Build Emergency Funds, it adds up at the end of the year. Start small, but be consistent.
☐ Put away the money you save when buying what you need. Example: If you buy detergent buy one and get one free. Take the amount that you would spend on the free one and save it.
☐ Save $5 to $20 every time you have income coming into the household. Save more if you can, it all depends on your funds.
Save $5 a week, which adds up to $260 a year.
☐ Use cash to shop and save the change every time.
Budget planning
☐ Write and track your income and expenses, and also create a budget.
☐ Prioritize needs expenses versus wants expenses.
☐ Always make sure to include pets, medications, laundry, and grooming in your monthly expenses.
Master ways to earn more money
☐ Sell items you no longer want or need.
☐ Have a hobby? You might have a marketable product or skill.
20 MONEY SAVING TIPS TO KEEP MORE MONEY IN YOUR POCKET
Unplug your appliances when not using them microwaves, fans, and cell phone chargers use electricity when plugged even if not in use. Turn off the lights.
Buy store brand version or generic when possible.
Make your coffee at home. A cup of coffee a day at $4 a cup, adds up to $112 a month or $1,344 a year!
Cook dinner and save leftovers for lunch. Minimize eating at restaurants.
Bring lunch to work, if you buy lunch at $15 per day this adds up to $300 a month or $3,600 a year!
Did you know you can use the EBT card at the dollar store and Amazon?
Lower your cell phone bill. Try prepaid phones. Your monthly bill will be at most $50.
Use free apps to watch movies.
Avoid impulsive shopping. Try to think how many hours you have to work to buy that pair of sneakers at $90. If you earn $15 an hour, you need to work at least 6 hours.
Try to buy clothes and things you need at the end of the season. The end of winter is a great time to go school shopping for long jeans and sweaters
Evaluate your subscriptions. Look at bank accounts to check you are not being charged for old subscriptions.
Ask for discounts when purchasing items.
If you are not going to the gym cancel that membership.
Pay off debts
Pay your bills and rent on time to avoid late fees.
Talk to the companies that provide you services and see if they offer discounts on your bills for automated pay. Try to do your own nails. If you are paying $60 per nail visit to the salon. You worked at least 4 hours at $15 an hour for that visit. That adds up to $120 a month or $1,440 a year!
Check your eligibility for low-income utility programs and other resources in the community.
Use coupons.
See what you have in your pantry before food shopping.
Make a weekly menu, make a grocery list, and stick to the list.