Regardless of your current job situation, like many other students and new grads you may be looking for ways to trim your spending. Finding ways to cut back on your spending now will help set you up for later!
Here are 5 ideas to get you started:
1. Negotiate recurring fees
Call your service providers to see if you may be able to able to negotiate down the fees for your internet, phone, or subscriptions. You will be surprised at the positive impact it will have on your budget; month over month the savings will really add up.
2. Become a champion home chef
Meal kits and ordering delivery can be tempting, but the costs can add up quickly when you factor in the delivery fee, service fee and tips. Meal prep or batch cooking can be healthy ways to save time and money. When you make a large meal or dish, store individual portions in the freezer to reheat for meals throughout the week, this can help reduce the temptation to order delivery. Cooking at home will be healthier for you and your wallet.
3. Comparison shop before you buy
There are many online tools to help compare prices or provide price tracking info for the items in your shopping cart. Try looking at the prices listed on a brand’s e-commerce site as well as big-name retailer sites. Before you head to the store (or online), search for coupons and digital flyers to see if the items you need are on sale. Necessities like toothpaste, laundry detergent (and coffee, of course!) are often on sale. A quick search can help you ensure that you don’t pay full price. Another tip is to sign up for emails from the stores you shop most often, so you can be among the first to know when there is an upcoming sale. These are small steps that can help you easily trim your spending.
4. Take advantage of loyalty programs
Loyalty programs and rewards points can help you save when you shop. You can use loyalty programs or rewards to help reduce your total bill at checkout, purchase gift cards or trade points in for products at your favourite stores. Stay on the lookout for loyalty program promotions and track your rewards points or levels online or through your retailer’s app to take full advantage of the loyalty programs.
5. Find free entertainment at your library
It might sound crazy, but consider cutting the cord on your streaming services. Many local and school libraries offer digital collections, allowing you to use your library card to access movies, music, online books, comics, online learning, and more. Don’t have a card? Many libraries are making it possible to sign up for a library card online.
Every little bit counts and small steps can pay off big-time over the rest of the year. Trimming your spending and staying on top of your budget may even help you put some of your money into savings or towards a purchase you’ve been eyeing.
And if you’re finding it hard to save, a tool like NOMI can help you find and put away extra dollars, as well as send alerts and reminders so you can stay on top of your finances.
This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.
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