Tips about saving your income easily
Are you currently working too much and paying too little attention to your finances? If yes, then it’s time to take action now before you become financially crippled. This is your chance to start living life with less stress and worry. Below are some tips on how you can save your income the easy way.
Start budgeting
There are so many ways that you can track your spending. There are even apps for this. One of my favorites is called YNAB (You Need A Budget). It allows you to keep a running balance in each category of your expenses. You will see all of your monthly bills, recurring charges like cell phone contracts and utilities, and even categories where you spend money without thinking such as eating out or going shopping. By looking at these numbers over time, you can begin to notice things that you are not doing well concerning saving money. For example, if you have been using credit cards for years without any sort of plan on when you would pay them off, you may find yourself facing financial problems down the road
Stop buying what you don’t need.
We live in an age of super convenience. From drive-through services to meal delivery programs to online grocery stores, we rely on technology more than ever before. However, this often means that we buy things that we don’t need. The most obvious examples include gadgets and clothes but some items could be considered luxuries as well. Examples include dining out, movies, and cable television. These aren’t necessities by any stretch of the imagination. Instead, their purpose is to provide entertainment and relaxation. When you stop purchasing those types of things, you will start saving money and gaining peace of mind. You will also avoid the long lines and waiting around during peak hours at restaurants because you won’t feel the need to go every single day.
Get rid of debt
Credit card debt is one of the biggest drains on personal finance. Many people carry balances from month to month instead of paying them off completely. As a result, they accumulate interest fees while putting themselves further into debt. You should look into taking out a high-interest savings account or opening a secured loan against your house to help pay down your debts. Even better is to talk to a knowledgeable advisor who specializes in consumer finance. They can advise you on various options and suggest the best ones for your situation.
Find a hobby that makes you happy
I know it sounds simple, but being able to enjoy something is one of the best ways to relax after a stressful week. Not only does it allow you to gain perspective, but it helps reduce anxiety and depression. Some hobbies that make me happy are reading, cooking, writing, watching documentaries, and learning new skills.
Have a garage sale
Yes, I said it! If you do not use something anymore, give it away. This includes clothing, books, toys, tools, furniture, appliances, etc. All of these items will bring in revenue for you as you sell them on eBay or Craigslist. Plus, you will be helping others. What a great way to help someone else and earn extra cash.
Cut out the extras.
Life gets busy. Sometimes, we have too much to do and we cannot possibly fit everything into our schedule. At times like this, we think that we need to add additional activities to our daily routine. Unfortunately, these things usually mean that we have less free time. So cut out whatever you can. Set aside time during the weekend to work on projects and chores. Plan for next week’s menu. Don’t get sucked into “just in case” scenarios. Be accountable to yourself and those close to you.
Make new friends
While social media has become a vital part of our lives, it is important to remember that real human interaction is rewarding in itself. Go to church, volunteer at your local animal shelter, attend community events, join clubs… whatever you choose. Whatever you do, don’t let life pass you by. Life is short and experiences are fleeting. Make sure that you invest in yourself.
Start a side hustle
One thing about living in a big city is that you never run out of opportunities. There are always new things to learn and new places to explore. Take advantage of all that San Francisco has to offer! After all, even if you don’t end up making money from your side hustle, you will still have gained valuable experience.
Conclusion
I hope that all the tips mentioned above were helpful to you and that you enjoyed reading about my journey towards financial freedom. As always, please reach out if you have any questions regarding my blog posts.