We are always looking for ways to save a few bucks, but somehow, it seems to get harder and harder to do nowadays. Rising health care costs, over the top gas prices and the grocery bill can put a dent in anyone’s pocket book, but there are ways you can save a little nest egg each year.
Everyone should have a “just in case” account with at least $1,000– if you don’t, here are ten creative ways to make it happen:
Direct Deposit
Direct deposit makes our lives easier – no more running to the bank when your paycheck arrives. And, you don’t have to put all of your check in just one account. Create a savings account and direct deposit $84 a month into it. You won’t physically see the money leave your check since it is done beforehand, and at the end of the year you will have a little over $1,000 sitting in the account.
Don’t give it away, E-Bay.
Have some outfits that you paid a pretty penny for, but never wore. What about those fancy purses that you may have used once or twice but they just don’t fit with your style? Instead of allowing them to collect dust or be thrown away, put them on E-Bay. You can sell just about anything on the site, and you will be amazed at what people will pay for your used items. E-Bay does charge a small fee – but it’s just that – very small. If you sell 10 items at $105 dollars each, 20 items at $52 dollars or if you have a bunch of stuff to sell – 40 items at $28 – you’ll have enough money to cover the E-Bay costs and $1,000 in your savings account.
Take your lunch instead.
When lunch time rolls around at work, are you always eating out? That surely adds up. $20 a week for 52 weeks is $1,040 – so skip the restaurant and brown bag it. Your savings account will thank you for it.
Make your own mocha.
Many of us will zip through those conveniently located drive through coffee shops to perk up our morning. Guess what – it’s costing you big bucks. Again, if you spend $20 a week for your mocha or latte, it adds up to $1,040 a year. Instead, sock $20 a week in your savings account, buy some chocolate sauce and whipped cream and make your own mocha before strolling into work.
Take a seasonal job.
During the holidays or summer time tourist season, there are several fun, part-time jobs that could be a fun way to make some extra cash for your savings account. Become a tour-guide, a greeter or a retail salesperson – all you need is to earn an extra $100 for 10 weeks out of your year to pad that savings account. There are other perks too – clothing discounts are a nice benefit, as well as getting to know your city’s history first hand.
Run a side business.
Are you extra-extraordinary behind a video camera? Can you photograph well? Put your hobby to use. More than likely, you already have the equipment, so market yourself – you can become a wedding photographer or videographer and make the big bucks, covering any costs incurred as well as giving you that $1,000 for your savings account. And anything you buy for your self-employment can be deducted from your taxes (be sure to check all the tax rules that may apply before making a huge purchase).
Get a booth.
Or maybe you are great at making arts and crafts, woodworking or quilts. For a few bucks ($100-300 is the average) you can have a booth at that next festival and sell your goods. If you do this four times a year, you can have $1,000 easily socked away.
Quit smoking, for good.
Not only are the health benefits amazing, but if you quit smoking, you can save over $1,400 a year (1 pack a day at $4 adds up). So, you can breath easy – literally and figuratively.
Teach your skill.
If you love to play piano, have a great singing voice or have a knack for math and science, become a teacher/tutor. Not only will help other people learn something important to you, but you will more than double your savings account – all you need is one student per year at $40 per session, once a week. That adds up to $2,080 a year!
Make take out obsolete.
Yes, take out night – you know, the night that you either pick something up or go out to eat – can be a convenient way to have a quick dinner, but why not make it family night instead? Keep pizza fixings in the fridge and have the whole family make it and then eat it together. Socking away that $20 (or more for bigger families) will put $1,040 in your savings account.