How hard do you work for your money? I believe that you would rather work hard for a financially stress-free life than living from paycheck to pay to check buying things on a whim. Over the years I have gathered a few tricks and tips on how to practically save money. Some I have used and some have worked for people I know.
Here are some of the practical ways to save money:
- Buy things in bulk. It is cheaper to buy things in bulk, as the savings will add up after a while. Therefore, you can buy things that you know you use a lot of such as toilet paper, shower gels, soap etc.
- Stay healthy. Being sick costs money. Even with health insurance in Kenya, at some point, you will spend some money here and there. So exercise every day and eat right (less junk food) to keep the doctor away.
- Stop paying attention to others opinion of you. You can never make people happy, so there is no need to always upgrade things just to impress them. Focus on you, and save money and improve your life.
- Eat at home. Eat at home more and save money on food. If you are working, carry some packed lunch. Also, buy and cook in bulk to save money and time in the long run.
- Indulge in low-cost activities. We all have hobbies and things we would like to indulge in to relieve stress. Don’t just stay at home, indulge in on low-cost activities/hobbies such as hiking, reading or visiting local parks. to save money.
- Do not go shopping when you are bored or on an empty stomach. You will end up spending less and purchase much healthier food. Always have a list of things you need and stick to it.
- Seek out discounts. You can buy in large quantities when things are on sale or take advantage of coupons/discounts. If you particularly like buying particular costly brands. Every few months some products go on sale. Stock up then, until the next sale to save money.
- Take a hard look at your bank statement. Take time to study your bank statement at the end of the month. It will help you gain insight into where your money is really going.
- Engage in money saving challenges. Challenge yourself to go many days without spending any money. This excludes absolute necessities like food, fuel or transport.
- Think twice before every purchase. Every time before you go out to buy something that isn’t necessarily necessary, think twice. Ask yourself if you would rather have the money or whatever you want to buy. This way you can save money on unnecessary spending.
For all the extra money you have saved, you can open a savings account and stack it up for retirement, holidays or major life events. Life can be so much more beautiful but it requires a lot of hard work and sacrifice. If you can’t change how much you earn; you can stretch every shilling you earn and save money.
If you are an audiobook junkie like I am, I would recommend you listen to Rich Dad’s Cashflow Quadrant by Robert Kiyosaki. This book will guide you as you seek to make more, spend and save more. It highlights some basic truths that you need to know as you take on this journey to financial freedom.
You can click on the following links to read more about how to save money and invest:
- How Time Can Turn KES 20,000 into KES 1
- Managing Your Finances In the Face of Possible Job Loss
- 5 Effective Ways to Get Out of Debt Quickly
- 5 Things Every Single Woman Should Know About Money
- How To Make A Budget
- 3 of the Biggest Financial Mistakes Couples Make
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