I don’t know about you but I always find summer a harder time to save money. From farmer’s markets to flea markets, a little here and a little there is spent. Before long, you are over your spending budget. Yes, there are lots of things to do which are free BUT I always found the more we are out and about, the more tempting those quick stops are for snacks or dinner.
Here are some tips on how you can save some money and trick yourself into a fatter bank account.
Play A Mind Game
Target shopping for me is deadly. I usually go in for just a few things and before long my bill is up to $75 of things I must have (or at least I think I need). Try this mind trick (courtesy of the Peaceful Mom):
When deciding whether or not to purchase the cute new outfit or decorative item for your house, imagine someone holding the item you want to purchase in one hand and offering you the cash equivalent with the other hand. If you would take the cash then skip the purchase.
Carry a Savings Reminder
If you are a visually-oriented person, which I am, try this. Researchers at Duke University found study participants who kept a gold coin in their wallet as a reminder to save, saved more than twice as much as study participants who didn’t. I’m adding an arrow charm (to symbolize reducing debt) to the zipper on my wallet (see photo above).
So far, it’s working “like a charm” to help me remember to spend less.
Leave It In the Cart
How many of you are an impulse spender? Admit it, many of us want instant gratification when we are happy, sad, angry or you can substitute in your reason. I’m trying to curb the impulses. When online, I put it in the cart and walk away from the computer. It is easier for me to walk away in a store but online, I seem to quickly hit “order”. This has really helped me to reduce my spending. I have also found when I leave things in the cart, the store I am shopping with will usually send me an additional discount to encourage me to submit the order. Another win, if I decide I really do need to place the order.
Use Automatic Withdrawal
I have an automatic withdrawal at the bank so when checks are direct-deposited, $25 or more goes directly into a savings account. If you don’t see it, you can’t spend it, so it’s probably one of the easiest ways to save more money every month.
Save All $1 Bills
If you are a cash person for spending, use this savings trick. Every time you break a larger bill and receive dollar bills for change, place those bills into a separate part of your wallet so you don’t spend them. Then every evening when you arrive home place those one dollar bills in a jar or an envelope. I have a friend who told me about this a long time ago but she uses $5 bills. You will be surprised at how it adds up.
Calculate Your Cost of Time Spent
I haven’t tried this but maybe I should…..Whenever you want to spend money on a non-essential item, try converting the cost of the purchase into the amount of time you had to work to pay for it. YIKES! Being self-employed, this could be ALOT! For example if you are paid $10 an hour then your $50 dinner out would cost you five hours of your life.
Thinking about your money in this way can help you to evaluate if the cute dress or dinner out is worth so much of your time — and many times it’s not.
Focus on the Positive
You know I am all about focusing on the positive to bring more positive into your life, right? A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found people who focus on their reasons for saving (a fun vacation, a better car, buying a home, etc.) saved more than study participants who concentrated on specific strategies for cutting back like eating out less often or using coupons. When you shift your mindset to focus on what you will be gaining, rather than what you are giving up, you will save more.
Saving money can be much easier when you “trick” yourself with these simple ideas. What are your best tips for saving money?
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 