Learning how to spend less money to build your savings can be challenging when you have to pay bills every month. You may already be accustomed to a certain lifestyle where you can afford to easily pay all your bills, yet have nothing left over each month due to your other spending habits.
When you discover the secret of how to spend less money, not only will you be amazed at how fast your savings grow, but also how much more financial freedom and security you have. While it might sound harder to achieve than you think, you will be amazed at just how easy it is to start spending less money and still enjoy your current lifestyle.
To Save Money – Become Frugal
Being frugal does not mean you are cheap. It just means you have identified those things in your life that are wants and needs. Cheap on the other hand, is when you skimp and save every penny and deprive yourself of being able to live life to its fullest. When you are frugal, you still can enjoy yourself and not feel like you are being deprived of the things you love.
For instance, instead of buying a brand new car with all the bells and whistles you desire, you could either buy a slightly used model with the features you desire, or select a brand new model with just the features you need.
Being frugal also means you are willing to cut coupons, shop sales ads, and find different deals. For example, you could take advantage of buy-one-get-one-free offers at your grocery store and use coupons for those items to save even more. When you can start making these small changes, you start to free up extra cash you can save.
To Save Money – Enjoy Life Experiences
You will appreciate life experiences more as you are making the shift to becoming frugal. Essentially, part of being frugal is doing what makes you happy by discovering the most efficient and cost-effective means for you to enjoy it.
Maybe you enjoy food and eating with friends and family. A frugal person would cook at home instead of dining out to still enjoy the company of their friends and family. Another example is if you like going to the theater to watch movies, instead of going to a nighttime show, go to a matinee or rent a movie to watch at home.
As you discover what makes you happy, you will be surprised at how much more free cash you have available as long as you remember to be frugal.
To Save Money – Transition Your Spending Habits
We’ve already talked about using coupons, sales, and special deals to save money on some of the things you enjoy. Other ways to not deprive yourself of the things you like, yet still be frugal at the same time, could include:
- Taking advantage of second-hand/hand-me-down clothing and items from friends and family.
- Keeping your car for a few years after it is paid off.
- Shopping for designer items at discount outlet stores.
- Cooking meals at home and packing lunches instead of dining out.
- Using Groupons or other discounted/free deals for date nights and other occasions.
- Paying for purchases with your credit union rewards/cashback debit card.
By discovering how to spend less money without having to sacrifice your current lifestyle, you are on your way to being frugal and happy at the same time. Not only can you create more fulfilling life experiences, but you can also grow your savings and financial security.
To learn more about interest-bearing share savings, rewards/cashback debit cards, and other services available at The People’s Federal Credit Union, please feel free to stop by your nearest branch or call us at 806-359-8571 today!
