A tip to save money does not mean turning away from all those things you like. You can enjoy life and save a little. These are simple ways to save money without cutting out all your fun things.
1. Track Where Your Money Goes
First thing’s first—keep an eye on where your money is going. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Just write down the little things you spend on, like a tea or a snack. After a week or so, you’ll be able to see where your money is disappearing. Then, you can make small changes. For example, you might notice you buy tea every morning. Maybe you can make it at home instead and save a little.
2. Make a Simple Budget
It is a very basic method; it really is all about just taking a decision. Decide on what you’re going to save a month even if it is small-allot 500 Taka or something like that. It’s not a huge sum, but it all adds up in time. Do remember to reserve some cash for fun as well. Budgeting doesn’t mean no fun; it means organizing for it.
3. Cook at Home More
If you’re eating out all the time, it’s easy for the money to slip away. Try cooking at home more. You don’t have to cook anything crazy—just simple stuff. Dal, rice, or vegetables are cheap and yummy. And if you pack your lunch for work or school, it’ll save you a lot by the end of the month.
4. Think Before You Buy
We all feel it: the item is on sale, so we need to buy it. But first, consider this: Do I really need it? If it is something you like only at the moment, choose not to buy it. That way, you will save money and feel better about not buying something that you wouldn’t use anyway.
5. Enjoy Free or Cheap Fun
Whoever said it costs something to have fun? There are free choices available: go for a stroll in the park, chill out with friends at home, or check out a public museum on the house. There are always good things going on in Bangladesh for not much money at all. You can have fun and save money—no problem!
6. Save on Transport
Transport can eat up a lot of money, especially in big cities. Try using public transport more. It’s much cheaper than taking rickshaws or taxis. Or, if your destination isn’t far, walk! Not only does it save money, but it’s also good for your health. If you do need to take an auto or rickshaw, see if you can share with a friend. That way, you’ll split the cost.
7. Don’t Waste Food
Food wastage is something we should never do, especially in a country like Bangladesh, where so many go hungry. Prepare only what is needed for that day and put aside anything extra. You can also buy seasonal fruits and vegetables—they’re cheaper. Wasting food is wasting money, so let’s avoid that!
8. Cut Subscriptions You Don’t Need
We all have subscriptions—Netflix, internet, maybe even magazines. But do you really use them all? Take a look at what you’re paying for each month. If you don’t watch TV much, maybe you don’t need that cable subscription. Cutting out one or two subscriptions can save you a lot without changing much about your lifestyle.
9. Wait for Sales
In Bangladesh, we have lots of sales during big festivals. Pohela Boishakh, Eid, Durga Puja—these are times when shops offer discounts. If you need to buy something, wait for these sales to get it cheaper. Just remember, don’t buy things you don’t need, even if they’re on sale.
10. Make a Little Bit More Money
One way to speed up your savings is to graciously accept a little extra cash on the side. Anything goes- convey values in your profession, step into the infinite possibilities of online opportunities, or gather up stuff to sell. Remember that it’s not necessary for a major undertakings but simply spare change here and there. Earn just a little more when trying to save cash.
Saving does not mean suffering from what you love. Little things make big changes. No one is saying you must live like a monk. Just prepare more home-cooked meals, use public transportation, and be wiser about your purchases. You will soon notice you are spending less without exerting any particular effort. Begin today: choose one small change and observe how much more you can save by month’s end!
To read more blogs like this, click here.
Writer
Fardeen Bin Abdullah
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE