9 Fun and Easy Ways to Save Money

money saving jar growing

With the start of the New Year, people establish all sorts of resolutions that go from quitting smoking, losing weight, getting back in shape, eating healthier, and so on. One of the best ways of kicking off 2018 is creating a habit of saving. Whether you want to put money aside to buy a new car or have a little extra for your next trip, these tips will help you save more money easily:

1.Use cash instead of credit cards

It’s always advisable to carry cash with you instead of paying with credit cards. Each week, withdraw a certain amount of money and set a budget. This will help you see how much you’re spending every week.

If possible, reduce the number of credit cards you currently have. Some come with really high-interest rates and others charge annual fees. It’s an unnecessary expense for you.

2.Keep the change

Every time you make a purchase, keep the change and save it. Let's say you paid for something that cost $18.44 with a $20 bill. Keep the change aside. It may not seem like much, but when you do this on a regular basis, money starts stacking and you could end the year having saved a few hundred dollars.

3.Say goodbye to cable

We get it, Bravo has some great shows. But the bill at the end of the month for cable TV isn’t that great. These days there are so many options to watch TV that you really don’t need to rely on cable anymore. Streaming services like Netflix or Hulu offer a wide array of series, movies, and documentaries for you to binge watch every night. You could be saving as much as $100 every month by cutting the cord and switching to more affordable choices.

4.Start a saving competition

It’s always easier to set goals when you have something to look forward to. Establishing a saving competition with a family member or friend will allow you to keep checking on your goal and comparing where you stand versus your competitors. Talk to someone who is also trying to save money, establish some goals, and decide on an end-of-the-year prize for the winner.

Stay in touch throughout the year with your friend so you can both review where you’re standing at. This will keep you motivated to achieve your saving goals.

5.Rely on an app to help you save

There are literally hundreds of apps for iOS and Android to help you budget and save money. Some of the most popular ones are: Mint and You Need A Budget (YNAB).

These apps connect to your bank and credit card accounts, as well as other financial information, and help you establish a budget to save money every month.

6.Wait before you make a purchase

We live in a fast-paced world, where consumers try to satisfy their needs immediately. But do you really need all the things you buy? Before hitting the shopping center and spending money on something, write down what you’d like to buy. Wait 30 days and go back to that list. If you still need that item, buy it. You’ll know it’s a need and not an impulse buy.

7.Start a vegetable garden

Your supermarket/grocery trip could get expensive if you buy meat, seafood, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. But what if you could save money on the latter by growing them in your backyard? Imagine how nice it would be to have tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, carrots, and other products right at the comfort of your own home.

8.Turn off the lights

Save energy. Between TV, computers, the heater, Blu-Ray player, and all the other electronic devices at home, your electricity bill ends up being astronomical. Turn off the lights whenever you leave a room and disconnect any electronic devices after using them.

Also be conscious and limit the use of water, gas, and other resources around the house. Limit your time in the shower and you’ll quickly see how your bills get slimmer.

9.Check your accounts regularly

Many people struggle saving money because they simply don’t know how much money is coming into their accounts and how much is going out. When it comes to saving, knowing this is crucial.

An easy way of saving money is checking your bank accounts on a regular basis. You don’t need to log in to your account every few hours but get into the habit of reviewing your account a couple of times a week to see how much you’ve been spending. This will help you see what things you’ll need to get rid of in your life to save more.

These are some of the tips that will help you start the new year on the right foot. Another way to save in 2018 is by getting the right insurance. Whether it’s auto, home or renter's insurance you need, our friendly agents at Infinity can help you save money.
Call 1-800-INFINITY today or visit our website to receive a free quote.

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