1. Track your spending.
One of the greatest contributors to overspending is a credit card. It’s easy to swipe the card and lose track of how the expenses are adding up. By reviewing your spending regularly, you can track exactly where your money goes, and where you might need to trim back. You might find yourself surprised at how much you spend on things like coffee and entertainment each month! Check out our Spend Analysis tool in The Hub – we automatically track spending in your Huntington account.
2. Establish a budget.
Setting up a budget is one of the best ways to manage your spending habits. And it doesn’t have to be difficult or overwhelming. Our Spend Setter℠ tool in The Hub lets you set up monthly spending limits by category and track your spending in Huntington accounts against it. That way, you can see when you are spending more or less than you would like.
3. Set up savings goals.
Setting specific goals – small or large – can make saving money easier. Knowing you’re saving for something meaningful, like a family vacation or holiday gifts, can make it easier to cut back in other areas. Use the Savings Goal Getter tool in The Hub to set up goals and save money toward them. You’ll see your progress towards each goal, which can help you reach it.
4. Use an automated tool.
Another great way to save money is to use an automated savings tool. You can work with your bank to set up a pre-authorized savings transfer to come out of your paycheck, so that you don’t get a chance to spend the money first. It’s amazing how quickly you’ll adjust to the change. Another great option is to use automatic savings features offered by your bank. At Huntington, you can schedule regular transfers from your checking account to your savings account.
5. Prepare for grocery shopping in advance.
Another common way to blow your budget is to go grocery shopping without a set shopping list. Making a list before you go grocery shopping is one of the most important money savings tips we can offer. Start by planning out your meals for the week. Then check your pantry and refrigerator, look for coupons and loyalty program specials, and make a list.
6. Bring your lunch to work.
Packing your own lunch instead of buying it every day is another great way to save money. It’s no secret that eating out at lunch cost more than food you prepare at home. Doing so doesn’t have to be time-consuming, either; cooking websites and cookbooks have thousands of meals that can be prepared in under an hour. Make enough to bring lunch to work all week, and you’ve just saved a lot of money.
7. Stop paying for cable television.
Before you sound the alarm, remember that some subscription services offer access to a substantial amount of content for much less than you’re probably paying for cable TV. While it may seem daunting at first, you’ll likely never look back once you’ve cut the cord. Your savings account will thank you for it!
8. Create an emergency fund.
It’s important to save money for a rainy day. If you face an unexpected expense, your emergency fund can help cover the costs so that you aren’t forced to dip into credit and pay interest. Savings Goal Getter℠ includes an Emergency Fund as one of the goals you can set.
9. Buy used instead of new.
Another great way to save money, buying used items can add dollars back into your bank account each year. Do you really need a new car, or can you get by with one that’s a few years old? It’s an oft-cited rule of thumb that cars lose their value when you drive them off the lot. How about furniture? Scout thrift stores, yard sales, and consignment stores before you pay more to buy new. Do your research before purchasing and you can find ways to save money by making the dollars that you do spend go further.
10. Unsubscribe from tempting marketing emails.
Avoid impulse purchases by unsubscribing from marketing emails from the companies where you spend the most money. Marketing emails entice people to buy things they don’t need, all in the name of “saving money.” To unsubscribe, look for the link at the bottom of the email.