By Krantz Mwantepele,
Don't believe all the bad information and myths regarding saving money, and don’t let false information keep you from achieving your financial goals. One of the common myths about saving money is that it takes too long to save. In a way, you have to see riches (the life you desire) in your mind and believe it wholeheartedly before it can be manifested, in the physical realm.
Saving money can be likened to a magic show: Be part of the change and start living your dream. You can read my previous post Unnecessary Wastes of Money You Don’t Think About where I elaborated on different setbacks that I face while saving money and. In this article, I will discuss some of the smart ways I save money.
Home-cooked meals are fast, easy and surprisingly cheap. I try different recipes that I find online and I make sure I always use all the food I have in my fridge. Often, I cook enough food to last a few days and use leftovers for lunch that I take to work. Eating at my desk can save me more than $100 a month.
I also feel better about my monthly utility bills, and the environment, when I take small steps to cut energy use. I started by replacing my incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents. Though compact fluorescents cost more at the store, they don't need to be replaced frequently and can save my household hundreds of dollars over their life spans.
It pays to educate myself so that I can make informed decisions about budgeting, investing, and other aspects of my finances. Simple steps like automating my bill payments have helped me avoid late fees and damage to my credit score. I have learnt that when I started cataloging every expense I incur in an average week, I eventually know exactly where my money goes. The results can be surprising. Something else I came across recently was the Barclays Savings calculator, it helps you figure out how to save over a period of time in order to reach your goal.
Although saving money is serious stuff, I can still have fun on a tight budget. I used to rent movies and watch on the couch with friends or loved ones, and get inexpensive, designer-like clothing worth bragging about. When traveling, picnic lunches can be fun and tasty, and if your sense of adventure dictates a vacation abroad, look a little farther afield, to where you will use your money better.
When it comes to my car, I make sure I fix serious maintenance issues quickly. This improves my gas mileage by as much as 40 percent. Becoming a better driver can help you save money, too. Smooth braking and acceleration will improve your mileage and keep money in your wallet.
The Barclays Savings Challenge has helped me see this journey of saving money as fun. Previously, I used to save less, or sometimes nothing at all. Up to now I succeed to save almost 2000 USD over the last four months and I plan to invest in my startup companies and for family vacation at the end of this year.#AfricaSaves
Nowadays money can get you anything, but I always ensure that I make smart and informed choices when spending money, like comparing prices and all, with my savings plan I suggest that you think on what to do about saving your income and don’t forget to follow me on my savings journey.
This is third article in a series of sponsored posts for the Barclays Savings Campaign. Follow the discussion on Twitter and Facebook and share your own experience by using the hashtag#AfricaSaves. Visit the https://goo.gl/bF2qzJ for useful savings tools and tips.
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