Do you want to start your project, be the boss or simply have fun by changing your car, wardrobe, or decor, or just build up an emergency fund that gives you some peace of mind? There are many reasons to save money. Our guide gives you all the information and tips on saving money, so you can spend it on what makes you happy.
A. Why you need to save
Live day to day rather than saving for your future? Many of us find it difficult to choose between favoring long-term projects and our short-term needs. Yet meanwhile, we are also aware that if life does not go quite as planned, we need a security fund. It can happen faster than you want. Indeed, an unforeseen event, such as an illness, an accident, or the loss of one's job, can happen at any time and be very costly.
B. How to save money faster
Before you can start saving money, you need to have a clear overview of your cash flows. This means that you need to consider all of your money flows in and out, including your potential debt payments, your monthly bills, and how much you save each month.
1. Learn how to manage your budget and recognize your finances
The essential thing in saving money faster is learning how to manage your budget. Controlling your budget means controlling your finances. Becoming financially independent is important if you want to achieve your short and long-term savings goals. Here's how to create a budget to help you start saving quickly:
- Track your finances over 30 days, including all of your income and expenses.
- Compare your regular income to your expenses to evaluate how much you are saving and overspending each month.
- Sort out your expenses into fixed and variable costs. The fixed costs include expenses that are usually difficult to adjust, such as rent or utility charges. The variable costs include expenses such as shopping, entertainment, and memberships.
- Determine all of the variable costs you can save on to increase the amount you save each month.
2. Pay off your debts
Before you start saving, you'll need to pay off your debts. Because interest accumulates over time, the longer you wait to pay your debt, the more it will grow. So pay off your debts first before focusing on your other savings goals.
3. Change your habits
Without realizing it, the daily attendance of coffee shops has a significant impact on your budget. We tell ourselves that this is just coffee; however, it is still a consumption that can quickly add up. Why not take your coffee with you when you leave the house. It would be better to invest in a mug and brew coffee at home instead of going to the local coffee shop every day.
4. Reorganize your outings
We often meet our friends outside, in a restaurant, a tea room, so why not organize parties at home, it will save you money, and above all, it is more convivial.
5. learn to say "no"
Ask yourself, "Do you have to buy this sweater at all costs?" Ask yourself, "Could I do without? ". Very often, to ask the question is to answer it. Make yourself really happy! Transfer the amount equivalent to its cost into your account, which is dedicated to savings.
6. Choose packs or family format
Buying individually is not the best way to save. Why not buy from wholesalers with more affordable prices so that you can keep your money. Especially for everyday needs in non-perishable products: laundry, hygiene products, detergents, paper towels ...
7. Buy during sales
Buy the clothes at the end of the season! Take advantage of the winter and spring sales for clothes, shoes, accessories, etc. Savings can sometimes be as high as 80% of the initial price!
8. Prepare a shopping list before you go to the supermarket:
The important thing is to STAY on the list. People who make (and stick to) a shopping list spend less than those who decide on the spot what to buy at the supermarket. Over one year, the savings can be counted in HUNDREDS.
9. Save on transport
Get around by bike. This is a convenient way to save on gasoline costs while playing sports. Let your insurer know that you use your car less often, and you could save money.
Take the taxi as little as possible. Using public transport instead of taxis saves money. However, taking the taxi often represents a saving that COMPLETELY finances your emergency fund.
Compare the prices of airline tickets. When planning a trip, it is necessary to consult specialized sites that compare airline prices for you. This is a gesture that can save hundreds.
10. buy gifts in advance?
Already know what your family members want for their birthday or Christmas? Then, watch for sales at their favorite stores. You will save a lot!
C. How to start saving money?
The first thing you have to do is to define your budget, making a list of the expenses you need to cover, however considering an amount to save, which will cover everything you need, without running out of money at the end of the month.
The savings percentage shouldn't hurt you, but it should be enough so that it really makes a difference over time. Experts say you should think of savings as a fixed expense, not an extra.
