My family and friends wouldn't hestitate to say that I enjoy spending money. I'm the first one to suggest shopping sprees, dining out, and heading to theaters for the lastest movie. However, recently, I realized I needed to be responsible with my money than I actually was. Saving money seemed daunting for me. It would be too complicated, too stressful, and overall meant I'd have to forfeit my guilty pleasures. It was a definite NO for me. But, when I started going over my accounts, I began to cut unnecessary bills, and indulgents. The extra money I was saving, I began setting it aside in my savings account. Below is a list of things I did, that might help you towards having some more money in your wallet!
I love restaurants. I love enjoying a meal out by myself or with family. And before the lockdown, I didn't realize how much I actually spend on dining out until then. I would eat out for lunch for work almost on a daily basis. Every Wednesday, I'd take my mom out to lunch or dinner. Sometimes both, to be perfectly honest. And that's normal for America. On average, Americans eat out about 4-5 times a week. An average restaurant meal is $12.75. That means that Americans spend $2,500 to $3,000 a year on eating out. That also doesn't include drinks, taxes or tipping your server appriorately.
I started a Pinterest account, pinning my favorite recipes. I started making more salads, eating more vegetables and trying different spices. I started eating more green, cutting out greasy foods, and heavy meals. Not only did my body start feeling better, my acne vanished, my energy levels became higher. My bank account also appreciated the change, saving $200+ a month!
2: Phone BILLS, BILLS, BILLS
Cellphones are a major part of our 21st lifestyle. But with that, also coming INSANELY high bills. The average American phone bill is around $70 dollars a month per individual in 2018 by JD Power. Depending the company that you're with, data isn't usually unlimited either. If you exceed a certaing GB of data, you're switched to a slower system or face extra charges on your bill.
I decided I was exhausted of paying so much in phone bills. I decided I made a switch to StraightTalk. It's a No-Contract company, you can purchase phones from them, or you can bring your own phone. They provide different service plans, depending on what you need. Their highest service plan is only $60, working on Verizon, AT&T and Sprint networks. It provides you with the most cell coverage, the fastest network at the cheapest rates. You can easily save $10 to $95 dollars a month on your cellphone bill.
Link to check it out.
3: FabFitFun Subscription
I'm a dedicated shopper. ESPECIALLY when it comes to makeup, skincare, and such. I spend UTTERLY too much in Sephora whenever I go in there. I swear, I make Sephora's daily budget when I go in there! And I'm not the only one. American women spend $313 on average every month on beauty and makeup. Some of that is, of course, neccessary makeup supplies we use daily. Another part of it is impulse purchases. I don't know HOW MANY TIMES I've walked into Ulta to purchase a $40 foundation, only to leave with new brush sets, the trendy moisturizer, and fancy highlighters.
I decided to curb some of my excessive spending by subscribing to FabFitFun. Packed full of great skincare products, homewares, latest beauty brands, versatile clothing and so much more. All products are FULL-SIZE items, unlike other subscription boxes. It's a quartly subscription box, meaning you receive a box four times a year.
You can pay either a seasonal fee of $49.99, or an annual fee of $179. You take a personalized test initially, so that each box is designed just for you. You can customize certain goodies to go inside your box. Every box is worth at least $200+.
My recent summer box retailed for $310. I got moisturizers, vases, pillowcases, eye makeup and so much more! And I paid only 15% of the cost!
One of the reasons I spend a lot, is I love to cruise around stores and malls. I'd pop into TJ Maxx just for fun, only to leave with a $200 dollar bill of goodies I didn't really need. Buying can become an activity, as well as an addiction. I was spending money for the sake of spending it. So, to curb it, I made a vow to myself to pick up other hobbies besides shopping. All these hobbies I started were free. I had tons of art supplies that I had from when I was a teenager, so I started making art. I also have a large book collection, and I began to reread some classical favorites! I took up tennis, a sport I hadn't done in FOREVER. And I've kept it up, saving at least $100+ a month on impulse purchases!
I hope I helped! Message me to let me know what works for you to save money!
