{"id":20096,"date":"2019-09-30T09:00:16","date_gmt":"2019-09-30T16:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/moneyppl.com\/?p=20096"},"modified":"2021-05-31T12:21:51","modified_gmt":"2021-05-31T19:21:51","slug":"40-ways-to-save-up-for-the-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.moneyppl.com\/40-ways-to-save-up-for-the-future\/20096\/","title":{"rendered":"40 Ways To Save Up For The Future"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
One topic that many people worry about continually is money. It’s common to think about how much money we have or don’t have as well as how we’re going to keep our family afloat. In a perfect world, everyone would have enough money to live comfortably, but that’s not reality. Even though the economy is doing well, a large portion of the country is struggling. Many people don’t have extra income that can be put away for the future.<\/span><\/p>\n Although people want to be comfortable in their daily lives, it can be hard to make ends meet, especially when emergencies arise. There are steps to take to keep more money saved so that people can afford to treat themselves or have money for a rainy day. There’s never a wrong time to start saving money for the future for yourself and your family. Here are 40 of the easiest ways people can start saving money. Which methods are you willing to try?<\/span><\/p>\n Hankering to read a new book? Don’t go to the bookstore, opt for a library instead. It’s much cheaper to use a library card than having to buy a new book. And there won’t be a home filled with clutter from all the books that have been purchased either. If they don’t have a particular book, it isn’t hard to make a request from the library to search for it either. They can contact other libraries to have it shipped to them to borrow.<\/span><\/p>\n The library is also a great place to find music, movies, and even video games. It’s an ideal place to take your whole family for a chance to have fun and learn something new. The best part about the library is that everything is free to access.<\/span><\/p>\n If there is an occasion eating out with your family, choose to drink water with the meal. Fountain drinks and tea can cost as much as $2, and that can add up when there are more people at the table. Instead of drinking an expensive soda or coffee, stick with a refreshing glass of ice water.<\/span><\/p>\n Encouraging family members to go with water will cut down on the tab and will also reduce the number of empty calories being consumed. It’s also great to help your family to stay hydrated. Getting in the habit of drinking water regularly is beneficial for everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n Instead of turning the dial up and down during the day to have a comfortable temperature, save more on the heating bill by having a thermostat that can be programmed. They can be set to be a specific temperature during the day and another at night so that it’s always comfortable and doesn’t have to be fiddled with at all. <\/span><\/p>\n Consistent use of electricity and gas is much better than having spikes in usage throughout the day. You will find that your house stays cooler during summer and warmer during winter when using a programmable thermostat. This tip will end up saving you a lot of money on your electricity bill.<\/span><\/p>\n Getting your favorite coffee from the favorite shop is an indulgence that most people can’t go without during the day. It helps people to function, and it’s a treat for themselves. But those fancy, expensive coffees do add up over time. People are also getting the same shot of caffeine as a regular cup of black coffee, just with more sugar and milk added. <\/span><\/p>\n Either give it up or cut back on how many coffees are being purchased in a month to help. If you must get coffee from a coffee shop, consider seeing if your favorite cafe has a rewards program. That way, you can earn points toward a free coffee in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n If there is time during the day, consider going to the movies early in the day to get matinee prices. They’re much cheaper than evening prices. Another bonus is that most people don’t go to the theater during the day, so the theater is almost guaranteed to be nearly empty. <\/span><\/p>\n You’ll find that the best seats in the house are more readily available and there’s no need to hurry past people sitting in the same row. Take a few snacks from home to avoid spending a lot of money at the concession stand. You can also find coupons and other deals on your local movie theater’s website.<\/span><\/p>\n Don’t overlook clipping coupons. There’s no need to become one of those extreme couponers, especially if there’s no room in the home for all that food. However, don’t use coupons for things that will never be used. That ends up being a waste of money and resources too. <\/span><\/p>\n Look for coupons on items that are used regularly so that the savings are more considerable when heading to the grocery store. If you use deals a lot and find that you have a surplus of food and other supplies, donate your extra items to a local women’s shelter or food bank. <\/span><\/p>\n There’s no reason to hire a landscaping service just to cut the grass. That adds up to be a big waste of money. For the price of a year’s service with a landscaping company, one could purchase their own mower and take care of the lawn themselves. <\/span><\/p>\n Get the whole family involved with taking care of the yard so that everyone is getting some fresh air and exercise while the weather is still good. Research shows that spending time outside and working in the garden contributes to an elevated mood and an increase in happiness. Working in the yard is a great way to connect and have fun with your family.<\/span><\/p>\n The majority of television today is riddled with ads, and that means more temptations to spend money on things that aren’t needed. Eliminate the temptation by just turning the TV off when the program is over. It’s also a great way to save on electricity so that the bill will be lower at the end of each month.<\/span><\/p>\n If you need to watch something, look into a streaming service; for a small fee, around $12 to $15 per month, you can view an unlimited amount of shows and movies with zero commercials. Many of the current streaming services offer excellent, award-winning programming for people of all ages.<\/span><\/p>\n Hobbies can be a great way to alleviate stress and give our minds something to focus on other than work. But if a chosen hobby is too expensive to maintain, there’s nothing wrong with cutting back on it for a few months. <\/span><\/p>\n Buying all of those supplies can eat up a lot of cash that could be used to pay bills or save in your bank for when it’s really needed. If you have several hobbies, you can just pick one to focus on and take a break from the others. Also, look into a cheaper activity that’s enjoyable without breaking the bank.<\/span><\/p>\n With the development of the credit card, it’s become easier and faster to pay for things with credit than with cash. But that’s precisely the problem. A credit card is swiped, and there’s sometimes little awareness of how much money is being spent. <\/span><\/p>\n With cash, every dollar can be counted to ensure that the monthly budget is adhered to. Out of sight, out of mind, is not how someone should be spending their money. Instead of using a credit card, try the envelope method — separate cash into different envelopes based on what bills need to get paid each month. You can also have containers for savings, groceries, clothing, and other essentials. This way, you can visualize where every dollar is going to go. <\/span><\/p>\n Insurance premiums can become expensive to pay every month to cover the possibility that an accident may occur. That’s why it’s a good idea to shop around and look for providers who give discounts on good driving, safe driving records, or having security measures installed in the home. This can save a lot on the bill each month while still providing excellent coverage.<\/span><\/p>\n Do plenty of research before choosing a new auto insurance company. Make sure that their policies work well for you and your family. Don’t choose a particular company just because they have the lowest rates.<\/span><\/p>\n It’s a great idea to get rid of clutter so the atmosphere of the home is more calming and organized. But there’s could also be enough for you to have a garage sale or donate to charity. That can put some more money back into bank accounts while still cleaning out the closet to make room for the really precious things.<\/span><\/p>\n You can sell your unused items through an online app or take it to a consignment shop. If you donate your unwanted clothing, shoes, and accessories, you can also write them off on your taxes. Not only will you be removing clutter from your home, but you’ll be helping those in need as you save money.<\/span><\/p>\n To save time on cooking, consider investing in saving crockpot recipes. They’re easy, save a lot of time, and make a decent amount of food that can last for quite some time. Crockpots are worth the price considering how well they work and how much food they can make. <\/span><\/p>\n It’s a much better idea than standing in front of the stove for hours every single day to make meals for the family. You can also make big batches of food and freeze it for future meals. This way, your whole family can eat a yummy, healthy meal with minimal spending and effort.<\/span><\/p>\n It can be one of the most important meals of the day when it comes to saving money. Instead of skipping breakfast and splurging on a large lunch, have a small meal in the morning so that there’s less inclination to gorge at lunchtime. A decent portion of protein for breakfast will curb hunger pangs much later and that will mean a smaller lunch at noon, one that’s less expensive.<\/span><\/p>\n Eggs are inexpensive, filling, and great for your health. Get some eggs and tortillas to make breakfast burritos that are tasty and will keep you satisfied. You can also make them ahead and freeze them, so you have a perfect breakfast every day of the week. <\/span><\/p>\n It can be practical to have a membership at the gym, because if it’s being paid for, then there’s more inclination to go. However, there are more natural ways to stay motivated to exercise. Drop the membership and find a very motivated friend to work out with. They’ll be in the inspiration that’s needed to keep the drive going and keep those calories burning.<\/span><\/p>\n You can also find great workout videos online for free. Go to YouTube and type in “cardio workout,” “high-intensity interval training,” or “bodyweight exercises.” You should be able to find a fun workout that’s completely free.<\/span><\/p>\n Having a car has become a necessity in today’s working environment, but there’s no reason to splurge on a brand new one. New cars can be expensive, take a long time to get, and the monthly payments can be through the roof. Consider a secondhand car instead, preferably a late model for a lower price. <\/span><\/p>\n A used car would work just as well if the previous owner maintained it properly. Financial experts encourage those who are looking to save money to buy their vehicles secondhand. Because a car starts to depreciate as soon as you drive it off the lot, there’s no reason you have to buy new.<\/span><\/p>\n Working at the office often means going out for a hot, fresh meal with the rest of the coworkers. That also means spending more money. There’s nothing wrong with brown-bagging lunch most days during the week. <\/span><\/p>\n Depending on what it is, it won’t be as hot and fresh, but there’ll definitely be more money in the bank account at the end of the month by making this small sacrifice. You can buy a thermos or mini crockpot to take to work with you to eat leftovers from dinner at work. Another option is to set aside the money that you would typically spend on lunch and put it in a savings account. <\/span><\/p>\n Going to the mall, even to window shop, can be a luxury for some people. However, the temptation to shop is powerful. It would be better off if you avoided the mall altogether to make it easier on the wallet. <\/span><\/p>\n If the weather is beautiful, go for a walk around the park instead. There are fewer temptations there, and you’ll get a dose of vitamin D. You could also get together with friends and have a potluck or even head to the library for a relaxing time with a book. The possibilities are endless.<\/span><\/p>\n It’s an easy task to put the care of one’s car in the hands of someone else. They’re the professionals and know how to take care of the job quickly and efficiently. But getting oil changes and check-ups can add up to a lot over the year. <\/span><\/p>\n Learn how to do a few auto maintenance tasks like checking the tires and changing the oil regularly to save a few bucks and extend the life of the car. You can find videos online that teach you how to do these tasks. There will also be a manual for your vehicle online so you can be sure you have the right tools for maintenance.<\/span><\/p>\n Before heading to the checkout, it’s a good idea to stop and take a look at everything in the cart. Self-inquire as to whether some of the items there are really necessary or if they’re more of a treat. If you find out it’s the latter, put them back. <\/span><\/p>\n Grocery shopping can sometimes lead to spur-of-the-moment decisions that aren’t so strong by the end of the trip. Putting them back will save on the bill during checkout. Make a list before you head to the store and stick to it. You’ll get just what you need and not have to deal with any leftover or wasted food.<\/span><\/p>\n With the threat of online security called into question, people are always worried about paying their bills online. They fear that their credit card information is going to be taken and ruin their credit forever. However, these sites are very secure, and using them to pay bills comes out to be much cheaper than mailing a check. <\/span><\/p>\n Paying online also avoids there being late fees if checks don’t get there in time. If you pay bills online, you can set up an automatic payment feature. That way you know for a fact that your bills will get paid and you won’t be stuck with any late fees.<\/span><\/p>\n There is something to be said about the quality of makeup, depending on the price. They feel a little different against your skin and can be more vibrant. But the majority of the price paid for more expensive makeup brands is mostly about packaging. <\/span><\/p>\n It’s possible to go without those expensive brands for a while and stick to the generic stuff to save up on money each month. Makeup found in drugstores has increased in quality over the years. There are also tons of websites and beauty influencers who give you cheaper duplicates to the expensive makeup you’ve been eying.<\/span><\/p>\n Getting a magazine once a month or other online services can be convenient, as they’re a way of keeping in touch with the world. But your credit card is billed each month automatically, and that’s money that’s not being tracked. Cancel any subscriptions so that there is better control over where all the money is going.<\/span><\/p>\n If you need to read a specific magazine or publication, see if your local library has it. You won’t be able to keep it, but you can still read and enjoy it. Also, if there is a particular image or story you want to keep, you can make a copy to take home with you.<\/span><\/p>\n If there’s a family phone plan in place, ensure there aren’t extra charges jacking up the bill. Going over the data of a phone plan can lead to a lot of additional fees. Talk with the family to curb the overuse of their phones. <\/span><\/p>\n Install a data tracker app on phones so that everyone can see just how much they’re using. Alternatively, any charges can be paid off by contributions; get the kids to earn money to pay for these charges. It’s a great way to teach them responsibility. You can also have one or two nights a week where the whole family stays off their phones and spends time together without screens to save on data usage.<\/span><\/p>\n It’s easy to find something that’s broken and throw it away to buy a new one. But not all of these are lost causes. Consider repairing them. There are ways to fix electronics by yourself, or you can find a repair shop to help you.<\/span><\/p>\n A dysfunctional phone may need a new battery, or a torn skirt can be sewn together to be like new again. A little mending and effort can go a long way and save money on having to buy a new one. If a product can’t be repaired, you may be able to buy a refurbished model to save money. <\/span><\/p>\n If cruise control is an option, use it. Maintaining a steady speed is better on gas mileage than using the pedal and changing your speed every five minutes. There will also be a consistency that will minimize the chances of getting a speeding ticket, which is too expensive. <\/span><\/p>\n Consider putting the cruise control to better use. If you need speed, it’s time to slow down a bit. Revving the engine is fun, but it can waste gas and cause damage to your car. Staying steady is the key to saving money on gas and vehicle repairs.<\/span><\/p>\n Before making big purchases, it’s a great idea to do some online research on the ones at the top of the list. Look at items that have the highest reliability ratings and don’t be afraid to check out their reviews. A product may look good, but it could just be for show. <\/span><\/p>\n A product that lasts longer and works properly is a much better option to get great value from every dollar. Alternatively, don’t buy an item just because it’s the cheapest. Sometimes splurging a bit on a major appliance can save you money in the long run, especially on energy costs.<\/span><\/p>\n Getting the highest number of channels seems like a great idea because then there’s a greater variety to pick from. Bigger packages, however, mean more money. Downsize the TV subscription package you have to just a few channels, the ones that are watched the most, to save money. <\/span><\/p>\n Trust us: the other channels will be missed for a while, but then that feeling will go away. Like we mentioned before, you can cut cable completely and subscribe to a few streaming services. You’ll have plenty of shows and movies to watch for a fraction of the cost of a cable subscription.<\/span><\/p>\n Especially at ATMs, there are always fees for using machines that aren’t affiliated with the bank of choice. Those add up quickly. Look for bank-affiliated ATMs to save on those fees, or plan. If there’s a planned vacation, consider having enough cash on you to avoid going to ATMs during the trip. <\/span><\/p>\n You can find a special money pouch to take with you so you can keep your money safe and secure. There are also ways to get a card with your bank that’s like a debit card but only has a certain amount of money on it. That way, you can use a card without spending money you don’t have.<\/span><\/p>\n Not only are cigarettes expensive, but they’re not great for one’s health either. It’s better just to quit them altogether. The costs of taking care of lung cancer and other related diseases in the future can get quite high, and there may not be enough savings later on in life to take care of them. <\/span><\/p>\n Smoking is just a costly habit that isn’t doing anyone any favors. Speak with your doctor about finding ways to quit. There are support groups, medications, and even nicotine gum to help you drop this nasty habit. It’s hard to stop smoking, but it’s definitely worth it!<\/span><\/p>\n Always keep an eye out for sales that are going on at your favorite stores. These are often clearance sales to make way for new stock or sales for customer loyalty. Either way, it’s a good idea to consider these but don’t splurge on items that are never going to be used. <\/span><\/p>\n Focus on getting the basics to supplement your wardrobe. Jeans, black slacks, a white button-down shirt, dress shoes are essential for anyone’s wardrobe. Join a rewards program at your favorite stores to stay in the loop on special promotions and coupons. Also, check online for even more great deals.<\/span><\/p>\n1. Head to the Library<\/span><\/h2>\n
2. Drink Water<\/span><\/h2>\n
3. Use a Programmable Thermostat<\/span><\/h2>\n
4. Make Coffee at Home<\/span><\/h2>\n
5. Catch a Matinee Movie<\/span><\/h2>\n
6. Start Clipping Coupons<\/span><\/h2>\n
7. Use a Green Thumb<\/span><\/h2>\n
8. Watch Less TV<\/span><\/h2>\n
9. Find Inexpensive Hobbies<\/span><\/h2>\n
10. Stick to Cash Over Credit<\/span><\/h2>\n
11. Shop Around for Insurance<\/span><\/h2>\n
12. Downsize Closets<\/span><\/h2>\n
13. Make Slow Cooker and One-Pot Meals<\/span><\/h2>\n
14. Don’t Forget Breakfast<\/span><\/h2>\n
15. Exercise at Home<\/span><\/h2>\n
16. Go Secondhand for Major Purchases<\/span><\/h2>\n
17. Pack a Lunch<\/span><\/h2>\n
18. Stay Away from the Mall<\/span><\/h2>\n
19. Car Maintenance is Important<\/span><\/h2>\n
20. Only Buy What’s Essential<\/span><\/h2>\n
21. Pay Bills Online<\/span><\/h2>\n
22. Curb Makeup Costs<\/span><\/h2>\n
23. Cancel Subscriptions<\/span><\/h2>\n
24. Monitor Phone Bills<\/span><\/h2>\n
25. Repair Broken Items<\/span><\/h2>\n
26. Stay Steady on the Road<\/span><\/h2>\n
27. Shop Around for Major Purchases<\/span><\/h2>\n
28. Switch to a Cheaper TV Package<\/span><\/h2>\n
29. Look Out for Hidden Fees <\/span><\/h2>\n
30. Quit Smoking<\/span><\/h2>\n
31. Shop During Sales<\/span><\/h2>\n