There isn’t a soul out there who doesn’t relish saving cash. However, many people don’t take advantage of money-saving opportunities because they feel it takes up too much time or energy. For example, my dad refuses to cut coupons as he feels it is a waste of his precious time. What he doesn’t realize is that he could potentially save hundreds of dollars per month by simply sitting in his recliner and working a pair of scissors for a few minutes each week.
If coupon cutting or rebate programs are not your cup of tea, then consider modifying your lifestyle in these simple ways which can help you save serious cash over time:
Skip Starbucks: We’ve all heard of the “Latte Factor.” If your daily dose of caffeine is putting a dent in your wallet, brew your Joe at home and take it with you on your morning commute. Even if you’ve only been forking out $4 per week on Starbucks’ beverages, you could save more than $200 during the course of a year if you resist the sweet splurge.
Leftovers are your friend: Reduce food waste and pad your bank account by eating leftovers. If you plan your meals in advance, be sure to cook a little extra so you are saving time and money in the long run. You can stretch your dollar even further by bringing last night’s leftovers to work with you the next day. Brown bag lunches are far cheaper than hitting up the corner deli on a regular basis.
Shop smart: Give generic or store brand food items a try. You won’t know if you’ll like a certain cheaper product unless you try it. In some cases, it’s nearly impossible to tell the difference in taste between a name brand item and a generic one. However, the difference in price is often glaring.
Office temptations: Resist the urge to give into costly temptations while on the job. While it may seem like no big deal to purchase a bag of chips or candy bar from the office vending machine, the indulgences can add up in a hurry. Also, don’t purchase bottled water from work when you can bring one from home and refill it at the water fountain.