Saving Money
I don’t know about you, but I feel like my money doesn’t go as far as it used to. I’m all about saving money, and my tips won’t make you feel like you have to go without. As promised I am going to share the ways I’ve learned to save.
I know all of us could stand to save a little money these days. The methods I use have kept me out of debt, and every little bit helps. First, I’ll admit that I wasn’t always good with money. It took time, trial, and error, but I feel like I’m in pretty good shape now. Let me go over ways I actually tricked myself into saving.
From my paycheck, I have automatic deposits set up into three separate accounts.
- Emergency Savings: I save 10% of my take-home pay, which is automatically transferred into this account. Since I never see the money, I don’t even miss it. I leave this account alone and let it grow until I have at least six months of expenses saved.
- Bills Account: This is where I deposit all my monthly expenses—rent or mortgage, utilities, car payment, insurance—everything I have to pay every month. If you’re paid biweekly, divide your expenses in half and deposit that amount each paycheck.
- Spending Account: Whatever is left after my savings and bills go into this account. This covers groceries, gas, and other variable expenses.
I rarely touch the first two accounts. My bills account is automated, so everything gets paid on time without me worrying about it. When I need to save for something specific—like new shutters for my home or extra money for Christmas—I put it in my emergency savings until I’m ready to use it.
In addition to managing my regular income wisely, I always try to make extra money. I do this by selling things I no longer need or things my kids have outgrown. I use Facebook Marketplace and eBay to earn extra cash.
Smart Shopping Tips
When I need to buy clothes for my daughter, I always shop off-season. Since it’s February, I’m buying winter clearance clothes in a size bigger so she can wear them next year. When fall approaches, I shop for summer clothes. This saves so much money—I seriously can’t bring myself to pay full price.
If my daughter has a sudden growth spurt or ruins her shoes, I check thrift stores or local consignment shops. You can find high-quality clothes without the high prices. For me, this is essential.
Grocery Savings Trick
To avoid overspending, I do my grocery shopping online. This way, I stick to a list and just pick up my order. I’m not wandering down aisles, throwing random things into my cart, and blowing my budget. It also saves time since someone else does the shopping for me!
Online Shopping Hacks
I do a lot of online shopping, especially for gifts and Christmas. Not only does it save me money, but it’s also way more convenient than dealing with crowds.
If there’s something I really want, I never pay full price without first checking for a discount code. This is my number one tip! Most online stores have codes that can save you money on your purchase.
Here are some of my favorite shopping sites:
- eBay – Great for finding deals if you can’t locate a discount code.
- 6pm – Amazing discounts on shoes. I keep my kids in name-brand shoes for a fraction of the price.
- Woot – One of my best-kept secrets! I’ve been shopping here for over 20 years. If you have an Amazon Prime account, shipping is free; otherwise, it’s $5. They have incredible discounts on random things—I’ve even bought tons of Christmas gifts here.
Money-Saving Apps
Fetch – All you do is take pictures of your receipts—every receipt—and earn points for gift cards. It’s basically free money for something you’re already doing!
Flipp – Shows weekly sales at local grocery stores. I haven’t given up soda (even though I know I should), so I search for Coke deals and buy it where it’s cheapest.
T-Mobile Tuesdays – If you’re a T-Mobile customer, you get weekly perks like free online training and magazine subscriptions. The deals vary, but some are fantastic!
