a large meal that you won’t be able to finish, consider splitting it with your partner (or child) and only pay for one entrée.
9. Shop Once a Month
Instead of shopping weekly, shop once a month. That way you’ll be stocked up for the month instead of going to the grocery store weekly, which results in less money in your pockets.
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10. Stop buying paper towels
Instead of constantly buying paper towels, opt for using old towels and clothing to make rags. These can be washed and reused, which will save you money.
11. Reuse your tea bags
Did you know that tea bags and coffee grounds can be used more than once? For tea bags, try drying them out and reusing them a second time. For coffee grounds, you can typically get a second pot out of the grounds. They both can be used more than twice. The only downside to this is that the strength and flavor of your drinks may not be as good.
12. Skip boneless, skinless chicken breast
Something that people may not realize is that they are paying at least $0.20 more per pound for the convenience of boneless chicken. Instead of buying the convenience, buy the cheaper bone-in option and spend the extra three minutes it takes to do it yourself.
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13. Reuse Ziploc Bags
If they haven’t been used for holding meat, those Ziploc bags you’re throwing out can be washed and reused.
14. Cover your windows
Covering your windows in plastic or investing in blackout or thermal curtains can save you during the winter and summer months by keeping you warm (or cool) and saving you money on your heat and air condition bills.
15. Use every last drop
Instead of tossing a bottle when it gets hard to get anything out or you assume it’s empty, add a little bit of water (as long as water won’t ruin it) or turn the bottle or tube upside down and let it sit. You would be surprised at just how many more uses you’ll get.
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16. Turn down your fridge thermostat
Setting your fridge at lower temperatures will only cost you money in both electric use and in frozen foods that may not do so well being frozen.
All of the tips listed above can help you save money fast and make for a more prosperous 2023. However, the only way you can really make waves in your savings is if you make a place for it in your budget.
The best way to do this is to follow the 50/30/20 budgeting framework. With the 50/30/20 budget, the idea is that you will dedicate 50% of your monthly income toward essentials, 30% toward “wants” and 20% toward your savings. If you are really looking to save, you can switch the 30% and the 20% categories.