How To Save Money While Having A Good Life?

by Dr. Shanthi Thomas

Everyone wants a good life. And everyone wants to save money. Are these two goals compatible? Can you save money while having a good life? It is quite possible, if you follow the rules below.

1. Train yourself or a family member in personal grooming

You can easily save the money spent at the saloon if you learn to cut your own hair, or get a family member to do manicure. Yes, it takes some training, but it is not impossible to learn hair styling and associated skills. The advantage is that you save quite a sum of money that you would normally pay at the beauty parlor or the saloon.

2. Stick to home-cooked meals

If you are seriously thinking about saving money, reduce eating out. This can save you quite a lot of money as dining out is quite expensive. This does not mean that you should eliminate dining out completely. You should reserve it for special occasions alone, such as birthdays or wedding anniversary. If you spend a little time and energy on it, home cooking can be very interesting and you can produce very appetizing meals.

3. Start making coffee at home

You would be surprised at how many people spend money on coffee on a daily basis. Per day, it may not cost must, but the cumulative cost is quite a lot. Instead of visiting Starbucks for example, try brewing your own coffee at home for a different pleasant experience.

4. Wash your car at home

Outsourcing your car wash results in unnecessary expense. It does not take much of an effort or time to wash your car on your own driveway by yourself. If you have children above 10 years old, include them in the washing. It can be a nice family bonding experience.

5. Avoid professional dry cleaning

You can save quite a sum of money in dry-cleaning costs if you switch to buying machine-washable clothes. And you can get high quality machine washable clothes. It takes a bit of getting used to, but if your goal is saving money, it is worth it.

6. Buy in bulk

When there is a sale or discount offer, buy groceries and other things in bulk. When you are planning your meals, plan for a week and buy accordingly.

7. Shop secondhand

Join Facebook buy and sell groups, visit garage sales and thrift stores. Also try out eBay and Craigslist for items you need. You will be surprised at the cheap prices at which some very good items are being sold.

8. Buy quality stuff

When you buy at retail stores, but good quality stuff. Over time, you will find that it actually works out cheaper to buy high quality stuff because they stay good for a long time, and have classic designs that do not go out of style.

9. Borrow books instead of buying them

Books cost a lot of money. For this reason, if you are into reading, it is always advisable to get membership in a good library, instead of buying books. There are also online book clubs that may help you borrow books from those who own them.

10. Have a kitchen garden

If you have at least a few square meters of land around your house, plant some vegetables and herbs. You can enjoy organic vegetables that are home grown, and save the money spent at the supermarket every week. An added bonus is the immense satisfaction of watching your own vegetables grow.

11. Reconsider your gym membership

Do you use your gym membership regularly? Or do you go only once in a blue moon? If the latter is the case, consider cancelling it. Make ample use of the endless free fitness opportunities, including walking, cycling and running in your local park.

12. Service your car regularly

Service and maintain your car regularly. Car repairs can burn a hole through your pocket easily. Check tire pressure on a regular basis and use the manufacturer’s recommended oil type. Change oil filter and oil regularly. Keep the engine air filter clean. In a word, take care of your car.

13. Spend less on your stay

While on vacation, most people spend the most on room rental in traditional hotels. We forget the fact that we are visiting a place to see the attractions there, not to sleep in a high class hotel. So, spend your money wisely on vacations by using Airbnb or other lodging rental sites.