Saving money, especially when living on a budget, can be very frustrating. It’s not as easy as people say. How can people save money when they can’t even get through the month in one piece? But the good news is that there are a few hacks to help you save a little money every single day.

 

Many people consider their everyday luxuries as necessities. However, while these luxuries are important, there are a few simple ways to save money without completely discarding your everyday luxuries. And it’s best to look at these money-saving techniques as a step towards an overall goal, as opposed to a restriction.

 

So whether you are trying to save money to put away for an emergency, a trip, a new car, an apartment or towards a particular goal, these tips can take you a step further to your goals.

 

1. Buy generic brands

 

Buying products from well-known luxury brands may seem satisfying, but this habit is affecting you financially more than you know. Branded products are much more expensive than their generic counterparts. But if replacing your favourite brands seems difficult, you can start with one product, and then slowly cut down on others from there. For instance, slowly start replacing some of your everyday items like cereal, deodorant, shampoo, and body wash with less expensive brands.

 

2. Pack your lunch

 

One of the luxuries many people find it difficult to cut down on is eating out. How often do you eat out or go out to get lunch? Now think of how much you’d be able to save if you cut down on that every week. If you pack your lunch just three days out of the workweek instead of eating out, you’d have saved a reasonable amount of money at the end of the month. One good way to get into the routine is by making your food at home and packing lunch every day around the same time so it becomes a habit.

 

3. Be your own hairdresser

 

Getting your hair done often can be a bit expensive in the long run. So instead of going to the hairdressers every other week to manage a style or redo one, you can learn to do your hair yourself. There are cheap alternatives to looking your best. If you have coloured hair, for instance, you can disguise regrowth with coloured eyeshadow.

 

4. Use your credit or debit card wisely

 

These cards encourage you to spend even when you’re on a budget or don’t have enough money. Knowing that you have access to a certain amount of money can be dangerously tempting and could lead to overspending. This makes it easy to fall into credit card debt or spend money you set aside for something else. The best way to avoid this is to not use one. But if you have to, use it wisely and cautiously.

 

Also read:
– Save Money On Data With These Tips
– Five Travel Hacks That Will Save You Money on A Trip
– Money Monday: Here’s Why You Need “Vex Money”

 

5. Sell hoarded items

 

Take a quick look around you. What things have you kept for years even though you know you won’t use them? What belongings do you know you need to get rid of? Instead of throwing them away, try selling them. It’s also a great way to declutter and make some extra cash while at it. You’d be surprised how many items you have that are good enough to resell at a great price.

 

6. Take advantage of free trials and discounts

 

Many companies offer customers free trials as a way of marketing and promoting their products. It is also a way for consumers to experience a product without having to pay for it right away. These trials can last anywhere from a week to a month. But don’t forget to cancel it once the trial period is complete, otherwise, you could be left with another unplanned expense. Also, find discounts online and in local newspapers and magazines for essential household items and other things you need. However, be careful not to overspend; discounts can be tempting.

 

7. Bargain, bargain and bargain!

 

Almost anything can be negotiable; all you have to do is ask. Remove unwanted fees from your account, negotiate for better cash rewards and lower interest rates on loans. You can also negotiate for better benefits packages at work, room rates at hotels, and even lower food costs at stores. Other than bargain hunting, shopping in secondhand stores can save you a lot of money. You don’t know what you’d find!

 

8. Use public transportation

 

Cars are expensive machines that require gas, maintenance and auto insurance. If your family owns multiple cars, you can cut down these costs by selling them off and using only one. However, if selling your car isn’t an option, try to give your car a break by taking public transportation to work a few days out of the week. This also applies to those who use ride-hailing services like Uber, Bolt, InDriver and OCar. Some of these services have provided ways for you to share rides with other commuters. It’s called carpooling. This saves you a lot of money in the long run.

 

9. Save your change

 

Every time you buy something in cash, try to save the change. Put it somewhere (like a piggy bank) where you cannot access it until a set date. A good way to save money every day is to put it where you won’t see it. Don’t leave it in your wallet or purse otherwise, you’d spend it. While it may not seem like a big way to save money every day, it adds up over time. This feeling is more special than finding money in the pocket of old jeans.

 

10. Stay focussed and keep track

 

Saving money can be difficult. If it were easy, we wouldn’t be here, would we? Regardless, it is essential to stay focused on your ultimate savings goal. Also, you need to keep track of how much you’re saving monthly. This will encourage you to keep going. If at any point you feel defeated, reach out to someone, like a friend or family member, for support. This will encourage you to succeed and make the whole process much easier.

 

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