There are many reasons people struggle with saving money. Many factors that we are sometimes are unaware of. In this article we will discuss some of these reasons. 11 reasons you are struggling to save money 1.Cost of living It would be an injustice to talk about saving money without acknowledging the cost of living. The inflation rate keeps rising which means prices are hiking while our income remains the same. High costs of living, such as housing, healthcare, and education, leave little room for saving after meeting essential needs. 2. You don't Budget (or stick to it) A budget is to your finances what water is to your body. You might survive a day or two without it but in a long term you will feel the effects. Without a clear budget, it's challenging to track income, expenses, and savings. Overspending becomes common, making it difficult to save 3. You live beyond your means Spending more than you earn will leave you with nothing to save. Spending more than what you ear
In this failing economy it is no surprise that you are looking for creative ways to save money. In this article we will cover multiple ways you can cut down costs, from food to self care and so forth. You will be covered.
6 Effective ways to save money on food
1. grow your own food
A small vegetable garden will save you money while also encouraging a healthy lifestyle. It is no secret that most produce is over priced. It can be hard to incorporate veges in our meals when we are on a tight budget.
If you have a patch of land where you can plant vegetables, do it. Start with easy to maintain veges such as spinach. It is easy to grow and maintain over a period of time. Remember to check your area's climate and sowing seasons.
2. Know your budget
Sticking to a budget will help you to save money on anything, food included. Have a grocery list when shopping and only buy items that are on your list.
3. Check your cupboards
Shopping your pantry will save you from buying what you already have. It might also ignite meal ideas. You should always strive to make meals out of what you already have. Saving money on a tight budget means you have to be creative with your meals.
4. Look at your schedule
If you knock off late and would not have time to make dinner after then bunch cook. If you have early mornings then prepare your lunch box a night before.
Work around your schedule and try to have home cooked meals as much as you can. Working around your schedule will ensure that you don't resolute to take outs because you had no time to prepare your meals.
5. Make your own lunch
Making your own lunch might seem like a small insignificant thing to do. After all, you might be spending only R30 a day. Or maybe less.
However, it is the small change here and there that adds up to significant amount. For example, if you spend R40 on lunch a day and work 5 days a week. That's R200 per week. R800 per month.
6. Ditch the takeouts
Ordering food has become such a convenient thing to do that we sometimes forget that it actually costs more than cooking your own food.
Creative ways to save money as a student
7. Buy simple clothes
In a world of fast fashion, trends come and go. It can be quite expensive to try keeping up with in season clothes. Or fashion trends.
To save money you need to have stable clothing items that are timeless. Items that you can style in at least three different ways. This will save you from constantly spending on clothes that will be dated next season or year.
8. Pay students to do your hair
There are many talented and able people who are still at school. Whose basic knowledge about hair can save you tons of cash.
Students tend to charge less for the same service that professionals provide. One way you can money is soliciting their hair care services.
9. Live a minimalistic lifestyle
A minimal lifestyle will save you money. When you require little to nothing to sustain yourself, you are bound to save money.
Although a minimalistic lifestyle isn't a frugal life, it will have the same effect as it requires you to live below your means. Own only what you need. And appreciate the little things life has to offer.
Read more on 6 easy minimalistic habits to save money
10. Use rewards
Ask the assistants at the stores you frequent about their reward program. Get on it. Most stores offer their reward members discount on thing they usually buy. This will save you money
11. Remove easy paying cards
While online shopping makes life easy for us, it is also a minefield for temptations. It is a breed for impulse spending.
Removing easy paying cards will give you a moment to think through your purchases.
12. Do not feel obligated to attend social events
It is always nice to be invited to events and special occasions. Getting to share those experiences with family and friends has a feel good effect. It makes you feel seen and as part of a community.
However, it can also get expensive pretty quick. Buying an outfit, presents, tickets, transport, food, and everything in between depending on the event can add up to a huge total.
You should not feel obligated to honour every invite you get
13. Stop making impulse purchases
Swiping your card away or checking out that online cart is an exhilarating, for a while. Then you are left with no money and things you didn't really need.
Buying things on impulse is so easy when you have access to the internet and targeted ads that are designed to make you feel like you need staff that you don't.
To avoid impulse spending use the sleep on it method. If you believe you really need something that you had not initially planned on getting, give yourself at least twenty four hours to ponder. Chances are you will be over it before then.
14. Buy used textbooks
Textbooks written by the same author and in the same edition contain the same information. Whether new or pre-owned.
Save some bucks on textbooks by buying used textbooks or even using library textbooks. Either way, you will still have access to the information contained in a new textbook. Amazon also offers an option to rent textbooks. Check it out
15. Shop where they offer student discount
Shops around student villages or colleges tend to have student discounts. Seek those. You might save money on groceries, toiletries, stationery, and even lunch.