As contrary as it may sound, there are times when spending more actually
means spending less. To determine when spending more will actually benefit you
more than saving a little money, decide whether the money you spend in the
present will actively save you money in the future.
Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk is one of the best ways to save money by spending
more in the present. Grocery stores such as Sam’s Club offer bulk groceries
– and bulk savings – to their members, who pay a minimal annual membership
fee. If you take full advantage of your membership, you can easily save far
more than the annual fee. Buying in bulk is especially useful for families or
houses with several roommates.
Stock Up
“Stocking up” doesn’t mean that you just make sure to have plenty of food or
toilet paper; it also means making sure you have the proper tools for the job.
Having a certain pan on your shelf can mean the difference between going out
for dinner, and making the same quality meal at home yourself.
Put Your Credit Cards in the Freezer
Credit cards can mean nothing but trouble when you are trying to save money,
especially if you are already trying to pay off debt. If you don’t have the
willpower to keep them in your wallet without using them, then leave them at home
– it won’t be an impulse buy if you have time to think about it on the way home
to get your card. Better yet, keep your credit cards in the freezer – waiting
for them to thaw out will ensure that you really do think about the purchase
before making it.
Do It Yourself
Paying other people to do things for you can get expensive. Not every task
is possible for the layperson, but some tasks – like mowing the lawn, cleaning
the house, and performing routine maintenance (such as oil changes)
on the car – are easily learned by the average person. Handling such everyday
tasks on your own can save you a lot of money.