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Are you concerned that the only way to save money is to take another job – or three?
Read more: 8 remote jobs that pay at least $20 an hour
See also: 9 bills you should never put on automatic payment
Your full-time job is already draining your time and energy; how could you catch a side gig without giving up every minute of your free time? Hustle culture isn’t the only answer to wealth creation. There are many strategies that can help you save for the future without stressing yourself out by working too much.
1. Look for a high-yield savings account
A high yield account ensures that the money you save is compounded and you never have to do anything. For example, LendingClub lets you have a high-yield savings account that offers a 1.52% annual percentage return (APY). The average APY for savings accounts is 0.08%, so this is a major upgrade.
2. Automate your savings
Once you’ve set up your high yield account, be sure to contribute to it. Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account so you can start putting money aside without thinking about it. A good number to start with is 10% of each paycheck. Sure, it’s nice if you can add more over time, but having a set amount that you know you’re saving each month ensures that you’re always accumulating something in your savings account.
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3. Watch Your Utilities
Over-reliance on your home appliances can cause your bills to skyrocket. For heating options, instead of turning the radiator on full blast, look for energy efficient radiators to save energy and money. Instead of air conditioning during the summer, use fans and close your curtains to keep out the heat.
You can also make changes to your devices to make them better for your wallet. Lowering the temperature of your water heater by 10 degrees can save you up to 5% of your energy costs. Even better: consider having a tankless water heater installed, which can save you up to 30% on your bill.
4. Plan your meals
Meal prep is a great way to not only save money, but also eat healthier. On Sunday, make a list of all the meals you are going to eat, then itemize them in a shopping list. It will also help you reduce your grocery bill since you know exactly what you are buying. Try not to eat out during the week or only do so on special occasions. You can save hundreds of dollars a week just by reducing your food expenses. Plus, when you cook dinner at home, you can make two servings, so you’ll have enough for lunch the next day.
5. Track and eliminate subscriptions
You might not think your subscriptions add up, but they could cost you hundreds of dollars. Consumers tend to think they are spending much less on subscriptions than they actually are. A survey found that most people thought they were spending around $86 per month on subscriptions, but were actually spending closer to $219 per month. Take a month to track each of your subscription costs, then figure out which ones you can do without.
5. Get to Know Coupon Sites
Whether you’re going to the grocery store or shopping online, you should always be looking for the best deal. For groceries, sites like Coupons.com let you browse popular stores and get coupons online. Once you’ve redeemed the coupon, you can even send your receipt to Coupons.com, which can be redeemed for cash back via PayPal. Not only do you save money on the item you purchased, but you get money to buy it!
For online shopping, check out Chrome plugins like Honey that look for discount codes and offers to make sure you’re paying as little as possible for your items.
6. Reassess how much you’re paying for insurance
Every six months, check how much you’re paying for car, rental or home insurance and see if you can get a better deal. Sites like The Zebra can help you figure out if you could pay less for your home and auto insurance. QuoteWizard can help you determine how your current rate compares to potentially cheaper options available for rental insurance.
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