Hello there!

Are you looking to save some extra money this month? Perhaps you’re trying to pay something down or build something up. Many of us are not in the season of life where we can work an extra job or start a new business, so what’s the alternative, cut things out to save more money. So here is my challenge to you, for the next 30 days, take a look at the items that are suggested below and see if they can be incorporated into your life. Pick and choose what’s best for you and/or your family. 

Pack your lunch 

I get it, you’re busy and ain’t nobody got time for that. But let’s think about this for a second. The average cost of lunch in the US is $8. And let’s say you go out to eat 5 days a week, that’s $40 dollars a week and about $160/month. What about this alternative, slightly increase your grocery budget to incorporate your lunch meals. Even frozen meals cost less than a happy meal. Plan ahead so you can save.

Cut the cable

We are in a time right now where cable is not a necessity as it was 10-15 years ago. You have streaming devices, Netflix, Hulu, Sling TV, etc. So really all you need is the internet. We have lived without cable for about 2 years and I wish I would have let it go sooner.

Shop around for insurance

It can be life, auto, renters, or homeowners insurance. Don’t keep the same company for years. Shop around, you may be getting a better deal with a better company. It’s ok to check other competitors and see what they have to offer. Also, your life changes as the years go by, perhaps you need to decrease or increase your coverage. Make sure to get the best for you.

Don’t be a product junkie

Here is the simple definition of a product junkie (PJ): Buying too many products impulsively. I first heard this term when it came to buying hair products. It’s not limited to just that, it can be beauty products, school supplies, kitchenware, etc.  Be careful of buying lotion for every single part of your body (face cream, hand cream, foot cream…really?) or having 20 bottles of cologne. Discipline yourself this month to get products that have dual purposes or don’t get any at all and use the ones you have.

Cancel memberships

If you haven’t been to the gym for months or you’re not part of a particular program anymore, let it go for a bit. After 30 days, re-evaluate to see if it is indeed something you can’t go without. But if you forget about it after 30 days, then you didn’t really need it.

Thrift

It would be nice to be Forever21 and have the mentality to shop like no one’s business. I’d rather save the money for something else. Listen, don’t knock off the thrift store. I have found brand new clothes and shoes at times, I’ve found name brands, popular brands, and unique items of clothing and furniture for a fraction of the price. But don’t buy just to buy, stay focused on what you need and make sure it fits, it’s clean and it’s solid. 

Make stuff

You may be thinking, I’m not creative. Whether you believe it or not, we are all born to create. We all have talents. Before buying things, ask yourself if you can make that item or something similar. Use items you already have in your home or keep the cost low when exploring this option. For example, I make my own cleaners with items on my grocery list and my own tea drinks instead of buying it from a restaurant (hint, make coffee at home). My husband makes prints for our home. For you, it may be making your own beauty products or clothes.

Use your local library

I enjoy buying books from Amazon, but when my child had to write book reports every month or when I wanted a good read, it got pretty costly. I had to think of another way. I work at a school, duh. That means I automatically have free access to the library on campus. I’ve done interlibrary loans, reserved books, and downloaded free e-books. In your city, check out the community library. Membership is usually free since you are a resident.

How about you, what are you doing to save money this month?