8 hacks that will help you save more money
Uncover hidden leaks by taking a closer look at where exactly your dollars are going. Here are some painless ways to spend less so you can save more.
Experiencing a holiday spending hangover in the new year?
“Maybe you weren’t as prepared as you could have been for the holidays, but that’s OK,” said Tammy Wood, member engagement supervisor at Dupaco Community Credit Union. “Now, how do you get that spending back on track?”
With the holidays in the rearview mirror and a new year in front of you, it might be time for a frugal month. Think of it as a spending fast to cleanse your budget in the areas where it needs it most.
Committing to a frugal month, where you strip your spending to the bare basics, will allow you to find your spending baseline—and maybe even help you rediscover your priorities in life.
“January would be a great time for a frugal month,” Wood said.
Here’s what you should know before you get started:
Keep a notepad with you at all times, and record everything you spend money on.
Pay a bill—write it down. Turn on the lights—record it. Go to the grocery store—add it to the notebook.
“You’re probably spending more on things than you realize,” Wood said. “As you write it down, it will bring to light just how much you’re spending.”
As you keep track of your spending, resist the temptation to judge yourself for overspending in the past, Wood said. Instead, look ahead and stay positive about your budget challenge.
“It’s going to feel like a long time. But it’s only a month. Think of it as a fun challenge,” she said. “There could be things that come from a frugal month that could save you for years to come because you didn’t realize you were spending on things you didn’t even enjoy or use anymore.”
Your spending journal will help you start seeing where you can cut costs throughout your frugal month—and beyond. Each week, reevaluate your spending habits and try to cut even more.
“You’re cutting your budget completely bare, so all of these things come into play,” Wood said. “Only spend on your necessities.”
Stripping your budget will allow you to determine your spending baseline—the least amount you can spend to live comfortably.
“In this society, we have so many things that are actually wants that we’ve turned into needs,” Wood said. “Scaling back to your bare minimum will help you realize all those things you don’t need on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. It will give you a new understanding of life almost and a greater appreciation of the things you enjoy.”
Finding your spending baseline will also help you establish a budget that better matches your priorities.
A free Dupaco Money Makeover can help you create your budget. Within your budget, you can tackle those resolutions to save more for your goals. With Dupaco’s You-Name-It Savings accounts and Holiday Club, you can systematically save for the things that matter most to you.
“It’s OK to budget for entertainment and going out to eat,” Wood said. “Do the things you enjoy, but budget for them.”