JoshIf you’re like most people, you probably find that you spend close to the amount of money you make each month. You may not have much put aside in savings, and it’s likely that you’re just one pay from being out on the street.
If you’re hoping to get your finances in order this year, it’s the perfect time. Regardless of your age or financial situation, there are many ways that you can save money while still having a social life and feeling good about your finances.
Here are some ways you can save money this year:
Set some goals
While it’s all good and well to say you want to save money, what are you saving for, and how much do you need to save to meet your goals? Maybe you want to buy a house, start a retirement fund or simply go on a trip around the world. Now is the time to do the nitty gritty planning and figure out exactly how much you need to save yearly, monthly and weekly in order to make your dreams a reality.
This means writing your goals down, since many studies have proven that without writing our goals down we haven’t really committed to making them happen. Next, ask yourself exactly why you want to meet these goals e.g. “I want to own my own home so that I’m independent and have financial security.”
Work as a team
If you’re trying to save money, it’s important to get your significant other on board. If you have kids, it’s hard for them to understand that they suddenly can’t do or have some of the things they love, just because mum or dad has decided they’re not important.
Get your partner committed to the cause, and explain why it’s so important for you to meet these financial goals. Talk to your kids about saving, set up a savings account for them and give them chores to do so they learn that if they want money they’ll need to work for it.
Scale back your social life
I’m not talking about sitting on the couch every Friday or Saturday night (although if this sounds wonderful, you do you). But before saying yes to certain engagements, ask yourself if they’ll actually be worth the amount you’ll need to spend, or if you can have just as much fun while still saving money. Many people love to go to the casino- both for the social aspect and the chance to make some money, but if you head to Supercasino you’ll find that you can still play your favourite games online without having to get dressed up and pay for dinner and drinks at a real casino.
Treat yourself
Saving can be tough, so if you’re making progress and meeting your goals there’s no reason why you shouldn’t treat yourself now and then. Head to voucher websites and see if they have deals on massages, pedicures, or a day out for the whole family. Make this part of your savings plan, so that everyone can celebrate when you’re meeting your goals.