It's common to observe people starting their financial organization journey with a misguided belief that cutting out even the slightest insignificant expenses will help them save significant amounts of money.
However, this radical approach can lead to dissatisfaction in the medium term, which often results in abandoning the organization altogether.
While insignificant modifications and lifestyle changes, such as skipping a morning coffee or avoiding going out for a movie, may seem effective in the short term, they can also be a source of frustration.
It is crucial to realize that these minor cuts will not create a substantial difference in the future. The primary factor that determines financial stability is organizing one's finances properly.
Make your meal. Making your meals at home can result in substantial savings compared to ordering food. While having someone else to cook and deliver your food is more convenient, expenses can add up quickly.
When you order food for delivery, you don't pay for the food but also for delivery fees and tips. On the other hand, preparing your meals at home allows you to control the ingredients and portions, reducing waste and saving money in the long run.
Additionally, cooking at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, allowing you to experiment with new recipes and flavors while saving money.
DIY Have you ever heard of the term DIY? You've probably seen this acronym somewhere before. DIY stands for "Do It Yourself," which means not outsourcing tasks you can do yourself.
We often pay professionals to do certain types of manual work that we could easily do ourselves, such as cleaning the house, ironing clothes, cleaning the yard, replace a burned-out bulb or a faucet. Even manual tasks such as building a simple piece of furniture can be a rewarding hobby or maybe a therapy that can help you relax your mind.
Prepare a relaxing moment at home. Remember that movie night I mentioned earlier? A great idea would be to create a similar experience at home. As I said, the goal is not to eliminate this kind of leisure activity; you can (and should) still go out for a movie if it's important to you.
Therefore, the idea is to alternate between going out and "creating your movie night at home." Prepare some popcorn, leave the kids with your mother or mother-in-law, close the curtains for a cozy atmosphere, and enjoy that moment.
You'll have a great time and will save quite a bit of money!
Use a grocery list. Writing a grocery list can be very helpful when you head to the market. Without one, it's easy to get sidetracked and purchase things that aren't necessary or useful.
Having a list, you can focus on buying what you need and avoid impulsive purchases. And as a bonus tip, it's best to go grocery shopping after a meal. Shopping on an empty stomach can lead to unnecessary and expensive purchases.
Exercising can also save money. With fuel prices on the rise, walking or cycling can be an effective way to avoid the cost of driving. Whether you're heading to work, the grocery store, or church, consider leaving your car behind and opting for a more active mode of transportation.
In addition to the monetary benefits, you'll also enjoy the health benefits of regular physical activity.
The discount is higher if you don't buy it. This iconic Julius quote is still valid. The reality behind this statement is that sometimes we don't necessarily require to make a purchase, but we often succumb to impulsive buying.
For instance, window shopping too much at the mall can lead you to an unplanned and impulsive purchase. Avoid situations that may compromise the outcome of your goal.
Financial organization is the key. My final tip is: always keep your finances organized. Writing down your earnings and expenses helps you understand how much of your monthly budget has been used and how much is still available.
There are a lot of apps available you can install on your phone. You can also use a simple spreadsheet to help you keep track. If you prefer, the traditional pen and paper still work if that is your preference. Having control of expenses will help you make better decisions and stay on the right path toward your financial goals.
