Do you find yourself spending more and more money every day? Or perhaps you’re living from one paycheck to the next? Either way, one thing is for sure: your spending habits need some adjustment.
More than half of Americans barely make any savings. They spend their entire paycheck without putting anything aside. This leads to financial stress, depression, and unnecessary debt.
Some people are savers while others are spenders. Luckily, it’s never too late to change your spending habits.
Simple things, such as tracking your expenses and paying off debt, can make all the difference. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at saving money.
Ready to get your financial life on track? Here are eight spend management hacks that actually work:
Pay with Cash
Nowadays, credit cards are easily accessible. Anyone can get one within minutes. The problem is that they promote overspending.
Research shows that customers tend to pay more for the same product when using credit cards rather than cash. These financial tools also stimulate the desire to buy.
Cash, on the other hand, seems scarcer. When you know exactly how much money is in your pocket, you pay more attention to your expenses. Plus, it’s easier to manage your budget.
Let’s say you’re going to the store for grocery shopping. Determine how much everything will cost you. Take only what you need and leave your credit cards at home.
Start a Piggy Bank
Effective spend management comes down to the small things you do every day.
If you’re like most people, you probably have $1 bills all over the house. Not to mention those coins in your pockets and bags.
Why throw your money away when could save it for later? Start a piggy bank and empty your pockets. These are fantastic educational tools that will get you into the habit of saving money.
Think about it. If you put $2 in the piggy bank daily, you’ll have an extra $730 within a year. Use that money to go on a trip or buy something nice for your loved ones.
Make Your Own Coffee
About 32 percent of Americans spend $1 to $6 on coffee every week. Another 17 percent spend $16 or more on this daily habit. Those who buy specialty coffee end up paying even more.
Making coffee at home takes just a few minutes. Plus, a coffee package costs pretty much the same as a frappe or latte but lasts forever.
Why pay someone else to brew your morning cup of joe when you can do it yourself?
Clear Your Browsing History
The modern technology has made our lives easier. At the same time, it allows advertisers to track our spending habits and gather customer data.
Retailers, airlines, and marketing agencies can raise their prices based on your cache and search history. For instance, if you search for flights online, the costs might go up from one hour to the next.
Before shopping online, clear your browsing history. This simple trick can save you thousands of dollars a year. New customers usually get the best deals.
Pay Your Bills on Time
Not paying your bills before the due date can result in extra fees and bad credit. In the worst case scenario, you could end up paying more than double.
Make a habit out of paying your bills on time. If you’re really short on money, apply for a payday loan. Just make sure you refund the money as you get your paycheck.
Choose a trusted lender to ensure everything goes smoothly. Bonsai Dinero, for instance, offers quick loans for one to six weeks. The only condition is to have a regular source of income.
Automate Your Savings
For most people, spend management is a chore. After all, we all want to save money, but something comes up every time. Or we simply forget about it.
Try this hack: set up a dedicated savings account with regular weekly transfers into it. Fund the money transfer with your bank account, debit card, or credit card. It could be as low as $20 a week or as high as $50 per week.
No matter how busy or forgetful you are, the money will go into your savings account. It’s as simple as that!
Try the $5 Savings Plan
Not too long ago, someone started an experiment. He put away every $5 bill he came across. In less than two years, he saved $3,335.
Without a doubt, this is one of the best spend management hacks out there! Try it yourself with $1, $5, or $10 bills. The savings will add up from one day to the next.
Pack Your Lunch
Two-thirds of American employees spend about $2,000 a year on lunch. Another $1,000 a year goes to coffee. By age 62, they would have spent at least $120,000 on these things.
Think about how much you work for that money. Pack your lunch at home rather than eating out. You’ll not only make savings but also eat healthier.
Don’t worry – there’s no need to be a pro chef to cook lunch.
Keep your meals simple and use whole, natural ingredients. Try healthy combos, such as turkey breast and brown rice, grilled fish and sweet potatoes, or tuna salad.
Spend Management Made Easy
Saving money doesn’t have to be a challenging. As you see, it’s the small things that matter.
Still struggling with your expenses? Harness the power of technology!
Today, there are dozens of apps and online tools that make spend management easier.
Earny, for example, works like a cashback program. If you buy something and the price drops later, you’ll get a refund.
You can also try online spending trackers like Adaptu, HelloWallet, and Pocket Expense. Most tools are free and easy-to-use, making them ideal for budget-conscious customers. Your only job is to find one that meets your needs.
What are your favorite spend management hacks? Do you have any tips to share? Leave a comment below!