Tag Archives: money saving

7 Daily Habits That Will Save You Money

money-jar

Saving money doesn’t have to be complicated – there are habits to incorporate into your daily routine that will save you money in the long run. These tips are simple and easy to start but also very effective. It’s time to take control of your finances and make some healthy changes! 

1. Pay with cash 

Using a credit card for everyday purchases can be tempting and often lead to impulse buying. A good way to stick to your budget is to have a certain amount of cash for the week and use only that cash. This is also great because you can’t spend money that you don’t have. 

2. Do more things at home 

Too often we rely on other places to do tasks that can easily be done at home. For example, many people spend lots of money going out to eat, getting their car washed, stopping for coffee, getting their hair trimmed and more. These are all things that can be done for a much lower cost in the comfort of your own home! 

3. Check the secondhand shop first 

You never know what secondhand gems you can find until you try! Before making a purchase, check garage sales, thrift stores, the Facebook Marketplace or more to see what deals you can find. 

4. Schedule when to track your spending 

To hold yourself accountable for what you’re spending, it’s a good idea to track your spending. Plan a day you’ll do this each week, so it becomes a habit. It’s a great way to reflect on what purchases were necessary and which ones weren’t. There are lots of apps you can download to help with this. 

5. Be careful with your utilities 

Even though utilities are a recurring cost, there are still many ways to reduce how much you must pay. Try cutting costs by keeping lights off, taking shorter showers, opening your windows rather than cranking the AC, etc. These costs can add up so this is a great habit to start! 

6. Reevaluate memberships and subscriptions 

Go through all the subscriptions and memberships you pay for. Which ones are necessary and which ones aren’t? Save yourself some unneeded costs by getting rid of some monthly payments. 

7. Take time to think before you buy 

Before making a non-essential purchase, give yourself a few days to think about it. Only follow through with the purchase if after those days you still really want it to help reduce impulse buying. 

We hope these tips will make a difference in the way you handle finances in your everyday life. Turning these seven things into habits will certainly pay off in the long run, so give them a shot! Contact us to learn more about the financial services we offer.

The Ultimate Guide to Garage and Yard Sales

Spring

With pockets full of dollar bills and a list of dream finds in hand, serious garage sale goers are perking up for the upcoming season. Become a pro deal-spotter by harnessing some of their top tricks of the trade!

  • Check for warranties: Even if they’re dinged or damaged, goods by brands like Craftsman and Chaco may offer lifetime warranties if you send them in for repair. Avoid: Electronic-based gadgets – everything from blenders to tablets – as they’re likely past warranty and cost more to repair than buy new.
  • Snap up fun novelty items: Infrequently used finds like wedding accessories, costume sets, and kitchen appliances can be pricey when purchased brand new. You can buy these gently-used finds for a fraction of the original cost! Avoid: Holiday-themed wares that you’ll use once, store for the year, and toss out at your own yard sale.
  • Think a few seasons ahead: A summer yard sale will be loaded with wintertime treasures. Scope out pricier outerwear like parkas and boots, while keeping your eye out for cross-country skis, durable metal shovels, and other seasonal goods marked at a steep discount. Avoid: Cold weather apparel worn close to the skin, such as hats and long underwear. Also, be wary of major items like snow blowers and snowmobiles, which may require costly repairs that outweigh the price of a newer model.
  • Shop for the kids: When they’re set to outgrow clothes every few months, garage sales are a treasure trove of inexpensive apparel for infants through teens. Be on the lookout for limited-use clothing like costumes and formalwear to save big during special occasions. Avoid: Cribs and car seats which are frequently recalled, soft toys that can’t be easily washed or sterilized, and truly vintage toys which may pose the risk of lead-based paint.
  • See Beyond the Paint: Furniture can be a phenomenal find if you’re willing to put in some extra effort. A new finish or a fresh coat of paint can make all the difference on wood & metal furniture. Avoid: Mattresses and upholstered items which may have unknown stains or trapped in odors.