In the wake of the weakest economic recovery since the “Great Depression”, many paychecks and bank accounts continue to look a bit anemic. Some Americans are still in a position where they can’t even locate money to buy small things they need because their budget is so tight. The following are six tips that you can use to “Stuff Your Piggy Bank” and save some money each month even if money is very tight.
Create a Change Station
Since we’re talking about “Stuffing Your Piggy Bank” the first tip is literally that. People have a habit of ignoring change, especially pennies. But even pennies add-up. You can save money each month by crafting a change bucket and then tossing all of your “useless” change in there whenever you go to the store and you receive change for one of your transactions. You can make a large change bucket, or you can just use a jelly jar or even a plastic bottle with a large mouth. You simply have to cut a slot in the top to make it suitable for collecting change. When you’ve collected enough change, you can get paper rolls from your bank and cash it in (altough some banks prefer that you bring it in loose). You’ll be surprised at how quickly it adds up. You could trade it in for money at one of those nifty change machines which will save you a lot of time but they take a huge cut off the top 7-10%. So why not just “roll your own” while you are just sitting there watching TV? This could have two benefits… saving money and keeping you from snacking. 🙂
Try a Vegetarian Diet
One way that you can save a lot of money is by eating a vegetarian diet. The most expensive portion of your diet is the protein. And since a vegetarian diet excludes expensive meat, cutting that out can save you a bundle. Fresh fruits and vegetables are much less expensive, and they can provide you with the nutrients and vitamins you need on a daily basis. Plus because they contain fiber they are actually more filling than typical processed foods and can help you maintain a more healthy weight. In a strict vegetarian diet, your protein comes from nuts, seeds, legumes, etc. Other inexpensive protein sources include eggs, cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and homemade yogurt.
You don’t have to switch completely, you can start by cutting out meat from one or two meals a week. Age old non-meat money savers include macaroni and cheese, waffles or pancakes, the Southern favorite Pinto Beans and Cornbread, or even Quinoa and Black Bean Chili.
Up-cycle Your Stuff
Up-cycling is a great way to save money each month. Up-cycling means “reuse (discarded objects or material) in such a way as to create a product of a higher quality or value than the original”. For example, you can reuse your jelly jars and lids to plant seeds and make a little flower or plant grow. You can use your old clothing like jeans to create interesting patches for other clothes. Old t-shirts make great cleaning rags, as well. But it can be even more exotic than that. You can use old pallets to make a porch swing, or convert old drawers into a coffee table. It really is amazing how much you can do with old recycled materials.
Have a Rummage Sale
Rummage sales and yard sales can earn you some money each month, and they can keep your house clean. You can clean out your garage each weekend and offer items that you no longer want to keep to the masses. You make your own rules on the prices when you have a rummage sale.
Start a Home Business
Starting a side home business can definitely put some money into your hands. This is definitely a great way to make some quick money in the comfort in your own home. Luckily, now a days you can have quality telecommunications through companies like ACN so that you can still communicate will with clients no matter where you are.
Join Rewards Club
Joining a rewards club at your local grocery store, convenience store, gas station and the like can earn you money each month that you can spend on other items. By joining clubs like this you can actually save a lot of money down the road. It is amazing how many good deals certain businesses give to members.
Learn the Art of Thrift Shopping
One of the biggest keys to saving money is to major in frugality. You can find many things at flea markets, thrift shops and other establishments. Take the time to find items that do not disrupt your personal budget and shop there.
You can try one or all of these options and you will start seeing some improvements very soon. Hopefully, you will see an improvement the very first month you try it. By following these tips you will definitely start saving money in no time.