Busy people know that wasted time is never time well spent. So how can someone who barely has time for sitting down save money during their hectic days? Well it’s time to get out your pencil and paper and take a few notes on how to save some greenbacks while still moving at your typical pace.
Make a list and stick to it
You’re going to have to make more than just the typical grocery list this time. For one, keep track of what goes in and out of your cabinets to better narrow down what you need. While you’re at it, why not make a meal plan? Setting up a consistent plan for eating will take out the hard work and save you that precious time you need for those busy days.
Don’t neglect to eat a little something before you go shopping so you aren’t drooling at food that wasn’t on your list. To cheat the list would be to cheat yourself. Just be careful about your grocery spending, and never buy more than you actually need.
Don’t slam on the gas pedal
Gas is a notable expense for many, and when you’re busy a car goes hand in hand with those pesky errands. When you’re trying to get to work on time and you left late, don’t jam the pedal to the metal. It has been shown that revving your engine repeatedly can burn away enough gas to reduce your car’s fuel economy by 2 mpg.
Even when you do run out of gas, try to see if there’s a cheaper gas station than the one you always go to. Typically the prices are competitive, and you might be able to find fuel that is just a bit cheaper.
Hit the lights on your way out
Okay so maybe you don’t do it for the environment, but you should consider your wallet before you leave that powerstrip on in the living room. Energy that is used by a device when it is idle can really add up. Consider attaching the majority of your devices to power strips that can easily be shut off by the flick of a switch.
Don’t let your money fall into the $3 billion pool that Americans pay for energy every year.
Pack your own lunch
Don’t bother spending all that money on eating out if you don’t have to. Make your lunch at night, throw it in the fridge and grab it the next day on your way out. Just because you can’t stop at your favorite restaurant that day doesn’t mean you won’t be eating the way you’d like to be. You can customize your meals to your liking while saving money and time.
You can also pack one of your expertly made sandwiches and not even have to bother with that lunch line ever again. If you eat at that fast food restaurant down the road from the office 5 times a week at $5 a meal, you’ll be paying $1,300 a year just for lunch.
Scrap the high cellphone bill
Do you actually need to have Internet on your phone, or can you live without it? Would you rather check email on your phone, or can you simply do it from your computer? These are questions you should start asking yourself when evaluating your phone bill. Rather than get Internet or data on your phone, consider using it strictly for calls and texting.
It won’t be as convenient, but at least your friends will stop asking you to look up YouTube videos while you’re hanging out. Also, if you’re more of the business type, and that hefty bill is a requirement of the job, at least make sure you’re making an informed decision and don’t just say “give me it all.”
Conclusion
Money comes and goes, just like any busy person does throughout the day. But it doesn’t have to stay out of your pocket. Make a list of your expenses and take off anything that doesn’t sit well with your budget plans. You might be busy, but you’ll also be thankful to save some money while you’re still scurrying during your everyday activities.
