- Walking as much as possible: This may be harder for those who live in rural areas or have to hike quite a ways to go to work. BUT if you have the opportunity to walk somewhere to get simple errands done, do it. Before you know it, it will be weeks before you have to fill up your tank again, and it will hurt less when you have to hand over an arm and a leg for a tank of gas.
- Buying generic: What’s wrong with this in the first place? Generic products are as good as the name brand minus the markup. Besides cheese (because I will only buy Wisconsin-based cheese because I am a biased snob) or toilet paper (for obvious comfort reasons) I always buy generic. It tastes the same, if not better.
- Make homemade meals: you’d be surprised what you can make with a few random ingredients. Get creative–and if it sucks at least you didn’t let any food go to waste.
- Look into free events near you: Google it. You will find endless lists of free events going on near you. From outdoor events, and farmers’ markets, to local festivals, you can have a great time without spending a lot of $$$ (and you may be able to snag some free stuff).
- Cut out drinking: I love a good time, but my wallet usually doesn’t. Having a cocktail to take the edge off is relaxing now and then but it can add up quickly. If you find yourself spending a little extra on booze, now would be the perfect time to take a break. Maybe cut drinking to special occasions, weekends, etc. Your liver and your wallet will thank you.
- Sell some clothes: Anytime is a great time to clean your closet. Go through those clothes that you haven’t worn in ages and just get rid of them. Drop some bags off at Plato’s Closet and selling clothes online is easier than ever before with Poshmark. (Plus, this gives you more room to get new stuff later!)
- Sell some furniture: I like to think of the used furniture market as the current housing market. Listings only need a few minutes before getting an offer. Try it. Craig’s List, Facebook marketplace–’nuff said.
- BREW YOUR OWN COFFEE: It adds up. Especially with gas prices the way they are. Gas in your tank will get you farther than that overpriced Starbucks Coffee. Plus–is it really worth it to get those extra stars?
- Ask yourself: “do you really need this?” when shopping: I always ask myself this before I buy something–whether it be buying a name brand instead of a generic to finding an apartment. Asking yourself this gives you a second to ground, and visualize yourself using that said item. If you can’t see yourself with it, then it’s a no. But if you can, outweigh those costs and give yourself a minute to think-then to weeks if it is a larger purchase.
- Get creative with gift-giving: Instead of taking the easy (and typically more expensive) route of running to the store, tap into your creativity and make something that is memorable and one of a kind.
- Go to Dollar Tree: Or should I say Dollar Twenty-Five Tree? Either way, this is the place to get those basic cleaning supplies, stationery supplies, snacks, and even kitchen necessities for a VERY fair price. (However, I would buy your baking sheets and pans at Walmart or Target–but for everything else you have GOT to head over to Dollar (Twenty-Five) Tree.
- Hit up Aldi: Because 1) The product is priced well and has great quality, 2) Their snacks are better than name-brand 99.9% of the time, and 3) Very budget-friendly.
- Utilize those coupons: As much as you can–saving just a few cents goes a long way.
- Use your calculator when you shop: Call me a nerd but I have been doing this since I received my first paycheck as a teenager. This helps you stay more in control of your budget, and also forces you to ask yourself (referring to 9 on this list) “Do I really need this?”
- Save more than 30% on payday: This can be tricky, but saving even 5% is better than nothing. Now I am no financial expert and obviously, pay your debts/bills first. But striving to save more than 30% each paycheck at the minimum is what any money mad man will tell you is crucial to building wealth.
xoxo, triple tea
