
1. Cup of Trader Joeâs.
Make your own brew. Getting barista-made coffee every morning adds up. I mean, latte art is nice and all but a $4+ cortado is getting ridiculous. Or if youâre going to stay at a coffee shop, stay for a few productive hours (you paid for that WiFi and space) instead of picking up to go.
2. Toothpaste is toothpaste.
The price difference in many products is a result of brand marketing. If you look at the ingredients of most things, theyâre all made out of the same main thing. So just get a moisturizer that works and not the expensive cream thatâs supposed to be diamond-like. Designer mascara and bronzer are not worth it when store-bought can rival over-the-Saks-counter. Always ask for samples.
3. Shop smart style.
I used to buy dresses with no event in mind. Wear and keep only what you need. Sell your dust-accumulating clothes. If you need something, head to consignment because your style is timeless. Rent the runway if need be or better yet, borrow from your friendâs closet. My BFF and I switch clothes all the time if we get bored with the seasons.
4. Go public.
Do more free things! Meet up in the park and not some place youâre forced to spend money. Borrow books and take advantage of the tax dollars cut out of your paycheck.
5. Stop going out.
Fifteen dollar salads are going to toss up your budget. Get away from group outings that get expensive with uneven splitting. Enough with fancy cocktails and stay in with wine night. And ladies, donât pay on the date (sorry guys Iâm more old-school with this but donât worry I donât use it to go out just for a meal).
6. Get rid of extra.
Bundle cable services, if you havenât cut the cord already. Or paying for an expensive gym. I used to change in the locker room and think why am I not a lawyer like the other ladies in here? Sign up for community or donation-based classes you can actually afford.
7. Donât get sucked in by social media.
Instant FOMO sucks and has you savoring or favoring places that will do a number on your wallet. If you âlike to know it,â theyâll send you clothing temptation in an email. Unsubscribe to Gilt or Groupon because your debt shouldnât add up like your inbox.
8. Quid pro quo.
Be a guinea pig and offer to be a model for a haircut, for example. Take pictures for someone who can in turn do your nails for you.
9. Limit yourself.
Prioritize with which and how many events youâre going to. Each $10 ticket turns to $50 events down a black hole. They say time is money and you can volunteer as exchange (if youâre good at it, they might actually hire and pay you). Be on the lookout for rush or last-minute savings. Say no to the bridal shower if youâre not a bridesmaid so you can make it to the wedding.
10. Admit it.
Thereâs nothing wrong with telling your friends or colleagues that youâre on a budget (we know itâs not really saving up). Besides you need to own up to the stark reality that your savings account is nonexistent. For example, the people at my last gym were lawyers and I was not making their salaries. Evaluate your past transactions, live within your means at the present moment and plan for a brighter future.