In good and bad economic times alike, it’s always a smart idea to save. But money management doesn’t necessarily mean going without the things you like. Budgeting is a way to understand exactly where you can put a little money aside.
As part of your budget, here are 11 simple ways you can save money.
Ride-sharing services are convenient when you don’t feel like driving or taking mass transit to get where you’re going. However, each ride can add up. Be more selective and only use the service when you really need it.
Many of us sign up for a phone plan and never think about it again. However, carriers are constantly competing to win new customers. Every so often, check your bill against what your carrier offers new customers or against competitor offers. Often, you can get a better deal by calling your current carrier and asking for a discount.
Why spend money for a hardcover bestseller you’ll read once when you can borrow it from the library for free? If you prefer a digital format, many libraries also offer extensive collections of ebooks you can borrow without even making a trip there.
Trendy cycling or rowing classes can get your heart pumping, but not just because of the workout. Consider running, biking or walking outdoors instead. If you still crave a structured session, there are plenty of free videos of guided exercise programs for yoga, weightlifting, cardio and more online.
Refurbished electronics like cell phones, laptops and other electronics can be purchased for less than new devices. To ensure you get a high-quality product, it’s a good idea to buy directly from the original manufacturer.
If you’ve signed up for several streaming services, figure out which ones you watch the most (and those you don’t view at all). Once you narrow down the list, keep the must-haves, cancel the rest or set a spending limit and revise from there. Be sure to check out your terms of agreement first to avoid any penalties.
Ordering takeout or eating in a restaurant is often much more costly than eating at home. You could save money by preparing your meals at home — even if only a few days a week.
Planning your meals and snacks in advance and then buying just those ingredients and products can help you save money and avoid food waste. Stores are purposefully set up to encourage impulse buys.
Many secondhand or vintage clothing stores are filled with items that have never been worn or are still in great shape.
Cashback credit cards offer you money in the form of a percentage of what you spend. The cash back may be redeemable through direct deposit or as a credit on your account.
Fancy lattes and cappuccinos can run upwards of $5, and even the cost of buying regular coffee can add up. Invest in an insulated mug instead, brew your joe at home and watch your savings grow.
For more information about a cashback credit card, visit our Bread Cashback™ American Express® Credit Card page.
This page and the information contained herein is for educational purposes only. The information is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any product, service, or strategy to your unique circumstances. For specific advice about your unique circumstances, you may wish to consult a qualified professional. Any links to other websites are included for your convenience only. Bread Financial does not endorse any product or service, and is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of the information, made available through such sites.
