Sometimes when times get tough, we need to tighten our belts to the point of forsaking some luxuries we always took for granted.
Financial pinches happen to the best of us – and if you are looking to save cash around every corner, consider these weird but effective ways of doing so that you probably never thought of before!
Cut Down on Single Use Items
Single use items can get expensive, especially when you are using and throwing them out daily. Some examples of things you can reduce your use of – or nix completely – include paper towels, takeout meals, single use paper plates and cutlery, baby wipes and makeup removing wipes, and individual coffee pods.
You can also swap regularly used items with more affordable, free, or reusable equivalents.
Shop Second Hand
Secondhand shopping is a lot of fun, and you won’t believe the bargains you will stumble upon if you are diligent enough at it.
Check out local thrift stores and bartering markets in your area and join some regional Facebook groups and websites where members of your community sell their second-hand things to one another.
This way, you can still enjoy all the luxuries you want in life, without having to pay full price for the privilege.
Make Things at Home
There are so many products that you can make at home that do the same jobs for a fraction of the price.
There are countless blogs on the web showing you how to DIY everything from shampoo and laundry detergent to toothpaste and mouthwash, and cooking at home instead of eating out can also save you packets in the long run.
Rethink Your Transport
If you own a car, you’ll know that they are not always the most affordable things to fuel, maintain and run. If your budget needs to be tightened considerably, you might want to think about leaving your car in the garage and opting for a public transport season ticket instead. A bicycle is a great (and free!) way of getting around and will keep you fit for when you play basketball, jog or do any other activity.
Or failing that, you could even carpool with your friends and co-workers and share the costs of gas.
Roast and Brew Coffee at Home
Coffee is one of the biggest saviours of modern blue-collar folks, and If you aren’t ready to give up your daily cup of joe just yet, a good compromise is to buy your own beans.
Simply grind them at home and brew them using your faithful old coffee machine.
Change Up Your Entertainment
Subscription-based services like Netflix and Showmax are all the rage now, but their costs can add up quickly over time, especially if you are subscribed to more than one service.
Review your subscriptions and choose to keep only the ones you use frequently and really enjoy, or just stick to cable and trips to the park if you are really in a pinch.
You can also opt for cost friendly forms of fun like online slots Singapore, which can be enjoyed both for free and for real money.
Better yet, if you do play for cash, you might just win a bit of extra money to help keep the wolves from the door!
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