We all know it is important to save a little bit of money every day. It goes without saying saving money for the future is important as well. How do you save money and still live a good life?
Many of us think that you need to make sacrifices today to live better tomorrow. That is not always the way. Most of the time it is about being financially savvy. Little things like understanding personal credit certainly helps. It is best to stay away from unnecessary debts including pay day loans and the cost of home ownership.
Starting to save money is a a process. It does not happen overnight. However, the sooner you start the more money you will save.
1. How to Save Money with Setting Up a Spreadsheet
Understanding how you spend your money is important. One of the best ways is to set up a spreadsheet.
Be really honest with yourself and record even your daily Starbucks coffee. At the end of the month, you will be surprised on how much money you spend on “minor” purchases. Once you know how much money you are spending, and where you are spending it, you can start saving money by making smarter decisions.
2. Check Out Interest Rates
Most of us do not spend to much time checking out interests rates. Interests rates are applicable to savings as well as loans, and we often forget about them. For instance, you may get a better savings interest rates if you hold your money in a different currency.
3.Check Your Utility Bills
We all need utilities, but are you getting the best deal? Your utility bills depend on a many factors. First of all, it is important that you are getting a good deal on your electricity, gas and water, but there are other factors that influence your utility bills as well. Do you know how to save money in the kitchen, and which room is in the most expensive in the house? Those are just two factors that Influence what you pay for utilities.
4. Insurance
How much are you paying for insurance? Most of us automatically renew our insurance without thinking twice about it. One thing that I have learned is that sometimes customer disloyalty pays. It is always worth shopping around for better deal of insurance and comparing what you get for your money. Insurance companies are always coming up with new deals to attract customers. Make sure that you are getting the best deal for you.
5. Get Supermarket Savvy
Supermarket points and loyalty cards are great. I always track how much money I get back from the different loyalty cards and points cards. If I can find a better deal, I will not hesitate to change my spending habits. Keeping a look out for coupons helps. If you are a brand buyer, you will find that there are some great coupon deals out there.
Sometimes, supermarket disloyalty pays. It is worth stopping off at a supermarket you have not shopped in for a long time. I got some really great money off vouchers the other day when I shopped in a supermarket which I had not shopped in for a long time.
6. How Much Does it Cost You to Go To Work?
Nothing is cheap these days, and it could be worth your while to check out how much it costs you to go to work. Once you have worked out how much it costs you to go to work, it could be a good idea to explore different ways of getting into work.
One thing though, don't forget that time is money. What could you be doing when you are sitting on the bus? Perhaps you could be writing for your blog, or working on a product. Saving money is all about trade offs sometimes.
7. Recycle, Reuse, and Rethink
Don't throw it away. During the last couple of years I have become convinced that most of us throw too much stuff away. It is about time you stopped and thought about what you could do with all of that stuff instead.
I have saved a lot of money by reusing and rethinking how I can recycle stuff. Maybe you can do it to, and along way the way, come up with some unique ideas that can save and make you money at the same time.
8. Are You paying Too Much UK Tax?
There are some really savvy ways to save money on your tax. When was the last time you visited a financial consultant? Since visiting a financial consultant, I have been able to save money on my tax. There were some simple ways how I could save myself money on tax, and I am sure that you can do it as well. You don't have to be Donald Trump in order to save money on tax!
9. Save Money Every Month
When I first started to make money and earn money online, I found it hard to save money every month. Now when I am doing a lot better, I find it a lot easier. That being said, it is important to save even a little bit. Also, it is vital to recognize that saving money comes in different ways. It may not actually be in pound notes, however, discounts are also a good way of saving money
10. Look Out for Offers
I never used to look out for offers, but now I do it all of the time. One great way to save look out for offers is by using Apps, and signing up for money saving newsletters. I get money saving tips direct to my inbox every day, and I have saved a lot of money. Last week, I saved 60% off seasonal clothing on one website. It was great and I really did manage to pick up some fantastic offers on quality stuff.
We can all save money, but it all depends on how important it is to you. One of the most fun things you can do, is to set up a spreadsheet and see how much money you are saving. I track everything, including the money I get back on loyalty cards.