Who said saving money had to be boring? Here are six money-saving tips from days past that haven’t lost their appeal in the slightest.
Thrift to Your Heart’s Content
Thrifting is more than just a way to save a few bucks; it’s a lifestyle! Shoppers flock to thrift stores to search for buried one-of-a-kind treasures, and they’re finding them every day. Thrifting or shopping secondhand used to be the norm out of necessity.
Now, it’s seen more as a “trendy” thing to do. And while that might be true, saving money is one trend, too, so why not jump on the bandwagon? It’s finally a good thing (for once).
Let Your Green Thumb Grow
You don’t have to be an expert horticulturist to let your windowsill sprig of basil live, laugh, and love its way to your plate. Many people avoid growing herbs and vegetables because they think they don’t have the space or the knack for it.
But many plants are shockingly easy to grow, and investing in growing fresh veggies saves you lots of money while adding beautiful greenery to your yard or home.
Make the Gift Yourself
Add charm to someone else’s life by making gifts or cards. Anyone who’s bought a card for a birthday or special occasion knows just how much of a racket it is. So even if you aren’t handy with a soldering iron, sometimes even a pair of scissors and construction paper is enough to put a smile on that special person’s face.
Plus, it means you aren’t spending $5 on a card that thousands of other people get; it’s a way to spend less while showing the person that you mean more to them by putting in the effort.
Cook at Home (And Throw Potlucks!)
Cooking at home is a time-tested money-saving move. If you aren’t already, spend the extra effort planning your meals and watch your quality of life skyrocket while your monthly food expenses plummet.
But we’ll do you one better with this charming tip: instead of going out with friends, host a potluck and have them make their favorite dishes! You can have themed nights to make things even more fun, and feel free to assign the wine and/or dessert procurement for the friends who can’t boil water.
Wait It Out
Mindful spending isn’t “charming” in the traditional sense. But it does mean that you aren’t just buying things without purpose. Practicing mindfulness with your money makes more space for things that add real value to your life. It also allows you to invite fun and excitement by way of experiences rather than racking up a bunch of things. So when in doubt, wait it out.
Go Outside
Ditch your gym membership and say hello to the great outdoors. Save yourself on monthly expenses and team up with a friend to go for morning jogs. Because what could be more charming than experiencing sunrises while you work up a sweat?
Exercising in nature boosts your mood, and no matter when you do it, it feels like a nice refresher for your day that you can’t get from a treadmill.
