There are simple changes that you can make to end up saving big bucks. If you can trim down the budget in certain areas it leaves more funds to direct elsewhere.
Refillable Water Bottle
Don't waste your money getting bottled water when free water is literally all around you. Spend some money on a nice water bottle and it will pay for itself over and over again. Depending on where you buy the disposable cheap plastic water bottles it's a couple of dollars every time. If you frequently buy bottles it's just not an economic habit to have. There are additional benefits to carrying your own water bottle too. First off, environmentally you're making a difference by not participating in the buildup of plastic in landfills. Secondly, you can choose one that makes you happy aesthetically or you could get one based on function so it feels more personal. And finally, cheap water bottles won't help keep your water cold and fresh like a refillable one anyways so ditch it. This upgrade will be worth it.
Make Your Own Lunches
Eating in saves so much money and can be a great healthy decision as well. Even if you go and get a cheap meal everyday the costs start to build up. Making your own food dramatically reduces cost. Not only that but it's a good idea to think about your health and to learn how to cook as a life skill. If you simply do not want to be making lunch for yourself everyday then you have two great options. One, just swap out one lunch a week and then two and just see what happens. Find where the balance is for you between cheap homemade lunches and exciting or efficient lunches out. Two, if you hate getting stuff ready in the morning and you just want to sleep then prep everything beforehand. Batch cooking is a huge trend and you can find great resources on it online! Make everything on the weekend and then leave it all set up to grab on your way out.
Make Your Own Coffee
It is so much cheaper to stay away from Starbucks and make your own brew. Buying a coffee maker or french press will pay for itself in a short period of time. If you go to Starbucks for the convenience then think about where you could skip it without losing time or energy. If you like it for the fun and funky flavors then try experimenting at home. There's nothing these coffee places have that you couldn't buy for yourself if you really wanted to. All the different coffee blends and fancy flavors are accessible to buy and use at home.
Shop Smart
Try to shop sparingly or strategically. If you don't want to quit shopping then just make some small changes to switch up your spending. Shop sales and keep an eye on stores websites to see when their products are on clearance. Try to shop outlets and factory stores to get a discount on pricier items. If you're grocery shopping and are afraid of overbuying then try to carry a granola bar in your bag or car so you never go to the store when you're hungry. Shopping while you're clear headed and don't have to eat you'll be able to make smarter purchases and won't overfill your cart.
