HOW TO STAY RICH WHILE BEING "BROKE"
I LOL’d when this title came to mind. It doesn’t make sense when you first read it but I promise it will by the time you finish reading this post.
We’ve all seen those YouTube videos where people talk about how to save your money throughout the year. They’re typically methods that take a lot of money, a lot of time, and a LOT of discipline. Let’s be real though, a lot of us don’t have either of those things. So this article is for the girlies that like to treat themselves, but have the new year resolution to get their finances together. First of all I want to say, I’ve been in your shoes, and now that I have greater financial goals, I’m in your shoes again. These are practical ways you can start saving money.
SAVE YOUR COINS
These days every store has a shortage of coins. That’s okay. You don’t have to do everything in your power to get rid of them. In fact, find somewhere to stash all your loose change, and at the end of the year, take it your bank and cash it. You can either put it in your savings account, or treat yourself. Growing up my dad had this big tin can that he kept a crap ton of change in. I only found out a couple years ago that he cashed it when we went on family vacations. I did the same thing recently and it felt so good. It was nice to see how much I actually saved unconsciously, and it was a cute surprise to see how much it came out to be. Twenty bucks in change may not seem like a lot to some, but to me, that’s a couple Starbucks orders.
budget in the little things
When you put together your budget for the month, be sure to factor in those “little things” you tend to do often. Netflix, daily Starbucks trips and bar hopping with the girls are things that we don’t think too much about. They’re mindless expenses, which are no good for our pockets sis. If you’re feeling extra spicy and more discipline than usual, you can cancel a subscription or use the next tip.
say no
Saying no to one outing per week would change your life. I realize this can be difficult for my extroverts and socialites but it can definitely be done. Whether it’s saying no to taking yourself to Ruth’s Chris or a mid-week seafood broil, it’ll be worth it. Trust me.
wait till payday
This tip isn’t saying no, it’s just saying “not right now.” I know my spoiled girlies get triggered by that N word. It will only be as difficult as you make it. Here’s what I do: if I go shopping on a Tuesday, and see something I like, I’ll make myself wait till Friday (payday). If I go back Friday and it’s not there anymore, or I forget about it entirely, I saved some money! Nothing could separate you from that knick-knack you saw at Home Goods if it’s meant for you to have it.
make a list & stick to it
I hear horror stories about Target runs, and all I have to say is y’all need help! The only reason you can’t seem to stop spending more than $40 in Target is because you aimlessly shop thinking that you can get what you need without purchasing everything you say “ooo” to. Repeat after me. If it’s not on the list, I don’t need it and I won’t purchase it. There is a level of dedication and accountability that this requires. DO NOT go home crying about spending more money when you purposely put “new faux fig tree” on the list, knowing you did not need that. Don’t play yourself sis. Just in case you do though…
take it back
Don’t be ashamed to make a return. You weren’t embarrassed when you couldn’t tell yourself no about that new mirror you just NEEDED to have in your hallway. SMH You can’t return meals and some online purchases of lingerie, or final sale items. I’m telling you, learning to tell yourself no sometimes will save you from all of this.
schedule your shopping
We typically know when our favorite retailers have their big sales so we do not need to make half of the mid-week sprees we make excuses for. Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works and Saks will not miss you. All they want is your money, no matter when you spend it. They aren’t thinking about your bills and other expenses. If you only shop during their best/biggest sales, you’ll get more for your money AND you’ll spend less frequently. The more you practice that, your bank account will thank you.
If you need help finding out when your faves have deals you’d hate to miss, sign up for my email list and I’ll keep you updated sis.
