Often, when we think about saving money, we think of things like clipping coupons, or shopping sales. However, the way you live your life can make a difference in how much you spend on a regular basis.
Your lifestyle largely determines how much money you spend and how much you can save. Here are 6 lifestyle changes that you can make to help you continually spend less money:
1. Borrow, Don’t Buy
In many cases, borrowing can help you save money in the long run. Whether you borrow books from the library, or borrow lawn equipment from a neighbor, you can save money by borrowing. There are a number of items out there that you buy or rent (for one-time projects), and save money over time.
2. Drink Less
You might be surprised at how much alcohol can cost you. Drink less, and you will save more. And this applies to more than just alcohol. Start drinking more water, and you will save money on soda costs and other beverage expenses. Whether you are at a restaurant or at home, what you drink matters.
3. Cook More
Instead of buying so much processed food or prepared food (like pre-cubed cheese or pre-cut fruit), consider cooking at home more. When you prepare more of your own food, you spend less. Plus, you’ll be healthier, since you won’t be eating so much food that is high in sodium and sugar. Create a meal plan and shop with a list. Plan ahead, and use slow cooker or easy to make recipes, and you’ll save money on your grocery bill while eating better than you imagined.
4. Be Your Own Daycare
One way to save on costs is to have someone stay home with the kids. This doesn’t mean that one of you has to give up a job. You can find out about telecommuting options. Even if you can work from home two days a week, that’s a little bit saved on paying someone else to watch your kids. Consider your options, and see if you can save money if you can be home more.
5. Learn to DIY
There are a number of projects that you can do on your own to save money. If you don’t mind sacrificing the time, it’s possible for you to do any number of things on your own. Have your partner cut your hair. Learn to fix minor problems on your own. Don’t hire someone to do something you can do yourself. Learn to do it yourself, and you will be surprised at how much you can save, and how good it feels to accomplish something on your own.
6. Improve Your Health
A healthier life is a less expensive life. You will have few expensive health problems if you work on your health. Many conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, and sometimes even cancer, can be staved off if you make an effort to be healthy. Eat better, exercise more, and get enough sleep, and you will live healthier, and likely have fewer costs. While there’s no way to guarantee that you’ll never be sick, you can improve your overall health, and reduce the chance of an expensive illness, if you take steps to live better.
Tom Drake writes for Financial Highway and MapleMoney. Whenever he’s not working on his online endeavors, he’s either doing his “real job” as a financial analyst or spending time with his two boys.