Let’s face it: the thought of having to save our money and learn how to budget is the last thing anyone wants to do. Every time I hear the word “budget”, I think I die a bit inside. However, whether you’re trying to be millionaire or just trying to learn how to manage your money, sometimes it’s the little things that can create the biggest impacts. Instead of wasting your time by trying the latest budgeting app, check out these 8 crazy simple ways to save money without even trying:
Unplug everything in your home when it’s not in use.
This may sound a bit crazy, but it’s one of the easiest ways to cut your power bill. Simply go around your house every night before going to bed and unplug everything that isn’t in use! Appliances such as your toaster, coffee maker, TV, DVD player, and computer drain a lot of excess power just from being plugged in. Also, remember to unplug blow dryers and hair styling tools when they’re not in use.
Save those extra napkins, condiments, and utensils you get while eating out.
Even though eating out isn’t exactly cheap, you’ll never have to buy a bottle of ketchup or mustard again if you learn to save your leftover condiments. Keeping those extra napkins, utensils and cups every time you go to a drive through helps save money so you don’t have to buy them at the store. Bonus points: Next time you stay at a fancy hotel, stock up on all the free shampoos, lotions, soaps, and personal care items!
Pack your lunch.
Instead of wasting money by eating out for lunch everyday, start packing your own! Not only will this save you money, but it’s also a lot healthier. Bonus points if you save money by actually buying a lunch bag; eco-friendly and you only have to buy it once! Packing your lunch is perfect because you’re not limited to eating what the nearby restaurants serve, you can get rid of your leftovers, and you can experiment with some delicious portable lunch recipes. Also, it’s estimated that it can save you $3,000 every year!
Get a piggy bank.
Newsflash, you don’t have to be a kid to use a piggy bank. Spending a couple of dollars on one of these cute decorations will help you save your spare change by acting as a friendly reminder to dump out your pockets or even drop in a few dollars every time you walk in the door.
Reuse disposable items.
Instead of spending money on fancy Tupperware that just adds clutter, there are a few disposable items such as saran wrap, Ziploc bags, and aluminum foil that you can use more than once before throwing them out. You can even reuse your empty food containers such as food cans, ice cream containers, peanut butter jars, jam jars, or pretty much any other plastic or glass container that you would otherwise throw away or recycle.
Use coconut oil for everything.
Not only does this miracle oil have a million and one uses in the kitchen, it can also be used to cure everything from dry skin to stomach ulcers. Ladies, it can even be used as shaving cream, skin moisturizer, and hair conditioner. Spending $10 on jar of this stuff might seem a little pricey at first, but it will end up saving you a lot of money in the long run.
Go dumpster diving.
Every time I hear the phrase “dumpster diving” I think of those crazy people on TV that seek out every single dumpster in their neighborhood and strictly live off the saying “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”. Although, maybe these people aren’t so crazy after all! Expert dumpster diver, Matt Malone, recommends hitting up the dumpsters behind large retail stores, hardware stores, and grocery stores. However, it’s important to have caution when dumpster diving. Although it’s not exactly legal, don’t dress conspicuously and if you’re told to leave, leave.
Buy generic brands.
Apparently in today’s society, the cool thing to do is to only buy name brand products. However, if you ask me, saving money that you can use later on down the road to buy nicer things is a lot smarter than splurging on a product just because it is a name brand. The problem is, it’s a common misconception that name brand products are of better quality than generic brands. Next time you go to the grocery store try buying all generic brand products and compare the prices to those of your last shopping trip. Before you know it, those few dollars in savings every time you go to the store will really start to add up!
Aside from savvy shopping, properly managing your paycheck, turning off your lights when they’re not in use, and all the other obvious ways you should already know to save money; you’re now equipped with eight crazy hacks to keep your wallet fat and happy. Spend just a couple of weeks incorporating these simple hacks into your life and maybe you’ll even find yourself halfway to millionaire status (or just not spending your entire paycheck the day you get it).
Featured image via Karolina Grabowska on Pexels
