I recently moved to my own place, and decided to be more responsible with my finances. Anyone who moves out for the first time knows how expensive it is. All those unimportant small things like a vegetable peeler, a spatula, and a strainer, suddenly seem so essential. And all those small things really add up in cost.
After moving out, one of the most important things for me was avoiding feeling financial stress. I wanted to still be able to afford going out with my friends, buying a cute top that I like, and buying make up. Of course, the value of importance of the items mentioned above has changed, but overall, I did not want to feel financially miserable just because I decided to take a step forward in adulthood and move out.
I would like to share with you some of the tips I have learned so far when it comes to saving money in simple ways you might not have thought about before.
1. Check online to see if the item you want to buy is on sale
Do your research before you go shopping. Maybe the items you want are already on sale. Many stores also offer price-matching your item to the competitor's price. So don't forget to ask for that price match if the item you want to buy is cheaper somewhere else!
Spend your money wisely!
2. Use coupons
Most stores offer you coupons simply by signing up to email notifications. When you shop for clothes, this is especially important as you can get a decent amount of money off.
3. Use Surveys to get some money off
Fill out the survey on your receipt to get some money off. Many stores offer on their receipt to fill out a survey and enter a chance to win money or get instantly some percentage off your next purchase.
4. Go to stores knowing already what you want
Browse on the website of the stores of your choice to know if they have what you want. Make a list of all the things you are planning on buying before going to the store. That way, when you go to the physical location of the store, you will be less tempted to buy the things that are not on your list. And of course, try to stick to buying only the things on the list that you need. If it's not on your list, you probably don't need that item.
5. Use student discounts if you can
If you are a student, use the coupons they give you at school at the beginning of the year, or buy a card that gives you discounts in many stores such as SPC (in Canada).
You don't wanna be that person if you can help it
6. Create a monthly spending budget
Set a monthly allowance on how much you can spend on clothes, going out, etc. Remember to prioritize. For example, for me, food is more important than clothes, so I would rather not buy a nice sweater, but be able to buy more fruits and vegetables
Recommendations
Book: Live it, Love It, Earn It by Marianna Olszewski
This book not only teaches you have to conquer fears of dealing with money, but it also teaches you how to save money, create a budget, get rid of debt, invest money, and how to start your own business. I highly recommend it as a starting point.
Apps:
Spending - This is the app I personally use to track my monthly expenses and income. It is free, easy to use, and gives you several options to view your expenses either in a pie chart or a graph bar. I like how simple it is to use, and it is also very good for people who prefer more visual representation of their spending habits.
Apple users: Download
Android users: Download
Every dollar - I first heard about this app from a Youtuber, Christine Kobzeff, but I never tried it myself. It gives you the option of monitoring your spending habits more closely, and helps you stick to your goals by sending you reminders. If you need more discipline with saving money and cutting on spending, I would recommend this app.
Apple users: Download
Android users: Download
One day, this might be you ;)
