Money Saving Life Hacks

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We all want to save more money. Whether you’re saving for a holiday or just want to build up your nest egg a bit more, saving money should be a priority. It can seem hard to save money or feel like you’ll have to go without things. With these life hacks, you can save money without feeling like you’re going without. 

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If you’re looking for life hacks that will simplify your life and save you money, then try some of these. 

1. Clear your browsing history. Shopping online can be a temptation when you’re trying to save money. After browsing online, clear your cache and browser history. Online companies use cookies to follow you around the internet and will show you products you’ve viewed in adverts, tempting you to buy. They also use your browser history to push up prices. 
2. Lower the brightness on the screens of your TV and computer. This is better for the health of your eyes, but it can also save you a lot of money. Turning the brightness down from the default can massively reduce the amount of energy you use, which is much cheaper. The default brightness is meant to make the screens look good in the store under fluorescent lighting. You don’t need it this bright at home.
3. Carry large bills. Research suggests that paying in cash instead of using your cards makes you more likely to spend less. This is because you can see what you’re spending. If you carry large bills, you’re less likely to want to break it, which can save you from making impulse purchases that you don’t actually want all that much. 
4. Build your credit. Whether your credit is good, bad, or middling, you should work on building it up. Credit is used to determine your rate on loans, and is also used by utility and insurance companies to determine your monthly premium. A good score could save you a lot of money on the bills. 
5. Make big purchases at the end of the month. All sales representatives, whether they’re selling cars or televisions, will have a monthly quota to meet. If you need to make a big purchase, try and hold off until the end of the month. If the salesperson has had a slow month, they may be willing to offer you a very generous discount in order to secure a sale and meet their quota.
6. Paint your roof white. If you own your home, then painting the roof could potentially be a big saving. Most roofs are a dark shade, but dark colors absorb more heat. In the summer, this means you’ll need more air conditioning to keep the house cool. With a white roof, this doesn’t happen. 
7. Brew your own coffee. Takeaway coffee can be an expensive habit, especially if you buy it a lot. Instead, treat yourself to some posh coffee that you can brew at home. Even with a nice brand, you’ll save money on coffee shop drinks. If you do buy coffee out, take your own reusable mug. Many shops now offer a discount if you don’t need a disposable cup and are ready with a cup of your own. 
8. Try going flexitarian. A flexitarian is someone who is flexible about their eating; they don’t eat much meat but aren’t a vegetarian either. Beef and other meats are getting more expensive, so switching to fish or a vegetarian dinner a few nights a week can help you to save money. It’s kinder to the environment too, as an added bonus. 
9. Buy generic instead of brands. Many brand household products contain exactly the same ingredients as the generic version. By switching to generic, you can make big savings without losing out on quality. Things like cleaning products are fine bought generic. 
10. Exercise daily. Those who keep fit get ill less. If you’re ill less often, you’ll make fewer trips to the doctor’s office, saving you money on your medical bills. You’ll also be much fitter and healthier, so you won’t lose as many days at work to sickness, which could make a real difference if you don’t get sick pay. You don’t need to cough up for a gym membership either. Working out at home, or free options like running or walking are just as effective. 
11. Eat out at a culinary school. Going out for dinner is a real treat but it can get expensive. If you don’t want to miss out on dinner, look for a culinary school near you. Most of these schools have restaurants attached so students can practice. You’ll get great food at the a fraction of the cost, and might even get to try the food of the next big chef before anyone else. 
12. Ask for money off. Most companies have promotions of some kind running, but they often won’t offer up the information. If you’re changing your gas supplier, are unhappy with how much you pay for cable or want a new mobile phone, always ask about available discounts or promotions. Often asking is enough to get money off, as businesses want to keep your custom. For cable, calling and enquiring about canceling can secure you a good discount as an incentive to stay. If you don’t ask, you’ll never know, and the worst that can happen is that they say no. 

With some money-savvy, a trained eye for a bargain, and some small lifestyle changes for you and the family, you can manage your money much more effectively. If you’re spending less, you’ll have a lot more spare cash to put into your savings, helping your nest egg to grow much more rapidly, getting you to your dream holiday, a new car or house deposit a lot faster than with your old money habits. None of these hacks are hard to do, and they won’t make you feel deprived or make you give up all your favorite things in the interest of money-saving. Get money smart and don’t miss out on anything.