Putting just a little bit of money away every day, makes up for a whole bunch by the end of the year. Here are 15 ways to save $50 every day. Do them all or just a few, it'll still add up.
1. Exchange favors with friends
Have children, but don't want to spend a fortune on babysitters? Make an arrangement with a friend in the same situation, so you can watch over each others precious pearls (and even have a fun sleepover for the kids!). Do this on a monthly base! Spending time with your significant other is a priceless treasure.
2. Buy from thrift stores
Keep a list of things you need, but not right away. Then, just keep your eyes open. Visit thrift stores, garage sales or even use local Facebook groups. You never know, where you might find something necessary for a bargain.
3. Pay a visit to your library
Libraries are one of the best places on earth! They are full of books and magazines but also movies and music. Some even offer access to their e-library, so you don't have to leave your home. Why would you even want to buy a book, when there's a high chance you can get it for free.
4. Drink fewer fancy coffees
It's always nice to grab a hot cup of coffee on the go and maybe splurge with a little whipped cream or syrup, but did you realize how much a cup here and there will cost you on the long run? One fancy coffee is about $7 per cup, have one twice a week and you'll spend over $50 per month just on coffee! I'm not saying you should ditch your coffee altogether (I would never say that!) but how about buying lesser coffees from coffee shops and brewing more coffees at home. You might even buy a fancy travel mug and some nice syrup and mix your own fancy coffees. This way you can enjoy even more coffee and spend even less!
5. Conserve water
Here are the numbers. A family of four will save $11 a year and 240 gallons a month just by turning off the water when brushing their teeth. They will save $8 a year and 2130 gallons a year if they only run a full washing machine. When washing dishes, rinsing them all at once saves 10 gallons a wash and $27 a year. A low-flow showerhead (which costs about $10) saves 50 gallons per shower and $271 a year. Finally fixing all household leaks saves about 10,000 gallons a year and $37. Have you added it up? It's $354 a year.. almost $1 a day. And it's all good for the environment too.
6. Recycle
Save those empty bottles and cans, you will get money from them. Let your firneds know, that if they want to throw money away, you'll be glad to take it.
7. Cook in bulk
We all know buying food is expensive. Use a grocery list when shopping to avoid extra spendings, but you can also save by couponing and cutting back on meat. Now, when you cook in bulk, you'll make enough meals to serve you and your family for several days. You can also freeze tasty and oven-ready meals for later. This'll stop you from grabbing fast food on the way home when you're too tired to cook.
8. Make your own lunch
This closely relates to the previous advice to cook in bulk. You may easily cook your own food for just a dollar or two per serving. There aren't any restaurants that can possibly match that offer. You'll easily spend at least twice as much, when you grab a meal on the go.
9. Put your spare change in a jar
It's always the small things that add up. Every time you fins a penny, put it in a jar. You'll be surprised how fast that penny grows and soon you'll be singing all the way to the bank.
10. Use less laundry detergent
Chances are, no one will notice. The recommended amount stated on the bottle is actually quite high, so give it a try and use a little bit less and still a bit lesser. Half of the amount is enough. Believe me, your clothes will come out just as clean. Without excessive chemicals straining the colors out, you'll probably be able to wear your clothes even longer.
11. Check out Freecycle and other social media groups
Freecycle is a site referring to local yahoo groups in which people can give away stuff they don't need. Also be sure to check, if there is a local Facebook group near you. Usually prices are a lot less and people are so happy to get rid of stuff they don't need, you might even get it for free.
12. Show of your natural beauty
Get your hair cut less often and use fewer make up. Instead of getting a haircut every 6 weeks, try going every 8 weeks. This will literally cut out 2 haircuts a year. Have a friend or friend of a friend, who can cut hair? Even better, go for a discount. Or find a good salon and make a continuous appointment. They might just throw in a small discount for a lasting customer.
13. Choose your cable plan carefully
Avoid cable movie rentals and go for Red Box or free library rentals. Avoid high definition channels and settle for basic viewing options. Avoid premium channels and go for Netflix or Hulu. Don't just accept automatic bill increases, contact customer service and ask for a detailed statement. Let them know, you'll be happy to switch to a more affordable operator and you might even get a discount.
14. Replace your old appliances...
Because of new energy efficient appliances replacing a washer which is from 1994 or older will save you $110 a year.
15. ... but not your car
New cars are expensive. Owning an old car will save you over $1600 every year. So don't just change it, because you want something prettier. If it takes you from A to B, it'll save you the price of a new one.
