8 Ways to SAVE

So not only am I planning to work my butt off this year, I'm planning to save my butt off too! The plan for 2013 is to jet-set around the world for 6 months with my man and I couldn’t be more excited. Saving money isn’t easy to begin with, requires plenty commitment and hard work, takes time to develop and learn, but the benefits are your reward for whatever you wish to do with your savings and for your years to come. As the verse refers: "What you sow, you shall reap". Start today!

 Here are a few ways I’m planning to save for our travels:

1. Spend Less: This is not over simplifying the best way to save money! It is essential if you are serious about being a long term money saver and being able to save money every day. Review what you spend and look at ways (where & how) you can save money. Try to never waist money by avoiding impulse purchases and unconsidered purchases. Make off peak calls, take a flask of coffee instead of purchasing one on the way to work every morning, do whatever you can, wherever you can, every last little bit helps.
2. Establish a budget: You will not be able to save money unless you know how much money you have coming in, and how much money you have going out. Once you have prepared a budget of incoming money and outgoing money, you will be able to identify areas where you can save.
3. Buy in bulk: Think about shopping and buying in bulk. Save money grocery shopping by planning meals in advance and bulk-buying. You can also save money by cooking in bulk. This is a real way you can save money with little preparation and almost no extra outlay. Always purchase generics when you can. Prepared foods and convenience foods will always be much more expensive than the generic ingredients needed to make the food.
4. Make sure a sale is a sale: By this I mean do your price research before you commit to making an expensive purchase in a retailers money-off sale. You have to be sure the sale really is a sale and not a creative marketing strategy of the store to encourage you to spend your money without thinking.
5. Buy used: Sure, we all like to buy new. But there are huge money savings to be made in buying used.
6. Don't carry excessive debt: Some debt in our lives may be essential. We may need a mortgage to purchase a home, we may need to use our credit card to make purchases until pay-day, but your aim to save money should be to have as little debt as possible. Credit Card debt is typically the most expensive debt we may carry. You will be able to save money every month if you make it an absolute rule to pay off your outstanding balance every month. Get rid of the unnecessary: Store accounts and paying off purchases (eg appliances/technology) monthly (baring interest) instead of a once off payment for the item when you’ve accumulated enough money for it. Cut your cards up if need be!
7. Eat in rather than out: This is a huge area where you can save money. Fast food restaurants are counting on you eating food that you perhaps don't really need at that time but buy just because it is quick. Why not wait until you get home and have a more nutritious meal and save money at the same time. If you must eat out, look for specials or make set dates to go out for dinner and make a night of it.
8. Use less: This money saving tip is a lesson we all need to learn. Whether its shampoo, to electricity or water. Using less SAVES you more!

Good luck and happy saving :) Remember to put a weekly / monthly allowance away into a secure pure savings bank account and put that bank card away in safe place xxx