Do you want to save money right now? Are looking for a way to be a little more frugal immediately? As a new year gets underway, it’s a good idea to consider your expenses. You might be surprised at how you can save money right now with the right planning. Here are 5 things you can do right now to start saving money in the coming year:
1. Cancel What You Don’t Need
One of the best things you can do for your finances is to cancel what you don’t need. From a gym membership, to a cable TV premium movie package, to a magazine subscription, there are plenty of things that you are probably paying for — and that you don’t need. You can work out at home, there are plenty of low-cost options for entertainment (from Hulu to Netflix), and most of us don’t really read magazines anyway. Cancel these services and subscriptions, and you’ll immediately start saving money.
2. Negotiate Your Rates
Even if you don’t cancel outright, you can attempt to negotiate your rates. Can you get a better price on your Internet services or satellite TV service? You can also ask for a lower credit card interest rate if you are trying to pay off debt. Negotiating a lower rate can save you money each and every month, starting this month.
3. Cook More at Home
You might be surprised at how much you are spending on food. When you buy prepared meals at the store, order takeout, or go out to eat, you run the risk of spending a great deal each year. Instead, cook at home. Create a meal plan, and then make a list based on that plan. Then shop and stick to the list. Plan ahead so that you know what you are making. If you are crunched for time, look for 30-minute recipes, or meals that you can prepare in a crock pot. You can also consider using freezer meals to help you save time overall.
4. Maintain What You Already Have
We live in a very disposable society. However, you don’t have to throw things out unnecessarily. You waste quite a bit when you get in the habit of throwing things out. Instead of getting rid of stuff, maintain what you already have. From taking good care of your clothing so that it doesn’t wear out, to bringing your car in for regular maintenance so that it lasts longer, you can save money by caring for your things. You’ll buy less and save more.
5. Be Conservation-Minded
You can save money when you start to think green, at least a little bit. An energy efficient home isn’t just more environmentally friendly; it can also save you money. Make an effort to make your home more energy efficient, and you will spend less on heating in the winter and less on cooling in the summer. You can also employ strategies to use less water so that your water bill is smaller. Consider how you can save energy and water, and your pocketbook will feel the savings, too.
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