How To: 5 Easy Ways to Save Money Now

I’m bad at saving money. Seriously. I’ll go a few months without spending much at all, then binge. Like totally binge. That cute dress I saw at Kate Spade that’s now on sale via Threadflip? Those push pop molds at Williams-Sonoma I needed to have? MINE. That’s when I realized others might be having a similar issue, so I gathered up my favorite easy ways to save money to share with you!

To combat this ridiculous lifestyle I had (/have), I found ways that I could reasonably cut back, without having to put in too much effort. Lazy or brilliant? You decide.

Here are 5 easy ways to save money:

1. Make your own drinks! I don’t just mean your after work cocktails or weekend bevvies (though this still applies). Start making your own iced coffee or chai – my personal favorite. If you want to feel like you’re still drinking that fancy cup of iced coffee, step up your game! My favorite iced coffee is fresh mint iced coffee, brought to you by Jessica of How Sweet It Is. Seriously, just look at it:

2. Cut ties with your cable company. I’ve realized the only thing I really need cable for is to watch Jeopardy. Sure, I might be a 70-year old woman at heart, but I’m totally comfortable in my television preferences. I digress. If you’re not a total TV junkie, why you are spending so darn much on cable? Cut ties with your cable provider and invest in things Netflix (my personal favorite), Hulu, or Chromecast/Apple TV. Or a mix of a few, up to you.

3. Stop eating out so much. Sure, I know this can be tough, but it’s also worth it. Let’s break it down.

• You get, let’s say, two cocktails during the course of the evening – easily $18 depending on where you live.

• An app is a must, duh! Another $5. Again, based on how many people you’re with and what you’re ordering.

• Time for the big bucks – your entrée. We’ll estimate $15.

• $38 total.

• But…don’t forget the tip! Now you’re up to $45. Look at that. Almost $50 just for ONE meal!

Now, I’m not telling you to go cold turkey. But try to stick to one meal out per week. You can modify as necessary, but this is a good starting point.

4. Do you really need another LBD? Probably not. I’ve been trying to cut back on all of the excessive shopping. So, if I see something that I absolutely love, I’ll bookmark it or save it to a wish list. If a week goes by and I continue to think about the many ways I’d wear that cute flamingo skirt or adorable sleeveless shirtdress, then I get it! I wait until I know I’m really going to love it. That’s the key.

via Death to Stock

5. Bike! (or walk, it’s your cup of tea, not mine). I recently, thanks to quite possibly the best fella there ever lived (T.), acquired the most beautiful bike. Her name is Penelope and she hails from California (Public Bikes, to be specific). She gets me around town, carries me to errands, and even helps me commute to work every day. Now, I’m lucky enough to live under three miles from my office, so I get to bike every day – unless there’s inclement weather, of course. But that Penelope is saving me about $75 per month AND helping me get fit. If you have the opportunity to bike or walk to work, take it! Your investment in a bike (which you could totally get off Craigslist for a reasonable price) is going to go a long way. Your wallet and health will surely thank you.

There you have it, 5 easy ways to save money now. What’s your favorite tip for saving money? Small or monumental, anything helps!

ps. all the push pop recipes comin’ at ya, soon.

g.