You’ve heard it before: we should all be saving money. Between rising cost of living, medical expenses, and school costs, saving money doesn’t come easy to everyone.
Before we go on to the main issue, lets get to know who Crystal Paine is.
Who Is Crystal Paine?
Crystal Paine is the creator of MoneySavingMom.com, the host of the podcast The Crystal Paine Show, the No. 1 best-selling author of Say Goodbye to Survival Mode, and the author of Money-Making Mom. Her goal is to support women all across the world in living more joyfully, purposefully, and intentionally every day.
Here are Crystal Paine’s top 10 tips on how to save money, so you can start saving money today!
1) Shop in Sales Cycles
- Seasonal produce is always cheaper right before the season starts and right after it ends. If you plan your meals around what is in season, you can save a lot of money on your grocery bill.
- Clothing is also cheaper at the end of the season. However, be sure to only buy what you will actually wear and not just because it is a good deal.
- Another way to save money on groceries is to buy in bulk when items are on sale and then freeze them.
2) Use Coupons
One way to save money is to use coupons when you shop. You can find coupons in a variety of places, such as the Sunday paper, online, or in store flyers. When you use coupons, be sure to read the fine print so that you understand the terms and conditions. Additionally, make sure you keep track of when your coupons expire so that you can use them before they expire.
3) Cook at Home
1. Cooking at home is one of the best ways to save money. Not only do you save money on groceries, but you also save money on eating out.
2. Meal planning is a great way to save money on groceries. By planning your meals ahead of time, you can make sure you are only buying what you need.
3. One of the best ways to save money on groceries is to buy in bulk.
4) Adjust Your Budget
A lot of people think that in order to save money, they need to make more money. But the truth is, you can save money no matter how much (or how little) you make! The key is to adjust your budget so that your spending aligns with your goals and values.
5) Downsize
1. Don’t buy things you don’t need. This seems like a no-brainer, but it’s amazing how many people do this. If you don’t need it, don’t buy it!
2. Shop around for the best deals. This takes a little bit of time and effort, but it can save you a lot of money in the long run.
3. Use coupons. Coupons can be a great way to save money on groceries and other items.
6) Consider A Seasonal Job
A great way to save money is to get a seasonal job. This can be a great way to make some extra money to put towards your savings or debt payoff goals. Plus, it can also help you get discounts on items that you would normally have to pay full price for. Here are Crystal Paine’s top 10 tips for saving money
7) Skip The Guilt Trip
Most of us have a love/hate relationship with money. We love having it, but we hate having to budget and save. However, if you want to be good stewards of your money, you have to be intentional about saving.
8) Make a Budget Spreadsheet and Track Every Dollar You Spend
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it really is the foundation for everything else when it comes to saving money. You need to know where your money is going before you can make changes. Paine recommends creating a budget spreadsheet and tracking every single dollar you spend for at least two months. This will help you get a clear picture of your spending patterns and where you can cut back.
9) Cut Out Extras
1. One of the easiest ways to save money is to cut out extras. If you’re spending money on things that you don’t really need, it’s time to stop. Take a look at your budget and see where you can cut back.
2. Start with the small things, like that daily latte from Starbucks. If you save $3 a day, that’s $90 a month!
3. It may not seem like much, but those little extras can really add up.
10) Sell Things You No Longer Need
Take a look around your home and see what you can sell to make some extra money. Have a garage sale, sell items online, or take unwanted items to a consignment shop. You’ll be surprised how much money you can make by getting rid of things you no longer need!