Want to spend a little less and save a little more? Here’s how!
1. Make your own lunch.
Prep time: half an hour
Savings: BD2-BD15 a day
Cool factor: You can trade/share lunch with a friend.
We spend so much on eating out so if you can reduce your restaurant binges to maybe just once a week, you’ll save a lot of money. It’s not that hard to chop some chicken and lettuce, spread mayo or hummus on a pita, and call it a wrap. Or you can cook one big meal on the weekend and freeze the leftovers in individual portions so you’ll have lunch throughout the week.
2. Eat at home
Prep time: half an hour to one hour
Savings: BD150-BD300 a month
Cool factor: Spend time with family.
Eating at home will definitely save you on those restaurant bills, plus taxes. In addition, food you prepare will have less fat, salt, and seasonings. This is also a time to bond with family and friends and talk about the events of the day. You also get to appreciate your family more as you see the care and preparation they put into making your food.
3. Write down your expenses
Prep time: 10 minutes a day
Cool factor: It will keep you on track with your budget.
Writing down expenses is the first step towards managing your personal budget. Have you ever wondered where your money goes at the end of the month and end up wishing that payday was tomorrow? Well, writing down your expenses will hopefully empower you to be proactive about your purchases and savings and will keep you on track with your personal budget.
4. Buy in bulk
Prep time: 10-20 minutes before shopping
Cool factor: You can keep a co-op with your friends to store certain items.
Beans, grains, and flour can all be bought in bulk. Dry goods like tissues, paper towels, and other kinds of household items like soap and detergent can be stored for a long time. Buying these products in bulk can result in comparative savings and might be something you can look at with friends who live nearby so you can get huge savings on certain items.
5. Borrow books at the National Library
Prep time: 5-10 minutes (just get your library card)
Savings: anywhere from BD20-BD50 a month
Cool factor: enjoy art and literature in the same building
Now you can borrow books from the National Library! And enjoy art and architecture in the process! If you’re a scholar or just an inveterate bookworm, this would surely be of exciting news to you. The National Library also offers movies and viewing facilities, plus free Internet access and telescopes, should you be in the mood for stargazing.
Originally created from here.