ByKristin Larsen
So you’ve cut cable and watch Netflix. You rent books from the library forentertainment. You even pack your lunch faithfully five times a week.
But somehow, you still have to pinch pennies.
Unexpected bills, a change in income; there are so many variables that can jolt your finances! Sometimes this means emptying your emergency fund or changing your lifestyle to fit your financial needs.
Related reading:
- 7 Ways to Save $500 Right Now
- 17 Painless Ways to Save Over $300 in 30 Days
- How to Track Your Expenses
- Tips for a No Spend Day or Week or Month
- How to Save Money on Groceries Without Coupons
How to pinch pennies
Here is a list of small things you can do to save money. While these changeswill not be substantial, there will still be savings!
Ask for a payment plan
If you are struggling to pay a bill, regardless of the size, ask the billing department for a payment plan.
Most companies want your business and will work with you.
If you get a customer service representative that is not helpful, call back and speak to someone else.
Your bills are important and you deserve good customer service.
This is a quick way to reduce your bill and can really help you save.
Review your car insurance
Review your car insurance to see if you can raise the deductible.
This could help lower your car insurance rate. If you have already done this, consider dropping comprehensive if your car is older or if you don’t drive very often.
Check for add on’s, such as roadside assistance or rental reimbursem*nt.
If you are paying for these, consider dropping them temporarily. Once you are in a better financial situation, you can always revert back to your original policy. Don’t forget, this is just temporary.
Opt for delivery instead of driving
Spending too much gas running errands? Consider ordering your purchases online.
Most companies provide free shipping on orders. Many companies, such as grocery stores, Target, Walmart and Amazon now have free delivery. Reducing your driving can help save fuel.
Scrounge up everything in your pantry
Before you make that grocery list, consider emptying out your pantry.Get creative!
Throw some ingredients in a crock pot, make a casserole or look for dinner ideas online.
If you can stretch your pantry items a few days, you are saving money by not purchasing new groceries. This is one of the best way you can pinch pennies and not be wasteful.
Sell your stuff for a quick buck
Amazon, eBay and LetGo are great outlets to get rid of your stuff.
Do a quick price search to see what similar items are priced at and sell yours for less if you need a quick sale.
It’s often much more profitable to sell items through these revenues than a traditional garage sale.
I hope these give you some ideas to save money when you are in a jam. Just remember that your situation is temporary and these small savings will help your wallet.
Start saving, even if it’s only a few dollars a week
Money is tight.If you’re like most people and struggle with saving, you should consider using Digit.
Digit lets you save money each week from your checking account. What I really like about Digit is that it analyzes my bank account and determines how much I can really save per week.
Someweeks it might be $5 and other times it might be $10. You don’t have to worry about overdraft and can contribute less or more if you need to. As of now, I don’t know an easier way to save money!
You can learn more about Digit here.
