Flaunt your cooking skills
Food and drinks are the highlights of any get together but it's also something that puts a hole in your pocket. So how do you strike a balance between a perfect evening with friends and being robbed in the name of good food? Simple. Invite friends over and cook with them. Rope in a friend who is known for his/her culinary expertise or flaunt your own cooking skills. This is a much better way to spend time with your friends rather than in a crowded restaurant with service that you can't rely on, only to have your budget gone haywire.
Time restricted shopping
That sounds depressing, we know, but consider this: Every time you go shopping or even window shopping with lots of time on your hands, you end up buying something that you don't necessarily need. So to prevent that, make a shopping list and stick to it. The most important part is that you need to go to the store before you have an appointment to make. For instance, go shop before going to work if you are shopping light. This will save time and prevent unnecessary expenditures.
Invest in time and experiences rather than objects
Consider this – you might like to buy stuffs and present it to your loved ones, but we all know that spending some quality time with them is the ultimate gift that they will ever get. All the riches in the world can't give the satisfaction of the attention and love you shower their way, and it will be received with equal gusto, no doubt. So though you can think up of many appropriate items you can gift them, give them the gift of your time.
Drink lots of water
As cliché as it may sound, health wise and money wise, this is a golden tip. It's a long term investment as you will do your body a favor by keeping your medical bills at bay, because if you're regularly drinking water, it means your bodily functions will be maintained. Besides, drinking water is a lot cheaper than drinking any other drinks. So keep a bottle of water with you at all times.
Sell things online
Step 1 – Go to your closet, cupboards and anywhere that you have left your collected items. Step 2 – Open an account in an online marketplace, classify the item and wait for a buyer. Modern technology has made anything possible, even selling the weirdest of items and it's that simple. So why not make money out of it? It's the ultimate way to save it.
Use your ATM cards wisely
Whenever you are withdrawing money from the ATM, make sure that it's of the same bank as that of your card because you might have to pay extra if you are withdrawing money from the machine of other banks. It can cost you a lot of money in the long run, so you need to be careful about it.
Pay your utility bills on time
You might save a lot of money by avoiding fines and extra charges if you pay the bills for electricity or telephone as soon as you get it. Not only that, sometimes there can be discount schemes and you might be able to save more. So why wait and waste when you can pay and save?
Know how to bargain
It's basic. Whenever you're shopping, you have to bargain as a rule. Not because we want you to have a scrimmage with the shopkeeper, but because a lot of times, they are prepared for it, so the actual price is way low than the selling price they quote. And not only in shops, but even while hiring a cab, be prepared to bargain. Be quick and assertive while doing that, it's even okay to pretend to walk away at times, as they will give in then. So happy bargaining!
Walk when you can
You will be saving not only your money, but time and doing your health a favor by doing this. If it's a short distance that you have to go, then definitely walk. Take in the ambience and though it's not great all the time, it'll be worth the money. You won't even have to get stuck in the frustrating traffic jams, so you won't ruin your mood as well. So put on your walking shoes and walk on.
Pack lunches
Take out an extra five minutes in the morning to pack lunch for the day. This is a great way to save money as you won't have to spend a fortune eating out, when doing so isn't even healthy. Why risk your health when a few extra minutes can change your lifestyle? You will be fit, and your wallet will also stay heavy. So whether that be a sandwich or any other snack, pack something for the day before you head out.
Money and life