15 Ways to Save more money this year

Do you find that your expenses far outweigh your income and you are not able to save? There are only two solutions to this problem: Make more money or reduce your expenses. Here is a list of things you can do to reduce your expenses and have your coins go much further.

1. Spend actual cash: There is a psychological effect that removing money from your wallet and paying for something has on you. The more you do this, the more conscious you are of your spending as opposed to card payments or even M-pesa payments
2. Shop with a Shopping list: Random supermarket runs without a clear plan for what you are to buy often leads to unnecessary purchases. You thought you were going in for one thing and you come out with 10. Use shopping lists
3. Pay more than minimum on your debt: If you have debt that you are servicing, paying more than the minimum required per month will save you the total interest due on the loan.
4. Cancel subscriptions: You don’t need Showmax AND Netflix AND DSTV. I promise. Look at other apps that you pay for and make sure you are paying for what you actually use.
5. Get organized with your Bills: This is especially if you find yourself regularly charged late payment fees and penalties. Automate any payments that you often forget to pay and save yourself those penalty fees.
6. Home Workout: The gym is great, but can you afford it? You can attempt home workout routines and put that extra money towards your financial goals.
7. Make Bulk Purchases: This is especially for food and other home essentials. Buying in bulk often leads to more savings. Just make sure that you don’t buy in bulk what will get spoiled. No savings there…
8. Meal Prep/Batch cooking: More so if you are prone to eating out. The temptation to eat out regularly comes from not having food at home to eat. Use a day of the week to make sure you have all the meals for the week planned out and ready to eat. Schedule specific days/events for eating out.
9. Declutter: sell your stuff: If you have stuff in good condition that you no longer use or need, they can bring you extra money. Instagram Pages such as @declutter_with_mabel will help you with this at a small cost.
10. Buy Second-hand: The same way you can use the declutter pages to dispose of is the same way you can purchase items that you need in good condition at a much lower price. Save that money.
11. Downsize or get a Housemate: How is your rent expense? Are you able to save money on it by getting a smaller living space? Can you get a housemate to share the rent expense? Can you rent out your SQ?
12. Automate your savings: Save first and reduce second-guessing yourself by setting up a standing order for this. If you have to think about it, the less likely you are to save.
13. How about an actual budget: The best way to know how much you have to save is with a budget. The best way to know where your money is going or is being wasted IS WITH A BUDGET. How about creating one for yourself?
14. Become a DIY Queen/King: Money that goes to items such as washing/cleaning detergents, bleach or even foodstuff such as yoghurt can be saved by learning how to do make them at home. Check out Suzyshomestead on YT, she’s got great videos on this
15. Unfollow your favourite influencer: The internet and social media(especially Instagram) are great for unnecessary pressure to purchase items you do not need and cannot afford. If this is an area you succumb to then do yourself a much-needed favour and save that money