Did the holidays break the bank this year? There’s no need to panic! Now that life is getting back to normal, Timbercreek Communities has you covered with 5 ways to ease back into frugal living after the Holidays.
Plan and Prepare Your Meals
Waiting until you are hungry is not the healthiest or most cost effective way to eat. You will likely grab fast food you’re craving instead of preparing a healthy well-balanced meal. Preparing meals at home is healthier and less expensive than eating out often, especially when you plan ahead. This can mean anything from making a grocery or meal list and sticking to it, to cooking a week’s worth of meals and keeping them in the fridge or freezer. Here are some helpful tips to get started with meal planning.
Use the 30 Day Rule
A very effective way to curb impulse purchases is to apply the 30 Day Rule. It’s very simple, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Whenever you feel the impulse to splurge on anything from new shoes to a new car, don’t. At least, not yet. Write down the item you think you want and the date on your phone, piece of paper etc. After 30 days, if you still want that item and can pay cash for it, consider purchasing it.
Have Friends Over for a Potluck Rather Than Going Out for Dinner
Spending time with friends and breaking bread (or whatever you like to eat) is one of life’s greatest simple pleasures. Unfortunately, it can also be very expensive. You don’t have to become a hermit to save money. You can continue to enjoy the company of good friends and good food by hosting a potluck dinner party at your Timbercreek home.
Drink More Water
It may seem strange that something as simple as drinking more water could help you save money -- until you think about it for a minute or two. Drinking more water means you won’t need to purchase other liquids like coffee, soda or tea. Take a refillable water bottle with you when you leave your apartment to avoid buying drinks during the day. Drinking water before a meal can also help you stay fuller longer, which means you will spend less money on food.
We hope that these suggestions will help you ease back into frugal living fast.
For more information of Timbercreek Rental Communities near you, please visit our website.