When was the last time you stressed about money?
Chances are, you answered “today” or even “just a few minutes ago.”
While none of us want to be worrying about our finances all the time, in this day and age it’s kind of hard not to. Thanks (or no thanks) to inflation, everything is more expensive, from the coffee we drink to the sheets we curl up in at night.
If you’re feeling the financial pinch right now, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: During these strange times, there are things you can do to spend less and save more … even if money is tight.
They may seem like small steps, but they can help you save up to buy a house, pay off a student loan, bring down your credit card bills or simply just get by with feeling less stress. So here we go …
- Cut down on or eliminate your subscriptions. These days most of us have multiple subscriptions. Most show up as small charges on our monthly statements, but quickly add up. Take an hour this weekend and write down every ongoing subscription you have – then decide on a few to cut back on or eliminate all together. They may not seem like much when you joined, but they add up big time in the long run!
- Take a closer look at your grocery cart. Do you keep buying expensive foods that always go bad? Can you consider finding different, less expensive brands that are equally healthy and yummy? Or make decisions based on what’s on sale? Start passing on the stuff that goes unused or is just too pricey to justify — you’ll also reduce food waste in the process. And if you really want to walk out of the grocery store with more cash in your wallet, consider leaving behind a bottle (or two!) of wine.
- Follow the 30-Day Rule. We all have things we routinely buy that we just don’t need (hello throw pillows!). So rather than pulling out your card the moment you see something you like (but probably don’t need), wait 30 days before making the purchase. If after 30 days you’re still excited about it, go ahead and take out your wallet. The same can be said when you want to splurge on a facial or pedicure. Do the DIY version for 30 days (like we all did during the pandemic), and then after 30 days if you’re still craving it, go ahead and treat yourself.
- Improve your relationship with money. Just as it’s important to foster your relationship with your partner and loved ones, so too is it to work on your connection with money. Treat money like you’d treat your partner and show it appreciation and respect. Give thanks to it for putting food on the table, a roof over your head, gas in your car and clothes on your body. Reflect and connect with your financial relationship every so often by knowing how much you need to live each month and spending less.
Like it or not, money is a big part of life. And when you’re in control of your money you feel happier and ready to tackle anything.
Wishing you a financially prosperous year!
Emily and the Everyday Happy Team
Quote du jour
“If you want to feel rich, just count the things you have that money can’t buy.” — Proverb
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