Being smart with money has always been a good skill to have, but making it work isn’t enough. There are so many easy ways to save money that will help you keep saving throughout 2021 and well beyond, especially if you feel like your budgeting efforts so far haven’t been enough. After all, being smart with money means more than just being strict on what you spend it on; it’s knowing where to earn it and even how to spend it so that you end up spending less in the future.
These budget tips can help you in 2021 and beyond, so try them out and see how well they work for you.
Digitize Your Rewards Cards
Rewards cards are another great way to save and can be used both online and in-store. The issue is that they can take up a lot of space in your wallet. Thankfully, they don’t need to! Instead, you can use a rewards card app that will allow you to connect your rewards cards so that you have to use your phone to collect points and qualify for discounts wherever you go.
Find Subscriptions to Save Big
Subscriptions on essentials can help you save big. Companies much prefer the safety net of a subscription over a repeat customer, and there are many great choices out there. You can save on everything, from cleaning supplies to vitamins to other items you need repeatedly.
These subscriptions can be enjoyed with small businesses all the way to Amazon. Before committing to something like an Amazon subscription, however, always check out the small business option. From beauty care to plastic-free washing tablets, you can get innovative products for incredible prices when you are paying through a subscription. Going the small business route helps support the local economy, and they are often eco-friendly and free of harsh chemicals, making them a win-win.
Rethink How You Shop for Food
If you are going to a grocery store solely to shop for food, think again. Things are changing and going with the new wave can help you eat better and save big. One of the most popular new options is the ability to buy food boxes of either surplus or “ugly” fruits and vegetables. By doing this, you can save, enjoy fresh items, and help reduce food waste.
Always Look for Discounts Before You Check Out
Discount codes aren’t just for online shopping. Whether you are shopping online or in-store, it’s smart to have a quick search online before you check out. Say you are shopping in Kohls, for example. If you look online for Kohls coupons, you can often either apply the discount code to your online basket or show the discount to the employee at checkout. In some specific situations, there may be limits (for example, if it is a discount code for free shipping, then it won’t apply to your in-store purchase).
Need Something? Try Renting It
If the thing that you are looking to buy is only going to be used for a few days, consider renting it instead. You don’t even need to rent it from a big company, as there are new sites cropping up that allow people to rent out their tools to others for great prices. This way, you can save on the initial purchase, but also so that you don’t clutter your home with a tool or piece of equipment that you only needed to use a few times in your life.
There is no reason to buy items that you won’t use, so rent them instead. It’s easy, eco-friendly, and great for your budget.
See Where Your Budget Goes
The best tip to help your budget, however, is to see where it goes. Money can seem to disappear from your bank account, and the first step towards actively budgeting better is to know where it goes.
The benefits of this are immediate, but they can actually help you understand your current buying habits’ long-term costs. This way, you can work out the cost-effectiveness of new solutions. Many, you may find, have a slightly higher starting price, but over time you can save hundreds.
