While the idea of keeping up with The Joneses sounds like it may improve your life, it may actually have you looking at your saving accounts and wondering why isn’t there more? Plus, it’s stressful! Material things will come and go but your finances will always need attention. Check out these five tips to save for a better tomorrow and a better you!
- Most importantly, take care of yourself
Medical bills, medications and missing work can be costly. Especially if a sudden illness surprises you or your family. Here’s a few ideas to start with:
- Look for ways to increase your water intake. A large cup with a straw may find you filling back up again or adding a lemon wedge to a warm cup of water may have you going back for more. Whatever you prefer, drink more water!
- Increase your veggie intake today. Try meatless Monday’s by replacing your meat protein with a vegetable. Add a salad to your lunch instead of chips or french fries. Or, take it a a notch up and have veggies for breakfast, like my daughter does.
- Make it a goal to work out 20-30 minutes a day. This can be done via free workout videos on the Nike App, dancing around to your favorite Rihanna songs or walking/running on a portable treadmill like this one I have. However and whenever you can, get it in!
2. Embrace living below your means
No, this doesn’t mean you can’t have a nice home or nice things but consider where you are and where you are trying to go with your finances. Consider looking into renting or purchasing a home at the mid range of what you may be able to afford. The goal, to be able to pocket those savings each month.
3. Buy used and pay cash
My dad likes to joke that he hasn’t made a car payment since 1989. How? He buys used cars and pays cash. He’s also okay with a modest car versus a brand new luxury car recognizing that a vehicle is a means of transportation. So as long as the car is safe and can get you to and from, don’t be afraid of buying used and saving money.
4. Switch it up (yes, your job!)
When the time is right and you are seeking a new opportunity, be open. Typical yearly pay increases at a current job may range from 2-5% but often times, seeking a new job can accelerate this. Check out my how I got a 50% pay increase post to see what I mean.
5. Move around
If you are willing and able to, consider looking to move to a location where the cost of living is more affordable. This is especially impactful if you work a remote job or are able to find employment in your field in these locations. By living in a more budget friendly city or town, you may be able to spend less on living expenses and save more money overall. Just a few ideas include:*.
- El Paso, Texas
- Augusta, Georgia
- Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Edmond, Oklahoma
*Source: https://www.yahoo.com/video/america-safest-most-affordable-places-090000118.html
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