If one of your goals is to reduce expenses so you have more to save or spend on essentials, these five tips to cut costs can help, regardless of what you usually spend money on or where you shop.
Look for sales or discounts.
Consumer items tend to be priciest when they first come out in stores. You can often find the same item on sale if you are willing to wait a while. Also look for discounts on similar but older versions, bulk purchases and out-of-season merchandise. Websites and apps are available to let you know when specific items go on sale.
Shop secondhand.
Secondhand stores and online sites allow you to purchase good-condition books, clothes, video games and really, almost anything, used. Besides saving you money, buying secondhand also does the environment a good turn by reducing trash and manufacturing.
Make it at home.
Coffee, tea, breakfast sandwiches, lunches and most food items can be made at home for less than you'd spend at your local drive-thru. Recipes and instructions also can be found online for beauty and hygiene products, cleaning supplies, home décor and gifts that you can make less expensively yourself.
Swap with friends.
If you and your friends share interests, you may be able to save money by trading clothes, video games and systems, books and supplies that you've grown tired of but are still in good shape. A temporary swap can allow you to break out of your rut without spending more money. You may want to consider discussing what to do in case of damage.
Go without or use less.
If you're paying for a monthly subscription, impulse buys or expensive but not necessary purchases, decide how you can get by with less or go without completely. You may be able to downgrade your phone plan, drop cable TV for a cheaper subscription or service, hit the library for books and magazines, or kick a habit that is costing you money and convenience.
