One way to boost savings is to prioritize recurring expenses like utilities and food and reduce variable costs like dining out entertainment, and subscription services. Tracking spending (pen and paper, budget apps, or tools) is also essential.
Another is ditching bank fees by switching to an online checking account that offers ATM fee reimbursement and no monthly maintenance fees.
Spring is in the air, tax season is over (or almost), and your financial plan is probably getting a fresh look. With the right strategy, it’s easy to breathe new life into your savings and kick your budget into high gear. Whether trimming recurring expenses, automating savings, or implementing a few simple tricks, these money-saving tips can help you make your goals happen and set you on the path to saving more.
Be a Home Decor Shopping Pro and Score Top Deals-
Everyone knows buying home decor is expensive, but most of us don’t realize how much the stuff we believe can add up. That’s why it pays to be a savvy shopper: check out the online sales sections of your favorite stores, search thrift and consignment shops for bargains, and shop department store clearance areas regularly for significant savings on items that aren’t necessarily essentials.
Don’t Get Sucked Into Instant Gratification-
One of the biggest enemies of saving money is succumbing to impulse buys. To prevent this, give yourself a few days to think about any significant purchase before you pull the trigger. This will prevent your impulsive brain from hijacking the decision-making process and make it easier to resist the temptation of that quick serotonin hit.
Do a Recurring Expense Audit-
One of the easiest ways to save more is by looking at your recurring expenses. These are typically the most significant items that eat into your cash each month and can quickly go unnoticed until it’s too late. For example, have you recently shopped for a cheaper cable package or compared your cell phone plan options? You can breathe new life into your savings by doing a recurring expense audit and finding ways to cut costs.
Time Your Purchases
Whether sprucing up a single room or redecorating your entire abode, decking out your space can be costly. Consider shopping intentionally if you’re ready to make the most of your home goods budget. This means you have a design goal before you head out to shop, and you only buy things that fit your aesthetic.
Buying decor differs from purchasing a new blouse or cute pair of sandals, so finding the best deals online takes more know-how. Fortunately, savvy shoppers can score fantastic home decor items without blowing their budgets.
If you have an eye on a specific piece, sign up to get price alerts on the website where it’s listed. You’ll be notified when the item is going on sale, so you can place your order when it’s at its lowest cost. For example, you can save 30% to 60% on furniture purchases in January and July, when stores are clearing out inventory for new pieces.
Check for Coupons
Many home decor companies offer incentives such as free shipping for customers who spend a certain amount or sign up for their email lists. These programs allow businesses to gather valuable data on their customer base while incentivizing repeat purchases and driving new traffic. Home decor stores can also offer early or exclusive access to their latest products for segments of their customer base.
Decking out your abode with beautiful furniture and decor can be expensive, but there are ways to stretch your budget. Before you click the “Checkout” button on that next home decor purchase, take a moment to search for discount codes. It could save you a lot of money in the long run. Try a site like RetailMeNot to see if a coupon can help you save on your next order.
Shop Off-Season
If months of quarantine, social distancing, and being stuck inside your Home have you craving fresh furniture and decor, try shopping home goods sales online. Sites and discount department stores often feature trendy mirrors, wall art, vibrant linens, and name-brand cookware at more affordable prices.
Moreover, retailers offer a treasure trove of exclusive online-only deals and discounts. From flash sales on contemporary lighting fixtures to a limited-time discount on cozy rugs, these offers allow you to upgrade your Home without blowing your budget.
However, when you’re ready to purchase, consider waiting until the item is in season. For example, some explain that mattresses, bedding, and kitchenware tend to be marked down the most during holiday-centric sales like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Presidents Day. Additionally, summer holiday weekends like Memorial Day and Labor Day offer excellent opportunities to score seasonal bargains on grills and outdoor furniture. Similarly, during Amazon Prime Day events, shoppers can find incredible deals on air fryers and kitchen gadgets.
Look for Floor Sales
Whether you are looking for furniture to spruce up your living space or decor to make your home feel more stylish, shopping at thrift stores and yard sales can provide an excellent opportunity to find one-of-a-kind pieces for your Home. Similarly, online retailers offer floor models for sale that are often available at a discount. These items have been used for display and are usually in good condition, though they may show some wear. The best time to look for floor model sales is typically in July, when furniture sales are down, and discounts are high.
Check the Clearance Section
Decking out your abode with the latest decor can quickly add up. While budget-conscious shoppers scour warehouses and furniture outlets for overlooked finds, those who prefer the convenience of online shopping may be surprised to find these steals before leaving Home.
For example, the online outlet at At Home takes the hassle out of browsing by category or searching through curated lists. It says its large warehouse-like stores “take unnecessary frills out (to) pass those savings on to you.” Sign up for their email newsletter to receive a weekly Flash Find email and gain access to sales that start before everyone else! You’ll also get early access to Black Friday and Cyber Week deals. In addition, check out their Clearance section for deals too good to miss! You’ll find everything from wall hooks to bed frames and even chandeliers!
