I need to learn how to save more of our income. I’m not
interested in starting a business or making money, but I do believe that a
penny saved is a penny earned, so I’d like to hold onto more of my pennies. Thanks,
so much for any help you can offer! – Signed, Penny
Dear Penny,
Some of my favourite ways to save money are the easiest. Of
course, we all like the easy things in life. I know I’m not the type to reuse a
plastic sandwich bag, so I just buy plastic containers instead that can be used
forever. Know yourself and your habits so you can pick and choose how to save
money.
1. Have Meals on Hand
Freezer Cooking is some people’s personal favourite way to
save money. Instead of cooking one batch of food every night, you can double or
even quadruple some of your favourite recipes and freeze the extra. That way,
the next time you’re in a hurry and tempted to pick up the phone to order a $25
pizza delivery, instead you can go to your freezer and grab a container of lasagne
and enjoy it for a fraction of the price.
Some meals that are easy to freeze are chilli, rice
casseroles, lasagne, and stir fry dishes. Always test a small batch before you
invest too much time into a big cooking session just to make sure your favourite
recipe freezes well.
2. Monthly money drain
Another way to save money is to look through your credit
card bill and your monthly bank statement for recurring charges.
For instance, if you have the same cell phone you’ve had for
more than a year, you might be able to find a cheaper plan. You may even be
able to get enough minutes with enough coverage that you can cancel your
landline phone and long-distance and just pay your cell bill each month.
Or do you really need all those bells and whistles on your
cable service? If you’re paying for HBO, then do you also need a subscription
to a Movie club where you get movies in the mail? There’s definitely room for
saving money here.
Think about cancelling that book of the month club. On many
of these plans, the cost of shipping costs more than picking up books at a
bookstore. Or buy books and share them with friends. Then, when you’re done
reading them, sell them on eBay or at a used book store to fund your book
addiction, or simply donate them to your favourite library.
If you look around, you just might find some areas where you
are wasting money. Between dining out, pizza delivery, cable bill, and beauty
expenses, you’ll find ways to keep more money in your pockets.
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