Fete Lifestyle Magazine July 2020 - Lifestyle Trends | Page 31

waiting a while can give you a better perspective on whether it’s truly worth the money. Applying this can be a game-changer to your budget and wealth building! Potential Savings - $1200 Annually

5) Write a List Before You Go Shopping, for Anything: One of the easiest ways to save money is to only shop when you have a list. Because when you’re without one, you typically end up making impulse buys and unplanned purchases – all things that cost money. Creating a list before you go to the grocery store is especially important. Not only can it help you buy items that fit with your meal plan, but it can also help you avoid buying food you might waste. Always create a list and, more importantly, stick to it. You can also take advantage of a cash back rewards card that gives bonus cash at grocery stores – just be sure to pay off the balance each month. Potential Savings - $1200 Annually

6) Negotiate Rates With Credit Card Companies or Do a Balance Transfer: If you’re paying a lot of interest on your credit cards, it’s important to know that you do have some power as long as you’ve been making your payments. Not only do you have the right to negotiate your current interest rate with your credit card issuer, but you have the right to transfer your balance to an entirely different card as well. (In fact, that is perhaps your biggest bargaining chip.) Start by calling your card issuer at the number on the back of your card and explaining your

request. If you don’t make any progress with them, check out balance transfer credit cards to find one with an introductory 0% APR that could help you save hundreds of dollars in interest over time. Potential Savings - $1800 Annually

7) Start Cooking More at Home and Making Dishes You Can Freeze and Serve in the Future: We all know that casseroles are nice, easy dishes to prepare. The next time you make a casserole, make 2 or 3 batches of it and put the others in the freezer. Then, when you need a quick meal for the family, you can grab one of those ready-made casseroles and just heat it up. Old school for sure, but a huge savings builder and its healthier too. Preparing a few at once allows you to buy the ingredients in bulk, which can mean additional savings. Meanwhile, having several casseroles in the freezer makes it less likely that you will turn to fast food or junk food when you’re in a hurry. Potential Savings - $600 Annually