5 Ways To Save Money. Today.
We’ve all been there before; the day before pay day, you’re skint and you’re hanging out (rather desperately) for that midnight transfer to come through. In the mean time, you still need to get through an entire day of this thing we call life, with next to nothing.
– Here are some tips on how to get by until payday –
Cut back on all luxury items.
This is a no brainer, and something you’re going to have to get used to. If you’re finding yourself living pay check to pay check, chances are, you are blowing your cash on luxury items and not managing your money. Today, you do not buy your coffee. Suck it up and drink the hideous coffee supplied by your work. It won’t kill you. Being broke will.
Do not be tempted to use your credit card.
This money is not yours, so resorting to your credit card will not save you money. You will end up giving away money to your bank in interest and fees. I know, you’re saying you’ll just pay it off before that happens. No you won’t. If you can’t afford to buy something with your own cash today, you cannot afford to buy it. Simple as that. Just don’t do it.
Bring your lunch from home.
I am always intrigued by my colleagues who purchase their lunch day in, day out, yet go on to drop into conversation how broke they are, or how they have no savings. Lunch is expensive! $10 everyday is $50 a week and you don’t need me to tell you that is excessive. Raid your pantry and grab a few things you can throw together. Tuna and rice is my go to frugal feed, and it costs around $3 per serve. I save $35 a week by not buying my lunch. Sure, treat yourself occasionally to lunch with friends or colleagues, but do not make it a habit.
Raid your wardrobe and sell off some clothes.
In the wonderful world of second hand clothing, I have learned that people will pay for your things, even if you don’t think they will. For a quick turn over, join your local area “buy, sell, swap group”, take some photos of your item and voila! Make sure your clothes are clean, presented well and in a sellable condition. Surprisingly, I have found active wear to be the easiest and most popular things to sell (I know, weird and gross, but good for us!) So off you go, get selling!
Search the internet for freebies.
We live in an incredibly connected world and can find anything and everything online. There are endless websites dedicated to great deals and occasionally, free things. If your hair desperately needs doing (mine, always), check your local area Facebook group before you hand over a week of rent on your colour. There are constantly hair and beauty students asking for people to learn on (under supervision) and it generally does not cost you a cent! Similarly, many cafes, restaurants and fast food chains offer special deals that they will post on their Facebook groups. My local burger shop offers a free drink if you download their app and show them. Freebies are out there, so take advantage of them.
Check your accounts.
Get into the habit of regularly checking your bank statements for any anomalies and fees. If you are being charged fees, either account keeping, late payment fees or annual fees, call your bank right now and ask that they waive them. Do not be afraid to do this. This can save you hundreds over the course of a year. You may think that $5 a month is a pretty sweet deal for your bank keeping your money safe. It’s not. In fact, it’s a pretty sh*t deal when you consider that they are doing nothing special and many banks now offer account free of account keeping fees (ING and ME Bank, for example). Further, checking for anomalies can reveal you were double charged for that cheeky midnight shopping spree at The Iconic or your Saturday night kebab cost more than you agreed to pay. It does happen and you won’t notice it if you aren’t aware of what is going into and coming out of your account.
Be smart, be savvy and think creatively on how you can find some extra money in your day.
