How can you cut spending right now? You’d be surprised.
If you tried to cut spending now, how successful do you think you would be? Most consumers don’t see much room in their budgets for improvement. That isn’t to say it’s impossible, but your mind might trick you out of reaching your goals before you even get started.
Consider the following ways curbing your spending can help you:
1. Cut spending by using technology.
You can save on regular purchases and get more comfortable with today’s technology. Who says smartphones are for kids? There are plenty of apps for adults who want to save money on their regular expenses. Cost-tracking apps will allow you to set alerts when your favorite items fall below a predetermined price, and rebate apps like Ibotta and Check51 allow you to get money back with just a screenshot.
2. Save money while also buying healthier foods.
Most people spend a surprising amount of money on prepared foods and caffeine. Fast food is the ultimate budget meal in the mind of the overly busy driver, but how much do those foods really cost you? And how do they really taste? Homemade foods really are tastier, and they don’t have to take that long to prepare. Look for new recipes at MyRecipes.com using the “What’s in your pantry?” app, allowing you to search through meals based on the ingredients you already have on hand. You’ll end up healthier, and so will your budget!
As for soda, designer coffee, and energy drinks, it’s a shame we pour so much of our money straight down our gullies, but this is part of the overloaded, overworked cycle many people are stuck in. You drink caffeine, feel boosted and then your blood sugar drops, leading you to feel even more tired… and motivated to reach for another beverage.
Unfortunately, marketers have picked up on our reliance on these types of products and have boosted their prices. The good news is the less caffeine you drink, the more real energy you have, and you’ll have more money to spend doing fun things with the people you love. If you want to keep indulging, try to cut down or make sure you buy these drinks in the cheapest forms possible. Refill a 20-oz. bottle of pop from a chilled 2-liter you have at home, or commit to buying a coffee once a week instead of every morning.
3. Save money on a night out.
You can save while improving your nights out. It’s easy to get in the habit of going out, but constantly hitting the club—or the movies—puts a drain on your finances. At a certain point, you also wind up bored of going out and frustrated at the money you’ve spent for such a little payoff. What’s the solution? Treat nights out like special moments you savor, and you’ll always get the most of every dollar you spend in the process.
Consider going out on nights when specials are available or mixing your outings between venues to balance out cost. Also, consider your budget before you go out, and make affordable choices early in the night. It’s much easier to share an appetizer than to say no to dessert.
We hope these tips to help you cut spending right now will help you see how easy it is to stretch your budget. However, if you run into the need for help in making ends meet, Title Tree is always here to help you get through those tough times. Come in to the Title Tree nearest you, and you’ll see why we’re known for our excellent customer service – and for helping you get the cash you need.