When it comes to budgeting, it's the little things that can make a big difference. Everyday purchases might seem small, but they can add up quickly! Cutting back and making small changes to these expenses can help you find a little extra savings over time.
Dining out
It's hard to resist the appeal of dining out. It's easy, convenient and there's no dishwashing required. But, let's say you cut out just one $10 fast-food food meal a week—that could mean saving an extra $500 over the course of the year. You don't have to cut out restaurant meals entirely. Try swapping at least one lunch or dinner out with a home-cooked meal. You can even find copycat recipes for popular restaurant favorites online!
Coffee Shop Stops
If you're not careful, a daily caffeine fix can become an expensive habit. Instead of buying your coffee each morning, switch to brewing your own coffee at home. Try recreating your favorite drink with quality coffee beans and flavored syrups or experiment with different brews from around the world – Yum!
Entertainment
Entertainment is another sneaky budget-buster. Just one night at the movies can cost around $20 per person, and concert tickets are even more. Trim your entertainment budget with at-home alternatives. For example, rent a movie instead of going to the theater. Another idea is to buy tickets to a matinee for a reduced price. Do you enjoy live music? Look for free concerts and community events around town. With all the money you save, you could treat yourself to tickets to a big concert or music festival.
Clothing and accessories
Many retailers announce special sales and discounts weekly. Why? Because they know it's hard to turn down a great deal! If you find yourself tempted to spend money every time a sales email pops up in your inbox, click the unsubscribe button. Rather than shopping online or at the mall, “shop" in your own closet. Chances are, you have some hidden gems you haven't even worn yet!
Make every change count
Having a better idea of where you spend your money is the first step in creating an effective budget. All those small changes will start to add up and you'll be on your way to big savings!
Not sure where to begin? Budgeting is easy with Money Management, a free service of Wright-Patt Credit Union (WPCU) Mobile and Online Banking. With Money Management, you can see all of your financial accounts in one place, with one login. It's a great way to track your spending, make a budget, set savings goals and much more! Click here for an interactive demo.