By Andrea Blackstone
If you are feeling the inflation pinch, desire to eliminate more debt, or just want to start thinking about saving money more, keep your financial goals top of mind. Try to come up with a realistic plan to save money and cut corners to enable yourself to make financial improvements faster. Money-saving tips provided below may get you started by adding what you already do to focus on your budgetary goals. Plan how to save money, then reap the rewards of illustrating financial discipline.
- Use Your Bank or Credit Union ATM
Routinely skip withdrawal fees by avoiding the use of ATMs from other financial institutions. Only use ATMs that are not in your network if it is an emergency.
- Pay with Cash
Plan what is on your list to buy, then stop spending money. Pay for these items with a set cash budget if you feel tempted to keep spending. Pay off credit card charges before the end of the month to avoid interest fees.
- Apply for Credit Card Hardship Program
If you are seeking temporary relief of high credit card payments because of experiencing financial hardship, contact your credit card issuer. Ask if they have a hardship program and determine if you qualify for it. Sometimes, cardholders who have been accepted into a program may be offered a reduced monthly payment for a set period. The cardholder typically cannot use the credit card during this period of relief.
- Hold a Seasonal Swap
Get together at home with family and friends for a swap event. Ask everyone to bring new or gently used goods that are no longer needed or wanted. Establish rules about how much participants should bring, what kind of items should be brought, and how turns will be taken to select goods.
- Socialize at Home More with Friends
Instead of meeting at restaurants or event venues, host a creative theme afternoon or night, such as an at-home tea or potluck brunch. Reminisce with friends by conversing, by playing board games, or by using a streaming service to watch a movie instead of everyone paying to see a flick individually.
- Swap Services with Talented Friends
If you have a talent that another friend needs, and a friend has a skill that you can use, consider proposing a fair trade to complete specific tasks. Pick reliable people who are known to keep their word. Trading skills can include everything from cutting hair and grass to providing social media help for a limited time.
- Limit Eating Out and Take Advantage of Offers
Eat out as little as possible or as a scheduled indulgence and cook at home more. When you eat take-out or fast-food meals, check to find out if there are offers or discounts through apps that you can download. Some chains offer points when purchases are made. Collect freebies when you have earned enough rewards. Also, Pizza Hut offers a free incentive reading program for Pre-K to sixth-grade students who may earn free pizza for hitting the books. Visit www.bookitprogram.com to learn more about the 2024-2025 program.
- Take Children to Make Things at Home Depot and Lowe’s
Select Home Depots host free children’s workshops monthly https://www.homedepot.com/c/kids. Children in the community can build a free project. Lowe’s also offers free DIY workshops in-store for little ones at some of their locations.
- Check for Markdowns at Grocery Stores
Find out if grocery stores offer markdown sections. Learn where they are and when they are typically available, such as early mornings, then plan to shop early. Note if food expiration dates are approaching. Check for items that have been discounted, such as dented cans or slightly damaged packaging. Compare the regular price and decide if the purchase would be a deal. Remember to check the meat department for markdowns. Freeze meat that you do not plan to use immediately. Sometimes, markdowns are sold close to the sell-by date. Check for produce, too. Note which days of the week are best to shop.
- Vacation Closer to Home
Gas up the car, pack lunches, drinks, and snacks for a road trip. Only buy what you must. Focus on spending time together during the getaway. When your budget allows another time, upgrade the destination and splurge to travel by plane.
- Veterans, Military Members Get Free National Park Entry
Did you know that a free lifetime Military Pass is available for Gold Star Families and US military veterans? Find out more about passes that provide free access to over 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests via: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm.