5 tricks to save money

1. Always use cash

We live in the days of Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and other digital wallets. Holding your phone up to a machine doesn’t really feel like spending money, but if you check your account online, you’ll see that you definitely are. Even if you don’t want to take out an exact amount of cash each week, just spending cash will feel a little more personal each time you complete a transaction. This may be enough to keep you from buying that thing you don’t really need.

2. Write down every penny

I started doing this a couple of months ago. Instead of just checking my mobile banking and making sure “it looks right,” I began keeping a spreadsheet of every receipt I’m spending. This is highly annoying and it just might make you accumulate less receipts for ghostwriter. Just make sure you have less receipts because you are spending as much and not because you stopped keeping up with them.

3. Be kept accountable

Want to spend less? Tell your friends. Tell them you want to cut back and you need their help. You might be surprised about how your habits change when your friends are constantly asking you how you’re doing.

4. Get a blanket and a fan

This one is tough for me. But if you want to save a few bucks the easy way, turn down that thermostat in the winter and turn it up in the summer. You may be hotter/colder than you’d like, but it’s an easy fix and it will save you money.

5. Don’t buy the name brands

Sure “Cap’n Crunch” probably tastes better than “Lance Corporal Crispy,” but is it so much better you wouldn’t rather save a few bucks? Giving up a few of your name brand purchases each month could pay for that Netflix account.