3 ways to Save $ Fast
Have you ever had an emergency come up and didn’t know how you were going to pay for it? I have. Those moments are scary. Making money appear out of thin air is not easy! When my septic tank alarm started going off, I was like what is that noise? So, I found the source in the basement of my new home and figured out the septic system was having issues. Anybody know anything about septic systems? Anybody? Well this single lady who never lived in the country before was about to find out. I called multiple companies and found out this was going to be a team effort. Apparently all at the same time the septic pump was broken and the tank was full. Both needed to be addressed and I needed to take care of them at the same time but in a specific order with multiple companies. I had $500 to my name at the time and this was looking expensive. I knew what I had to do and now I am going to share those things with you.
1. Sell Stuff
Look around and take inventory of all the things you have. You may not think that the stuff is worth much but it can add up. Go through each room in your house and your garage and list anything you don’t need to keep online, at a consignment store or have a garage sale. I have had garage sales where I have made $1000 in one day. Now it was a huge sale and a lot of work, but so worth it! Think about the hobbies you started, but don’t do anymore, things you collected but don’t care about now, and especially look at big ticket items. If you are in a pinch consider selling 4-wheeler, extra vehicles, guns, kayaks, skis, boats, anything you can get a decent amount for that you wont miss or can replace later when you are in a better position financially.
2. Cut Extra Spending
Extra spending is anything above and beyond what is needed in a month. Food, shelter, transportation, and utilities are a must. However, anything else can be cut if you need to save fast. How drastic you cut depends on how fast you need to save and what you are saving for. If you are saving quick to pay for an emergency I would cut as much as possible. If you are saving fast for a trip you want to go on, you probably don’t have to cut as far back, unless you want to. Cut eating out, gas station food or drinks, don’t drive more than you have to (gas is expensive), skip getting your hair cut or nails done, use up all the product you have in your house before buying new. I could go on and on. Look at your life and your bank statement and find out where the money is getting spent and then cut out the extra. You will feel like you found so much money if you do this.
3. Make a Budget
I can’t recommend this enough. Not just making a Budget, but actually sticking to it and checking where you are at with your spending prior to spending more. If you make a plan and honor that plan with your money, you will have more to save than if you weren't paying attention. My favorite budgeting app is EveryDollar. Give it a try and when you budget you will save money fast.
Bonus tips:
Create a meal plan
Make saving a game
Cancel all subscriptions and unused services
Remove your debit/credit card from all online shopping accounts
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