Beyond the Told

by Dr. David M Robertson

Tips to Make and Save Money

Advertisements

It seems that we are looking for ways to either save or make a little extra money. I wanted to share a few tips that might help you achieve either goal.

Tips To Make Money:

Sell items you no longer need: Go through your closet, garage, and storage areas and gather up items you no longer need or use. Consider selling them on platforms like eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace.

Offer your services: This is a big one, and it can be perfect for a nice side hustle. Do you have a particular skill or talent, such as writing, graphic design, or social media management? Consider offering your services on freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.

Participate in paid surveys: There are many websites and apps that pay users to take surveys. While the pay may not be significant, it’s a quick and easy way to make some extra money.

Rent out a spare room: If you have an extra room in your home, consider renting it out on Airbnb. This can be a great way to earn some extra cash, especially if you live in a popular tourist destination.

Do odd jobs for neighbors or friends: Offer to do odd jobs, such as lawn care, house cleaning, elderly care, or dog walking, for your neighbors or friends. This can be a great way to make some extra money while helping out people you know.

Tips To Save Cash:

Make a budget: The first step to saving money is to know where your money is going. Create a budget that tracks your income and expenses, and look for areas where you can cut back. A decent app for this might be iSaveMoney.

Use cash instead of credit: Using cash can help you stay on budget and avoid overspending. Consider using the envelope budgeting system, where you allocate a set amount of cash for different spending categories.

Shop around for the best prices: Don’t be afraid to negotiate or shop around for the best deals on products and services. This can save you a significant amount of money over time. This might require visiting more than one store, but it is worth it. Also, don’t be shy about trading services.

Cut unnecessary expenses: Take a close look at your budget and identify any expenses that you can cut out or reduce. This could include subscription services, memberships, or dining out. Another option here might be to reduce certain subscriptions. For example, your cable bill. Get a smaller package.

Cut back on energy costs: Turn off lights and appliances when they’re not in use, and consider energy-efficient options when purchasing new appliances. Sometimes you can get tax credits for doing so.

Cook at home: Eating out can be expensive, so try to cook at home as much as possible. Not only will this save you money, but it can also be healthier.

Canning Your Food: Sometimes, you will come across a good deal that allows you to get more food for less money. Canning can allow you to invest without worrying whether or not you can use it in time.

Walk or bike instead of driving: If you have a short commute, consider walking or biking to work instead of driving. This can save you money on gas and car maintenance costs, and it can help you get in those extra steps.

Shop generic brands: Generic or store-brand products are often just as good as name-brand products but at a lower cost.

Use coupons and discounts: Look for coupons and discounts on the products and services you use, and take advantage of sales and clearance events. In this technological age, finding coupons is often as easy as visiting the store’s website. Better yet, there are numerous apps to consider.

Save your spare change: It may not seem like much, but it can add up over time. Consider setting up a jar or a dedicated account for your change, and watch it grow.

Of course, debt can be an issue. I would encourage you to work to lower your monthly obligations. For an easy way to achieve this, check out my article titled Strategize Your Debt With A Plan.

Advertisements