Smart Strategies to Save Money on Everyday Expenses
How to Cut Costs Without Sacrificing Quality!
Saving money on your day to day expenditures doesn’t always have to require drastic changes. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can trim your expenses without having to worry about sacrificing your quality of life. (Yes, that means you can still get your morning $6 coffee everyday!) Remember, everybody is different so feel free to change these tips up for your own needs!
1. Create a Budget:
- This is always the #1 priority when it comes to saving money. I bet you are tired of hearing it… but it works. Understanding where your money is going each month is crucial to starting to save. Make a list of your fixed and variable expenses. Set a goal for yourself on how much you can spend on your variable expenses each month and how much you would like to save, whether you put it in a savings account, an investment account, or an emergency fund.
2. Embrace Meal Planning:
- While meal planning does not work for everyone, create a plan that WILL work for you. Don’t force yourself to adhere to a goal you cannot accomplish. For example, only eat out once or twice a week, and try to eat at home for the rest of the time.
3. Explore Generic Brands:
- Many generic brands offer the same quality (if not better) as name-brand counterparts. Decide which items you are okay with spending less money on. When it comes to non-food items, such as makeup, toiletries, and appliances, do some research on different brands and compare!
4. Cut Cable and Explore Streaming Services:
- Cable bills can be hefty… especially as time goes on. Consider getting rid of cable completely and switching over to a streaming service. Some streaming services also include bundles and go on sale throughout the year.
5. Optimize your Subscriptions:
- Review all of your monthly subscriptions. Cancel any subscriptions you aren’t using regularly. This could be magazines, streaming services you signed up for for a free trial, gym memberships, or any other recurring expense.
6. Use Cash-back Apps or Automatic Coupon Apps:
- Look into some cash-back apps / websites and utilize them when making purchases. Sites like Honey, Rakuten, and Karma are user-friendly and can save you hundreds of dollars on purchases you were already making.
7. Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs:
- Some of the places you may already go to regularly have great loyalty programs. Look at your past 6 months of purchases and look up the places you frequent most. You may find that they have amazing loyalty programs! (If you don’t want to be bombarded by their daily emails… simply unsubscribe at the bottom of the email! You will still be a loyalty member!)
8. DIY Whenever Possible:
- Embrace a do-it-yourself mindset for tasks like home maintenance, simple repairs, or even beauty treatments. There’s a YouTube video for everything!
9. Negotiate Bills:
- Don’t be afraid to negotiate bills with your service providers. They are working for you and will want to keep you as their customer!
10. Buy Second-Hand:
- Utilize platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist to make purchases. The free section on Facebook Marketplace has a lot of hidden gems, but remember to always be careful when meeting up with a stranger. Always travel in pairs! There are also many groups on Facebook of local “Buy and Sell” groups.
11. Plan No-Spend Days:
- Designate specific days where you commit to not spending any money. With kids, this may be a challenge; if a no-spend day is not possible for you, plan a “minimal-spending day”.
12. Explore Investment Avenues:
- Investing can be scary, but these days there are many applications / platforms that will do it for you. There are also many guides and tools online for smart investing!
13. Utilize Amazon Subscribe and Save:
- If you are regularly making the same purchase, whether it be weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc., utilize Amazon’s subscribe and save. This allows customers to receive a regular shipment of your selected product at a discounted price. You can pause it at any time, cancel it, or move your delivery to a different date.
A Delicious Taco Night Upgrade!
The school year is in full swing, and with it comes the daily challenge: what to pack for lunch? If you're tired of uneaten sandwiches and sad-looking fruit, you're not alone! Packing engaging and nutritious lunches can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With a little creativity and some smart strategies, you can transform lunchtime from a chore into a highlight of your child's day. The secret to a successful school lunch lies in a few key areas: making it appealing, keeping it fresh, and ensuring it's easy for kids to eat independently. Think beyond the basic sandwich and consider incorporating a variety of textures, colors, and flavors. Bento-style boxes or compartmentalized containers are fantastic for offering a mix of small, exciting bites. We've put together some fantastic, kid-approved lunch ideas that are designed to be fun, fast, and fridge-friendly. These options aim to entice even the pickiest eaters and might even spark a little "lunch envy" among their classmates! Lunchbox Bragging Rights: Fun Lunch Ideas Kids Actually Eat (and Other Kids Might Envy) list for parents: Mini Pizza Lunchables (but cooler): Empower your child to assemble their own mini pizzas with pita rounds, marinara, cheese, and toppings. Dino Nugget Charcuterie: A playful take on a classic, featuring warm nuggets, veggies, and dip. Wafflewich: A sweet and satisfying breakfast-for-lunch option with toaster waffles, nut butter, and fruit. Snacky Bento Box: A customizable selection of cheese, crackers, fruit, deli meat, and a small treat for a balanced and fun meal. Deconstructed Taco Day: All the components for a DIY taco, kept separate and ready to assemble. PB&J Sushi: A fun and easy twist on the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Egg-cellent Protein Pack: A protein-packed option with hard-boiled eggs, hummus, and crunchy dippers. Lunch Packing Pro Tips to Make Your Life Easier: Compartmentalize with Color: Use silicone muffin cups to separate items and add a pop of color to the lunchbox. This prevents sogginess and makes the lunch visually appealing. Freeze for Freshness (and Function!): Freeze yogurt tubes or juice boxes overnight. They'll act as eco-friendly ice packs, keeping food cool until lunchtime, and will be perfectly thawed by the time your child is ready to eat. Cookie Cutter Fun: Use cookie cutters to transform ordinary sandwiches, cheese slices, or fruit into fun shapes like animals or silly faces. This simple trick makes lunch instantly more exciting! Add a Personal Touch: Slip in a sweet note, a funny joke, or a small drawing to remind your child you're thinking of them. These little gestures can brighten their day and make lunchtime extra special. By incorporating these creative ideas and simple tips, you can turn school lunch packing into a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your child. You can do them on your own for a daily lunchtime surprise, or let your kids get into the fun with you! Say goodbye to uneaten lunches and hello to happy, fueled-up learners!
This Sheet-Pan Gnocchi and Sausage Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Weeknights
Small, screen-free resets for solo adventurers, couples, and families alike.
Perfect for a crowd!
Plus, a list of quirky ways to keep cool!
So easy and so good!
Because your pets are family, too.
A Fresh and Flavorful Twist on Classic Quesadillas!
Out with the Old, In with the Organized!
