Overspending? 5 Easy Ways to Cut Your Personal Expenses

When we look at our finances and realize that things could be better, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea of making more money, instead of simply saving what we already earn. You might already eat a healthy diet, spend little time going out, and drive an economical car, but these aren’t the only ways to cut your personal expenses.

In fact, there’s a lot more to saving money than what lies on the surface. Taking a moment to figure out where your money is going and implementing a strategy to redirect or reduce those expenses can take a lot of stress off your mind, allowing you to focus on finding a new job, starting a business venture, or just living a healthier lifestyle.

Here are some easy and effective ways to decrease your monthly spending and make your piggy bank proud. 

Look Out for Deals

Most online retailers host special offers on a daily or weekly basis. Taking advantage of them – provided you’re actually buying that product because you need it and not just because it’s on special – can save you a fair bit of cash. 

Websites such as Upgraded Reviews feature real user reviews along with coupon codes, helping you save on just about anything. Whether you can save 30% on pet food or buy a new pair of shoes for half the price, it all adds up in the end. 

Make Your Own Coffee

There’s no harm in a morning cup of Joe. In fact, it’s pretty healthy and reasonably affordable. But neither of those facts apply if you’re not making it yourself. A recent study by Amerisleep found that men spend an average of $1,934 per year on coffee, while women spend $2,327. That’s an average of $5,83 per day between both genders. 

There’s no way that expense can come from even the most luxurious of store-bought instant coffee or beans. Aside from the cost, coffee bought from cafés and restaurants are often loaded with more sugar than your average soft drink, which negates just about any benefit that normal coffee gives you in the first place, so consider making your own instead. 

Become a Negotiator

Service providers in industries such as telecoms, internet, and cable television are often willing to cut down on what they charge you to keep your business. Make a few phone calls and ask for a better deal. Even if it’s a $10 monthly discount, that’s $120 that was otherwise disappearing into thin air every year. 

Get into Meal Prepping

The more times per week you head to the grocery store, the more you’ll spend. Meal prepping is a great way to cut down on the cost of what you eat, as you’ll typically spend one day making a week’s worth of food. This also helps you pay better attention to the type of food you’re eating and whether it’s good for your health.

Less cooking and less shopping around also means more time to spend on all the other important stuff that goes on in your life, like finding ways to invest your savings. Finally, this should go without saying, but avoiding restaurants and fast food is a great way to save hundreds to thousands of dollars per year. 

Drink Water

Water is literally the healthiest thing you can drink, which is all the reason you should need to make it your beverage of choice. Add in a few cups of green tea and you’ll still be saving a ton of money. 

Even the smallest of savings add up, so don’t hesitate to cut expenses wherever you can. The weight that’ll fall off your shoulders will make it well worth the effort.

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