Top 3 Ways to Save Money

To pay off debt, increase savings, and add to our retirement funds, we need to reduce our expenses. Here are the top three ways I use to save money.

1. Meal Plan. Meal planning helps you save money three ways. By coming up with a plan for the week’s meals and making a list, I shop once a week, I only buy what I need, and when I’m tired and hungry after work, I already know what I’m having for dinner.

2. Creating Simple Meals. I was the type of person who had to have a main dish, and two sides. That’s a lot of prepping and cooking! When I changed the meals to one side, I saved money, time and I lost weight. Bonus!

3. Use Cash.

I use cash for the categories that I overspend in which are groceries, take out, and dog food and treats. In the past, when I used a credit cards, I never gave a second thought to the total. When I use my debit card, I think about how much I spend, but not until I balance my checkbook. Using cash, I am very aware of how much I’m spending. I feel it. There is an awareness that is attached to using cash versus using a card.