Накопить денег: 15 способов накопить на что угодно

Искусство копить деньги: 5 самых распространенных ошибок

Если вы уже начали копить деньги, примите поздравления — это разумный шаг к безопасному будущему. В идеале вашей денежной «подушки безопасности» должно хватить на шесть месяцев жизни без финансовых поступлений. Но даже если каждый месяц вы получаете прибыль и увеличиваете свои накопления, это не значит, что ваша стратегия идеальна.

Дэвид Блэйлок, специалист по финансовому планированию, проанализировал распространенные стратегии по накоплению средств и дал несколько советов для их улучшения.

Стратегия № 1. Откладываю то, что остается

Итак, вы оплачиваете ежемесячные счета, может быть, тратите немного на развлечения, а потом все, что остается, отправляется на счет в банке. Зная, что у вас, в принципе, есть деньги, вы можете тратить больше, чем следовало бы, и потом расходовать средства, предназначенные для накопления. Кроме того, трудно поставить себе конкретную цель по накоплению, ведь вы никогда не можете сказать наверняка, сколько останется после всех затрат. Вместо этого можно попробовать другой способ.

А как надо?

Самый первый счет, который надо оплатить после зарплаты, — это ваш накопительный счет.

Сделайте это своим правилом и воспринимайте как обязательную и самую важную часть выплат (конечно, если у вас хватит денег на оплату всех остальных счетов).

Создайте автоматическое перечисление денег со своей банковской карты на накопительный счет в начале месяца или с каждого денежного поступления. Если вы просто поставите такой автоматический трансфер денег и забудете о нем, через какое-то время количество накопленных средств сильно вас удивит.

Стратегия № 2. Я перевожу деньги на накопительный счет

Итак, вы регулярно откладываете деньги — это замечательно. Да и накопительный счет с пластиковой картой — это очень удобно. Но и здесь есть свои минусы.

Если у вас кончатся деньги, вы рискуете снять свои накопления или даже потратить их на неожиданную, но очень желанную покупку. И, скорее всего, вы это сделаете, потому что снять деньги очень легко: они всегда в пределах доступности, вам даже не надо идти в банк, достаточно воспользоваться банкоматом.

А как надо?

Откройте в банке депозит на 6 месяцев или на год. Так вы точно не потратите деньги, предназначенные для хранения. Только не вкладывайте все. Какое-то количество оставьте на обычном накопительном счету для чрезвычайных ситуаций.

Стратегия № 3. Все мои накопления находятся на одном счету

Когда у вас только один накопительный счет, кажется, что деньги на нем копятся быстро и их хватит на все. Если вы копите только на одну вещь, например на квартиру или на отпуск, то все в порядке. Но если у вас несколько целей, один банковский счет затрудняет расчеты и вы не видите конкретный прогресс. Вам сложнее понять, на что хватит денег, а с чем придется подождать.

В итоге оказывается, что, потратив накопления, например, на отпуск, вы ничего не оставляете на новую машину.

А как надо?

Лучше завести несколько счетов, каждый из которых будет посвящен определенной цели, например: «на дом», «на отпуск», «на образование ребенку». Так будет гораздо проще рассчитывать свои финансы и видеть реальный прогресс.

Стратегия № 4. Я откладываю сразу большие суммы, когда могу

Некоторые люди не откладывают деньги на постоянной основе, а сохраняют сразу большие суммы, когда выпадает счастливый случай. При таком способе накопления чередуются чувства изобилия и вины. Последнее — когда вам приходится брать деньги из своих накоплений. Разочарование от этого даже может отбить желание когда-нибудь снова копить деньги.

А как надо?

Лучше всего поставить себе цели по накоплению и стремиться к ним. Определите конкретную сумму денег, которую надо откладывать каждый месяц. Если вам кажется, что её можно увеличить без ущерба для качества жизни, делайте это. Но! Вклады должны оставаться последовательными и одинаковыми.

Стратегия № 5. Я откладываю всё, что могу

Несмотря на необходимость иметь сбережения, не стоит слишком зацикливаться на этом и отказывать себе в удовольствиях. Именно они помогают нам оставаться счастливыми и сохранять психическое здоровье.

А как надо?

Если у вас не было месяца, в который вы могли бы внести деньги в «чрезвычайный фонд», отложите все остальные платежи и удовольствия, пока не сможете этого сделать.

Когда ваш шестимесячный «чрезвычайный фонд» будет пополнен, Блэйлок советует менять стратегию. Поскольку небольшие наличные сбережения приносят мало денег, стоит задуматься о более долгосрочных вложениях под хорошие проценты.

7 рекомендаций для тех, кто хочет накопить деньги

В последние годы интернет буквально заполонили разного рода челленджи. Впрочем, некоторые из них действительно могут оказаться полезными. В этой статье представлены советы, основанные на лучших челленджах, выполняя которые вы можете научиться копить деньги и не тратить их понапрасну.

1. Отслеживайте все свои расходы

Так вы сможете понять, куда уходят ваши деньги. В течение 30 дней вам нужно отслеживать, сколько и на что вы тратите деньги. Важен буквально каждый рубль. В конце месяца проанализируйте полученные данные. Сделайте вывод, на что у вас уходит слишком много денег, и сократите эти расходы.

Если у вас получится контролировать расходы, то вы сможете не только научиться копить деньги, но и взять под контроль финансы в целом. Чем дольше вы будете выполнять челлендж, тем более осознанно будете подходить к затратам. Это положительно скажется на вашем финансовом состоянии и в долгосрочной перспективе.

2. Откладывайте деньги каждую неделю в течение года

На Западе популярно каждый Новый год составлять список обещаний самому себе, которые необходимо выполнить в следующем году (New Year’s resolution). В рамках такой «новогодней резолюции» можно бросить себе вызов и каждую неделю откладывать определённое количество денег.

Изначально данный челлендж предполагал, что в первую из 52 недель года его участник должен отложить один доллар, во вторую — два, в третью — три и так далее. Можно также начать выполнять испытание с конца, отложив в первую неделю 52 доллара, а затем последовательно снижать количество отложенных денег. Таким образом участники челленджа смогли накопить 1 378 долларов.

Вы можете изменять условия любым удобным для вас образом. Всё зависит от того, сколько денег вы хотите накопить и какие суммы вы можете себе позволить откладывать.

Многим из нас зарплату выплачивают не каждую неделю, а каждые две недели или раз в месяц. Вы можете скорректировать челлендж так, чтобы откладывать деньги с каждой зарплаты.

3. Откладывайте деньги каждый день в течение года

Принцип этого челленджа такой же, как и принцип предыдущего. Разница в том, что необходимо откладывать определённую небольшую сумму денег каждый день. Это не должно вас отягощать, поэтому откладывайте понемногу. Результат в любом случае будет приятным.

4. Поставьте перед собой конкретную цель и откладывайте возрастающие суммы в течение 12 недель

Это более агрессивный способ накопить деньги. Он хорошо работает, если вам необходимо накопить определённую сумму. Изначально предлагалось отложить 60 долларов в первую неделю и каждую неделю прибавлять к откладываемой сумме по 5 долларов (65 — во вторую неделю, 70 — в третью и так далее). За 12 недель можно было накопить 1 000 долларов. Для того, чтобы накопить бо́льшие суммы денег, можно просто выполнять это задание несколько раз подряд.

5. Сократите расходы до минимума

Этот пункт напоминает первый, при котором вы отслеживаете все свои расходы. Его принцип очень прост. Сокращая расходы, вы стараетесь тратить деньги только на самое необходимое: на коммунальные услуги, еду и так далее. Необходимо отказаться от походов в кино, кафе и рестораны и от излишних расходов на шопинг. Если вы сможете следовать этому совету в течение долгого времени, то это позволит вам сэкономить значительную сумму денег.

6. Откладывайте сдачу

Если вы пользуетесь наличными, то вам нетрудно будет следовать этому правилу. Просто не тратьте сдачу, а в конце дня собирайте все отложенные деньги в копилку. Вы будете удивлены, как быстро сможете накопить деньги. Его можно усложнить и запретить себе тратить сдачу в течение целого года. Проверьте себя и узнайте, сколько денег можно сэкономить таким образом.

7. Автоматизируйте накопления

Это довольно просто. Вам не придётся ничего делать самому. Многие банки предлагают услугу автоматического перечисления определённой суммы денег или определённого процента на специальный счёт (например, услуга «Копилка» от Сбербанка). Вы можете сами задать эту сумму и периодичность отчислений, например, отчислять деньги при каждом поступлении заработной платы на карту.

Некоторые банки также предлагают откладывать сумму, исчисляемую в процентах от расходов. Так, если вы привыкли пользоваться картой, то можете воспользоваться такой услугой.

90000 How To Save Money Fast | 100 Ways to Save Money 90001 90002 No matter where you are on your financial journey, you need to know that it’s possible for 90003 anyone 90004 to turn their financial life around and start saving money. Sometimes all it takes is that first step in the right direction to get things moving in your favor. But, as with most things, sometimes that 90003 very first step 90004 is the hardest part. 90007 90008 90007 That’s why we created this list of 100 ways to save money starting today.None of these tactics will be life-changing on their own, but they can make quite a difference over time if you’re able to implement more than one. Some of these suggestions take just a few minutes, while others require a bit of regular effort. Still, they’re all incredibly simple — anyone can do them. 90002 Obviously, 90011 not all of these tips will apply to everyone. 90012 Just go through the list and find 10 or 15 that 90003 do 90004 apply to you and use them in your life. When you do, you may quickly find that you’re saving more money than you ever thought possible.90008 90016 100 Ways to Save Money 90017 90018 1. Move bank accounts to take advantage of perks and earn more interest 90019 90002 If you’re paying a monthly fee for your checking or savings account, you would benefit from researching some of newest banking offers out there. Not only do some of the best banks offer sign-up bonuses simply for opening an account and setting up direct deposit, but some offer attractive interest rates to new customers as well. 90008 90002 It’s true that interest rates are not what they once were, but it’s still worth a look.Some of the best free checking accounts and best savings accounts can be found online. Here’s a guide on how to make that switch. 90008 90018 2. Turn off the television. 90019 90002 One big way to save money is to drastically cut down on the amount of television you watch. There are a lot of financial benefits to this: less exposure to spending-inducing ads, a lower electric bill (and perhaps a lower cable bill if you downgrade your subscription), more time to focus on other things in life — such as a side business — and so on.90008 90002 Want to take things a step further? Consider cutting the cord to cable TV altogether. 90008 90018 3. Stop collecting, and start selling 90019 90002 There was a time when people thought their collections would bring them riches. Beanie Babies were a big fad at one time, as were Longaberger baskets. Now you can find those items on resale sites like Craigslist and at garage sales for a fraction of their initial cost, leaving many people who sunk thousands of dollars into their «investments» wondering what happened.90008 90002 If you want to avoid that situation, do not collect items of questionable value. 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Write a list before you go shopping — and stick to it. 90019 90002 One of the easiest ways to save money is to only shop when you have a list. Because when you’re without one, you typically end up making impulse buys and unplanned purchases — all things that cost money. 90008 90002 Creating a list before you go to the grocery store is especially important.Not only can it help you buy items that fit with your meal plan, but it can also help you avoid buying food you might waste. Always create a list and, more importantly, 90003 stick to it. 90004 90007 You can also take advantage of a cash back rewards card that gives bonus cash at grocery stores — just be sure to pay off the balance each month. 90008 90018 8. 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Learning basic sewing skills is a great way to save some money — and extend the life of your clothing. 90008 90018 10. Do not spend big money entertaining your children. 90019 90002 Most children, especially young ones, can be entertained very cheaply. Buy them an end roll of newspaper from your local paper and let their creativity run wild. Play ball in the backyard. Head to the park.Plant a garden. Teach them to ride a bike without training wheels once and for all. 90008 90002 Realize that what your children want most of all is your 90003 time 90004, not your stuff, and you’ll find money in your pocket and joy in your heart. 90008 90018 11. 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Then, do not just get rid of it, 90003 use it to your benefit. 90004 90008 90002 You can have a yard sale with it, sell it on eBay or Craigslist, take it to a consignment shop, or even donate it for the tax deduction (mark down what you give away so you can get a receipt). All of these options can turn old stuff you do not want anymore into money in your pocket. Not only that, it’s often a psychological load off your mind to clean out your closets.90008 90018 13. Buy video games that have a lot of replay value — and do not acquire new ones until you’ve mastered what you have. 90019 90002 My video game buying habits have changed quite a bit since my «game of the week» days. Now, I focus on games that can be played over and over and over again, and I focus on mastering the games that I buy. Good targets include puzzle games and long, involved quest games — they maximize the value of your gaming dollar. 90008 90002 Once you’re done with a game for good, take it to a video game resale shop like GameStop and see if you can trade it in for store credit you can use to get another game.90008 90018 14. Drink more water. 90019 90002 Not only does drinking plenty of water have great health benefits — it has financial benefits, too 90003. 90004 Drink a big glass of water before each meal in order to stay fuller longer and ultimately eat less. Not only will you save on the food bill, but you’ll also feel better after you become properly hydrated. 90008 90002 Even better, drinking more water — whether in a refillable bottle or at restaurants — means spending less money on beverages like soda, juice, and tea.Remember: Tap water is not only just as clean as bottled water, it’s also free. 90008 90018 15. Avoid convenience foods and fast food. 90019 90002 Instead of eating fast food or just nuking some prepackaged dinner when you get home, try making some simple and healthy replacements that you can take with you. An hour’s worth of preparation one weekend can leave you with a ton of cheap and easy dinner and snack options for the following week. 90008 90002 Also consider breaking out the ol ‘crock pot for some inexpensive meal options that not only save money, but time, too.90007 For those times when you simply can not avoid dining out, maximize your savings with coupons and a rewards credit card that gives a bonus for restaurant spending (but you know yourself best, so only spend what you know you can pay off each month with no interest). 90008 90018 16. For heaven’s sake, quit smoking. 90019 90002 If you’re still a smoker, you have to know by now that your habit is not only expensive, but potentially deadly as well. If you want to add years to your life and save a boatload of money, the easiest thing to do is to stop smoking altogether.You can quit cold turkey, try some of the many anti-smoking products that are out there, or switch to an electronic cigarette to buy some time. Whichever path you choose, you will be much better off. 90008 90018 17. Make a quadruple batch of a casserole. 90019 90002 We all know that casseroles are nice, easy dishes to prepare. The next time you make a casserole, make 90003 four 90004 batches of it and put the other three in the freezer. Then, when you need a quick meal for the family, you can grab one of those ready-made casseroles and just heat it up.90008 90002 Preparing a few at once allows you to buy the ingredients in bulk, which can mean additional savings. Meanwhile, having several casseroles in the freezer makes it less likely that you’ll turn to fast food or junk food when you’re in a hurry. 90008 90018 18. Turn off the lights. 90019 90002 Keeping the lights on in your home may not be expensive on a per-watt basis, but it sure does cost money over time. To save as much as you can, turn off lights any time you leave your house — or even when you leave the room.Turning off lights when you have plenty of natural sunlight can also help keep your electric bill down over time. The bottom line: If you are not using a light, turn it off. 90008 90018 19. Swap books, music, and DVDs on the Internet or at the library. 90019 90002 You can very easily swap the books, CDs, and DVDs you’ve grown bored with online. Just clean out your media collection, and trade them with others online using sites like PaperBackSwap. If you live near a library that loans DVDs in addition to books, you’ll be even better off.The more you can borrow and barter with others, the more money you’ll save over time. 90008 90018 20. Maximize yard sales. 90019 90002 Yard sales are a great place to score awesome deals on items you need anyway — think housewares, shoes, clothing, or even sports equipment. The key is, you have to be careful not to use the low prices found at sales as an excuse to buy things you do not need. At your next garage sale, limit yourself to items that were already on your list of things to buy. 90008 90018 21.Install CFLs or LEDs wherever it makes sense. 90019 90002 Energy-efficient light bulbs might cost a bit more initially, but they have a much longer life than normal incandescent bulbs and use far less electricity. It might be hard to decide which type to use, but either type of bulb will probably be an upgrade from whatever you’re using now. 90008 90002 CFLs, which use a quarter of the energy of incandescent bulbs and last for years, are the next cheapest option after traditional bulbs. But they also have some drawbacks: They take a while to warm up to full brightness, and they also contain a small amount of mercury.90008 90002 Meanwhile, LEDs are more expensive. However, they’re getting cheaper all the time, and they are easily the best lighting option available: They light up instantly, are efficient as CFLs, produce a warm glow without getting hot to the touch, and can last for decades. 90008 90002 You do not even need to replace every bulb in the house at once. Even swapping just your four or five most-used light bulbs can save you $ 45 or more a year. 90008 90018 22. Install a programmable thermostat.90019 90002 Installing a programmable thermostat is a no-brainer if you want to cut down on energy usage while you’re not at home, or simply regulate the temperature in your home. By setting it to heat or cool your home at certain times, you can ensure that your utilities are not being wasted while you’re at work or asleep — and save money in the process. 90008 90018 23. Buy quality appliances that will last. 90019 90002 It’s worth the time to do a bit of research when you buy a new appliance.A reliable, energy-efficient washer and dryer might cost you quite a bit now, but if it continually saves you energy and lasts for 15 years instead of five, you’ll save 90003 significant 90004 money in the long run. 90008 90002 When you need to buy an appliance, do research: Start with back issues of Consumer Reports at the library. An hour’s worth of research can easily save you hundreds of dollars. Additionally, consider utilizing a professional to install appliances to ensure they are installed properly and will last in the long-run.90008 90002 If you know you’re going to spend a significant amount and you already have the cash on hand, you might want to consider applying for a credit card with a generous signup bonus. Buying a $ 2,000 + refrigerator can help hit that spending minimum quickly. It’s a simple way to earn some money on a purchase you were going to make anyway. 90008 90018 24. Clean or change out your car’s air filter. 90019 90002 A clean air filter can improve your gas mileage by up to 7%, saving you more than $ 100 for every 10,000 miles driven in an average vehicle.Cleaning your air filter is easy to do in just a few minutes — just follow the instructions in your vehicle’s manual and you’re good to go. 90008 90002 If yours is beyond help, also consider changing it out for a new one. At most stores, a new air filter goes for less than $ 10. 90008 90018 25. Make your own gifts instead of buying stuff from the store. 90019 90002 If you want to save money while also giving generously, creating your own homemade gifts is one way to accomplish both goals. You can make food mixes, candles, fresh-baked bread or cookies, soap, and all kinds of other things at home quite easily and inexpensively.90008 90002 These make spectacular gifts for others because they involve your personal touch — something you can not buy from a store — and quite often they’re consumable, meaning they do not wind up filling someone’s closet with junk. Even better — include a personal handwritten note with the gift. 90008 90018 26. Plan your meals around your grocery store’s flyer. 90019 90002 Instead of creating your meal plan out of thin air, plan all your meals around what’s on sale in your grocery store’s flyer.Look at the biggest sales, then plan recipes based on those ingredients and what you have on hand. Do that for a few months and you’ll find yourself with a much smaller food bill than you’re used to. 90008 90018 27. Do a price comparison — and find a cheaper grocery store. 90019 90002 Most of us get in a routine of shopping at the same grocery store, and we may not even realize that we’re not getting the best deal. Fortunately, there’s a simple way to find the cheapest store around. Just keep track of the 20 or so things you buy most often, then shop for these items at a variety of stores.Eventually, one store will come out on top for your purchases — just make that one your regular shopping destination and you’ll automatically save money. 90008 90018 28. Make your own when you can. 90019 90002 Before I tried it myself, I thought making homemade bread would just be a complicated waste of time. But after I tried it, I found that it was pretty easy and it was actually much cheaper, healthier, and tastier than buying a loaf from the store. 90008 90002 We rarely ever buy bread at the store these days, mainly because the bread I make is not only cheaper, but much better too.Figuring out what you can make it home is a great way to save some money — and learn new skills along the way. 90008 90018 29. Avoid stress-spending. 90019 90002 It’s easy to justify spending money just to wind down from a stressful day at work. However, it’s rarely a good idea. Instead of buying things you do not need to make yourself feel better, it might be wise to find other ways to de-stress instead. 90008 90002 Exercise is always a good option, as is meditation and even a good old-fashioned nap.Read, watch movies, or work in your yard if you’re stressed out. Spending money will not reduce your stress in the long run. 90008 90018 30. Share your dreams with people you love. 90019 90002 This seems like an odd way to save money, but think about it. If you spend time with the people you love the most and come to some consensus about your dreams, it becomes easy for you all to plan for it. Set a big, audacious goal together and encourage each other to be financially fit — soon, you’ll find you’re doing it naturally and your dreams are coming closer than ever.90008 90018 31. Do a «maintenance run» on your appliances. 90019 90002 Check them to make sure there is not any dust clogging them and that they’re fairly clean. Look behind the appliances, and use your vacuum to gently clear away dust. Check all of the vents, especially on refrigerators, dryers, and heating and cooling units. The less dust you have blocking the mechanics of these devices, the more efficiently they’ll run (saving you on your energy bill) and the longer they’ll last (saving you on replacement costs).90008 90018 32. Cancel unused club memberships. 90019 90002 Are you paying dues at a club that you never use? Like, for instance, a gym membership or a country club membership? If you’re on the fence about any of your memberships or find that you’re not using them very often, cancel them. Remember, you can always renew the membership at a later date if it turns out that you actually do miss it. 90008 90018 33. Buy used when you can. 90019 90002 90007 You can often find the exact item you want with a bit of clever shopping at used equipment stores, used game stores, consignment shops, and so on.Just make these shops a part of your normal routine — go there first when looking for potential items and you 90003 will 90004 save money. 90007 Clothes, for example, often cost pennies on the dollar when bought used — even if they were only worn once. By buying used most of the time, you can save a ton of cash. 90008 90018 34. Shop for new auto and / or home insurance. 90019 90002 90007 If you own a car or home, insurance is pretty much a given, and you want to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your needs.It can be beneficial to shop around for a new car insurance or home insurance policy every few years to make sure you are getting that best deal. 90008 90018 35. Remove your credit card numbers from your online accounts. 90019 90002 It’s easy to spend online when you have your card information stored in an account — just click and buy. The best way to break this habit is to simply delete your card from the account. 90008 90002 That way, when you’re tempted to spend, you’ll be forced to spend the time to dig out your card — and really think about why you’re spending this money.Sometimes being forced to take that extra step is all it takes to convince yourself you do not need the item after all. 90008 90018 36. Give the gift of labor. 90019 90002 For new parents, give an evening of babysitting as a gift. If you know pet owners, offer to take care of their pets when they travel. Offer up some lawn care as a gift to a new homeowner. 90008 90002 These types of gifts are always a hit. I know that, as a parent of a toddler and an infant, I 90003 loved 90004 receiving a babysitting gift, probably more than any «stuff» I might get otherwise.90008 90018 37. Do holiday shopping right after the holidays. 90019 90002 Most people use this technique for Christmas, but it works for every holiday. Wait until about two days after a holiday, then go out shopping for items you need that are themed for that day. 90008 90002 Get a Mother’s Day card for next year the day after Mother’s Day. Get Easter egg decorating kits the day after Easter, and Halloween decorations on Nov. 1. Get wrapping paper, cards, bows, and gift bags the day after Christmas.The discounts are tremendous, and you can just put this stuff in the closet until next year. 90008 90018 38. Join up with a volunteer program. 90019 90002 Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, get some exercise, and involve yourself in a positive project that can lift your spirit. It also comes without a cost to you and can provide a lot of entertainment and a fulfilling day when you’re in the right mindset. (In some cases, it can even help erase your student loans.) 90008 90002 I’ve come to spend more and more of my time volunteering, serving on various committees and groups in the community.It is hands-down the best thing I have ever done. 90008 90018 39. Declutter to save your sanity and some cash. 90019 90002 Go into a room and go through every single item in it. Do you really need that item? Are you happy that it’s there, or would you be just fine if it were not? If you can find stuff to get rid of, get rid of it — it just creates clutter and it might have some value to others. You also improve the perceived value of your house — and you’re likely to get a lot of cleaning done in the process.It’s a frugal win-win-win. 90008 90018 40. Try generic brands of items you buy regularly. 90019 90002 Instead of just picking up the ordinary brand of an item you buy, try out the store brand or generic version of the item. You’ll save a few cents now, but you’ll also likely discover that the store brand is just as good as the name brand — often, the only difference between the two is the marketing, which I’m not willing to pay more fore. Once you’re on board the generic train, you’ll find your regular grocery bill getting smaller and smaller.90008 90018 41. Prepare some meals at home. 90019 90002 Get an accessible and easy-to-use cookbook (my favorite «beginner» cookbook is Mark Bittman’s excellent «How to Cook Everything») and try making some of the dishes inside. You’ll find that cooking at home is much easier than you think — and 90003 way 90004 cheaper and healthier than take-out or dining out. Even better, you can easily prepare meals in advance — even handy fast-food type meals. 90008 90018 42. Switch to term life insurance.90019 90002 Repeat after me: 90003 insurance is not an investment 90004. If you’re stuck in an expensive whole life policy, choose cheaper term insurance instead and use that difference in cost to get yourself out of debt and start building some wealth. 90008 90002 Universal and whole-life policies are much more expensive and offer a subpar investment opportunity. In almost every case, you’ll be much better off with a cheap term policy and more money in your pocket. You can get rate quotes here: 90008 90002 Find the Best Life Insurance 90008 90002 Enter your ZIP code below and be sure to click at least 2-3 companies to find the very best rate.90008 90018 43. Stick to reliable, fuel-efficient cars. 90019 90002 A reliable and fuel-efficient car will save you thousands over the long haul. Let’s say you drive a vehicle for 80,000 miles. If you choose a car that gets 25 miles per gallon over one that only gets 15, you’ll save 90003 2,133 gallons 90004 of gas. At $ 3 a gallon, that’s $ 6,400 in savings right there. Reliability can pay the same dividends. 90008 90002 Do the research: It will pay off for you.Learning some simple strategies for fuel-efficient driving can also help. 90008 90018 44. Avoid the mall. 90019 90002 The mall might be a fun place to people watch, but it can also be packed with temptation. That’s why you should avoid the mall unless you actually need to purchase something. 90008 90002 Trust me, window shopping when you’re on a budget can be torture. Unburden yourself and find something else to do when you need some entertainment. A walk outdoors, a fun puzzle, or a good movie can easily replace your regular mall shopping adventures.90008 90018 45. Master the 10-second rule. 90019 90002 Whenever you pick up an item and add it to your cart or to take it to the checkout, stop for 10 seconds and ask yourself 90003 why 90004 you’re buying it and whether you actually 90003 need 90004 it or not. If you can not find a good answer, put the item back. This keeps me from making impulse buys on a regular basis. 90008 90018 46. Rent out unused space in your home. 90019 90002 Do you have an extra bedroom or in-law suite that’s not being used? Rent it out on a site like Airbnb.com. If you live near a popular or tourist area, doing so could bring in a 90003 lot 90004 of extra money. Just make sure you know the risks and are willing to take the steps required to protect your family and your possessions. 90008 90018 47. Create a visual reminder of your debt. 90019 90002 To put your debt into terms that are easy to understand, make a giant progress bar that starts with the amount of debt you have and ends with zero. Each time you pay down a little bit, fill in a little more of that progress bar.90008 90002 Keep this reminder in a place where you’ll see it often, and keep filling it in regularly. It can help keep your eye on the prize and lead you straight to debt freedom. 90008 90018 48. Cancel magazine subscriptions. 90019 90002 Do you have a pile of unread magazines sitting around your house? It’s likely the result of a subscription that you’re not reading. 90008 90002 Not only should you not renew that magazine, but you should give their subscription department a call and try t 90008.90000 Save Money — Save the Student 90001 90002 90003 Finance 90004 Finance 90005 90006 All student finance 90006 Parents ‘guide 2019 90006 Student loan calculator 90006 Free money cheat sheet 90010 The Big Fat Guide to Student Finance 2020 90011 90010 Student grants, bursaries and scholarships 90011 90010 15 Student Finance myths debunked 90011 90016 90017 Banking 90004 Banking 90005 90006 All banking & budgeting 90006 Student banking 90006 Budgeting advice 90006 Student money surveys 90010 Student Money Survey 2019 — Results 90011 90010 Best student bank accounts 2020 90011 90010 How to become a millionaire by 30 90011 90016 90031 Make Money 90004 Make Money 90005 90006 All make money 90006 Earn money & rewards 90006 Matched betting 90016 90038.90000 Save Money: A Definitive Guide — 19 Tips on How To Save Money From Salary [2019] 90001 90002 Experts write billion words about investment. But it is surprising that how little is written about 90003 how to save money 90004 (comparatively). 90005 90002 In fact, it is hard to find a 90003 comprehensive guide 90004 about «savings» on internet. 90005 90002 But on the other side, the topic of investment is widely covered. 90005 90002 It is true that investment of money is more important than savings.But it is also true that, without savings there will be no investment. 90005 90002 Hence, I’ve decided to publish this detailed guide on 90015 saving money 90016. 90005 90018 Why to save money? 90019 90020 90002 We must save because we can not spend every dime of our salary. Why? 90005 90023 90002 Because in addition to current needs, 90003 future financial goals 90004 are also a priority. 90005 90028 90028 90002 Check this flow chart. What will happen if you’ll not save? 90005 90002 There will be no loan prepayment, no future goal management, no investment, no retirement savings, and no emergency fund creation etc.90005 90020 90002 Building 90003 retirement savings 90004 and 90003 emergency fund creation 90004 is a necessity of life, which one can not missed. 90005 90023 90002 To build these future-funds, one must 90015 first save money 90016 and then 90015 invest 90016 it. 90005 90002 This is the only way to do it. If not done, retired life will be tougher. 90005 90002 [90003 Note 90004: 90015 I’ve retired from my job at the age of 40 and living my dream. All this happened because of saving and investing 90016] 90005 90018 How to Start Saving Money? 90019 90002 One must start saving money with an 90003 objective 90004.What’s the objective? 90005 90002 Generally speaking, saving and investment of money is required for long term 90003 wealth creation 90004. 90005 90002 But wealth creation is a goal which is too broad (it’s not specific). Hence better will be break it down into two components: 90005 90068 90069 90003 Retirement Savings 90004: What is retirement saving? It is that fund which will support your expenses (standard of living) even when there is no job / work. The bigger is the retirement savings, the more financially independent is the person.Read: How to be financially independent? 90072 90069 90003 Emergency Fund 90004: What is emergency fund? It is that fund which takes care of unforeseen future expenses. Main components of emergency fund consists of 90015 cash and insurance 90016. Read: About emergency fund. 90072 90079 90020 90002 So, start saving money with an overall objective of wealth creation. 90005 90023 90002 How to create wealth? By building retirement savings and emergency fund. Read: How much is enough to retire? 90005 90002 But before one can build wealth, it is good to be aware of a precondition (kind of a limitation).90005 90018 What Prevents Wealth Creation? 90019 90002 The biggest deterrent of wealth creation is «90003 debt 90004» 90003 90004 and «90003 overspending 90004». How to manage it? 90005 90002 Use these two simple logics: 90005 90100 90069 90003 Debt Management 90004: Suppose your monthly loan EMI is Rs.30,000. Pay at least 10% of your EMI (Rs.3,000) as a prepayment. From where the money will come for prepayment? From savings. Read: Loan prepayment to reduce EMI. 90072 90069 90003 Overspending 90004: Why people overspend money? This is mainly done in ignorance.If people can realise that they are overspending, they’ll stop it. How to make oneself realise the mistake of overspending? By resorting to 90015 budgeting and expense tracking 90016. [Read: 50 30 20 Rule of budgeting, and Track expenses in Excel.] 90072 90111 90112 90112 90002 These two rules at tandem work like a magic. How? 90005 90002 Budgeting and expense tracking churns out 90003 more savings 90004. These savings can then be used for prepayment of loans. 90005 90002 When there will be no loan left for prepayment, all savings can then be used for building 90015 retirement savings 90016 and 90015 emergency fund 90016.90005 90002 [Suggested Reading: How to get out of salary dependency?] 90005 90018 Importance of Locking The Savings (Investing) 90019 90020 90002 Managing ownership of Rs.5,000 is a lot easier than of Rs.100,000. How? 90005 90023 90002 Understanding this small phrase will explain a lot about saving management. 90005 90002 90003 Saving Rs.5,000 is easier 90004: It is easy not because the value is small, but because we can not do much with an amount like Rs.5,000. 90005 90002 But by the time we accumulate Rs.100,000 or more as savings, we start getting new ideas of spending it. 90005 90002 90003 Saving Rs.100,000 is tougher 90004: We start getting ideas of why the new iPhone-10 is the best phone ever. How that new LED TV will change our lives …. 90005 90002 The point I am trying to make is this, 90003 starting to save 90004 is easy, but hurdle comes later. 90005 90002 90015 «The main challenge is to keep those savings intact.» 90016 90005 90154 90154 90002 How to do it? By Investing the money.This 90003 locks our savings 90004. 90005 90002 Investment keeps our money away from us. This way, it does not get spent on trivial things. 90005 90002 Investment also yields returns (@ 7% p.a. from Bank Deposits). 90005 90002 So now we know that, a combination of saving and investment is essential. 90005 90002 Now it’s time to see the real saving tips which can change our lives. 90005 90018 19 Tips on How to Save Money in India From Salary 90019 90002 Frankly speaking, there are no limitations of ideas when it comes to saving money.90005 90002 People use their own unique ways to save money in day to day lives. I will list down here few of my person ways of saving money. 90005 90002 So let’s start with my tip number one: 90005 90176 #A. Save Money: By Self Discipline 90177 90002 More money can be saved by keeping oneself self disciplined. 90005 90002 Yes, it is true. Just because we do not have control on our 90003 spending urges 90004, we save less. 90005 90002 Here are few saving tips which I have personally used to greatly benefit from it: 90005 90100 90069 90003 # 1.Pay Yourself First 90004: As company’s pay salary to their employees, just like that, you can also pay yourself each month. As soon as the salary is credited into your account, transfer a portion of it to your savings account. Suppose you have budgeted 15% of your income as savings. Pay yourself this amount on first date of every month. Read: The concept of pay yourself first. 90072 90069 90003 # 2. Give Yourself Pay Rise 90004: Your salary rise should also reflect on «Pay You Self First» amount.When we get a pay rise, a proportional rise in standard of living (expenses) is understandable. But a proportional rise should also reflect in ‘pay yourself first’ column. Say your last year salary was $ 100, and your were paying self $ 15. If your salary grew by 20% (to $ 120) then you must also increase the «pay yourself» to $ 18. This will further add to our savings. Suggested Reading: The concept of passive income. 90072 90111 90100 90069 90003 # 3. Pay Yourself Hypothetical Loan EMIs 90004: Even though you are not buying a home today, practising EMI payments can be a good idea.How to do it? Generally speaking, a person can pay EMI’s equivalent to 30% of income. Suppose your net income per month is Rs.100,000. In this case you can consider Rs 30,000 as your EMI. Start paying this EMI to yourself. Keep paying EMIs to self till you really buy a home. This exercise has several benefits. The best is, it prepares you for future real EMI’s outgo. Further more, paying these hypothetical EMI’s is building a corpus for the future down payment of home. Read: What to do when EMI is too high? 90072 90069 90003 # 4.Have a Person Cash Flow Report 90004: Buy things you can afford. But often we overspend. We overspend in ignorance. By being aware of our affordability, overspending can stop. Generally, when it comes savings, nothing seems to work for people. But this concept of 90015 cash flow report 90016 works. Example: I decided to buy a new refrigerator at Rs 49,000. I asked to myself «Is it affordable»? I checked my cash flow report. In ‘miscellaneous shopping’ row I found the money. But at the same time, I was running out of cash for my child’s school fees (Rs.35,000). Fee payment is an uncompromisable expense. Hence I decided to borrow money from ‘miscellaneous’ a / c. As a result, refrigerator purchase got delayed. But a bigger priority was managed. This kind of clarity of cash flow is possible with a cash flow report. Read: How to build a personal balance sheet? 90072 90111 90100 90069 90003 # 5. Lock Money Forever 90004: How to do it? Generally, what we keep as savings is very liquid. This money can get spent easily. Savings account, recurring deposit, fixed deposits are good saving options but it does not «lock» the money.How to lock it forever? Idea: Suppose one has a home loan. Use the savings to make prepayment of loan. Once the prepayment is made, that money can never be spent elsewhere. Find your own unique ways to «lock» your savings «forever». Read: How to build assets? 90072 90069 90003 # 6. Allocate Extra Funds to Fixed Cost Expenses 90004: What is this? Set an expense budget and give more funds to line items like: Bills payments, Subscriptions, Grocery, Fees, Loan EMIs, Premium payments etc. What is common in them? All of them are near 90015 fixed expenses 90016.Suppose your home loan EMI is Rs.30K / month. Will it increase the next month? No. This is why, the allocated additional funds to EMI will never be spent. It’ll remain idle in your bank account. Read: Where people spend money in India. 90072 90111 90176 #B. Save Money: By Simple Practices 90177 90002 Saving money is not a rocket science. But it becomes lot tougher if we do not follow a simplified approach. 90005 90002 Here we will see few ideas which are simple, but still has capacity to build substantial savings.90005 90002 Lets’s start with the simplest of all: 90005 90100 90069 90003 # 7. Keep a Piggy Bank at Home 90004: We always need money to spend on something or the other. It can also be on expensive items like vacation, car etc. Spending on entertainment and luxury can not be avoided. It is only human to ask for it. But there must be a control. We must understand that it is better to pre-plan for expensive purchases. Planning means, giving oneself a distant date, and then start saving for it. The whole family should contribute to the savings.This type of exercise can also makes the family realise the value of expensive purchases. Read: About recurring deposit. 90072 90069 90003 # 8. Build Small Saving Habits 90004: Small-small saving over a period of time becomes handful. Small saving habits mainly works on the principle of ‘delaying gratification «. Lets see some small savings habits that we can implement in our day to day life: 90100 90069 Driving a small car (more fuel economy, less maintenance & insurance cost etc). 90072 90069 Bulk Grocery Purchase: Buy groceries in bulk from places like D-Mart.It can save at least 10% of the bill. 90072 90069 Use Library: If you are a book-worm, subscribe to a library. This will drastically reduce your cost of new books. 90072 90069 Reduce Electricity Bill: Identify items in your house which has maximum wattage. Make a plan about how often you can keep this items switched-off in a month. Also, make sure not to leave any electrical appliances on standby. 90072 90069 Do Bulk Purchases on Sale: Example: Purchase clothes where there is a SALE. 90072 90069 Reduce Cost on Health: Try to jog early morning in open air instead of spending on gym subscriptions.This will also reduce medical bills in long term. 90072 90069 Cash Purchase: Try to make all payments by cash. Read: Cards subconsciously trigger people to overspend. 90072 90111 90072 90069 90003 # 9. Save Money for Celebrations 90004: Always keep money aside for Birthday’s & Anniversaries. Not saving for them does not mean that those expense will not happen. Hence, better is to save for it, and enjoy the day when it comes. Try to save for it from at least 12 months prior to the expense date.If you have 4 members in a family, save for all the four heads. Read: How to spend on holiday trips? 90072 90069 90003 # 10. Skip Grocery Purchase 90004: Skip a grocery purchase once every two months. This may sound like a foolish suggestion, but it is effective. All households maintain unnecessary inventory. Funny thing is that, we are not even aware that we maintain it. Sit with your spouse and try to identify extra items. Idea is to push yourself to «consume the accumulated inventory» before it gets stale.How to do it? Do not buy grocery once a while. Suggested Reading: How to stop overspending? 90072 90069 90003 # 11. Buy a day of Financial Independence 90004: How? Suppose ones annual expense is Rs.6,00,000. Divide this by 365. The value that we have now is Rs.1,644 (600,000 / 365). This is the daily cost. This value (Rs.1,644) can be used to trick our mind, and motivate it to save more. How to do it? Try to save Rs.1,644 in bits and pieces. When Rs.1,644 is accumulated, lock it in a bank deposit.Reward yourself by saying this, «thank you for buying a day of financial independence». Every Rs.1,644 in savings means, a days worth of savings. Tip: give yourself a target to build savings worth 180 days of expense. Read more on how to trick your mind to save more money. 90072 90069 90003 # 12. Let Parents Save For You 90004: This idea may sound childish, but its effectiveness is almost guaranteed. With our parents, the money will be safest. They will do everything to keep our money as safe as possible.One of the better ways to save money with parents is the form of 90015 gold coins and silver 90016. Read: About gold as an investment option. 90072 90111 90002 I will suggest you to device your small-saving strategy. Once you have found one, do not delay. Start right away. 90005 90176 #C. Save Money: By Managing Debt 90177 90002 Minimising the cost of debt (interest) is also a way to save money. 90005 90002 In a long term, proper debt management can save loads of money for you. 90005 90002 Let’s see how we can manage debt to save more money: 90005 90100 90069 90003 # 13.Keep Debt Below 50% 90004: Take bank loan, but self contribution should be more than 50%. Use this strategy for bigger expenses like home purchase, car, higher education for child etc. Suppose you decide to buy a car using auto loan. When to buy it? Buy when you have at least 50% in down payment. How to do it? Start a mutual fund SIP and keep contributing till the value is reached. You can also do similar exercise while buying a house. Read: About systematic investment plans (SIPs). 90072 90069 90003 # 14.Prepay Loans 90004: Majority carry personal or home loans. Prepayment of these loans can save interest. Prepayment can not only save interest expense, but can also close loan in half the tenure. There was a stage in my life when I was diverting all of my ‘pay yourself funds’ towards my loan prepayment. Home loan prepayment is a very realistic way of saving huge sums of money. Read: Home Loan Prepayment Calculator. 90072 90069 90003 # 15. Keep increasing Loan EMIs 90004: Increase Home Loan EMI by 5% each year.This is a safe and effective way to save money. We prepay our home loans, right? How we do it? We accumulate money & then make prepayment. The other way is, do not wait for the money accumulation. Straight away approach your bank and ask them to increase the EMI. Let the EMI increase be only Rs.300 per month. Let the compounding of savings do its job. It has been observed that, this way, people tend to pay back their home loans in half the original tenure. Read: Whether to reduce EMI or tenure of home loan upon prepayment.90072 90111 90176 #C. Save Money: By Investing 90177 90002 Investing the saved money is another way to practice savings. 90005 90002 Let’s see where we can invest money as a part of a good ‘saving practice’: 90005 90100 90069 90003 # 16. Accumulate Precious Metals 90004: Buy gold & silver as part of saving habit. Why purchase gold / silver? Because of its ability to lock funds. Add a column in your expense budget. Name it ‘90015 investing expense on gold / silver 90016’. Keep a target of buying at least 5 gm of gold (or equivalent silver) every year.Presently 1gm gold will cost approximately Rs.3,900. This is equivalent to what we end up spending on weekends, right? Every month save Rs.1,500. This will be sufficient to buy a 5 gm gold coin at the end of the year. Read: About E-Gold as an investment. 90072 90069 90003 # 17. Use High Interest Savings A / c 90004: If you have cash in bank, park it in accounts which pays maximum interest. You will agree that the easiest way to save money from salary is by opening a savings account. Having a savings account and keeping a minimum balance in it is compulsory.But those savings offers low interest. How to deal with it? Open a savings account which can pay the best interest rates. Here are the interest rates offered by few banks on savings accounts: 90072 90111 90314 90315 90316 90317 90003 Deposit Type 90004 90320 90317 90003 Name of Bank 90004 90320 90317 90003 Interest Rate 90004 90320 90329 90316 90317 Saving 90320 90317 DBS 90320 90317 6.0% 90320 90329 90316 90317 Saving 90320 90317 RBL 90320 90317 5.5% 90320 90329 90316 90317 Saving 90320 90317 Kotak, Yes Bank 90320 90317 5.0% 90320 90329 90316 90317 Saving 90320 90317 IDFC, IndusInd, Bandhand 90320 90317 4.0% 90320 90329 90362 90363 90100 90069 90003 # 18. Plan Taxes 90004: Our target is to save every bit possible from our salary. Saving our income tax outgo is one such way of doing it. Tax saving avenues that we all must explore are the following: 90100 90069 90003 U / s 80C — 90004 Overall tax exemption is Rs 150,000 / year. Example: Investment in ELSS, PPF, NSC, LIC, Home Loan Principal etc. 90072 90069 90003 U / s 80D — 90004 Over all exemption is Rs 50,000 (Self: Rs.25K, Parents: Rs.25K). Example: Health insurance for Self, family, dependent parents. 90072 90069 90003 U / s 80E — 90004 100% interest on education Loan is exempted from Income Tax. Example: Education loan taken for higher studies of self, spouse, children. 90072 90069 Read: About income tax planning. 90072 90111 90072 90069 90003 # 19. Buy a MIP 90004: Use your savings to generate monthly income. How to do it? Buy a MIP (Monthly Income Plan). MIP’s are debt linked investments. Hence they are absolutely safe.No need to worry about possibility of loss. Investing in a MIP will serve two purposes. First, It helps you to save money (no risk involved). Second, it motivates to save more as it generates monthly income. Higher will be the fixed income more enthusiastic the saver becomes. Read: About monthly income from investments. 90072 90111 90176 Conclusion 90177 90002 We save money to make our future more 90003 secure 90004 (like after retirement). Moreover, to deal with the 90003 emergencies 90004 of life money is essential.90005 90002 How to manage the priority of financial security and emergencies? By 90003 building savings 90004. 90005 90002 Living without savings is like living in a house which weak walls. When emergency (or needs) strikes, the walls will collapse. 90005 90002 This will leave you unguarded. 90005 90002 On an average, a person can save upto 30% of their take home salary. How much you can save (maximum)? 90005 90002 Evaluate your income and expense balance. Prepare a cash flow report for yourself.90005 90002 Once the report is ready, you’ll exactly know how much you can save. This is a great starting point. 90005 90002 You can then use the # 19 tips shared above to maximise your saving potential. 90005 90002 Have a happy saving and investing. 90005.90000 94 Creative Ways to Save Money Today 90001 90002 Let’s face it: Stressing out over money can be seriously stressful. But taking control of spending and saving even just a pocket-full of George Washington’s can help alleviate some of the worry. 90003 90002 Whether you want to be a millionaire (so frickin ‘bad) or simply want to stop spending your paycheck before you get it, there are some surprisingly easy ways to tuck away a little cash. From shopping smart to taking care of your clothes, we’ve got 94 easy ways to save more money, fast.90003 90006 1. Pick a bank that gives back. 90007 90002 Look for a bank that makes the most sense for you. Seek out perks like no ATM fees, high interest on savings accounts, and no overdraft fees. Smaller banks often offer better interest rates and perks. If your bank does not offer these perks, call them and ask if they will. 90003 90006 2. Divide your paycheck. 90007 90002 Ask your company’s human resources department to divide each of your paychecks between your savings and checking accounts.Set a specific percentage to automatically deposit into your savings so you’re less inclined to touch it while out at the bar. Another bonus: Interest rates are generally higher for savings accounts than they are for checking. 90003 90006 3. Set goals with a budget-tracking app. 90007 90002 Set a goal- «Pay off credit card debt» -and then come up with an actionable, realistic plan for achieving it (and then stick to the plan). Try out finance-tracking apps like BUDGT, Learnvest, or Mint, which offer a visual barometers of specific goals.90003 90006 4. Check on your account. 90007 90002 Make like the Sherlock Holmes of your bank account and regularly scour for funny-looking charges. Staying on top of your current balance and past purchases allows you to spot errors as well as areas of spending that can be cut back. (Do you really need take-out three nights a week?) 90003 90006 5. Use ATMs sparingly. 90007 90002 Be smart about ATM trips. Try withdrawing a set amount each week and sticking to it, that way you will not be forced to hit up a non-affiliated bank (and get whacked by ATM fees).To stay organized, you can divide cash into envelopes-not just an app-with categories like «food», «rent», and «fun». When an envelope goes empty, it’s time to stop spending in that section (or swap funds from another one). Paying with cash will also feel more «real» than using a plastic card. 90003 90006 6. Plan withdrawals. 90007 90002 If you find yourself needing to use ATMs more frequently, plan each ATM visit carefully to avoid fees. When it’s time to take out cash, make sure you have time to get to your bank (unless it does not charge ATM fees) or go to a supermarket or convenience store that offers cash back with debit purchases.90003 90006 7. Troll exclusive deals sites. 90007 90002 For deals on everything from haircuts to brow waxing, head to sites like Groupon, Yipit, and Living Social. If some deals seem too good to be true, check out Yelp reviews of specific restaurants or salons before purchasing in order to prevent the meal or haircut from hell. 90003 90006 8. Get your hair done for free. 90007 90002 Search online for local beauty schools. An appointment with a student in training may mean a majorly discounted (or even free) haircut.90003 90006 9. Take care of yourself. 90007 90002 Get enough sleep, wash those hands, and do whatever it takes to prevent the sniffles. A little TLC, healthy food, and regular exercise can help prevent expensive medical bills down the road. 90003 90006 10. Take short showers. 90007 90002 Bear the occasional cold shower! Turning down the heat saves money on both water and the energy it takes to replenish your hot water tank. If cold showers are your worst nightmare, try adjusting your hot water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees or less.You’ll still save energy (without the goose bumps). 90003 90006 11. Cut co-pays. 90007 90002 For prescription meds taken regularly, ask your doc for a three-month supply. Oftentimes doing so is cheaper than purchasing month by month. 90003 90006 12. Make your own shaving cream. 90007 90002 Shave pennies off each shave with a DIY cream / lotion like this one, which uses moisturizing coconut oil, shea butter, and olive oil. Or just use other (cheaper) items from around the house-conditioner, baby oil, or … wait for it … peanut butter! 90003 90006 13.Indulge in a DIY spa day. 90007 90002 Face masks, body scrubs, and hair masks are not limited to pricey spas. Make your own spa-like goodies with easy-to-make ingredients lists including bananas and coffee. 90003 90006 14. Give up expensive habits. 90007 90002 Ditch the cigarettes, illicit drugs, and excessive 30-racks of beer. This stuff is not only a detriment to human health, but it’s a huge money waster. Need convincing? The average smoker spends more than $ 2,000 on cigarettes every year. 90003 90006 15.Hit up corporate discounts. 90007 90002 See if your company offers corporate perks and discounts such as gym memberships, ball games, cell-phone data plans, hotel fares, and concerts. 90003 90006 16. Take advantage of free fitness classes. 90007 90002 Many gyms and fitness studios offer at least one free class or gym session, while others offer cheap, introductory rates. Do not be afraid to try new places and new fitness trends! 90003 90006 17. Stream fitness classes online. 90007 90002 Stream fitness classes for free or for a small fee.Some monthly subscriptions to fitness video sites are cheaper than one in-person class. We like YogaToday, Daily Burn, and GaiamTV. Get friends involved to stay accountable. 90003 90006 18. Treat yourself. 90007 90002 This one takes some self-restraint, but we actually endorse a form of frivolous spending! Every once in a while, go ahead and buy something you do not really need (ahem, another bottle of nail polish). Regularly treating yourself will help you feel less restricted so you do not go on a spending binge down the road.90003 90006 19. Turn off the water while scrubbing dishes. 90007 90002 Spray a little water on all the dishes in the sink, then turn it off while scrubbing. Turn the water back on when it’s time to rinse. Hand washing dishes (versus a dishwasher) just once daily-and not leaving the water running while scrubbing-can save 200 to 500 gallons of hot water per month. That’s not just good for the environment; it’s good for your wallet. 90003 90006 20. Stay warm without the heat. 90007 90002 During harsh winter months, layer up with extra blankets, drink a hot cuppa tea, and get your snuggle on to stay warm instead of jacking up the heat.Something as simple as a hot water bottle in bed can mean forgoing high thermostat temps. 90003 90006 21. Customize your air freshener. 90007 90002 Fancy, fragrant wall flowers, aromatic sprays, and a slew of over-priced candles can do some serious damage on your wallet. Deodorize a stinky mudroom with a simple mix of baking soda and an essential oil of your preference. We also like these DIY reed diffusers. 90003 90006 22. Concoct a cleaning solution. 90007 90002 Whip up your very own signature cleaning solution.DIY cleaners can be natural, safe, and-most of the time-less expensive. With basic ingredients such as baking soda, vinegar, olive oil, and fresh herbs, DIY cleaners can get the job done without harsh chemicals and for a fraction of the price of commercial cleaners. 90003 90006 23. Choose energy-efficient appliances. 90007 90002 The math is easy on this one. Less energy used equals less money spent. If your fridge works perfectly fine, it may not be in your best interest to chuck it; but when you do decide to buy new appliances, it’s worth the extra moolah to purchase an Energy Star model.90003 90006 24. Stay cool without the AC. 90007 90002 The most obvious way to cut air conditioning costs is to not use air conditioning at all. Luckily, it’s still possible to keep cool on a stiflingly hot night. Check out these AC-free tips, from icing down pulse points to using cotton sheets. 90003 90006 25. Turn out the lights. 90007 90002 Flick the switch with each change of location. Turning off that hallway light or making a household sweep to shut off lights in unused rooms can save a few pennies here and there.Though the return is not mind-boggling, it does not take a whole lot of effort to make sure the lights are off before you cross that threshold. 90003 90006 26. Cut AC costs. 90007 90002 Can not stand to ditch the AC completely? You can still cut back on costs. Set the thermostat between 74 and 78 degrees to balance comfort and energy savings. Keep the air filter clean (and replace it every few months) and keep the windows closed and locked while the air conditioner is running. 90003 90006 27. Make sure your digs are well-insulated.90007 90002 When cold months arrive, taking a few easy steps to winterize your apartment or house can also reduce energy costs. Try plugging drafty doors with towels (or a DIY draft snake), winterizing windows with plastic or caulking, and beefing up insulation to keep a home warm and cut back on heating costs all winter long. 90003 90006 28. Maintain appliances. 90007 90002 Keep appliances clean and try to fix small snafus yourself rather than sending appliances (small or large) to the dump and purchasing new ones.Take easy steps-clean food particles and hard water scale before they build up, inspect seals for wear, etc.-to maintain appliances ‘longevity. 90003 90006 29. Turn off the tube. 90007 90002 While powering off the TV does not exactly save that much energy, turning away from the tube can save money in an entirely different way. Less TV time means less exposure to an estimated 100 ads every four hours. Each commercial showcasing a quarter pounder or a root cyclone technology vacuum is designed to sell consumers a product, which is pretty wild stuff considering TV is considered the most effective advertising channel.To avoid the burning desire to spend on things you never knew you needed, avoid ads as much as possible. 90003 90006 30. Ditch cable. 90007 90002 Ya’ll ready for this? Canceling cable can save $ 500 a year. Beyond the obvious health benefits of decreasing TV time-including increased sleep, prioritizing your social life, and promoting healthier weight-limiting dependence on cable TV can save a substantial amount of money. Fear not! There are alternatives including Hulu, Hulu Plus ($ 8 per month), and Netflix ($ 8 per month).(Though we can not promise you will not get addicted to a new series). 90003 90006 31. Switch to energy efficient bulbs. 90007 90002 You’ve probably seen energy efficient light bulbs on the shelves of the hardware store. They can be more expensive than their traditional counterparts, but they pay off in the long run: LED bulbs and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) require less energy to run. Crazy as it may sound, replacing five bulbs with energy efficient light bulbs can save $ 75 each year. 90003 90006 32.Reduce phantom power. 90007 90002 No, phantom power is not some sort of comic book villain. It’s the discreet flow of energy from cords plugged into outlets when the devices they’re attached to are in standby mode or powered off. Unplug cell phone chargers and electronic devices when you’re not using them. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that Americans have anywhere between 20 and 40 devices (from printers to coffee makers) using phantom loads throughout their homes-and this all adds up to money needlessly spent on energy.90003 90006 33. Use a surge protector. 90007 90002 To make it easier to shut down the mighty force that is phantom power (see No. 32), use a surge protector and shut off the switch when it’s not in use. 90003 90006 34. Find happy hour drink specials. 90007 90002 Fiddle with Foursquare to find drink specials at local bars and restaurants. Dirt-cheap drinks and no cover charge make the moniker «It’s five o’clock somewhere» all the more appealing. 90003 90006 35. Whip up your own greeting cards.90007 90002 From thank you notes to birthday cards, all it takes to make a classy-lookin ‘DIY card is some cardstock and a little creativity. In contrast, store-bought cards can cost around $ 5.99, and chances are they’ll be tossed in just a few days. 90003 90006 36. Have a potluck. 90007 90002 The premise is simple: At a potluck dinner, each invitee brings along a dish of food, which is then eaten by all. Lots of people equals lots of food. Delegating dishes among guests makes it easier for the host family by saving time, energy, and (of course) money.Bonus: Eating with friends is good for our health. 90003 90006 37. Eat in, outside. 90007 90002 Eating in does not have to mean chowing down inside. Bring a picnic to a park, a beach, or even your backyard and make dinner just a little more special (without having to tip). 90003 90006 38. Bring your own bottle. 90007 90002 Hit up BYOB restaurants to hang out with friends, enjoy a good meal, and save a ton on the alcohol mark-up. Call ahead to see if there’s a corkage fee. 90003 90006 39. Make your own gifts.90007 90002 When it comes time for birthdays and holidays, peruse Pinterest for homemade gift ideas such as DIY candles, face scrubs, baking mixes, and home goods. 90003 90006 40. Go to the movies during the day. 90007 90002 Hitting up a matinee can save a few buckaroos per person. And smuggling in a few healthier snacks can save a ton (both in terms of money and health) compared to over-priced boxes of candy and cartons of popcorn. 90003 90006 41. Create your own theater. 90007 90002 Turn at-home movie watching into your own mini cinema (a minema, if you will).Make popcorn, splurge on soda, and maybe even go all out with a box of Sour Patch Kids. Turn off the lights and the phones, and save chatting for after the movie for a theater-like experience without shelling out tons of money. 90003 90006 42. Get a library card. 90007 90002 A library card grants access to thousands of books for free, but that’s not all. Use your library card to borrow movies, magazines, and newspapers. The library is also a great place to get some work done free of charge (a.k.a. without the guilt of not buying an expensive latte). 90003 90006 43. Share media streaming accounts. 90007 90002 Do not have a Netflix account yourself? Split the already low monthly cost with a roommate, family member, or friend. Same goes for magazine subscriptions and fitness streaming sites. 90003 90006 44. Swap books, music, and DVDs. 90007 90002 Share your favorite reads, movies, and music with friends instead of buying things at the store. Search for and sell discounted collections on Craigslist and PaperBackSwap, or check out used book and music stores.90003 90006 45. Ditch unread subscriptions. 90007 90002 If your stack of magazines gets more time in the recycling bin than in your eager paws, then it’s probably time to get rid of unread subscriptions. Even one ditched subscription will save at least $ 10 a year. 90003 90006 46. See what’s happenin ‘around town. 90007 90002 Check the local newspaper, town website, or coffee shop boards for free or cheap events, from farmers ‘markets to concerts in the park, that are going on around your hood.90003 90006 47. Be smart at the museum. 90007 90002 Call local museums and inquire about monthly free-admittance days. Some museums advertise one day a month for free or for a discounted fee. Other museums offer a pay-what-you-can option year-round. 90003 90006 48. Clean out your closet. 90007 90002 Take some time to actually put everything where it’s supposed to go. Once you’ve organized your clothes so everything has a place, it’s likely you’ll find forgotten items hiding in your closet and rethink buying a whole new wardrobe.90003 90006 49. Check labels. 90007 90002 Avoid «dry clean only» clothes that can cost an arm and a leg to maintain. For tough-to-clean items such as wool, silk, and rayon, hand wash with mild soaps instead of shipping them off to the dry cleaners. 90003 90006 50. Take care of the clothes you do have. 90007 90002 Even if you have to pay a little more to do a separate load of whites, you’ll promote clothing longevity. Clothes are an expensive investment, and taking good care of your wardrobe can save money over time.Take small steps-sew on lost buttons, patch jeans (totally looks cool anyway), etc.-to keep clothes past their prime. 90003 90006 51. Do the «sniff test». 90007 90002 Each time you decide it’s laundry day, evaluate if you really need to wash something. Go ahead, sniff your clothes and assess if that hardly-worn T-shirt really needs a run through the washer and dryer. The key here is that laundering less means your clothes will last longer. 90003 90006 52. Hang some stuff up to dry. 90007 90002 Dryers not only expend energy, they can damage clothes and decrease their lifespan.The actual cost of running a dryer is not all that steep, but the more immediate effect is maintaining the integrity of each item of clothing. 90003 90006 53. Use cold water. 90007 90002 The most expensive part of washing clothes is heating up the water. Using cool water saves money-around 50 cents per load-on heating bills. Hot water does in fact clean better, but save it for seriously soiled clothes rather than the just-slightly-stinky stuff. 90003 90006 54. Leave your wallet at home or at the office.90007 90002 Going for a walk? Leave your wallet when you head out so you will not be tempted to grab coffee or go on a mini shopping trip. 90003 90006 55. Sign up for rewards cards. 90007 90002 Having a rewards card can save money on everyday items such as shampoo or toilet paper. (If the emails from drug stores bother you, immediately unsubscribe.). To make things even easier, there are apps that consolidate cards so you do not have to carry them all around 90003 90006 56. Coupon like a champ. 90007 90002 Troll for online coupon codes.Couponing does not have to mean hours of clipping circulars. Take advantage of sites that tailor coupons to your interests and needs, such as thekrazycouponlady.com and coupons.com. 90003 90006 57. Wait for sales. 90007 90002 Visit retailmenot.com to search for discounts for a favorite item or store. Added tip: Wait until the end of a season to buy clothes when they’re all half off or more. 90003 90006 58. Delete credit card numbers. 90007 90002 Remove credit card numbers from online accounts … like right now! This way, with each new purchase, you’ll have to consciously plug in those numbers and question whether the purchase is really necessary.90003 90006 59. Holiday shop after the holidays. 90007 90002 Buy Father’s Day cards the day after Father’s Day, wrapping paper after Christmas and Chanukah, and Easter paraphernalia after Easter. Most stores heavily reduce prices on seasonal items after the holiday has passed. 90003 90006 60. Abide by the 30-day rule. 90007 90002 If you feel like you’re treating yourself to an unnecessary purchase, it probably is unnecessary (sorry). Write the item down and wait thirty days. If at the end of that time you decide you still want it, then go for it.90003 90006 61. Buy generic. 90007 90002 Try out generic brands of some of your most commonly purchased items. Oftentimes it’s hard to notice a difference. Certain purchases, such as medications and organic food, are especially smart to buy generic because they’re regulated by the FDA and the USDA, respectively. 90003 90006 62. Buy in bulk. 90007 90002 Buy personal care items, such as deodorant and hand soap, in bulk (so long as you’re confident you’ll actually use it all). Buying bulk almost always saves money on the unit price.90003 90006 63. Grow your own food. 90007 90002 Produce does not always have to come from the grocery store or even the farmers ‘market. A wide variety of herbs, fruits, and veggies are easy to grow (even indoors!). The math is simple: A packet of seeds can cost less than a dollar, yet it can grow dozens of cukes, tomatoes, or green beans. 90003 90006 64. Write a list and stick to it. 90007 90002 Strategic placement of foods as well as desirable packaging often has us leaving the store with a few extra bags (and too many extra bucks spent).An effective way to steer clear of impulse buys is to write a shopping list before going to the grocery store and then stick to it. 90003 90006 65. Scrutinize grocery circulars. 90007 90002 Check out grocery circulars to see which store has the most of your favorite go-to items on sale. If you do not get the paper, look up each store’s weekly specials online. 90003 90006 66. Go grocery shopping on a full stomach and alone. 90007 90002 Do not let a rumbly tummy or a picky spouse influence your grocery list.Head to the supermarket after you’ve eaten-studies show that shopping with hunger pangs may mean more food in the cart. 90003 90006 67. Use a basket. 90007 90002 Use a basket instead of a cart if you know you need just a few items. It’ll keep you from tossing in more than you need (plus, you’ll get a mini arms workout while you shop). 90003 90006 68. Do not buy just because you have a coupon. 90007 90002 Coupon clipping should not be a chore. Sit down once a week or once a month and only clip things you really will use rather than buying something just for the sake of getting a good deal.90003 90006 69. BYOB (bring your own bag). 90007 90002 Heading to the grocery store with a fabric bag in tow not only cuts down on paper and plastic waste, it can save you money (albeit a very tiny bit). Stores including Target, CVS, Whole Foods, and Trader Joes offer incentives for reusable bags, like money back (five to 10 cents) or entry into a drawing for a gift certificate. 90003 90006 70. Buy what’s in season. 90007 90002 Buy produce that’s in season and look for recipes that feature seasonal produce.Frequent farmers ‘markets during the spring, summer, and fall for locally grown produce that’s often less expensive than supermarket food shipped in from miles and miles away. 90003 90006 71. Choose organic only some of the time. 90007 90002 Organic produce is nearly always more expensive than the conventionally grown stuff, but the good news is that some fruits and veggies are a-OK to buy without the organic seal of approval. Check out the «clean 15,» the Environmental Working Group’s list of produce that’s most safe to eat in non-organic varieties.90003 90006 72. Ask for a rain check. 90007 90002 If a product you like is on sale but has run out, inquire about a rain check. Once the item is in stock again, you should be able to buy it for the initial sale price. 90003 90006 73. Pass up on checkout line fare. 90007 90002 Eyes on the cashier! Do not even entertain the idea of ​​impulse buys at the checkout line (here’s looking at you, gum and tabloids). Tempting treats are designed to be eye candy, but you most likely have no need for a marked-up granola bar.90003 90006 74. Cash in on cans and bottles. 90007 90002 Recycle glass and aluminum empties to put a little extra change back in your pocket. In states with bottle bills, each bottle or can redeems five to 10 cents. 90003 90006 75. Shop in bulk. 90007 90002 Buy your favorite items-from beans to beets to seeds to grains-in bulk. Just do not stock up for a fall-out shelter-make sure you use up what you have before bulk-buying again. (Make sure to check the unit price first to see if the prices are truly less expensive than the pre-packaged versions.). 90003 90006 76. Drink more water. 90007 90002 Drinking water may seem like a no-brainer for good health, but it’s a clear-cut winner in the money-saving category. Soda, juice, and especially alcohol can jack up grocery bills and restaurant checks. Switching to water most of the time can save a good chunk of moolah. 90003 90006 77. Eat frozen veggies. 90007 90002 Price stickers on fresh produce may keep you from eating your veggies, but there’s a cheaper alternative that’s just as healthy. Sticking to frozen veggies for some recipes can cut a few dollars here and there.Just make sure to check unit prices, as some in-season fresh vegetables may be less expensive than the frozen variety. 90003 90006 78. Double your recipe. 90007 90002 Cook multiple meals at a time-double a recipe, or cook a few recipes at once-and then freeze some for later when you’ve got no time for meal prep (saving you from the expense of take-out food). If once-a-month cooking is too daunting a task, stick to once a week or a couple times per week. 90003 90006 79. Use a Crock-Pot. 90007 90002 A slow cooker can be one of the best kitchen money savers since it’s so cheap to run (they use just 100 watts of electricity, which means one meal a week racks up less than a dollar on the electricity bill).One-pot meals in the Crock turn less expensive meats into tasty, tender dishes. The small appliance also produces huge batches of food to freeze for later. 90003 90006 80. Make your own coffee. 90007 90002 Brew that morning cup of Joe at home or take advantage of the office coffee maker to save up to $ 15 a week. Making coffee at home or at work is also an environmentally friendlier choice since you will not be dumping a paper cup with each purchase. 90003 90006 81. Save all your pennies. 90007 90002 Save spare change and use it on a fun drink that you do not really need, e.g. a fancy pumpkin spice latte or a bottle of kombucha. You’ll get to treat yourself without putting any strain on your wallet. 90003 90006 82. Make your own snacky foods. 90007 90002 Snack bars, quick-cooking oatmeal cups, and individual hummus cups all come with a price-and it’s almost always higher than a homemade version. Spend a little time in the kitchen to make healthier, less-processed versions of packaged snacks. 90003 90006 83. Brown-bag lunch. 90007 90002 Packing lunch for work or school is generally the healthier choice; plus, it saves on food markups at sit-down restaurants and fast-food joints.Rather than a $ 10 to $ 15 lunch from the corner deli, a lunch from home can cost just a few dollars. 90003 90006 84. Understand expiration dates (and prevent food spoilage). 90007 90002 Here’s a little secret: Expiration dates actually refer to the quality and freshness of food, not safety. Food is often safe to eat even beyond «sell by» and «use by» dates, so long as it’s stored right. Keep food from spoiling-before any stamped date-by setting the fridge thermostat to 40 degrees or below and freezing meats within two days of purchasing.90003 90006 85. Participate in Meatless Mondays. 90007 90002 Cutting meat from just one meal a week (it does not have to be on a Monday) can save a few bucks because meat, poultry, and fish are more expensive than other protein sources. Swap in beans, legumes, eggs, nuts, and seeds for a simple and healthy way (both for humans and the planet) to fatten up the wallet. 90003 90006 86. Take care of dry goods (and freeze them first). 90007 90002 Store grains and spices in airtight containers and keep them in a cool, dark place.Freeze flour, sugar, grains, and baking mixes in the freezer for two to four weeks to increase shelf life to up to two years. Storing these items with care means they will last longer (Just because dry goods are dry does not mean they do not have an expiration date.) 90003 90006 87. Buy your own ice cream or dessert. 90007 90002 Instead of dropping extra dough on a slice of pie and a cappuccino, save the sweets for home sweet home rather than ordering them at a restaurant. 90003 90006 88. Walk and bike whenever possible.90007 90002 This one is as simple as strapping on a helmet or lacing up a pair of sneaks. Not only will a bike or walk commute to the supermarket or to work provide health benefits, but it’s also more cost-effective (no gasoline required!). 90003 90006 89. Carpool. 90007 90002 The average American commuter drops more than $ 1,000 on gas each year just driving to and from work. Carpooling with a coworker not only cuts gas costs but also saves on maintenance, meaning you will not have to worry as much about buying a new car in the near future.90003 90006 90. Fill up your tires. 90007 90002 Properly inflated tires can increase fuel efficiency by more than three percent-which means less money spent on gas. Check tires frequently with a tire gauge to make sure they’re adequately pumped up. 90003 90006 91. Do not leave junk in the car. 90007 90002 Get rid of the junk in your trunk; it’s jacking up your gas mileage. The more a car is carrying, the worse the gas mileage it gets. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk cuts a typical car’s fuel economy by 2 percent.Dropping the weight can save nearly $ 40 in a year. 90003 90006 92. Limit trips in the car. 90007 90002 If you have a car, limit trips out by planning ahead. Combine errands into a once-a-week drugstore / supermarket / hardware store sweep. Bonus: This is usually a more efficient use of your time. 90003 90006 93. Pack light and book online. 90007 90002 Avoid crazy baggage fees at the airport by sticking to one carry-on and one personal item if you’re headed on a short trip. Book flight tickets online with sites like Orbitz and Hotwire so you can compare airline prices and find the best deals.If you book on cheapair.com, the site even refunds passengers the difference if an already-purchased ticket has dropped in price. 90003 90006 94. Take advantage of public transportation. 90007 90002 Opting for a bus ride rather than driving yourself to work each day could easily save more than $ 100 per month (factoring in the costs of parking, fuel, and car maintenance). If a bus is not a viable commuting option, try it out as a cheaper (and less stressful) option than driving to a vacation destination or to visit family.Shoot for off-peak times (after 10 a.m.) and book in advance if possible. And of course, if you’re a city-dweller, the subway is much cheaper than owning a car or frequently taking a cab. 90003 90002 90383 Originally published June 2014. Updated August 2015. 90384 90003.