With the cost of living these days, it's important to stretch our hard-earned money as far as possible. Here are 5 organized ways to do so.
1. Hide your sparkles. I have dark brown hair, so when those gray hairs (um....I like to call them sparkles) begin poking through, it's noticeable. But it's pricey to go to the salon before
I really need to. So, rather than adding to my expenses by making an earlier appointment, I use root touch up. In doing
so, I can go about 8 to 10 weeks before visiting my hairstylist, rather than 6 to 8 weeks.
2. Ask for a lower price. The only way you'll know if a company will allow
you a lower price, is to ask. So, if what you're paying is more than you can afford, whether it's your car's music streaming service, home security alarm, cable, cleaning service, cell phone, insurance premium...even your rent...call and find out if this company can lower your bill to meet your needs.
Ask them to extend their deals to you, as a loyal customer. Asking won't result in a "yes" in all cases, but it may in some. I know it often works. I've done this many times.
3. Bring your own sides with your TO GO orders. So you're not in the mood to cook, or you're traveling somewhere, and you decide to stop out for a sub or a burger. Those costs will add up if you add chips, a side of fruit, a soft drink, etc. each time. These types of sides are easily purchased in a supermarket...for a lot less.
Have these available in your home (chips, pretzels, an apple, packaged cookie, etc.) to pack in your vehicle before heading out...and just order the sub or burger...no sides.
While we're on this subject, if you fill your water bottle at home (use one that stays cold) with water, you'll save even more money...and it's the healthier choice.
4. Use less. Just because you've been using a certain amount of laundry detergent, shampoo, olive oil, squares of toilet paper, sugar, etc. for years, doesn't mean you can't use less now.
Trust me...you can get by with using less laundry detergent for each wash than is listed on the container.
You don't have to add a full cup of sugar to all recipes that say so...I almost always use half and the recipes still turn out fine.
Olive oil? It's so expensive. If you buy a high-quality version, a tiny bit goes a long way.
Be mindful when using up these types of items. You may be using a
lot more than you truly need.
5. Separate your money. Keep two checking/debit card accounts...one to pay your bills, and one for eating out and other
fun activities. Allow yourself a monthly budget for the fun account and transfer only that amount of money to that account.
Once the money is gone, no more fancy coffee at Starbucks, movie
tickets, etc. until next month. Doing this forces you to be more careful with what you spend on the "extras."
