts. How about $10 from your weekly paycheck? That will result in $520 at the end of the year. Now, that doesn’t sound so difficult, does it? Just imagine what you can do with that money.
We’d like you, at the end of this post, to discover the fun in putting money aside. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll find yourself hungry for more.
Tie Your Savings Goals to Causes You Care About
One innovative approach to saving money is to connect your goals to what you deem important. Doing so will improve your chances of sticking to your plan. You’ll also unconsciously create better financial habits. Let’s discuss some examples:
- Stay Healthy
As much as you can, keep away from anything that will make you fall sick. Illnesses lead to costly medical bills, and if you’re a freelancer, they equate to fewer earning opportunities. Therefore, practice habits related to a healthy lifestyle. These include eating well, getting adequate rest, and minimizing stress. When your body is in tip-top condition, your financial health will be in the same state.
- Be Environmentally Conscious
If you could save money while being nicer to the planet, you’d do it. And there are so many ways to kill two birds with one stone. Some examples are:
- Use a reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water.
- Run the washing machine only when full, and use cold water.
- Use a programmable thermostat and adjust it according to your schedule.
- Go meatless more often.
- Don’t let the water run when brushing your teeth or shaving.
- Stop using paper towels – use cloth napkins instead.
- Eliminate food waste by planning your meals and storing leftovers.
- Practice Mindfulness
It’s tempting to shop for things even when they’re not necessary. However, we should always strive to shop with intention. When you enter a supermarket without a clear plan, you’ll probably stop at every section and end up with more things than if you had a list. No, you did not need that pack of biscuits.
Another way to save by practicing mindfulness is by putting your $5 notes aside whenever you get home. Slowly but surely, your savings will add up. This act will make you more conscious of the power of seemingly small change.
Top Creative Ways to Save Money
Depending on your end goal and lifestyle, you’ll find many clever ways to increase your savings. Here are our top favorites:
- Clean Your Inbox
Do you get retailer emails often? These are so tempting to act on! One second, you’re checking your inbox. And the next, you’re on a clothing website buying five shirts and seven pairs of shoes. If you’re serious about saving, unsubscribe from these emails to curb your impulses.
- Skip the Salon Trip
If you don’t have a complicated hairstyle, consider cutting your hair at home. A trip to the salon not only costs you, but it’s also a chance for hairdressers to recommend that expensive dye treatment. And they can be very convincing. The same idea goes for your nails.
- Repair, Not Buy
The next time your dress rips at the seam or your appliance breaks down, don’t rush out to buy a replacement. Instead, try to have your item fixed. In most situations, a repair will cost you significantly less.
- Compare Prices for Everything
As much as you can, look for a cheaper product. If it seems like it will do the job well, choose that instead of the more expensive alternative. And since we’re on this topic, it’s time to install a browser extension to help you find the best deals online.
FAQ
What are creative ways to save money?
As mentioned above, the more innovative you are with saving, the higher the chances you’ll reach your goals. Our favorite creative ways to save money include staying healthy, being environmentally conscious, practicing mindfulness, cutting our own hair, repairing our things, and removing any temptation to buy.
