Most people assume that you need to earn more money in order to live the life you want, but this doesn’t have to be the case. By learning how to save money and prioritize your spending, you can still create the life you want even on a budget. This includes investing in a cleaning service, taking nice vacations, and doing anything else on your wishlist. These 10 tips from Plan B Cleaning will help you get started today!
1) Track expenses and set goals
In order to save money, you need to be aware of your spending patterns. Track your expenses for at least one month so you can see where your money is going. Then, set goals for each month. For example, if you want to save $100 per month, you’ll need to find ways to cut back your spending by $100. One way to do this is to create a budget and stick to it.
There are several tools and techniques you can use to do this, such as an online Excel sheet or template. You can also go old school and just stick to a paper and pen format. However, some people who mainly use cash like to section off using labeled envelopes, as well.
2) Avoid shopping for fun
When you’re trying to save money, it’s important to be mindful of your spending. One way to do this is to avoid shopping for fun. Only shop when you need something, not when you want something. This will help you stay on budget and avoid impulse purchases. It also means that you won’t feel guilty about purchasing a new item because you really needed it. A great example of this is kitchen appliances: many people go to the store with one appliance in mind, but they end up coming home with three or four items that they don’t need at all. Same thing for clothes. You only need a new pair of jeans but come back with some other things you already have and really may not even wear more than a couple of times.
3) Shop online at bargain sites
To save money, it’s important to be mindful of your spending. One way to do this is to shop at bargain sites like eBay and Mercari. You can also find great deals on second-hand items at consignment shops and garage sales. By being a savvy shopper, you can save money and still get the things you want. Plus, you’ll be helping the planet by shopping second-hand! When we purchase new items, those materials have to come from somewhere. Oftentimes, those resources are scarce and the manufacturing process is harmful to both humans and animals. Buying new clothes just because they’re on sale means that more natural resources will be used in manufacturing them. Instead, buy what you need when it becomes available and save your money as well as the planet.
4) Use coupons, discounts, and cashback apps
Manufacturer coupons are a great way to save money on groceries and other items you purchase on a regular basis. You can also find store coupons and discounts that can be used at your favorite retailers. Another way to save money is to shop when there are sales. By waiting for items to go on sale, you can save a significant amount of money. Finally, using cashback apps can help you get money back on purchases you make online and in stores.
5) Start a side hustle
A side hustle is a great way to make some extra money to help you afford the lifestyle you’ve always wanted. There are a few things to keep in mind when starting a side hustle, though. First, choose something you’re passionate about so it doesn’t feel like work. Second, make sure it’s something you can do on your own time so you don’t have to give up your day job. Third, start small and build up gradually so you don’t get overwhelmed. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends or family if you need it. Finally, be prepared for bumps in the road, and don’t give up if things get tough.
Some great examples are starting a small business to sell something you can create like jewelry, art, or even digital products. Another idea is to resell your own old clothes and items. Anything that does not fit you and may seem out of style to you can still have value for someone else. Poshmark and Mercari are both good apps for this and you can even get free shipping supplies for your business on USPS’s website.
6) Meal plan and use grocery lists
One of the best ways to save money is to meal plan and make a grocery list. This allows you to know exactly what you need and prevents you from buying things you don’t need. Meal planning can also help you save money by allowing you to cook in bulk and freeze meals for later. Another great way to save money is to start cooking your own food at home. By cooking at home, you’re able to control your portions and what goes into them, as well as save on take-out or dining-out costs. If you want an easier option, there are plenty of grocery delivery services that will allow you to order your groceries online with just a few clicks! Grocery delivery services typically have deals or coupons available on their website too, so be sure to check those out before placing your order!
7) Drink water
Drinking water at home and at restaurants is a great way to save money instead of spending it on sugary drinks and juices and alcohol that is not even good for you. Avoid sports energy drinks and soda or even orange juice and opt for water to keep both you and your wallet healthy.
8) Cancel subscriptions
Cancel any subscriptions that you may not be using or using enough. This can include streaming services for shows, movies, and even music. This can also include random websites you may have not even been aware of. This brings us to the next tip – cancel subscriptions and always review your credit card bills to make sure you are being charged correctly.
9) Learn how to invest
Investing money can be a great way to save money. You can invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other securities. Learning how to invest can help you make your money work for you. If you put $1,000 into an investment that earns 7% annually, it will grow to $1,074 after five years. There are plenty of resources online that teach people how to invest for free. They are often funded by advertising on the site which means they don’t cost anything and you’ll see ads from time to time as you browse through articles. Learning about investments can help put your money where it needs to go so that it continues to grow.
10) Contact Us
Contact Us! By scheduling our cleaning services, you can actually save money by not having to buy a lot of cleaning products and pay for damages that they may cause to your home and furniture. Additionally, if a cleaning service is not something you have budgeted for yet, these tips will help you get to that point where you can enjoy the leisure of letting us take over some of your chores. This way, we can clean and you can do more of what you love!
We recommend signing up for a one-time, weekly, biweekly, or monthly cleaning service. This will give you the time to do what you love most and enjoy your newly decorated patio in Fishers, Indiana. Plan: B Cleaning serves the Hamilton County area in Indiana, including Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, Fortville, and Geist. Call today to set up your cleaning service at (317) 572-8515 or visit our website at www.planbcleaning.com.
