Frugal living is necessary during difficult times. It is essential to prioritize your spending and focus on ways to save money. I am a firm believer in cutting as many corners as I can to pay less at stores. Here are some tips on how to prepare for your family and actually save during hard times
Start by creating a budget that outlines your monthly expenses, including bills, groceries, and other necessities. Look for areas where you can cut back, such as dining out or subscriptions you don’t use.
I realized that having cable was a waste of money since I wasn’t using the majority of channels, so I decided to cut it off. Instead I purchased Roku which has way more free channels than cable TV. The device was very affordable with no additional fees. This can save you a significant amount of money each month.
Plan out your meals for the week and make a grocery list based on what you need. Buy in bulk and avoid food waste by using leftovers and freezing extra portions for later. I like to meal prep. Purchasing items in bulk from Sam’s Club is an excellent way to save money and time. I use the weekends to meal prep and store my foods in meal prep containers. Freezing serving sizes so meals won’t be wasted. Shopping online makes it easy for you to find out how much each item costs or at least search the price before you go to the store.
One way to reduce energy consumption is to turn off lights and electronics when you’re not using them. You can also adjust your thermostat to save money on heating and cooling costs. Another way to save money is to replace your incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs, which last longer and use less electricity.
Look for deals and discounts on the items you need, compare prices between stores, and use coupons and promo codes whenever possible. You can also sign up for store loyalty programs to earn rewards and discounts on future purchases. Many stores now offer online coupons that can be downloaded to your store loyalty care. If you’re looking to save money, one of the best things you can do is sign up for loyalty cards at each store you shop from. I personally frequent CVS, and their Carepass program along with digital coupons, and sales has enabled me to get items at a reduced cost and even make some money back (See Couponing at CVS)
Set aside some money each month for emergencies, such as unexpected car repairs or medical bills. To build an emergency fund, set a savings goal and commit to saving a certain amount each month. You can also look for ways to earn extra money to add to your emergency fund. You can earn extra income by doing online surveys from the comfort of your home. see legit surveys.
Set aside some money each month for emergencies, such as unexpected car repairs or medical bills. To build an emergency fund, set a savings goal and commit to saving a certain amount each month. You can also look for ways to earn extra money to add to your emergency fund. You can earn extra income by doing online surveys from the comfort of your home.
Consider taking on a side job or selling items you no longer need to earn extra money. I sell items I have purchased dirt cheap (see penny shopping) and can make hundreds of dollars at the flea market. In recent times, there has been an increase of side-hustles that you can do from the comfort of your home. Joining online surveys or focus groups gives you a great opportunity to not only share your opinion, but also get rewarded with up to $75 or more. It is an easy way of earning extra income without much effort.
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