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How to get better at saving money?


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Posted

You mention you have ADHD so if impulse shopping is one of your biggest issues with saving these tips might help you:

 

1) Think on 3 separate reasons why I want to buy this item. If there isn't 3, then don't get it, and if too many items are purchasable with 3, think on increasing the number of reasons.

2) Think on how much the item will actually be used, practically.

3) "Can I afford this item if it was double or triple the price?" If not, think on how much is it really worth it or not. Basically attach a value to your needs.

4) Think on environmental/social impact (this one is not one everyone will do but a nice idea), where you sit and think about how it is made and if the item is really worth all the labor and other factors.

5) Either remove shopping apps from your phone, or hide them in a folder for them. Check them less often. Very much "out of sight out of mind".

6) Think on "what is the catch?" for your purchase. Make sure the catch is worth the cost of the item and you obtaining it, because often times deals and such aren't really the huge immediate action that stores make you want to think they are.

Posted
13 hours ago, Love Again said:

The way this is basically my life whew chile :bibliahh:

 

13 hours ago, Badgalbriel said:

THIS IS MY PROBLEM! I literally eat out every meal I have in a day. I'm too lazy to even prepare black coffee, so even that I buy every day, at least 3 times a day.

the way when sometimes even when i'm at my parents home, where there is food, I still order takeouts :deadbanana:

the iced coffees every damn day :deadbanana:

 

I forgot the trips I take and concerts I attend to here and there that I CANNOT afford. I just swipe my card and hope for the best the next month! yep, we either have to get really rich or get a sugar daddy or we'll end up on the streets in no time :toofunny3:

Posted

Its all prioritizing, downsizing, and decision making.

Posted
On 3/17/2023 at 5:02 PM, zasderfght said:

Order water for every takeout meal.

Your tips are all very great but I'm a little bit confused about this one. How does this help?

Posted

Looking at this thread I am very glad to be naturally frugal. As a child I would spend hours trying to earn currency in games I used to play like Pokemon, and then I would literally nevers spend it on anything (to the point I would rather risk wipeouts rather than buy extra healing items). I think that habit has carried over to me in real life too.

 

I came to the UK for uni with over 4,000 pounds in cash because that's how much students are expected to spend on their non-rent based living expenses, and I just realised that by the end of my first year I will have over 2,000 pounds still unspent! What helped me remain stable is setting weekly spending goals (for instance I refuse to spend more than 60 pounds a week), and cooking my own meals (food is the biggest day-to-day income drainer). I realised I actually really enjoy cooking, and most of the time I make big enough portions to last me 4-5 meals. 

Posted
26 minutes ago, ithinkheknowsoutsold said:

Your tips are all very great but I'm a little bit confused about this one. How does this help?

Usually people order fountain drinks or alcohol. Water is free (if it’s not bottled or a name-brand). 

Posted
2 minutes ago, zasderfght said:

Usually people order fountain drinks or alcohol. Water is free (if it’s not bottled or a name-brand). 

So like if you order a meal deal you should order water instead of Coke/Pepsi etc.? Is that how it works?

Posted
Just now, ithinkheknowsoutsold said:

So like if you order a meal deal you should order water instead of Coke/Pepsi etc.? Is that how it works?

Yep! Just ask for a cup of water. A restaurant cannot charge you for asking for tap/water from a soda fountain. 

Posted
Just now, zasderfght said:

Yep! Just ask for a cup of water. A restaurant cannot charge you for asking for tap/water from a soda fountain. 

Do you think this would work for online orders too?

Posted
Just now, ithinkheknowsoutsold said:

Do you think this would work for online orders too?

If you leave it in the order notes and/or call the restaurant, I don’t see why it wouldn’t work! 

Posted
Just now, zasderfght said:

If you leave it in the order notes and/or call the restaurant, I don’t see why it wouldn’t work! 

Interesting, I should try to do this the next time I order. Thanks!

Posted
49 minutes ago, ithinkheknowsoutsold said:

Interesting, I should try to do this the next time I order. Thanks!

No problem! Also, if you eat with friends, your partner, or family, you could order food and split it as opposed to both of you ordering separate foods! My boyfriend and I split food at restaurants for this very reason! 

Posted
3 minutes ago, zasderfght said:

No problem! Also, if you eat with friends, your partner, or family, you could order food and split it as opposed to both of you ordering separate foods! My boyfriend and I split food at restaurants for this very reason!

I live by myself and when I'm home my parents always pay for us all when eating out so that's never an issue, but I'll try this out when I eat out with my friends. Thanks again!

Posted (edited)

1. Live with your family members if you all are in the same city/area and if you all get along well. 

2. Be meticulous in keeping track of your spending, and do it daily. Use a spreadsheet or do it on a book. You may collect receipts to keep track if you can't remember clearly. 

3. Cook if possible, don't eat out too often.

4. Bring your own bottle of water every where you go.

5. Find ways to get free food. Make use of coupons. Buy groceries only when they are on offer.

6. Get a 2nd or 3rd job. 

7. Sell your unwanted clothes or trade them with someone else.

8. Unsubscribe from entertainment platforms. If you manage to get a 2nd or 3rd job, you may not have time to watch.

9. If feasible, use a scooter/mobility device that can operate on the sidewalks so that you can save on transport ij the long term. 

Edited by Genius1111
Posted

having more :giraffe:

Posted

Transparency and planning, have things tracked/written down with a budget in mind so that you can see how much you have left through the month. taking in consideration what you earn, how much you spend on certain categories and what can be done to improve/change it.

Posted

I’ve actually never regretted any purchases I’ve made at all. But yeah… invest it. When you see that number move up for no effort, you’ll wanna do that more.

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