An old-school money mentality can net some serious savings. Many of our great-grandparents and parents already knew how to make something out of nothing during difficult economic times. But unfortunately, a consumerist culture has made many of these practices less common. Let’s bring them back! Here are five habits that will help you rein in your finances this year.
Cutting Coupons
Before shopping was just a few taps on your phone, savvy shoppers focused on coupons and local sales. Although digital coupons are everywhere, the old-fashioned method of clipping coupons from newspapers and flyers still exists to save you money. We’re genuinely recommending taking even five minutes a week to browse your local grocery store ads for coupons you’ll actually use. It’s a viable way to save that many aren’t taking enough advantage of.
Use Cash More Often
Credit cards and digital payments are convenient, but that doesn’t mean they’re a financially sound way to spend your money. It’s usually the opposite; swiping too often can disconnect you from your spending and make it likely for you to buy things you can’t afford. Cash might feel antiquated, but it’s one of the best ways to manage your spending. For example, putting $50 in cash for spending on going out to eat for the week doesn’t stop you from dining out with your friends, but it does discourage you from getting that overpriced bottle of wine you didn’t need.
Drink More Water
Speaking of wine you don’t need, Americans spend a lot of money on beverages, many of which aren’t very good for you. Soda, alcohol, and even juice are nice as treats, but many people drink — and spend money — on them too often. If you swapped out a soda for water every time you went out to eat and a soda cost $2.50, that’s over $100 a year you’re saving. It’s extremely small, yes. But it’s more about what this swap represents: Giving up small things across your life can have big benefits without you needing to do a full overhaul.
Share and Barter
If you need skills or items that your friends or neighbors have, think about bartering or trading services with them. For instance, if you’re great at graphic design but need help with gardening, offer to create a logo for your neighbor’s business in exchange for some gardening tips or assistance. It’s not everyone’s ticket to the big life; you have to be willing to put in the effort. Yet time is money, so you might as well save yourself a bit of both and scratch each other’s backs when you can.
Gardening for Food
Growing your food is a tradition that has been around for ages, and it’s one of the most gratifying ways to make green appear in both your home and your pocket. We can hear those of you with one-bedroom apartments shouting in protest, but trust us: this is something you can do, too. A container garden can sit on your balcony or windowsill. Plant valuable but easy-to-grow plants like basil, cilantro, and mint. Take good care of them, snip them off before a meal, and never buy an overpriced herb bundle at the grocery store again.
