6 Ways to Save For The Future
Every morning someone in the office will greet me with, “Hello Antionette, how you doing”, and I’ll usually respond, “I’m good, it’s another day closer to retirement!” Actually it’s several more years before I can really retire but hey, it’s my fantasy so leave me alone!
Retirement may be my distant future, but we all know that time flies when you’re having fun and it will sneak up on me before I know it. So even with a 401K plan and Social Security benefits, I still need to save for the future. Whether or not your not-so-distant future includes retirement, purchasing your first home, a new car, sending the kids to college or even getting married, here are 6 ways to help you save money for the future.
1) Trim your food costs – for us this has gotten easier with Malik away at school. Believe it or not, since he left, our grocery bill has been cut in half, but I’m spending money sending him snacks so it’s a wash. However, if you eat out often whether at a restaurant or take-out/delivery, find and use coupons or Groupons.
There are many deals to be found on social media so seek them out and save some cash. Don’t forget the grocery store apps to help you save while shopping as well as rewarding you at the gas stations.
2) Shop sale or clearance – you know me, the frugal fashionista, but even if you don’t thrift never pay full retail. Head straight to the sales and clearance racks then put the savings into an account. Buy off season and don’t BOGO, if you don’t need two, don’t buy two unless it is really BUY ONE GET ONE FREE, Most times BOGO is ‘Buy one get another 1/2 off” and don’t be enticed by the 2fer or 3fer deals on items especially if you only need one.
3) Ask for discounts – whether you’re a senior, military, college student, member of AAA, AARP or any other organizations, ask if there are discounts available. You can find savings on dining, car rentals, hotels, auto and home repairs. Put the money you saved into your account.
4) Shop around – for the best prices, especially on big renovations, get at least three bids and check third-party websites such as Groupon and Angieslist.com
5) Pay with cash – most people spend less with cash than when using a debit or credit card and depending on the vendor you may be given a discount for paying with cash.
6) Bargain hunt for travel – name your own price @Priceline.com, is a good way to save money on your travel budget – or just stay local. Seek out fun spots and destinations in your own city or state to save even more money.
There are so many other ways in which to save a few dollars here and there so track your spending whether by writing it down in a notebook or with a Smartphone app, look for ways to cut your spending and save it for the future.
Now it’s your turn, share some tips on how you’re saving money for the future.
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
