It seems like no matter how hard we try, we’re always spending more money than we would like. There are always bills to pay, and there’s always room for more money in your savings account or retirement fund, but it can be hard to scavenge the money needed with all of our everyday expenses.
Setting a budget and changing your overall habits is a good way to start, but it can also be daunting. Sometimes, starting small is the way to go. If you’re looking to grow your bank account without much effort, consider these 10 ridiculously easy ways to save money.
1. Make Your Own Lunch
Buying a meal everyday can quickly add up, so pack your own lunch to save $5 to $15 a day. If you don’t have time during the week, do your grocery shopping and meal preparation on Sunday nights to have lunches that will last you the rest of the week.
RELATED: 7 Delicious Desk Lunches Under 400 Calories
2. Skip The Drinks
Hitting up the bar can be fun, but buying drinks out is pricey. Skip the alcohol when at a bar with friends or at dinner, and if you really want to drink your gin and tonic, prepare it at home, which is much less expensive.
3. Sell Your Stuff
Whether you want to get rid of old clothes or furniture, selling your stuff is a great way to make easy cash. Consider having a yard sale, or use an online website or app such as Craigslist or Poshmark.
4. Set Up An Automatic Transfer
If you have a hard time parting with your hard-earned money, set up an automatic transfer each month from your checkings to your savings. Even if it just a small amount of money, it will ensure you put a little bit away every so often in case of an emergency.
5. Adopt Meatless Mondays
Going vegetarian can help cut down on costs, and studies show that not eating meat can help you save at least $750 a year. Start off by designating one day a week without meat to help cut down on costs, and decrease your intake from there.
RELATED: 11 Cheap Vegetarian Meals: Because Being Healthy Doesn’t Have To Break The Bank
6. Sell Unused Gift Cards
If you have a bunch of unused gift cards lying around, don’t let them go to waste. Sell them on sites such as GiftCards.com or CardPool.com to receive cash for your unwanted plastic.
7. Switch To A Generic Prescription
Monthly prescriptions can add up, but you may be able to lessen your costs by switching to a generic brand. The FDA says that generic prescriptions are just as effective as their name-brand counterparts, and they can cost up to 85 percent less.
8. Get A Bank Or Credit Card With Perks
If you’re going to be spending and saving money, you might as well use it to your advantage. Sign up for bank accounts that include added bonuses, and use a credit card with cash back or other rewards. Just be sure to stay in your budget and avoid any balances or overdue fees.
9. Use Deal Sites
Websites such as Groupon and LivingSocial have frequent deals, so if you’re looking to go to a new restaurant, try a new workout class, or even book a trip, look to these websites first to see if you can score any deals.
10. Get Your Hair Done At A Local Beauty School
Getting your hair cut and colored can get expensive, but you can help cut down on costs by attending a local beauty school instead of a salon. Prices are often very low, and students are supervised by trained professionals.
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