How To Save Money In Your 20's
For a large majority of people, your 20's are the years to not be concerned with how you spend your money. Most of us are still living at home, finishing up college and deciding what our dream job is.
How do I know? Because I'm there with ya. Well...sort of! While a lot of people my age are out partying and blowing their money, I've become a money hoarder. But I most definitely have not always been this way. I had to learn how to prioritize my money and make the most out of every dollar.
While how your money is spent may not seem like a major concern for those of you who are my age, it's time to realize that it is. Saving money now isn't only good practice for the future, it's a great way to prepare for yourself for your adult life.
So today I'm going to share a couple of tips to help you save some money in your 20's!
Lay off of the fast food.
It's hard. Trust me, I know. McDonald's was my best friend while I was in school. It's quick, easy and cheap. Sadly, that last adjective isn't completely true. Fast food is not as inexpensive as you may think it is. If you're buying it consistently, you're actually spending more money than you would cooking meals at home.
Home cooked meals are better for your wallet and depending on what you cook, better for your health! You don't have to be great at cooking to make delicious meals at home. Luckily, sites like Pinterest have made it possible for pretty much anyone to become a master chef!
Spend a Sunday morning pre cooking your meals for the week. You'll save yourself time throughout the week and save money by passing up that drive thru. (I know it's tempting, hang in there!)
Stash some of your paycheck.
This one came easy to me. Every pay day take some of your check and put it into a savings account. If you're living at home still and don't have many bills, I highly recommend you put a large chunk of your paycheck into savings. You will be shocked by how quick your savings account jumps if you start to do this.
Once you have taken the money out of your main account, pretend like it's gone. Don't think of your savings account as something you can deduct from. Just look at it as an account that can only be added too. Once the money is in it, it's stuck in there. Out of sight, out of mind!
Shop at thrift/consignment stores or garage sales.
I love thrift stores. I can't even tell you the last time I have been to a mall! You can find some of the most incredible things at these stores. I have gone home with name brand jeans that didn't even look worn for a fraction of the retail price.
Stores like these take a little getting used to. Since these aren't regular retail stores, they won't have each article of clothing in 5 other colors and sizes. Each piece is unique and one of a kind. You may have to do some digging to find a gem, but that's half of the fun!
Live at home for a while.
This one is a struggle for me. When I hit a certain age, I wanted to move out and start my own life as soon as I could. Because that's what you're supposed to do right? Wrong. It is better to live at home, save money and gain as much experience as you can while you still live there.
Ask your parents or grandparents questions. Lots of them. Find out just how much work it takes to run a household. Learn everything you can from them because one day you're going to be living on your own and you're going to have to figure it out for yourself!
Living at home also gives you another advantage to putting money away. Most people who live at home don't have to pay rent or if they do it's relatively low! Take advantage of this. Sometimes it's good to wait a while to leave the nest.
A deal doesn't mean you need it.
We've all done it. We see something in the stores that is such an awesome deal, how the heck could we pass it up? A deal is great, but do you really need whatever is on sale? Or do you just want it because of how inexpensive it is now.
Learning when to pass things up, even if the deal is great, is an important life lesson. Save your money, don't be fooled by that clearance sticker. Keep your eyes on what you need and off of what is unnecessary.
If you need it, get it. If you want it because the price is appealing, pass!
Recap!
- Lay off the fast food. Make yourself some home cooked meals for the week. Allow fast food to be your "job well done" treat at the end of the week!
- Stash your check. Pretend like a chunk of your check magically disappeared into a savings account that is untouchable. Don't pull money out unless you absolutely need it. Tip 1 does not count as a "need to pull out money" event!
- Shop thrifted or preowned. Second hand doesn't have to be a negative thing anymore. Head to the thrift stores and find yourself some new clothes or home decor for a fraction of the price!
- Live at home (for a while.) Don't take advantage of your parents for ever, but use this as a time to save, save save. Also use this time to get expert advice on running a home from those who know best!
- Don't buy it just because it's on sale. You don't need it. You'll be glad you passed it up in the long run! Sales and clearance are sneaky, outsmart them!
Turn your 20's into a time of preparing for your future. Your future can be whatever you want it to be, but it always helps when you have more money stashed away! Even just implementing one of these tips is a step in the right direction.
Want a part 2 to this list? Let me know in the comments below!
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