If it feels like money is one of your constant stresses, you probably feel continually unmotivated and unable to succeed.
Fortunately, it’s possible to break free from the stress that financial difficulties cause by making some modest switches in your life.
Many people are creatures of habit, which means they keep engaging in the same behaviors again and again.
Sometimes, though, doing things differently can help you save money. So, the first step is to be willing to change.
3 Small Switches That Can Help You Reach Financial Freedom
1. Switch From Eating Out to Cooking at Home
For the most part, eating out is extremely convenient because someone else does the cooking for you. Even so, there are often aspects of dining out that aren’t as hassle-free. For example, you may have to wait longer than expected for a table or deal with a grumpy waitstaff member.
Eating out all or most of the time gets expensive, too. Decide that you’ll eat at home most of the time for at least a month. During that time, keep track of how much you save. Choosing to eat at home could slash your food expenses if you do it right. For example, plan what you’ll cook to avoid impulse buys at the supermarket or wasted food. Plus, make more than you need for one meal and save the rest for leftovers.
Once you become dedicated to eating at home more often for a short period of time, the savings could become so substantial that you want to keep going. When figuring out how much you save, don’t forget to calculate the costs of driving to multiple restaurants during the week versus driving to the supermarket once for a shopping trip.
2. Make a Few Strategic Coffee-Related Switches
If you like to stop by a local coffee shop to get your morning cup before starting work, that habit is probably costing more than you think. That’s especially likely if you order specialty drinks or the largest sizes on the menu. However, there are some things you can do to reduce coffee costs.
If you’re not up for ordering something different than your usual, ask the barista if bringing a reusable mug in with you is a way to save a little bit on each cup. Otherwise, get acquainted with other menu options that may be cheaper than what you usually get. Often, adding things like flavor shots is less expensive than ordering something that’s more specialized.
Also, try to get in the habit of brewing your coffee at home at least some of the time. Whether you do it with a simple, drip-style coffee maker or one of the more advanced options that use pods, it’s easy to get a cup of coffee in your kitchen in only a few minutes.
3. Switch From Your Credit Card to a Debit Card
Many people love paying with credit cards instead of cash because it’s so fast and seamless. However, the ease of using a credit card gets some individuals into trouble because they wrack up expenses before realizing what’s happening.
Some credit card holders also decide they’ll use credit cards only for emergencies and find they can’t stick to that promise. But, people like Don Gayhardt offer options for emergencies that don’t require using credit cards. Gayhardt’s company is a short-term loan provider that helps people who get into unexpected financial hardships.
If you are overly dependent on your credit card, consider using a debit card instead. Since it connects directly to your bank account, it should be easier to keep track of how much you spend and change your habits when necessary. Plus, keep in mind that a short-term loan could be more helpful during an emergency depending on the circumstances.
As you can see from these suggestions, it isn’t difficult to change a few things in your life and potentially see substantial payoffs. Again, being open to doing things differently is essential for success.