Learn how to save money even when you’re on a tight budget

Saving money is not exactly a top priority for most people. It is very hard to make a habit of putting money aside when you can barely make it from one paycheck to another. Not only do we not save money, but most of the time we even overspend without even realizing.

It’s the little things and daily habits that make all the difference and even if they don’t seem like much one by one, combined, they can help you save considerable amounts of money.

Here are some seemingly minor but important changes you can make to help you save money even if you are on a tight budget:

• Start paying more with cash than with your credit card. It is easy to indulge yourself when all you have to do is swipe your credit card to pay for everything. But it involves quite a good memory, math skills and strong will to be able to keep track of every dollar spent and not to go overboard. If you switch to cash, you’ll be more aware of how much money you spend and having a limit will help you cut back on your expenses and be more financially responsible
• Make it a goal to pay off your debts. Credit cards and other types of debt are really bad for your budget. The monthly interest you have to pay could go into an emergency fund or your savings instead
• Ask for a refund in case of price drops. It is very frustrating to buy something at a certain price only to see it going on sale after a few days. If that happened to you, too, check to see if there is any way to get a refund. There are plenty of stores which offer a refund of the difference. Amazon, Macy’s, Target are just a few examples.
• Cut back on your transportation costs. Yes, we know, it is very comfortable to just get in your car for every little trip you have to make, but if you do the math, it is not a pretty result! There are a lot of cases in which you can switch your car for public transportation, use your bicycle or even walk instead. Or at least make carpooling your friend. Not only will it be a good thing for your budget, but hey, Mother Earth will thank you, too!
• Choose to shop online as often as you can. Online shopping is always full of good offers, discounts and sweat deals. All you have to do is browse for them and click a mouse. Also, it’s easier to get carried away when you are physically in the store and you can touch and try all the merchandise
• Try to buy in bulk, because the rule is usually this: the more you buy, the more you save, because items purchased in bulk are cheaper. Of course we’re not talking about perishables here, but apply this advice wherever possible
• Don’t throw away all that loose change. That piggy bank is still a good way to save money, even if it’s coming from your pockets. Given enough time, you’ll be surprised how much money you can save only from your pocket change.