One of the most difficult things to do is save money. When that carrot is dangling in front of your face, you just can’t resist grabbing it. You work hard all week and feel like you deserve to spend what you made. Of course, you deserve to pamper yourself, but we must learn to be frugal with our money.
With the easiness of swiping a credit or debit card, shopping online, or having instant access to an ATM at almost every corner, it is no wonder so many people are in debt. The temptation is always there! But, you can muster up some willpower and take advantage of some easy ways to save money.
High Yield Savings Account
How great would it feel to know you have money sitting in a savings account that is continuously growing the more you leave it alone? Sure, it can be tempting to grab a few bucks out of it when needed, but if you just let that account sit there, you’ll reap the benefits of interest growth. Many of the best high yield savings programs are available for you to browse and see the pros and cons. Set aside some money every week from your paycheck and have it deposited right into this account. It will be money that you don’t expect to see every week but have the peace of mind in knowing that it’s getting bigger and bigger each week.
When you finally retire to that paradise you’ve always dreamed of, you’ll be able to pat yourself on the back for letting money accumulate in your high yield savings program!
Cut Back at Home
Think of the many luxuries that you may have at your house that you just are not utilizing but spending a lot of money for. If you have cable, do you really need all the channels that are being offered? What specifically do you watch and can certainly do without? There are so many channels that you are paying money for that you don’t even know exist.
The same can be said for your cell phone. How many added features are you paying for each month that you don’t use? Go through your bill and see where all your cash is going and give them a call to change your rates. If you have a landline at home, it is also time to rid yourself of that payment. If you have a cell phone, there is no need for another device at home.
Go Green
Did you know that most states offer energy efficient savings programs for your home? And, they perform these services for free? Many of these companies will change your lightbulbs to energy efficient ones. You should also set your thermostat up on a device that you can control the temperature. It is unnecessary to be paying for heat or keeping the house freezing cold when no one is there.
And, of course, taking public transportation can save you money on gas each month. Not only will you be saving money, but you will be helping the environment as well.
Stay Home More Often
No, I am not saying that you can use this reason as a sick day from work. People don’t realize how much money they spend during the weekend on going out to eat or participating in other fun activities. You spend a lot of money each week on groceries, so be sure that you are not letting all that food to go to waste. Plan a game night each week at someone’s else and everyone can bring something. This way you won’t be overpaying for alcoholic beverages and you can use up some of your groceries. And, while you’re at it, see what you can do to save money shopping.
Credit Card Craziness
Credit cards are so wonderful, but so dangerous at the same time. If you find that you are always in debt and struggling for cash, you need to ditch the credit cards. The interest rate that you pay each month for your purchases is out of this world. It becomes near impossible to get out of debt if you are constantly chasing your credit card payments. And paying the minimum may look like a quick fix to keep the creditors away from you, but, you are extending the length of your credit card payoff by years.
If you can’t pay off your purchase when you receive the bill, don’t make the purchase. This can be a difficult skill to master, but if you know money is an issue for you, this is a sacrifice that you will need to make.
Exercise Outside
Many people love the luxury of going to the gym and getting their daily workout in. While other people, pay lots of money for the gym each month but never attend. The outdoors offer many choices for ways to stay in shape that costs you nothing. Whether you want to go for a run, bike, kayak, hike, or even head out camping, there are plenty of activities that you can participate in with your family for very little money. And, believe it or not, it’s actually fun, too!
You Can Do This!
None of the suggestions mentioned above are going to require major life changes. There are hundreds of way to save money. Save up now and reap the benefits later on in life!
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