022: Tips to Save Money
Paychecks sometimes don't come when you need them, or a couple of bills add up at the wrong time, or you run out of food before you can buy anymore. Nonetheless, everyone has times of contraction and holds on their assets. For me personally, I noticed most of my unnecessary spending comes from food. For the past week or two I've had little money for groceries, and absolutely $0 to spend anywhere. This came as a result of carefree spending the prior couple of weeks. Has it been fun? Probably not. Was it a good learning experience? Absolutely. It is very cool to see how I can cope with no groceries, what I can scrape up to eat, and what perspective I gain on how much I actually spend on eating.
When Money is Tight
1. Take the opportunity to be empathetic of people who have less than you might. Understand the hardship people face sometimes. Be genuinely grateful for what you do have!
2. Take a quick inventory of everything you have left (food, drink) and structure a loose plan on what to eat and when.
3. Think creatively and see what you can hold off spending money on (coffee, snacks, parking, beer, wine, tobacco).
4. Eat the end pieces on a loaf of bread; make one less egg in the morning; eat slowly; count any change you have and use that; smile at your hustle.
5. Don't pull money out of your savings unless absolutely necessary. Take the opportunity to live through the consequences.
Continuing Saving Money
1. Buy and cook bulk at the grocery store (like chicken, rice, pasta), and lunch prep on Sunday nights. Make a fun event out of preparing food for the week (turn on an album, try new seasonings or recipes). Cook one main meat, a tray of vegetables, and 2-3 sides to portion out for the week.
My example: Pan seared chicken, baked broccoli/potatoes, microwavable rice dishes
2. Have dinner parties instead of going out to eat with groups of friends.
3. Save all of the change you come across in a jar for a rainy day.
4. Don't use a credit card over cash or debit.
5. Make a goal to spend $10 less at the grocery store or go out to eat one less time a week.
