I think at some point we have all questioned our money-handling abilities, whether it be the Starbucks runs or the $300 dress that we definitely didn’t need, money is a precious resource that so many of us don’t know how to handle well (me included). Obviously when you work hard at your job you want to spoil yourself a little, and you deserve it! But sometimes it can go a little beyond that into buyers’ remorse. So, with this in mind, I have five tips for you to feel better about your finances and buying habits!
1 – While this may not be an option everyone can afford, putting aside money from every paycheck is a skill that can really pay off over time. The five dollar bills that collect in the jar on your counter can very quickly become the night out or spa day that you and your significant other direly need. There is always a little spare change to toss in, and I think you’ll be surprised by how much you save!
2 – Conscious shopping is a practice that has slowly been rising in popularity over the past years. The habit of spending just to spend is fun, but can sometimes be evident of what you are missing in your life. It might mean your need to accumulate stuff is a way of coping with the hardships of your life. Yoga, running, Zumba, or reading may feel annoying to implement into your routine at first, but will quickly pay off, and bring a lasting and more maintainable sense of joy. All this means is a little extra thought into your buying habits, with the simple question of “will this item bring meaning into my life?” If yes, go for it! But if it most likely won’t add meaning to your life, finding other sources of joy may be worth committing to.
3 – If you’re using organic, all natural soaps, detergents, sprays and home cleaning supplies it might have crossed your mind that they are mighty expensive! If you have the money, it is definitely worth the investment, as they are way better for your health. But, if you think this might weigh heavy on your wallet, there are definitely cheaper alternatives. While a tad more time consuming, making your own all natural soaps and detergents at home is a great way to save some money. A lot of recipes just need baking soda, essential oils and other basic ingredients to create your own personalized products. So, really a quick Pinterest search and a little motivation can go a long way when it comes to your home cleaning products.
4 – Workout at home! I cannot emphasize this enough. Gym memberships are one of the biggest money grabs out there, and in most cases end up barely being used. The easiest, cheapest, and most convenient way to work out is in your own home! Online workout videos and dance parties in your living room are completely free, and you can even do them in your pajamas.
5 – While sometimes you just need to eat out without the hassle of cooking and cleaning up, you can definitely save some precious dollars eating in. Making your own food and meal prepping can end up being a convenient way to pack lunches and prepare for days out. There are so many delicious recipes you can make easily at home, and plenty of Starbucks drinks you can recreate with the random goodies from your cupboard. It just takes a little extra effort, and the money you save will add up pretty quickly.
Hopefully these 5 little tips help you out a little moving forward. I’m sure many of you are doing these already, but if you aren’t, there is no harm in some spare cash!
