We’ve all been there. Swipe swipe swipe and buying unnecessary items that we don’t need.
One of the most popular New Year’s Resolutions is to become financially stable and/or do a better job when it comes to spending. I’m not surprised by this because it comes after the holidays where we are busy buying gifts and then going to parties. Maybe in 2020 you want to reach a new saving goal, contribute more money to your 401k or just to kick a bad habit when it comes to your spending. I have to say I’ve actually always been pretty good at keeping an eye on my finances and only purchasing items that I truly need. I think it stems from when I was younger and I would be terrified when my dad caught me buying something stupid with my own money. Sure I love to treat myself but I do it because I’m proud of what I do and how I am saving on the side. I wanted to share with you my tips and tricks on how to limit your spending in case this is a goal of yours this year.
Stop buying coffee.
This is SO hard for so many people. And I understand why. It is something people look forward to every morning and have made it part of their routine. Once you make it part of your routine it is a (bad) habit that is too hard to kick. At my current job we used to have a Starbucks barista in our office (crazy, I know) but now we only have two shitty coffee machines. I was spoiled with free amazing coffee every single day but now I have the choice of either drinking the shitty coffee, making it at home, or purchasing it at Starbucks/Dunkin on my way to work. So far I’ve been making it at home because the coffee at work I can’t digest. I actually like the taste of coffee and enjoy that over the caffeine kick. The coffee I make is probably less than a dollar and I feel better doing this every day than going to Starbucks and spending $4 on a cup of Joe.
Cancel unnecessary subscriptions.
Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Spotify, Apple Music, magazine subscriptions, you name it. It all adds up. QUICK. I’ve mentioned this before but I have cable and don’t ever see myself canceling it since I enjoy watching live TV too much. With that being said, I don’t have any subscription streaming service because I feel like I don’t need it and it would be a waste. Make sure you are aware of what you are subscribed to and ask yourself if you use it enough to justify the cost.
Do your nails more at home.
Nail salons are a killer to the budget. I love me a good mani and pedi every now and then especially if I’m going to the event but I find myself doing my nails more often at home. If you are addicted to the salon like I was, treat yourself to a mani but when it starts to chip and you need a new one, do your own, then after this you can go get your nails done when the at home manicure chips. It is a way to break it up and you will find it not that bad doing your nails at home.
Pre-game at home before going out to dinner.
Drinks are SO expensive in the city. A friend of mine told me she spent $27 on a drink last weekend. TWENTY-SEVEN dollars. Can you imagine? If you like to have 2 drinks at dinner and then possibly wine, I suggest you invite your friends over to your apartment before dinner and make those drinks and then at dinner just order the wine. You actually will save a lot of money while at the same time you will soon be a good at-home bartender!
Pack your lunch more.
Eating out is always so expensive. Each week I bring my lunch to work about 4 times and then treat myself to lunch on Friday. I definitely save a lot of money this way and even though it can be boring, I know it is helping my finances long term. Get inspired by going on Pinterest and find some time every Sunday to meal prep. Make it part of your routine and soon enough you will enjoy it!
Go through your closet first before buying something.
Whenever we have plans, whether it is a dinner, birthday party, work event, you name it we automatically say “what do I wear?” and “I need to buy an outfit asap”. Do yourself a favor a shop your closet first. Can you mix and match some pieces and create a new outfit? Can you shop through your friends closet and do a clothing swap? Think about it before you start browsing the web for a new black dress that is just like the dress you have hanging in the back of your closet.
Do you have any tips in spending less?
Thanks for reading Elle’s Edit. If you have any topics that you would like for me to discuss, feel free to email me at elizabeth.lane.dooley@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you! xo
