Do you constantly lack money before your paycheck, and an increase in income is not expected in the near future? It means that it is time to switch to the total economy mode. By reducing all items of expenditure, you can carve out a lot of additional funds. And, perhaps, saving will become for you not a temporary means to improve the financial situation, but a way of life.
Instructions
Step 1
When you decide to save money, start counting all your expenses. Create a notebook for recording expenses or download the appropriate computer program. Write down any little things you get. Do your home bookkeeping every day, and summarize at the end of each week. Analyze what exactly you are spending your money on. It may come as a surprise to you.
Step 2
One of the biggest expense items is food. It is quite possible to save on it, and without the slightest damage to health. Forget the phrases "Buy on trial", "Try a new product" and the like. Buy only what you really need. Before going to the store, make a shopping list and follow it exactly.
Monitor the prices of nearby stores and select the one where the prices for the products from your list are minimal. Keep in mind - if the store is located far from home, you will have to add transportation costs (including gas for your car) to the cost of groceries.
Step 3
When purchasing products and household chemicals, pay attention to those that the store produces under its own brand. They are significantly cheaper, and the quality is usually quite high.
Step 4
Eliminate spontaneous purchases - chocolates, sodas, magazines, lottery tickets, and don't take your wallet with you when going to work or for a walk - this way you will avoid the temptation to buy some small change.
Step 5
Cut back on trips to food service establishments. The only option you can afford in austerity is an inexpensive business lunch. Choose a restaurant or cafe where the prices for such a lunch are as low as possible and the portions are weighty. Eliminate fast food from your menu entirely - it is not only unhealthy, but also very wasteful.
Step 6
You can also save a lot on entertainment. Consider, for example, the cost of going out with two kids on a Sunday. A café, cinema or children's center, plus the obligatory purchases of little things like toys, popcorn, cotton candy and other unnecessary little things. Instead of this expensive leisure activity, take your family to the park or take a picnic (take your picnic provisions from home).
Step 7
Use free services actively. Instead of buying another book, sign up for the library. Instead of going to the cinema, go to a student theater production - the ticket price will be symbolic. And don't forget the friendly services. Are there hairdressers or computer specialists among your friends? You can use their help by offering yours in return.
Step 8
Be sure to save the money you have saved - this is the only way you will really feel how much you have saved. Create a separate bank account with the possibility of unlimited investments for the period of the deposit and capitalization of interest. At the end of the year, you will find quite a significant amount on this account.
