Tips to Save More Money in 2020
Anyone that truly knows this lady, knows I am a deal diva. I love shopping deals on the Value Connection, clipping coupons in the local paper, using stores apps to save money like Target’s Cartwheel app. I really feel good about saving money on things that my family needs.
It’s a new year and a new start to a decade. Some people are looking to pay off debt or to saving more money.
Here's a quick list of things you can do to save on bills in 2020:
1. Quit Smoking
I am sure you are sick of hearing it, but it's time to quit smoking. Not only is it hazardous to your health, but it's costing you and your family a lot of money. Smoking one pack per day costs nearly $4000 per year.
There are plenty of techniques to quit smoking, but it all comes down to your dedication to cut the habit. Come up with a plan and find people in your life to keep you accountable! Need help quitting click here.
2. Install CFLs or LED Lights Where You Can
New lighting technology has really come a long ways. Now although they do cost more than traditional incandescent bulbs, CFL and LED bulbs can last for years without having to replace them. You don’t even need to replace every bulb in the house at once. Even swapping just your four or five most-used light bulbs can save you $45 or more a year.
3. Cancel Unused Subscriptions
It's easier than ever to rack up monthly subscription bills since many products and services nowadays offer monthly plans. But the problem with those is that you sign up and forget. Or you get "cancel remorse" and keep subscriptions that you really don't use.
Go through your bank and credit card statements and review your subscriptions right now, what are you waiting for?
4. Make a List
You ever go to the grocery store when you're hungry and find yourself checking out with way more than you intended? We call this "Hunger Shopping". Like “Oh that looks good…”
I love to write down meals on a dry erase board that I intend on making that week and make my list based on that. Before going to the store, I make a list of groceries that I need for the upcoming week. That way you buy what you need and not a whole lot going to waste.Here are some apps that can help you out.
5. Buy in Bulk
One of the easiest things you can do to instantly start saving money is to buy in bulk. Retailers often give a lot better deal on products such as paper towels, toilet paper, detergent, etc if you buy in bulk.
This might seem like an obvious one, but we often forget how much money we waste by not buying in bulk. I have memberships to Sam’s Club and Costco for that very reason.
6. Eat Out With These Top Restaurant Deals
Eating out often can be expensive. You can find some really good deals if you know best day to out for instance if they offer specials, kids eat free, or large portions that you can share.
Consider these special deals when picking where to go:
Applebee's 2 for $20
Choose between two salads (or one appetizer) as well as two main meals with sides for just $20
Olive Garden's Unlimited Soup, Salad, and Breadsticks
Choose between ANY entree at Olive Garden and get unlimited soup, salad and breadsticks. Or you could just do the $6.99 option of unlimited Soup/Salad and Breadsticks.
Or deals like these at other places.
7. Take Full Advantage of These Tax Deductions
Owning a home can be very lucrative. For real, owning a home can not only give you a cheaper monthly payment than renting but in many cases, the tax benefits make the decision a no-brainer. Something to look into for sure.
8. Giving DIY Gifts
Make your own gifts: The cost of birthday, wedding and graduation gifts can quickly add up. Go the DIY route, like herb gardens and gift baskets. Homemade candles, bath bombs, and coasters. Click here for some really cool ideas.
9. Grill More Often
Here's an easy money-saving tip: Grill. When you use your stove or oven to cook, it creates a lot of heat. If you're not much of a griller, consider cooking meals in a crockpot or Instapot.
10. Quit Buying Expensive Coffee
Yes, we all love a tasty Starbucks latte every now and then. But buying coffee from your favorite barista everyday adds up quick!
Let's do the math... $5 per latte 5 days a week is $25 a week. That's $100 per month just for coffee!
If you brew your own coffee at home, the cost is around 30 cents a cup. Now if you're all about convenience, consider a Keurig Coffeemaker. The cost per cup will go up to around 60 cents but it's still much cheaper than buying from a coffee shop and is super convenient.
These are some things I think can help you and make you think a bit about outside the box, and get your budget back on track.