ExecutiveChronicles | How to Save Money on a Budget: Ways to Save and Earn | Are you wondering how to save money on a budget? Whether you’re trying to save up for a major purchase or plan for your financial future, building savings can be tough.
But, before you get too down on yourself, consider this fact: nearly half of all Americans struggle to set money aside.
Now that you know you aren’t alone, it’s time to take back the power. And, this is your article!
Keep reading for proven tips to help you save money on a budget, with strategies for both saving and earning – no matter what your monthly income looks like to start with.
Start With a Spending Audit
Before you can start to effectively save money, you need to determine how much you’re spending, and the easiest way to achieve this is to carefully track each dollar for a few months. This can be done by hand or with a budgeting app – but attention to detail is essential.
Once you know exactly how much you spend each month, it’s easy to make small incremental changes to affect your bottom line. This can also help you ease into new spending habits, rather than going on a drastic “spending diet”.
Cut Back a Bit
Only you know how necessary each of your monthly expenses truly is. So, if having streaming music at work, for example, greatly improves your quality of life – you don’t have to give it up. But, you probably could trim the fat in a few places around your budget.
Don’t let small spending on things like snacks and entertainment slip off the radar. These little purchases can really add up over the course of a month! And, little treats like gourmet to-go coffee instead of homemade probably won’t improve your day as much as other comfort and convenience buy will.
This logic applies to other types of luxury spending, such as shopping for clothing and home goods. You don’t have to quit shopping cold turkey, but limiting your monthly purchases can go a long way toward starting your savings.
Free up Some Cash
If you’re looking for ways to get money fast, consider any long-term payouts in your life that you might be able to withdraw from. These could include trusts, lottery winnings, or other types of structured settlements.
Not sure how to tap into those resources? No worries. Check out this page for more information!
You could also consider a payday loan or line of credit, but borrowing money to save should only be done to consolidate. Otherwise, you run the risk of going into debt rather than saving.
How to Save Money on a Budget
If you only read one of our money-saving tips, make it this one! Pay yourself first. The only way to guarantee that you’ll start saving is to make it a priority.
Not to worry if you’re working with a tight budget – when it comes to savings, it’s ok to start small. Even $10 a month will add up quickly if you let it! As other areas of your spending improve, you can slowly add more and more each month until you reach your financial goals.
For those working with more income, a traditional 50/30/20 budget is best. This mathematical formula is proven to help you save quickly, and it’s realistic enough that most people can make it work.
Get Invested
Rather than sitting in savings, your money could be growing with the right investment. This could be something secure and long-term like a 401k, high risk and high reward option like cryptocurrency, or anything in between.
Keeping your hard-earned cash tied up in these investments will also help keep you from spending it, should temptation strike. Just think, the few dollars that you drop in now could end up being multiplied – but only if you’re patient enough to see the investment through.
It’s also important to note that some types of investment are tax-exempt, meaning that they will also help you save money on IRS spending – more good news, no matter how much you earn! And, if you’re contributing to a work-related investment fund, your employer might match your contributions. Be sure to research any leads that could add up to free future savings.
Earn Extra Money
All the budgeting tips in the world won’t help if you flat out don’t earn enough to save up. So, sometimes it’s best to search out extra earnings instead.
In the past few years, apps like Uber and Lyft have become increasingly popular. If you own your own vehicle, this could be a good option for a bit of side cash. You could also try delivering meals or other items ordered online if dealing with the public isn’t a good fit for you.
Have some extra space? Renting a room online could be a good option, especially if you live in an area that’s popular among tourists. Longer-term renters like students can also help you save – but at a slower pace.
Are you computer savvy? Writing a blog, completing market research surveys, or even starting your own YouTube channel could pay off big time!
Kickstart Your Savings, Starting Today
Armed with these proven tips, you’re ready to take charge of your financial future and kickstart your savings. Congratulations! Reading this article could be an important step on the road to making your next major purchase or achieving a monetary milestone.
Do you still have questions about how to save money on a budget? We’ve got you covered. Check out the rest of our homepage for outstanding articles on money, business, and more.
