With the price of just about everything going up, saving money these days can be hard. Scratch that, it can be outright difficult these days. Between shopping around for the best deals, menu planning, budgeting, there always seems like so much going on. This article is simply what I do to help save a little bit of money where I can, and hopefully it’ll be some recommendations for you.
Ways to Save Money
Budgeting
Every Dollar
As far as budgets go, I use Every Dollar website (it has an App to, which is great when you’re out and about). what’s great about it is that I can adjust it every month. Grocery bills higher one month (or spending more on gas)? These budgets are easily adjustable from month to month. Able to save a little bit more one month, whether for an Emergency Fund, Vacation, or just everyday savings, this website also allows you to be able to create funds specifically for those purposes.
Save Your Pennies…
Did you ever hear the phrase “a penny saved is a penny earned”? I don’t know how many times I’ve heard it over my lifetime, but it’s something that’s stuck with me over the years. Years ago I started saving my coin change; I collect them in (some sort of) piggy bank. Whenever it gets full, I will put them in coin rolls and take them to the bank. It’s always nice to know that I’ve got a little something that can help in a multitude of ways. Whether it’s saving for a pedicure or needing it to help pay off bills, this can be a small passive way. Looking for a more aggressive approach? Try putting away dollar bills into your piggy bank; you can start as small as $1 bills, and over time it can add up! I’ve done this countless times over the years, at the end of every day putting aside either coins or bills aside, and then after so much time has passed (it could be at the end of every few months, the end of the year, or even when the bank is full) you hopefully have a small chunk of changes to do something with.
Upside
Upside has been such a HUGE help when it comes to filling up on gas. This free app that gets you cash back on gas and other errands! Click this link (or use promo code CELIA6293) to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus the first time you make a purchase. Upside offers a variety of options to cash out, which you can use either for errands or saving.
Entertainment
Go on a Picnic
What’s not to love about being outside when the weather is nice? This is a great opportunity to be able take advantage of your either a local or county park to be able to hike and explore, or just let the kids run around on the playground. You don’t have to do anything fancy (like having gourmet foods or baskets), as long as you’re able to pack a nice cooler full of goodies. My recommendations are these wonderful Stashers so you don’t have to worry about containers popping open or breaking (I’d also hate for anyone to get upset or hurt), try opting for a picnic blanket, small cooler or lunchbox, and refillable (filtered) water bottle, to start out with.
Library
If you live near a local library, this is definitely something to take advantage of! Libraries have adapted over the years due to the change in technology, which can be a great way to possibly spend a few hours either perusing through their books or movies, or taking advantage of any of their amenities they offer. Plus, you don’t have to worry about having books collecting dust around the house either (or taking up space)! Check out your local library for any of its offerings.
Redbox
While there’s something sentimental about going to a motion picture, prices sure do add up. From anywhere from the admission, to popcorn, candy, or drinks, is the cost of these for a few hours of entertainment worth it? Why not sign up for Redbox Perks to get free stuff! I did – and it’s a fun way to earn points for renting & purchasing. Get started click here.
Streaming Services
With a variety of streaming services, why have cable these days?
Shopping
Let’s face it, we all need items for everyday living. Clothes wear out and styles change over time, kids outgrow toys, the list can go on!
Buying Used
The adage “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” usually rings true. Which can be a good way to save money where you can.
Goodwill
The benefit of Goodwill is that not only does their inventory changes, no two stores carry the same items. There’s an advantage of being able to go in and see, touch, and try on clothing, as well as shop for small items such as books and movies. I usually stick to searching through their clothing selection, and occasionally I will find a decorative something for the house.
thredUP
Shop at thredUP and save up to 90% on like-new styles from brands you love: J.Crew, Anthropologie, Mini Boden, Crewcuts and more (25,000 more, but who’s counting). Plus, thredUP is the most convenient way to clean out your closet and get organized. Order a Clean Out Kit today! Here’s $10 off by using this link.
Note: For new customers only.
Ibotta
For those who coupon, this may be another good tool to use! I use this app as an additional when I do my household shopping, whether it’s groceries or home goods (like toilet paper). It’s a free app that gets you cash back on the stuff you buy every day. Just use my referral code ‘vb97w‘ at registration. Sign up at → Ibotta. It can be a fun way to shop for extra coupons, and potentially save a little extra with their bonuses. Account must have minimum amount to withdraw earning to send to bank account or PayPal.
Rakuten
Are you an online shopper? I use Rakuten to get Cash Back at my favorite stores. You should get in on it! Use my link to join and get $30 after you spend $30. What’s great is that they now offer cash back at select restaurants. The cash back you’ve earned is either sent via check or PayPal (must meet minimum amount before quarterly payment is sent). Sign up here and find out more!
Shopkick
Feel the urgency to get out to window shop? I think you’d love Shopkick – it’s a free app that rewards you for shopping brands you love and even visiting stores. Sign up here with my code to get 250 bonus kicks: DEAL483801. What’s great is that you can earn ‘kicks’ (what they call their points) just from walking into select stores, and scanning select products. You can set your goal for a gift card to a variety of stores.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this article, and it’s helped spark some motivation in regard to being able to either cutting down on spending or given some ideas to save money. Happy planning!
** This post contains affiliate links; I make make a small commission if you purchase something through one of the links provide (no additional cost to you).
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