Category: Money Saving Tips

Getting admission into the USA’s best university is one of the greatest opportunities. But it can be quite expensive for your living. As you know, education is the most expensive aspect of studying in the USA. Not only the university expenses to consider but their living is way too costly. The food, housing, and other very necessities. For you, here we have got the most friendly tips on how to save money as a student in the USA.

Live Off-Campus

Living off-campus is one of the brilliant ideas to save you a lot of money not only on room but also you will get a lot more benefits as well. Rent an apartment with 4 to 5 people (based on requirement) and share the expenses for the room, grocery, bills and you will also get to share your college notes. Living in the same place with different people is an opportunity to learn about different cultures and helps with language proficiency. It could even help you to learn cooking and other household works that will be helpful in the future.

Limit The Dine-Outs

Limit the outings as well as going to restaurants. That’s not only costing you money but your health as well. Students who travel to the USA become addicted to fast food that is tasty as well as quick to get. At the end of the month, most realized getting food from outside wasn’t a good idea until then they already had gone out of their budget. You can cook tastier and healthier food at home instead that is not quick but definitely pocket friendly.

Party-Less, And When You Do, Party At Home

Having fun is a necessary part of life and that should not be cut out from life. But one thing you could do is, party occasionally or party less. Parties are expensive whether you are throwing one or invited. Attending too many parties would be distracting you from your studies and could be the reason for getting low grades. Parties are fun but to be avoided to make good savings.

Also Check out: Personal Finance Tips That Will Change the Way You Think About Money 

Take Public Transport

Renting a car would possibly be difficult and buying one is too much for an individual. The USA provides the best public transport with the fastest routes. They have a clean, good environment with good prices. There are fixed routes for different buses. You can look for your route from home to college and then back to home for very friendly charges. You can even compare the prices for public transport and renting a vehicle for your friendly travels.

Cook At Home

Cooking is fun. Even if you don’t know how to cook then learning this skill surely is. You have to go to the grocery store, buy your favorite stuff and make your dishes. You will also love to try different recipes from youtube. Besides, when it was me, I used to skype call my mom and she told me to add this and then add that. If you will be living with your friends, learning how to cook from them will make a good bond between you people. Cooking at home saves you a lot of money. For two good meals, you can do the grocery for your whole month.

Meal Plans

Many universities in the USA offer meal plans to students that can sometimes be customized as well. The offered meals are healthy and nutritious which saves you the meal cost. If you have a room and kitchen as well you can cook the food that will save you even more.

Manage Your Expenses

When you come to a new place, you can hardly manage your budget and get your bills in line. You need to keep a good record of how much you have been receiving each month and how it should be availed in the best ways. Make a list of your monthly expenses and cut down any unnecessary billing. Make the least use of electricity and water. Buy things when needed, do not spend too much on outings, parties, and gifts because you are here to study so it should be your priority.

Pay Your Bills In Time

Paying bills in time frees you from the late fines and also disconnections won’t bother you. As if you forget to pay the electricity bill, you will experience a power cut. You surely need money to be spent on the rest of the other stuff so delaying bills and then making up with the late fines could be stressful.

Buy Second-Hand Textbooks

Textbooks are so expensive. They sometimes cost you a leg and an arm. But you need to know that you can get second-hand textbooks from different shops at low prices. But I have an even greater opportunity for you. Talk to your seniors if any of them is willing to give away their books you can borrow from them. As a bonus, you might get their notes as well which will be a help to your later studies. As sometimes books are unavailable everywhere you can always visit the college library and create notes for your desired topics.

Find A Part-Time Job

You are a senior student now. Once you get settled into a new place and college things aren’t that difficult for you to cope with, you must find a part-time job to hold your expenses and manage to pay the semester fee. Other than just earning money, this job will do a lot more benefits to you. First, you will earn money on your own, you won’t be wasting time going out to parties, you will become responsible and learn to manage things within time. This isn’t just a part-time job, it’s a life turner.

Scholarships Are A Great Opportunity

Study hard to get a scholarship for your semester. Most universities give this opportunity to the students who meet their criteria of grading. This will help them with the fee discount. To get this discount each time, you need to study hard every semester.

Traveling Costs

Flying to your family or going on vacation on a semester holiday is fun. But if you book your flight at the last minute that will charge you a hefty sum. However, pre-booking your tickets would help you to avoid the increased charges. Pre-booking helps you get cheaper rates and save you some money. You can even stay back and find a part-time job to earn some money for your next semester.

Invest In Travel Cards 

Travel cards are easy and convenient and will save you a lot of money in means of traveling in the USA. The traveling cards are in a prepaid format that has to be preloaded with US currency. Get the travel cards for the subway system, buses, trains and sometimes win the available flights with the extra discounts for students.

Take Advantage of Your Status 

You are lucky if you hold a student card. As a Student, it sometimes becomes a little bit difficult to manage expenses, especially when studying in a private university. So whether you are shopping online or planning for a dinner or a lunch at a restaurant don’t forget to take advantage of your student discount and save a ton of money while shopping.

Mobile Plans

Using sim cards on international usage will bring in a lengthy bill. While the local usage sim cards cost cheaper. But buying a family mobile plan is budget-friendly and offers you loads of mobile facilities. Companies like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T offer discounts on family mobile plans and friends groups.

Live Near Your College

Find a residence near your school. Most student houses are located pretty close to their college/universities. But if possible try to find a place within walking distance to your university. It will be a good activity for your health, energy will boost up and above all, you will save a lot of transport charges.

Exchange Rate

You should be coming to the USA with your country’s currency. Make sure to set eyes upon the exchange rates when they go low. The low exchange rate allows you to fill your pockets with some extra cash. You can always save money with this without any effort.

Be Smart with Your Grocery Shopping

Living in the USA can be more expensive than most students could imagine. Especially when it comes to groceries, students be spending money without knowing there could also be ways to save money. First, you need to know that on the same rack there are many products on the same shelf with different brand packaging and prices. There, you need to be careful with the brand you chose and see the price differences. Here are a few tips for that;

• Don’t go to the market empty stomach
• Be careful with the prices
• Purchase local products

Online Communication

Online communication has now made the relations among friends and family more strong and beautiful. They are free of cost and there is also no time limit for that. On the other hand, mobile charges are time-limited and expensive. Therefore WhatsApp, Skype, Google Voice, and other applications are available worldwide to make connections better which saves you a handful too.

Conclusion

As a student, you all have to save money for a better future. You can use your student Id for availing exclusive student discounts. Students can invest their money in traveling cards this will help them save extra few bucks while traveling. Doing a part-time job would be a great step, as it will help you bear your extra expenses. If your school is at walking distance try to avoid transportation as it will help you save traveling expenses, as well as walking will be good for your health.

Being financially secure is one way to opt for a financially healthy life. Indeed, getting the right tips to work for you right from the start. People in their 20s may make mistakes in money matters, especially if they are doing financial tractions for the first time in their life.

Yes, that’s very common to see, right?

Understanding money matters and the power of financial security at an early age can affect your future to a great extent. For instance, you will be able to understand the importance of money in all respects, be it property opting for a loan or repaying your debt. Managing money in your 20s is challenging, but you can do it smartly with the proper guidance.

To do that, we help you check out the most common money mistakes people tend to make in their 20s. Explore the various anticipated mistakes and check that you don’t repeat the same.

 

7 Money mistakes you should avoid right from the start!

# Mistake 1: Spending to make yourself happy.

Spending for your happiness is a necessity and should be done. After all, you earn to keep yourself and your loved ones happy and secure, right? But, spending lavishly or more than you make can be the biggest mistake for your financial terms.

You should not mix money and feelings, especially if it’s frequent spending. Indeed, if you have been through a bad day, avoid going shopping. Maybe shopping can provide you temporary happiness, but in the longer run, these kinds of emotional fixes will quickly pass by, with no gain!

If you save, you will be happier and more prosperous in the long run.

# Mistake 2: Try to have emergency savings.

In your twenties, having enough money to pay the rent and buy food for yourself can be just what you wish for, right! Or you can also add few drinks to this list!

But is that actually enough? No.

It would help if you planned for various emergency savings to be used at difficult times. Indeed, if you don’t have money when you require them, you can be in challenging situations for an extended period. Alternatively, you can also choose to save to buy a car or a deposit for your house or invest in property.

# Mistake 3: Turning down the opportunities to make investments

Yes, at first, investing seems extremely confusing and boring. But, believe us, it is one of the essential aspects of your finances. If you are on for making investments from an early age, get help from experienced professionals to start well and be profitable.

# Mistake 4: Failing and being frugal always.

Young minds in financial games are like new players, and they often commit 100% to get out from debt or saving up for better financial investments. That means they generally don’t keep any amount of money for anything extra in their list!

This can be incredibly dull and often result in binges of high spending. So, it would help if you avoided this as pending more without your knowledge can affect your finances in the longer run.

You should always keep aside a small amount of money for weekly fun. It is essential for a happy living. Indeed, you have to make sure the amount is small and doesn’t predominantly affect your expenses and savings.

# Mistake 5: Moving out sooner may not be a wise idea!

Young adults lack the patience to wait for the right time to move out. Getting their place and living as per their likes and dislikes can be expensive. Indeed, this can be completely fine for many adults, but not for all.

Consider staying at home or more extended periods so that you save a lot of money and reduce your spending considerably. You have to ask yourself whether or not moving out now is the right time to grow your finances.

# Mistake 6: Ignorance to set long term financial goals

Not surprisingly, many people in their twenties have only short-term financial goals. That can be paying for the rent, electricity bills, living on their terms, etc.

You should try to concentrate more on long-term goals than the short ones, no matter how boring it seems! It will never be like you can’t afford it. Moreover, you can set small targets and start with a small amount.

Remember, little savings make significant investments!

# Mistake 7: Ignorance towards their employment benefits

If you are employed in a company, you may make small monthly payments for your retirement and medical insurances. Many of the younger adults see this as a necessary evil in their payslips. But it is essential as the company is also working for you.

You should look at the terms and conditions for some of these and opt for a significant cut towards your retirement or other family planning investments.

The bottom line

Understanding the mistakes that most people make in their 20s can save you from making one! Get the above tips to rule for you effectively so that you have a secure financial life.

Owning a home and maintaining one call for spending a chunk of the amount from your salary and you might the pinch when you have to spend it on maintenance. One might even take up homeownership assistance program to efficiently spend money on home improvements.

If you are looking to make improvements to your home there are ways you can get cost effective home improvement services where you have to spend little and contribute your skills as well.

What can you do Indoors?

From saving electricity to fixing appliances yourself there are ways to reduce the expenditure of money or fix things in a cost effective manner. So here are the improvements you can make to your homes with the following ideas.

Bring in a homeownership advisor –

Getting your home checked by experts is one way of improving things at home. An advisor will inspect your home give necessary suggestion on what you have to fix, change or buy. In a house, there is something or the other that would need fixing so pay attention to it and maybe do it yourself if it is an easy task.

Using alternative appliances –

The use of appliances is a lot in any person’s home and if you can substitute an appliance with the one which doesn’t cost you a huge bill does it. Take air conditioners, for example, it requires constant cleaning and changing of filters if you are in a place where the heat is bearable use a ceiling fan which costs way less and you don’t have to do heavy maintenance.

Put in cost saving fixtures –

In these global warming times where we see droughts everyone is thinking and making an effort to save and use much less water as possible. So upgrade your home with these low fixtures like in bathrooms such as toilet flushes, which consume less water and does the job and also smart shower heads which detect when you do not need much water.

Replace machinery –

If you are living in your homes from a long time and have very old machinery switch it to the news ones. The new machinery these days has technology that saves energy and electricity. These makeup for a cost effective way of doing things which will benefit you and you do not have to spend as much.

Fix broken doors and windows –

When you see a broken window or door and a leaking tap fix it. These easy fixes can be made with the help of objects that are very cheap instead of replacing the whole door, window or tap. This can be done even if you have very little knowledge thanks to the internet.

Create space –

If you want space to make space, do it by moving things around and removing things you don’t require. Instead of expanding your home by breaking the walls rearrange furniture and bring in new furniture to put things that are lying here and there. It will not only create space but also add a new look to your home and will look organized with additional furniture.

Cover up damaged walls –

Houses often are not built with all the correct material or high standard materials and causes leakage or cracks. Cover these up with wall hangings or an artifact these not only cover up the mess but add to the décor of your home with a simple touch of art.

What can you do outdoors?

Now that you know what improvements can be done indoors let us explore what outdoor changes can bring in improvements.

Drying clothes on a rack outside –

Forget to buy a laundry machine which dries your clothes not only does it consume so much electricity it also is an added expense. Instead of such machines put up a drying rack out in your backyard, it dries your clothes natural in the heat and you will be able to use them the next day. This improvement won’t take much just a string and pegs to hang your clothes.

Put up rainwater harvesting system –

Water is becoming dearer each and every day and if you are in a place where you receive rainfall every year make sure you have rainwater harvesting system in place. Putting this system in place you can use the rainwater for watering your plants, washing vessels and even having a bath. It cuts down your water usage and also makes your contribution to the environment.

Plant a plant –

Planting a tree outside your home can bring your house the shade it needs. The sun’s rays and the water’s harsh substances can damage your house walls prevent this from happening by planting a tree and its shade will shelter your home.

Few Tips More Tips

Every improvement big or small can be done by you, by contributing your skills and here are some things you can do.

• Install a mesh in the shower and laundry drain to catch your hair and prevent from blocking the drain.
• Turn off the switch plugs if they are not in use.
• Change to less energy consuming lights like LED.
• Time your shower so that you don’t take long baths.

Summing it up

There are so many improvements that can be made in one’s home and having home ownership and wealth you wouldn’t know where to start but you must make changes from time to time to make changes and be up to date with these changing times.

Everyone comes across this question on saving money fast on a low income, but very few can use it properly. You probably realize that to be successful in life, you must have the ability to save money. How, though, should you save money on a low or zero income?

While it may be nice to be able to navigate with a magic wand and make your financial problems disappear, the fact is that saving money is not as difficult as you think it is. Finding a different route or the alternative of spending money will ensure good savings. Combine this with a few simple habits, and you will be on your way quickly.

Keeping track of all necessary things, let us now proceed to some of the best ways to save our hard-earned money starting today:

#1 Control Your Feelings

One of the surest ways to hurt your budget is to buy something with vigor. The exit line of your restaurant is famous for this kind of thing. It is easy to spend a dollar here and there on things you do not need but feel good about having.

One of the first things you need to do is learn how to distinguish between needs and wants.

Needs, as the name suggests, are things you cannot live without it.

Clean drinking water is essential. Healthy eating is necessary. If your neighborhood does not have reliable public transportation, your car is necessary. The thing that moves many people is that they want to embed themselves within needs.

For example, you need to eat healthy food, but do you need to buy grass from India? Do not think of this as a natural choice, that the frozen pizza you put in your oven is as much a necessity as a grazing cow.

Distinguishing between needs and wants comes down to examining your priorities. You do not want to be frustrated if you cannot get the right pitch, so invest in a good capo.

#2 50-30-20 rule

So take time to compile a list of things you cannot work without and things you are ready to give up. Whenever you feel the urge to buy what you want, remind yourself of this list.

Another tactic you can use is to tell yourself that I will buy it in 30 days.

#3 Track and Budget

You may already be following your budget and may be religiously adding to all your spending receipts. However, there is a bit of a line thing that you may be ignoring right now, and that is about the entertainment of brilliant money.

To save a lot of money, you need to set aside a small amount of your monthly salary to beat whatever you want. Make it a rule to set-aside 5-10% of your monthly income after tax on your medical bills.

A budget spreadsheet can help you achieve your financial goals. It could be as simple as buying two lumps of Belgian ice-cream, who cares? It is your money, and uses it to behave better!

Related post – Cheap Things To Do When You Are Broke.

#4 Adjust Your Thinking

Learn the mindset you need to accept and start behaving like someone who wants more money in his or her life. Poverty is because you have less money right now instead of managing what little you have well. How easy it is to covet money or to keep things simple!

Instead, please manage what you have with commitment and make it as easy as possible. Be kind to yourself with what you have, and you will find that your brain will start looking for solutions to your problems. Try looking at the problem’s critical sides instead of worrying about what might happen or what might not happen.

#5 Make More Money

Your mind is now focused on making things worse, not on making things better. However, shifting focus to profitable channels will allow your brain to find solutions to your problems. In short, you will be focusing on solutions to your problems rather than enlightening yourself.

The way out of your current incoming news is to make more money, not save more. Saving money will help you in the short term but do you want to be in the same situation ten years down the line?

So start focusing on how you can earn more money. No matter how small, launch your income-generating snowball right now. All creatures for your purpose!

#6 Invest in You

If you want to improve your situation and increase your income, you will have to think and do better. Now how do you do this? Yes, the best way to invest is in you.

Self-investment leads to the long-term returns with desired and wanted fruitful outcomes. You can invest in yourself by reading books in the library, taking some time away from your everyday life, and then pursuing new experiences and novels, such as nature, walks.

You can explore a different part of the city. Spending your money on something that makes you feel good is a way to invest in yourself. You may feel cheated but spend some time getting into it all. Get used to being in rich places.

#7 Choose your location

Sometimes we cannot help but feel close to the wicked people who destroy us. It is easy to say that you need to get these people out of your life, but it is tough to do it in real life. It takes time, and it is a dirty thing to do.

As far as possible, surround yourself with people who have a balanced view of money. Stay away from people trying to ‘save’ money and associate with those concerned with ‘making’ money.

#8 Avoid Debt

If you are like most people, you probably have some levels of debt right now. What you need to avoid can add fuel to the fire. Do not exceed payments and pay the principal as much as possible.

Give up other things in your life if necessary. Trying to increase your net worth on credit is like driving a car with an arm brake. You will never come resulting in the unwanted suffering.

#1 Submit bank accounts to take advantage of the profits and earn more interest Online

If you pay a monthly fee for your test or savings account, you can benefit from researching the newest banking provision. Not exclusively do probably the best banks offer sign-up enrollment and direct store rewards, yet some offer alluring loan costs to new clients too.

#2 Turn off the television

Another excellent method to set aside cash is to shorten the period you consume on watching television. It comes up with infinite plus points like discounted ads, lower electricity costs (and perhaps less cable money if you lower your subscription), more time to focus on other things in life – such as business case – and so on.

#3 Stop collecting, and start selling

In the past, individuals felt that their collection would bring them wealth. Now you can find those things on retail sites like Craigslist and garage sales for a small portion of their initial costs, leaving many people who sink into the thousands of dollars in their “investment,” wondering why this and for what reasons it occurred.

To neglect such unwanted situations, avoid buying the items which are not necessary or of no value to you. Besides, if you want to get back some of the money you have spent on collectibles, anybody can go ahead with its sales at the very moment and use those funds at any number of appropriate financial terms. Read your “Waste Management Guide” for some simple tips to help you make the most of it.

#4 Sign up for every free customer service you can

No matter where you live, you will find many vendors willing to reward you with a purchase in their store. Here is a basic game plan to expand these programs: create a Gmail or Yahoo

• Dress for this mail, collect all the cards,
• Can get and browse that account, and can have additional coupons whenever you are ready to purchase.

• You can add to those bens.

Fits and discounts using credit card rewards to earn points by purchasing from various stores can be used for cashback or other benefits.

#5 Know the 30-day rule well

Dodging moment satisfaction is one of the most significant individual accounts standards, and trusting that a choice will buy is an ideal approach to apply that standard.

After the end of the month, you will find that the craving for a purchase has passed, and you will be saving money just by waiting. If you are in the market for a purchase yet, waiting a little longer can give you a better idea of ​​whether the money is worth it.

#6 Invite friends to the exit

Instead of hitting the city, have a delicious dinner with your friends. Play cards, sit by a fireplace, or watch movies with your guests. You will all save money – and you will explode.

#7 Prepare clothes instead of throwing them away

Do not drop the shirt because of the broken button – sew a new one with a more tight fit. Do not discard pants because of a hole in them – insert a clip of some kind and store them when you work in the house.

Anyone can complete many basic sewing jobs, and a little practice goes a long way. Learning the basics of sewing is a great way to save money and extend your garment’s life.

#8 Negotiate prices with your credit card company or complete a transfer

If you pay high-interest rates on your credit card, it is essential to know that you have a certain amount of power as long as you pay it. You not only have the right to negotiate your current interest rate with your credit card provider, but you also have the right to transfer your balance to a completely different card.

#9 Buy video games with a lot of repetition – and do not get new ones until you know what you have.

Once you are done with the game permanently, take it to a video retail store like Game Stop and see if you can sell it on store credit that you can use to get another game.

#10 Make a “maintenance run” on your equipment

Assess them to ensure there are no residue particles and that they are spotless. Look behind the materials, and use your vacuum to remove dust carefully. Inspect all appliances, especially refrigerators, dryers, and heating and cooling systems. If a small amount of dust blocks these services’ equipment, they will work well (to save you money) and how long they will last (saving you the cost of replacing them).

#11 Cancel unused club membership

Are you paying money to a group you have never used? If you are fencing about any of your Gym memberships or find that you do not use them often, cancel them. Remember, you can always renew your membership one day if it finds that you are missing any day.

#12 Use online payments with your bank

Online payments serve two purposes. First, it keeps you very close to your money, as you can focus more on your balance and less likely to overreact.

On the other hand, it keeps your money at a safer place, especially on paper checks, while you fill out an online form, click Submit, and pay off your debt. Try it – and use it when you are not there. Some free online test accounts offer this benefit.

#13 Connect your entertainment center and set up a computer to an actual smart power cord

A device like Smart Strip can cut power on all devices on the strip as long as the control device is turned off to minimize phantom power channels.

So, if your workplace is connected to this, every time you put down your computer, your monitoring power is low, your printer power is low, your scanner power is down, and so on. As soon as TV is switched off, then the cable or a satellite box also shuts down, as is the video console, VCR, DVD player, etc. to save power.

Gone are the days when people had the pejorative to make mistakes during their 20s, fixed these mistakes in their 30s and continued to inch towards the white-picket-fence dream. We are in 2019. The economy hasn’t fully recovered from the aftermath of the recession and jobless growth is a pressing concern for the policymakers.

Every youngster must understand that making financial mistakes early in their life could cost them dearly in the future. While it may be difficult for them to refrain from mistakes as people don’t commit mistakes intentionally, it just happens, they should try their best to avoid them.

Mistakes related to money

As mentioned earlier, mistakes that involve money are regrettable, hence, it’s best to avoid them. To avoid such mistakes, one needs to manage money effectively. If he can do that during his 20s, he’d reap the benefits later in life.

How do I manage money in my 20s? It’s a question frequently asked, but seldom answered.

In this article, I’ll search for the answer. So, keep reading.

Managing money in 20s

The common wisdom that young people spend extravagantly is true to an extent. Pub crawl, parties, hooking up, going on dates are what people in their 20s mostly do. There’s little surprise that their wallets mostly stay empty. I am not saying all people in their 20s party all day, but a large number of them do and it prevents them from managing money more effectively.

A person in his 20s must spend most of his time hunting jobs. Unless you are a millionaire in your 20s, the only way you can make money is by working in an organization. There are other sides of Job hunting. It can escalate your odds of learning new things. In addition, it also gives you a fair insight of where you stand in the competition.

Acquiring new skills

Job hunting becomes easy when the candidate evidences professional skillset. Other things i.e. educational qualification, industry experience, etc being equal, the emphasis is put on how many skills the job candidate has mastered and on what level.

When a person dedicates their younger years acquiring new skills and mastering those skills, later in life they can use that as a capital in the professional arena. If someone spends his early or mid 20s learning skills that are deemed necessary by industry thought leaders, in his late 20s or early 30s, he can be comfortably be placed in an large enterprise as an indispensable asset.

Paying off credit debt

The previous tips are not directly related to money management, even though they make it easier to earn and manage money. But paying off the credit card bills on time is an an important tip for managing money and all 20-year olds should recognize its importance.

Do you know about the damage caused by unpaid credit debt? Most people in their 20s are blissfully ignorant of it. Credit debts are like a black dot on your credit record as they make it difficult for you to get loan. And one more thing; lenders normally don’t discriminate between unpaid bills and bills paid after the due date was over. They do, but they disappoint both types of card holders by refusing to lend them money.

On top of it, statistics indicates people who max out their cards are mostly in their 20s. If you are young, you are likely to run into credit card debt. Steer clear of all the debts and don’t let them stay on your report for long.

Build outstanding credit

If you are in your early or mid 20s, you have plenty of time ahead in life. Instead of asking how do I manage money, use this time to build excellent credit. Use your card diligently. Never max it out. Try spending more via cash. Limit your online transactions and never ever miss a bill paying date.

Oftentimes, we stay busy and forget the bill paying date. To make sure it never happens, you can automate the process. Set up reminder alert on your mobile phone or use custom software. There are software available for it, accessible via a subscription model.

Create a monthly budget

Its importance cannot be overstated, especially for people in their 20s. By creating a budget every month, they can manage their money more effectively. A budget, especially if it is developed with the help of right software, can not only show you how much you are spending every month but also figure the ways you can save money. The biggest benefit of creating monthly budget is that it becomes a habit. In your 30s, 40s and 50s, you can manage money even more effectively thanks to this habit.

Summing up

I guess you’ve gotten your answer by now. If you are curious to know how to manage money in your 20s, understand that it’s the result of a serious attitude, a knack for saving and not caving in to the lure of instant gratification. Follow the tips given here and manage money better in your 20s.

Worrying about money can be stressful. If you regularly find yourself spending more than you earn then it’s probably time to reassess your outgoings and think of some ways to cut back. Looking for some easy and unusual ways to save money?

Here are 30 unique money saving tips to help you cut your costs of living and put some money to one side:

1. Say No to Your Car!

Walk and bike wherever possible: not only are walking and cycling both excellent forms of exercise, there are no real costs involved. You won’t have to pay for gasoline or any motoring maintenance charges, and you might even find you enjoy it so much you could get rid of your car completely!

2. Car Pool

Not practical to live life without your car? Then why not car pool instead! The average American commuter spends in excess of $1,000 on gas every year just by driving to and from the office. If you carpool with just one client, you can cut this bill in half: find two colleagues to carpool with and your annual gas costs could drop by a third.

3. Lights Out!

When you leave a room, remember to turn out the lights. This simple tip will have almost no impact on your life, but will have a significant impact on your energy bill!

4. Unplug Your TV

When you’re not using your TV and any other electrical appliance, be sure to turn it off at the mains switch. Leaving these items in standby mode will drain your power, increasing your electricity bill unnecessarily every month.

5. Cancel Your Cable

On the subject of turning away from the TV, did you know that if you cancel your cable subscription, you could save up to $500 per year?

6. Switch Your Insurance Provider

If you haven’t switched your insurance providers recently then it is highly likely that you can save money on your car insurance, home insurance, and travel insurance. Switching is surprisingly easy and won’t take as long as you might think: Check around for the best prices, make a few phone calls, and let your new insurance company do the rest!

7. Choose to Quit

If you’re a smoker then use the money you’ll save as your motivation to quit. Smoking is an expensive habit: the average smoker spends around $2,000 a year on cigarettes; money you could put to better use.

8. Cut Down Your Alcohol Intake

On the subject of bad habits, cutting down how much alcohol you consume (particularly at retail prices in pubs and bars) will help you to make significant savings.

9.Find a Happy Hour

Not prepared to give up cocktails with your friends? Find a happy hour where drink specials are available instead.

10. Work Out Online

Give up your monthly gym membership and instead find an online aerobics or yoga program to follow. This will give you all of the health benefits without any of the expense, and you can exercise from the comfort of your own home!

11. Pile on The Blankets

Feeling the cold? Don’t turn up your thermostat – instead reach for a cozy blanket and snuggle on the sofa. This will save you money whilst still keeping you warm.

12. Buy Energy Efficient Lightbulbs

Although they may be more expensive than regular lightbulbs in the hardware store, energy efficient lightbulbs are so effective that they will save you money in the long run.

13. Make Your Own Greeting Cards

Birthdays, weddings, Hanukah, Christmas, the celebrations never end! Store bought cards can be expensive, so instead start making your own greetings cards using card stock and imagination instead. As an added bonus, homemade cards are thoughtful and usually much more well-received!

14. Make Your Own Gifts

Gifting can also be pricey. If you have any special skills (such as baking or painting) then why not utilise these to make thoughtful handmade gifts instead?

15. Get a Library Card

Love to read? You don’t ever need to spend money on your hobby again! Get a library card and read whatever you want, whenever you want!

16. Check The Labels

When shopping for clothes, always check the care labels. Avoid anything that needs to be dry cleaned or any other kind of special care. These can be pricey to maintain and will add to your monthly cleaning budget.

17. Shop Your Closet

Before you hit the shops, sort through your closet. Most of us have pieces tucked away at the back that we have never worn: try everything on, and shop your existing pieces for an outfit that you can breathe new life into.

18. Cut Your Own Hair

Cutting your own hair isn’t complicated, but learning how will save you a fortune in pricey hair cuts. This is doubly true if you have children: their hair grows so fast that cutting it yourself will save you a lot of money in the salon each month.

19. Or Get it Cut For Free

If you don’t like the idea of cutting your own hair then instead search online for your beauty school; they are often looking for models and will cut your hair for either a donation or for free.

20. Washing in Cold Water

The most costly part of cleaning your clothes is turning up the temperature on your washing machine. If your clothes are only lightly soiled then wash them in cold water and reap the savings instead!

21. Leave Your Wallet at Home

Heading out for a run or a walk? Leave your wallet at home! If you don’t have any cash with you then you won’t be tempted to stop and spend it on a coffee, or another reward, on your way home.

22. Make The Most of Reward Cards

Sign up for reward cards for all your favourite cards, and make the most of them: keep track of when they are offering double points, for example. Saving points on your rewards card can ultimately save you money on the everyday things you need (and the occasional treat that you don’t!)

23. Save Your Black Bananas

Bananas looking black, bruised, and sorry for themselves? Don’t throw them away! Save money by turning them into delicious banana bread or freezing them to use up when you need them in fruit smoothies.

24. Pack Your Lunch

Taking lunch with you will save you a fortune! Whether you’re going to the office, heading out for a trip to the zoo, or spending time on the beach, taking lunch with you from home will save you a small fortune on convenience food when you’re out and about.

25. Shop With a Friend

Like the sound of that buy one get one free offer but don’t need double the product? Instead shop with a friend and get the amount you actually need for half the price.

26. Shop the Sales

Do you need to buy something new? Perhaps your toaster has broken or you’re looking for new shoes. Whatever you’re looking for, wait for the sales to begin before you start shopping. Savvy money savers never buy anything full price!

27. Grow Your Own!

Do you like to eat plenty of veggies, fruit and salad? Why not try to grow your own! Not only will it save you money, it will also taste better, and there is nothing more satisfying than eating something you have grown yourself.

28. Buy in Bulk

When shopping for non-perishable products (such as deodorant or washing powder) why not check if you will get a better deal for buying in bulk? Unit prices are often cheaper, and you can simply store the excess until you need it.

29. Drink More Water

Not only is soda bad for you, it’s also expensive! Say no to pricey sodas and juices and drink more water instead. Your skin will be as happy as your bank balance.

30. Cook in Bulk

Finally, when you’re cooking double the values of your recipe to make a larger batch that you can portion and freeze. Not only will this save you food prep time, it will also save you money on buying smaller quantities of ingredients and the energy costs involved in running your oven.

What are the ways to save money? Everyone would want to know the answer for the same. Saving money might seem like an arduous task when you’re already tight on your budget. However, one thing that is more difficult than saving money is getting started with it. Sometimes, it becomes the most challenging hunt to discover simple ways to save money and how to utilize your savings towards reaching your financial goals.

So, the next thing to do is develop a realistic savings plan to work on your financial goals. We share with you 7 simple yet effective ways to save money and develop your realistic savings plan.

Let us understand how these 7 ways will help you to get started with saving money and have a financially secured future.

7 Simple ways to save money:

#1. Track down your expenses along with your income

The first and foremost step to take towards saving money is to know where your hard-earned money goes every month. Record every expense you make without neglecting even your coffee bills, newspaper cost etc. Every small cost adds up to a big amount and hence you need to account for every penny you spend. Once you’ve recorded your expenses, it’s time to organize it. Categorize it such as groceries, gas, rent etc. and total each amount to know how much you spend on each category. You can even use your credit or debit card statements to get the details.

#2. Create a budget plan and follow it

The next step which is an important step in the savings process is to create a monthly budget. By creating a budget, you will know where to spend and where to be wise. By identifying areas where you can minimize your expenses, you can maximize your savings. Always it is important to implement what you plan and sustain it throughout. Discipline is very important when you are making savings. There will always be a temptation to spend more when you are stressed or happy, it is always better to control your urge to spend more.

#3. List down your financial goals with a timeline to reach them

Once you know to minimize your expenses, it is time to plan your savings. The goals can be a short or a long one. Based on your need and desire you can set the financial goals. Short term goals may include buying your home, car etc., long terms goals include retirement savings, kid’s education etc.

When you plan your retirement savings consider IRA accounts and other options.

#4. Set priorities for your financial goals accordingly

The whole financial planning or ways to save money is not about setting financial goals but prioritizing them as per the need of the hour. Priorities change with time, so prioritize and sustain your long-term goals. If you want your kid to study at Harvard, it is important that you save the money needed for his education. Prioritizing the goals can be very useful to plan your savings plan.

#5. Plan on saving money based on your priorities

A study says at least 10-15 percent of the monthly expenditure should be towards savings. If your needs and aspiration are high that saving this amount is impossible, it is always important to identify the pain areas and start implementing strategies to curb those expenses.

#6. Look for options to save money

For short-term goals, you can look for the following options:

1. Fixed deposits

2. Savings Accounts

3. Short-term investment options.

Long-term goals, you can choose the following options:

1. Stocks

2. Invest and resale of properties

3. IRAs

It is always important to choose the right tool which can help you both in saving money as well as help in maximizing your profits. When your goals are reached, save the additional interest amount which you have got for your investment in another plan so that the habit of savings continues.

#7. Opt for automatic saving option and watch your savings grow

Every bank around the world has many options to save your money. You can directly transfer the money into deposits with the click of a button. It is always important to choose your options wisely and watch your savings grow. The pleasure you get when your savings grow is priceless.

Summing up:

Saving money will take both time and efforts. It depends on how focused you’re towards making it work for you. The first thing you need to do is to get started with saving money by following the 7 ways. Initially, you might not see a huge difference in your savings. So, don’t get disappointed. Instead, notice the change you made from being a ‘person with no savings’ to the ‘one with some money as savings.’

Looking for a way to upgrade your finances?

It’s possible for anyone to give a new turn to their financial journey by making the right move in the right direction. All you need to do is take the right step by following a few simple tips to save money. Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is take the first step towards your financial journey.

We share with you simple yet effective tips to save money and churn the wheel of your financial journey. Few tips would just take minutes to implement and few would take weeks. You can choose what you feel can be followed immediately and gradually increase the count. To get started, go through the list and follow the 12tips to save money.

Although, initially the difference would be small but with time you will be able to see a huge change in your financial journey. Remember perseverance is the key to success.

Let us understand the 12 tips to save money and how it can help you in your overall financial journey.

12 simple tips to save money:

1. The shopping rule: make a list before you shop

Making a list of items to buy before you enter a supermarket will help in preventing impulsive buying. It will also help you in keeping track of things you buy and also help to look for alternatives.

2. Heard about the 30-day rule?

Always buy an item you desire after 30 days. When you do that, you will either not buy the item or the desire to buy that item would have subsided. This will help you in saving a lot of money and savings.

3. Sell that unwanted stuff.

Always sell the items which you don’t use it for more than a few months. It will help you by providing additional cash either to spend or save.

4. Switch to a different bank and earn more interest.

You don’t have to live with high interests for your loans when you make regular payments. There are banks which help you in transferring your existing loans with lesser interests. This will help you in saving valuable money lost in high interests.

5. Enjoy the benefits of all customer reward programs

Only buy what you can use. When you feel something is really important to buy look for various customer reward programs which provide good benefits for the items you buy. These programs will help you in making a buying plan for the future.

6. Enjoy a TV-free life.

Television has become essential in everybody’s life. By not watching TV you are not only saving your electricity bill but will also think of other ways of making money such as side business and other investment plans.

7. Become a gift maker.

Everybody loves to feel special. When you make an effort to create useful gifts for your friends, it will be appreciated and you will also save money on buying unnecessary gifts.

8. Host a “house party”.

Partying reduces your stress. Party should never become a reason for your stress. The amount you spend in a party can take a toll both on your food budget as well as on the savings. Instead, host a house party and prepare all the things if possible, this will help you saving money for useful expenditures

9. Clothes stitched can be handy.

This is one of the useful tips to save money. Don’t throw your pant just for a small hole, or a shirt for a lost button; instead, stitch the button and patch the hole so that you reuse it during your crunchy times.

10. No big budget entertainments.

Making entertainment plans for the kids is always important. But that plan should not take a chunk of your life savings. Find creative to entertain the kids, use items which will kindle their creativity and not their pockets.

11. Game what you can master.

Being video game savvy is good. Only buy games which you can master and which has a high resale value. Always buy another game when the first game is completely conquered.

12. Quench your thirst.

Drinking water is always good for health. But drinking a glass of water before every meal will not only help you to stay full for a longer period of time but will also help in consuming less food. This will help you in saving a precious amount of money in your food budget and also in maximizing your life savings.

Summing up:

The above tips will help you in saving precious money which can be used on your lifetime savings. This money saved can be used for making investments which will help in increasing your standard of living.

Christmas, one of the biggest winter festivals is knocking at our doors. So, now is the time when all the parents are finding it hard to surprise their little ones with some amazing Christmas presents, within their budgets.

Most of the Americans are prone to spend more or less $1000 in getting different gifts to please their dear ones on Christmas. Without getting indulged in any further argument, one can easily see that this excessive amount of spending might lead you towards a troublesome condition in near future.

So, here is an easy guide for you to follow, which will make your Christmas budget friendly and fun to your kids.

Go through these following ideas to pick some mind thrifty gift items within your budget to see that beautiful smile on your kid’s face.

Bedtime Story Books

The number of kids who don’t like story books is quite low. In fact, it would be difficult for you to locate even a single child, who does not prefer to hear stories at bedtime. Thus, if you are thinking about buying a Disney Princess book for your lovely daughter as a Christmas present, you are on the right track. You can also look out for some other story books too, if your little ones are not into princess stories.

Pretty Little Dolls

When it comes to pick a wonderful Christmas gift, it is bound that your eyes will definitely try to find some pretty little dolls for the real sweetheart of your house. The list will seem empty without any character of the famous animated movie Frozen. So, think about making her happy by giving a Frozen Sparkle Princess to your dear daughter. Thus, you can easily make your precious one smile with joy by giving her a unique Christmas gift, that too at a reasonable price. But, you need to be aware about the small parts of the doll as they can easily get lost.

Musical Instrument

Music is that divine thing, which has the capacity of attracting everyone, even the little ones of your household. So, you can also think about giving them their desired musical instruments to let their talent flourish. The little piano, the colorful wooden xylophone can also be an option for you. Let the musical journey of your little one be started by encouraging him or her to play the musical instrument more enthusiastically.

Shape Sorter

Christmas is that special occasion of the year, which provides you with an innumerable opportunity to be with your dear ones for making the holidays meaningful. Exchanging Christmas presents is another custom followed by a lot of people that reflecting our love. Education is the best possible gift, which a parent can give to their children. Along with helping them in sharpening their skills, you can also make them utilize their thinking power by gifting them a Shape Shorter. The product made with 100% recyclable plastic will also make your kid stay on the safer side. In spite of providing knowledge about different shapes of the universe, this amazing gift will also entertain the creative minds of the kids at the same time.

Radio Control Cars

This is that time of the year when you can feel that urge to make your close ones happy by providing them with some amazing gift items. So, if you are a parent and willing to make your kid smile with joy on this Christmas, think about providing him with a cool radioactive car. A radioactive car, comes with other attachments will definitely mesmerize your kid, that to without upsetting your budget.

Fashion Accessories

Another cool gift for your baby girl might be some trendy fashion accessories, which will make them look cuter. Pretty little hair bands or clips might make them look absolutely gorgeous. Any girl, who would like to dress themselves up according to the modern trends, will definitely appreciate the choice of your gift. The number of different colorful accessories will make your little one look more beautiful. Within your limited budget, you would be able to find a unique Christmas gift for your dear little princess.

In order to stick with your monthly budget, you need to control your habit of expenditure on unnecessary items on this Christmas. It is true that, Christmas is a special occasion, which brings a lot of happiness in your life. But, spending too much money in buying gifts for your kids can never be a good idea.

Check out all the online shopping portals for availing the best deals. With the help of the above mentioned shopping guide, it would be easier for you to choose that particular gift item for your kids, which will make them smile with delight.