Paying credit card interest
Make a plan to pay off your credit cards as quickly as possible, then set up reminders to pay them in full each month.
Utility Waste
There is a really good chance you are wasting your utilities, such as water and electricity. Here are some energy and water wasters to keep in mind.
- Leaving devices plugged in. Even if a device is switched off it will sometimes still draw power.
- Having a well maintained lawn. Watering your lawn is very costly and is not environmentally friendly.
- Poor insulation will cost you more money to cool and heat your home.
- Using old and outdated appliances.
Paying for things that are free
I love Starbucks too, but making coffee at home is a great way to save money. Here are some other things you can get for free:
- Water. Carrying a reusable water bottle is way more cost effective than paying for bottled water. (Plus drinking more water is good for your health)
- Borrowing books, movies, and magazines from the library
- Free meals, sign up for birthday coupons. What a great way to treat yourself on your birthday!
- Entertainment. Many cities embrace farmer’s markets, free museum days, and community sports games.
- Perks and benefits through your workplace. For example, my husband's company offers gym membership reimbursement.
Living above your means
This is easy. Live by this motto: Spend less than you make (or a lot less than you make).
Paying for a gym membership you rarely use
Do you spend $10 or more each month to have a tag on your keys with the name of the gym you send money to? Exactly.
Here are some more affordable options:
- Ditch the gym entirely and workout at home. There are a ton of home workouts for free on YouTube.
- Go on hikes! If you can, this is a free and scenic option.
- Find a drop in gym where you can pay by the day.
