Saving money isn’t just about skipping fancy coffees and going out for dinner less often. Some lesser-known strategies make a massive difference, and we’re covering six that you could employ in your life today.
Visualize Your Goals
Goals are much easier to achieve when you’re constantly reminded of them. And one of the best ways to do this is also pretty fun: making a vision board! It sounds cheesy, but it’s much more effective than most people realize. When you see your goals in your face every day, it’s way easier to stay focused and make decisions that align with turning them into your reality.
Make Your Savings Non-Negotiable
Whether you have good self-discipline or need better self-discipline, this tip is for you. Treat your savings like a must-pay bill, just like rent or your phone bill.
This requires a mindset shift for many people, but there’s a hack to that, too: make your savings deposits automatic. It’ll prevent you from feeling like you can “borrow” from yourself.
Leverage Cashback and Rewards
Credit cards aren’t evil if you use them right. Pick cards that offer cashback or rewards, but only if you pay them off every month; those of you who still need work in the self-discipline department should probably be more restrictive with their purse strings.
You can use those points for travel, gift cards, or even pay yourself back with statement credits. Whichever you choose, the good news is that you’ll have more cash for your savings!
Max Out Your Employer Benefits
You can save big by making your work “work” for you, so make sure you’re getting the most out of things like 401(k) matches, HSAs, commuter benefits, and employee discounts. Some companies offer stuff like tuition assistance or free gym memberships.
Don’t sleep on the perks your job offers; dust off those employee guides and flip to the benefits section to see if there’s anything you’ve been missing.
Time Your Shopping Strategically
Some shoppers buy things whenever they’re in the mood to shop. But the biggest savers know that patience pays big. They’re the kinds of people who buy Christmas decorations or Valentine’s candy the day after.
They’ll buy winter coats in spring and patio sets in fall to take advantage of the massive savings on seasonal merchandise. You don’t need an extensive calendar to be like them. Try setting a few online alerts for clearance deals so you can swoop in before stuff sells out.
Stack Digital Coupons
Timing really is everything when it comes to savings, and not all of them are purely seasonal. Play your cards right, and you can combine digital coupons with in-store promos and loyalty programs to double (or triple!) your savings. You can also sign up for store newsletters for extra coupons and early-bird sales alerts sent to your inbox.
Friendly reminder: coupons and sales are only a deal if it’s something you would already buy. Don’t get tricked into making impulse purchases you don’t need just because it’s cheaper than usual.
Read More:
- 30 Ways To Get Free Stuff (That Aren’t Scams)
- 12 Best Coupon Apps To Help You Save Money
- 13 Ways To Earn Money From Paid Surveys [At Home, Online & More]
