Saving money is tough whether you rent or own. But there are ways that it can be done. Here are some ideas for how you can work at your goal of saving money!
Ideas for Anyone - Renters or Owners:
Figure out where your money is going. Record all of the purchases you make over a period of time (like a month). It may help to save receipts from all of your purchases. Print out your bank and credit card statements for the month. Look back over everything at the end of the period of time and you should be able to see where you can alter your spending habits so you can save some money.
Make a budget and commit to sticking to it. Do a Google search for how to create a budget to see how this is done. If you've never heard of the 50/30/20 rule, take a look at what it is and why it can be helpful when budgeting.
If your living costs are too expensive, get a roommate. If you're renting for $1200 a month, each person will pay $600 towards rent. If you own your home, you can set a price for renting out a room with use of the common areas. Not just that, but you can split expenses including utilities, food, and yard maintenance.
Make saving money on your utility costs a priority! You can find ways to reduce your electric, gas, water, and your cable TV / internet.
Ask for discounts - many places offer them but they may not advertise them. Discounts may be available to military members (current or past), seniors, AAA or AARP members, teachers, or students.
I did an article a while back called, "How can I save money now that I'm renting?" Many of the tips in it apply to renters or owners, like making decisions about wants verses needs, finding multi-purpose instead of single-purpose items, shopping around, borrowing, buying pre-owned rather than new, cutting down on eating out and convenience items (like buying your morning coffee instead of making it at home), sharing transportation costs, and eliminating unneeded memberships.
Think about what you are paying for on a regular basis. I took a look through my bills recently and was surprised by things that I was paying for in the past year that were unnecessary - magazine subscriptions that I could do without, cell phone data plans that always exceed my normal monthly usage, automatic delivery of items that I no longer need, etc. Are you paying for a gym membership when there are facilities where you live? Cancel it and save the money from it.
I mentioned this above, but it really is important to consider. Eating out is costly, even for a single person. Commit to cooking at home more often. I know that when you work, it's difficult to come home to preparing a meal. Using a crock pot or an Instant Pot can simplify meals for you. I did some searching for videos and found information about creating freezer meals (all ingredients necessary go into a zip lock bag that can be later dumped into an Instant Pot and quickly cooked for a simple dinner). I can say from experience that owning an Instant Pot (which also can slow cook) was a great decision for me. I did a lot of research before I selected the Instant Pot that would work best for me, have started to put together recipe collections (thanks to many of you for your suggestions!), and have found videos to quickly learn how to cook successfully with my new device. In the articles, you'll also find links to some good deals (even though many were posted as Black Friday or holiday specials, some of the rates are still down close to the sale prices):
Plan for meals before going to the grocery store. This is something I need to work on, that's for sure. I make lists before I shop, but then as I'm going through the store, I keep adding things into my cart that aren't on my list. Yes, some of them make sense, but a lot of them don't. You can help eliminate grocery waste by committing to only buy what you need for the week. Decide what your meals will be for the week and shop for those meals.
If you work, make it a goal of packing your meals rather than dining out daily for lunch.
Is there really a difference between brand name and generic? Give the lesser expensive generic items a try and see if you can get by with them.
My cousin shared this idea with me and it makes sense. Pick a certain denomination of bill and always stash it when you receive it. You'll be surprised at what you can save by doing this. Remember the change jar? That adds up too when you stop spending coins.
Do you have something that you no longer need or want? Sell it and make money from it and then save that money. Just be sure to do it safely - meet in a public place, take someone with you, etc. Don't risk your safety for a couple of bucks!
Resolve to not using your ATM card to get money at places that charge you. Stick to using your card at your bank or at places that allow you to make free withdraws like grocery stores when you make a purchase with them. Those $3, $4, and $5 charges add up.
Do you get emails full of links advertising things you can buy that are on sale? If you find yourself reading these and being tempted to buy things you don’t need, unsubscribe! Down at the bottom of emails, you should see a link to unsubscribe from the mailing. Don’t find yourself tempted to buy things you don’t need.
No matter what, commit to living within your means. Don't try to keep up with the spending habits of others, as tempting as it may be. If you can't afford it, don't do it!
Ideas for Renters:
Offer to prepay your rent for a reduced rate. There may be a definite interest on the part of a landlord for knowing that the money is paid in full, meaning they won't have to worry if the rent will be paid on time. For that reason, you may be able to negotiate for a lower rent amount if you are able to prepay.
Renegotiate when lease renewal time comes up. If you have been a good tenant, your landlord won't want to lose you. You may be able to renegotiate your rent amount, especially if rental rates have dropped in your area. Turning over a home in between tenants can be costly for the landlord, so they may be willing to adjust your rate to get you to stay.
Offer to sign a longer lease than the normal one year lease when you renegotiate. Again, the landlord will have the security of knowing they won't need to turn over the home in a year, so they may be willing to work with you on the monthly rate.
Search at the time of the year when most people aren't thinking about moving to have the best shot at finding a good deal. The winter holidays may be a good time to make a move - who wants to move over Christmas? If saving money is your goal, you may want to seriously consider this!
Make saving money your goal in 2020 - you'll be glad that you did! I hope you'll consider stopping by again at https://www.leesburg4rent.com/blog or better yet, subscribe.
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