Saving money doesn’t have to mean selling all your possessions or downsizing to a much smaller place. While those huge gestures would undoubtedly make a difference, it doesn’t have to be that drastic.
Even small changes can help a lot in the long run. Cut out the fat, and make smarter choices. We’ve got five simple tips for saving money, so you can get your wallet in the green.
Tip: Cut Down on Subscriptions
If you consistently receive magazines or use more streaming services (a la Netflix, Hulu) than you can count, it may be time to cut down on subscriptions you don’t use. While these can be cost-effective and provide tons of entertainment, take inventory of which ones you truly enjoy. That way, you aren’t paying out the nose for something you only use occasionally.
Plus, it’ll make you appreciate the subscriptions you do use even more.
Tip: Frequent Your Local Thrift Store
Rather than always getting your clothes and entertainment brand new, go second-hand to save money — and a lot of it.
At local thrift and consignment shops, you can find everything from stylish clothing to fun DVDs to books in great condition. Perhaps, even, furniture and appliances.
Tip: Hand Wash Your Car
It may seem like a simple enough switch, but you can save a lot of money by washing your own car.
Not only is washing your car at home a more frugal option than heading out to professionals, but there are many other reasons to wash your own car. For example, being able to use your own products to get a gentler clean for your car.
The benefits are virtually endless.
Tip: Home Workouts Really Work
Want to get in shape, but don’t want to shell out the money for a gym membership? It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that it is possible to get the same health benefits for no cost at all by working out at home.
Whether you go out for a run every morning or you watch workout videos on YouTube, you’ll see a difference if you’re dedicated — both in how you feel and how much money you’re saving.
Tip: Wait Out Purchases — Especially Big Ones
Impulse buying is the downfall of many who are trying to save.
Often and in the moment, the temptation can be too great. If it feels like a smart purchase, then it is, right?
Well, no. It’s important to wait out your purchases, especially bigger ones. For example, if you go to the store, see the TVs and suddenly decide that you need a brand-new one, stop and wait. Rather than getting it right in the moment, give yourself 30 days to mull it over. After a month, if you still think it’s a good purchase, go ahead with it. But if the urge has passed, you just saved yourself from spending a lot of money unnecessarily.