Want money? Then you need to learn how to save. Unless, of course, you were born in a golden cradle or won the lottery. Other than that, there is no magic formula or miraculous investment.
But, even if it seems difficult or even impossible, considering that a large part of the Brazilian population survives on a minimum wage or even less, it is possible to set goals and save money to carry out plans.
Are you doubting? Don't be that way! Today's post is a mini guide with valuable tips for you to learn how to save real money.
Come and see:
How to save money: change your way of thinking
If you want to save real money, the first tip is to change your thinking about money. Start by running away from the belief that those who earn little cannot afford to save. This is a myth!
Even if your salary is not that of your dreams, it is perfectly possible to save, even if only a little per month.
That thought that you cannot save or that there is never any money left should be eliminated once and for all.
Another important thing: when you want to save money, every coin counts. No more thinking that a few cents make no difference, they do!
Set goals and priorities
You will only be able to save money if you have very clear and determined goals in mind.
That is why it is essential to establish priorities. If you complain that there is no money left to save, it is probably because you have no idea where you want to go.
Aim at a goal and think of it every time you take your wallet or credit card.
Know your expenses and income
To save real money it is also super important to have a complete x-ray of your finances.
Put on a piece of paper (or a spreadsheet on the computer) everything you earn in a month, considering your fixed work and extra income, including receiving rent, for example.
In another column, check your monthly expenses, from food to the coffee you take after lunch.
Also note the expenses with financing and loans. After everything is noted, calculate. If your spending exceeds your income, a sign that it will be necessary to make cuts in the budget so that everything fits and still on, after all that is the goal.
After completing this step, you should have understood that it is possible to save money even if you earn little and that it is essential to establish goals and priorities. With that done, you are now ready to start saving money and set out to pursue your dreams.
How to save money on food
There are people who think that you cannot save money on food, after all this is a basic need.
But no one is telling you to go hungry or go on a forced diet, on the contrary, the idea here is awareness. Write down the tips:
Make shopping lists
Need to go to the market? Then make a shopping list. That way you buy only what you need and stop buying items on impulse.
And what do you need? To know exactly what is needed in your pantry, it is worth making a weekly menu and buying only what will be used for the recipes. In addition to savings, you avoid waste.
Another tip: don't go to the supermarket hungry. The chances of you leaving there loaded with goodies are great.
Go to open markets
Buy fruits, vegetables, eggs and grains at the fair. It is much cheaper than at the supermarket, not to mention that the products are fresher.
Here it is also worth using the shopping list tip.
Make your own food
Preparing food at home is much healthier and cheaper, did you know that? It may be more work, but in the end you only have to win.
One tip is to set aside a day of the week to prepare all meals. Then just freeze them in individual lunchboxes and consume them over the days.
Plant
You don't have to live in a country farm to produce food. In urban houses and apartments it is possible to set up small gardens and produce vegetables, herbs, spices and even some types of fruits and vegetables, depending on the space you have available.
If you don't have a garden or a bed, it's worth planting in pots and planters and making a vertical garden, for example.
It may seem little, but in addition to having fresh food always at hand, you still save a little money.
Don't throw anything away
Leftover beans? Store in the freezer and make a soup. Is there rice left? Make cookies. And you know that fruit pulp that was in the blender after making the juice? You can incorporate it into cake doughs, pies or even make candies and jellies.
Fruit and vegetable peels do not have to go to waste either. There are countless recipes on the internet teaching how to reuse these “leftovers” in delicious recipes.
Also try to consume perishable foods first to avoid waste. If bananas are more ripe than guavas, for example, eat bananas first.
Remember: everything you throw away cost money.
How to save money on transportation
After food, transportation is another item that can be rethought and save you money. Here are some tips:
Use public transportation
In addition to being a more sustainable option, public transport is one of the best ways to save and save money.
It may even be more sacrificed, but always keep in mind the reason why you are doing all of this.
Go on foot or by bike
If you live close to your work or study location, consider walking or cycling.
You save money, save the environment and, in addition, still do physical activity.
Ask or share a ride
But if for you the only way to reach your destination is by car, then try to do it in the most economical and conscious way possible.
Start by asking or offering a ride, so you can split expenses with a friend or relative who is going to the same place as you.
Also try to supply your car in places where the price of fuel is cheaper or that offers a discount program, for example.
Change house
A more radical option to save on transportation is to move house. That's right! Consider living closer to your job.
That way you save money, time and gain quality of life.
Sell the car
Finally, if your car expenses are taking up a large part of your budget, consider selling it, especially if it is financed.
The sale of the car will save you fuel, insurance, IPVA, DPVAT, fines, parking, maintenance, among other expenses, in addition to the financing itself, if applicable.
The important thing is that you have alternative options to the car and allow yourself to live a little outside the box.
How to save money on leisure
For many, the source of the greatest expense is leisure. Cinema, bars, restaurants, clubs, tours, shows, in short, there are many options when it comes to entertainment.
But you don't have to condemn your projects because of that, or even stop having fun. Check out some options to have fun without spending money:
Go on free attractions
There are tens of hundreds of free leisure options, especially for those who live in the big city. Concerts, theater, cinema and exhibitions are just some of the free entertainment possibilities.
A tip is to follow profiles of cultural institutions and cultural sites to always have the best tips. Enjoy and also follow the cultural program of your city.
Visit open areas
Beaches, waterfalls and parks are great leisure options that cost nothing, just getting there.
Hold meetings at home
Instead of going to bars and restaurants, invite your friends and have relaxed meetings at home. Worth a pizza night, movie night or hot dog night, for example.
Shopping is not a tour
And if you think that shopping is a place to stroll, you've made a bad mistake. This is the worst place out there for anyone who is saving money. Everything you want to do there is paid for, starting with parking.
So if you want to go for a walk, go to the park, not the mall.
How to save money on personal items
Can you save even more? Yes for sure! The tip now is to observe your spending on personal things, look:
gym
Health is important, as is physical activity. But do you really need to pay for the gym every month? You can exchange the gym for running, walking or a workout at home. A simple pass through Youtube and you can already find dozens of videos with exercise programming at home. It is worth checking.
Clothing and accessories
Do you really need another piece of clothing? Be honest with yourself and clean your closet.
Surely you will find many pieces that you didn't even remember existed.
Beauty and makeup products
Do not be crazy about makeup or beauty products. You don't need 30 lipsticks, or stacking shampoo bottles in the bathroom. Get used to just replacing what's missing.
How to save money with banks, fees and charges
You may not know it, but it is very likely that you are paying for bank fees and charges unnecessarily. Call your manager and ask for a service package that you actually use.
In fact, all banks are required to offer a free package. This package includes fewer services, but it is a good option especially for those who use the bank a lot through an application.
It is also worth migrating your account to banks that do not charge any fees, not even credit card fees (yes, they already exist!).
Another tip is to pay, whenever possible, your bills until the due date, so you avoid paying interest and penalties.
After saving, invest
You finally managed to save money. Now what do you do with him? Invest! Don't keep the money at home, not even in your bank account. The temptation to use it will be great.
Prefer to get a little investment knowledge and invest your money in something that is safe and profitable.
So when you least expect it, the money to get married, travel or buy your own home will be in your hand.
