So, you\u2019ve decided to start saving.\u00a0 The accounts are ready and the goals are set \u2014 you just need a few more ideas on where the extra money is going to come from.\u00a0 To get those saving wheels turning, we\u2019ve put together a list of 10 simple tips to boost your savings:<\/p>\n
Round it up<\/b>:\u00a0 Every time you make a purchase (say, $24.20), round up to the next dollar and transfer the difference into your savings account (in this case, $0.80).\u00a0 There are actually bank accounts set up to help you do this.\u00a0 While the savings seem so small, and therefore painless, they really add up over time.<\/p>\n
Start a change jar<\/b>:\u00a0 You probably don\u2019t use a lot of cash anymore, but when you do chances are you\u2019re accumulating a lot of change that will just weigh down your back pocket.\u00a0 Make a habit of tossing your leftover change into a jar at the end of the day.\u00a0 When it\u2019s nearly full (that\u2019s right!) roll it and take it to the bank.<\/p>\n
Make it fun<\/b>:\u00a0 Set a game for yourself like, \u201cI have to save any 2010 loonies I get\u201d and change the denomination and year every so often to keep yourself on your toes.\u00a0 This is something you can even get your spouse or kids to do.\u00a0 Have a family challenge to see who can find the most in a three-month period.<\/p>\n
Ditch fees<\/b>:\u00a0 Tacking on a late charge or user fee to something you\u2019ve already paid for is beyond frustrating.\u00a0 Carefully read contracts to avoid paying more than you need to and make sure you understand any potential service fees before signing up.<\/p>\n
Embrace community resources<\/b>:\u00a0 If you\u2019re an avid reader, get a library card.\u00a0 Love to socialize?\u00a0 Find a volunteer program.\u00a0 Nearly every community will have resources, programs or events that are not only cost-effective but nearby, making them convenient and cheap to travel to.<\/p>\n
Cut out the coffee run<\/b>:\u00a0 If caffeine is your friend we don\u2019t mean you should cut it out altogether \u2014 just those quick trips that add up during the week.\u00a0 If you\u2019re tempted by the coffee shop down the street bring a thermos of self-made fuel from home, and maybe even your own homemade treats if you\u2019re really planning.<\/p>\n
Lower your utility costs<\/b>:\u00a0 Call your service providers (cell phone, cable, etc.) and make sure that you\u2019re actually getting the best deal for your dollar.\u00a0 If you think you can cut back on something, reduce the cost, or cancel it altogether, then do it.\u00a0 Small things like curbing unnecessary electricity use can also make a difference.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t be afraid to ask<\/b>:\u00a0 Whether you\u2019re booking a trip or negotiating with a service provider, it doesn\u2019t hurt to ask for a discounted rate or if there is a way to reduce the price.\u00a0 If you don\u2019t ask, you won\u2019t know and speaking up can definitely save you money!<\/p>\n
Meal plan<\/b>:\u00a0 If you find that you\u2019re regularly throwing money at the \u201cWhat\u2019s for dinner?\u201d question then try to get into the habit of planning your meals for the week.\u00a0 When hitting the grocery store, get only <\/i>what\u2019s on your list for the week\u2019s meals.\u00a0 If you\u2019re feeling really ambitious then make double or triple batches of dinners to use for lunch or to store in the freezer for the next time you\u2019re in a dinner bind.<\/p>\n
Master the timed decision<\/b>:\u00a0 Before tossing something into your shopping cart, hang onto it for 10 seconds and decide if you actually need it.\u00a0 Need, not want.<\/i>\u00a0 If you\u2019re looking at big-ticket items (a new mobile device, for example), change it from 10 seconds to 30 days.\u00a0 This will also allow you extra time to compare prices.<\/p>\n
Whether your savings goals are big or small, it doesn\u2019t have to be an agonizing process.\u00a0 Simple, small adjustments can yield amazing results; your creativity is the limit.\u00a0 Once you\u2019ve met a few of your savings goals, chances are you\u2019ll have even more motivation to keep with it.\u00a0 Save on, friends, save on!<\/p>\n
Please contact us<\/a> if you would like to arrange a free, confidential consultation<\/a> to discuss your debt resolution options.<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" So, you\u2019ve decided to start saving.\u00a0 The accounts are ready and the goals are set \u2014 you just need a few more ideas on where the extra money is going to come from.\u00a0 To get those saving wheels turning, we\u2019ve put together a list of 10 simple tips to boost your savings: Round it up:\u00a0 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":6451,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[261],"tags":[38,39,44,37,35,54],"class_list":["post-3243","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-debt-free-living","tag-bankruptcy-bc","tag-bankruptcy-trustees","tag-budgeting","tag-consumer-proposals","tag-sands-associates","tag-savings"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n