With Christmas around the corner, check out these money saving hacks!
Let’s be real, things are expensive as heck right now and the holiday season is underway to top it off. I think we’re all feeling it.
In fact, things have changed significantly, financially for me recently. The good thing is that I was as prepared as I possibly could be. If that’s actually a thing! Can we fully prepare for financial changes?!
I’d seen it coming for years, and invited in the change.
That didn’t necessarily make it easy though. I made a career shift that’s forced me to take a strong look at my finances. I mean, sometimes we have to take a step back to take a step forward. It always amazes me how we can shift things to fit what we have coming in financially.
Although, it seems easier to find a way to spend than it does to find a way to cut. This type of change, the one where you cut, is something I recommend everyone do regularly, even if you aren’t forced to cut your spending. Who doesn’t want to save money?
I plan on taking this on moving forward. I almost fell on the floor when I added up how much goes out the door to Amazon every month. It’s convenient, but it’s become almost too convenient.
On top of that, I’m really trying to be more intentional with where my money goes, like, who do I want to support?
Jeff Bezos is already making 116 billion. I’d rather give to a local small business, than pad his pockets even more. Don’t get me wrong, I am sure he put in the time and sweat to make it to where he is, but I think he’s set for life, and also what’s he doing with the money?
I love to support businesses that are making a difference.
The ones working their a$$ off to follow their dream, doing something meaningful, and giving back. Business’ keeping the environment in mind with what they produce and doing it with love and care.
Ok, let’s shift from where we spend our money, to how to save the money we have when spending it.
- Budget. I know, I know – duh. I mean it though. Take a look at your bank account. Bonus, most banks allow you to take a period of time and convert it into a spreadsheet. Do it! Then use the sum button to see how much you’re spending. This is how I figured out that I was giving so much dough to Amazon. Sort that shiat, and figure out where you can make cuts. I find that food is a great way to start – especially the grocery store. Make a list, check it twice, and stick to it. Some bills are unavoidable, like gas, electricity, water. However, it’s good to pay attention to that stuff. Can you cut a load of laundry, dishes, and long showers? Are you leaving lights on when you’re gone? Little stuff adds up, don’t dismiss it. The math equation that says calories out vs. calories in, is how we can calculate weight loss, does not work. But you know what that math equation does work for? Savings! Spend less than what you bring in, and know where your money is going.
- Meal Plan Your Stash. If you’re anything like me, you buy stuff at the store thinking it looks good, or maybe you’ll use it at some point, and then it sits there. While you meal plan, and before you shop – check your stash. What can you use up that you already have? Look in your cupboards, pantry, fridge. I have been able to plan almost an entire month around items I have already that I never really had any plan with. That was a big savings! For some reason when COVID hit, and made a mad dash to the store and stocked up on beans. I have beans for days! It helps to use things up before you end up throwing them away because they’ve expired.
- Negotiate Your Interest. Do you have debt? Car loans, mortgages, credit cards, etc.? See if you can negotiate a low amount. Yes, this is totally possible. When we bought our house, we got a crazy interest rate, and we are able to get that updated a couple years later, cutting it down almost in half. Do your research, make some calls. Are you getting the best insurance deal? Mark all your expenses that may have some negotiating power. Trust me, you have nothing to lose but a little time, and could gain a lot of money by this little hack in the long run.
- Pick Up A Side Hustle. Everyone is doing it! This does not have to be anything fancy, and it doesn’t even need to be long term. Need to save for next year’s vacation, holiday season, pay down some debt? I’ve been doing this for as long as I can remember. In fact, it was this money hack that allowed me to pay off my car 3 years early, and keep me free from student loans less than two years after graduatiing. It can give you long term financial peace, and it’s well worth the time investment if you can make it happen. You may have to sacrifice time in the short term, but it’s not a forever thing.
That’s just a start. I know there are many other ways to save, pay off debt, and have financial freedom. How about you? Anything that’s been working not covered here? I’d love to hear about it!
