I’m always in the mood for a bargain, especially if it means I’ll be able to save money for a splurge item, like a new handbag or pair of killer stilettos. It’s not always easy to save, and I hate making big cut-backs, so I’ve done some research, and here’s a list of 7 small ways you can save up to $600 per year.
Savings per year: $200
Photo Credit: rdodson76
I’ve been doing this for years now, and every six months, I can treat myself to a splurge item, like a new pair of heels. When I subtract any purchase from my checkbook, I just round the amount up. So if the item is $10.43, I enter an even $11 in my checkbook… and the math is much easier, too!
Savings per year: $600
Photo Credit: kaaaarly
It’s true that for some grocery items, you really get what you pay for. But for some things, like granola, the generic or store brand is just as good! Try a few generic items and see what you think… you’ll save big!
Savings per year: $350
Photo Credit: Claudia.Annette
The average person can eat out up to five times per week for lunch. All that lunch money can really add up! To save a little money, brown-bag your lunch one or even two days per week… again, the savings will really be apparent!
Savings per year: $250
Photo Credit: HATEM SALEH
Studies have shown that in a lot of cases, bottled water is the same quality as tap water. So why are we paying more than $1 per bottle? Invest in an eco-friendly reusable water bottle, and fill it from the tap.
Savings per year: $180
Photo Credit: laurenlemon
If you belong to a gym, use their hot water and shower there. You’ll save on your energy and water bills at home, and why not shower after you’ve just gotten drenched in sweat? You don’t want to drive home like that!
Savings per year: $360
Photo Credit: wisely-chosen
The Clairol Frost and Tip kit costs about $12 and takes about two hours to do. So why spend so much at the salon? Make a girls day of it, and highlight or dye each other’s hair, read Cosmo, and gossip all day!
Savings per year: $65
Photo Credit: Netfalls
Using online banking won’t save a lot, but it will save a little… no more stamps, no more envelopes, no more buying checks, either! It’s also much more environmentally friendly, and so convenient! Give it a try!
Savings per year: $1,000
Photo Credit: *Peanut (Lauren)
I know, I know, I love Starbuck’s too! But it’s really expensive, especially if you buy the espresso drinks. Buy a nice Starbuck’s travel coffee mug and make coffee at home, and you’ll save lots of money, right away… my total is for spending $5 per day, four days a week, for 50 weeks per year… see? It all adds up!
If you make just a few of these small changes, you’ll have the money for that new pair of Jimmy Choos in no time! I always round up in my checkbook, and I do my own highlights as often as I can, and I can really see my savings add up! Do you do any of these money-savings things? Or do you have another small way to save money? Please share… I’ve got my eye on a new Marc Jacobs clutch!
Top Photo Credit: nikkinoguer