Budget Conscious Challenges To Boost Your Savings

Happy Spring, everyone! Yes, it’s that time of year. There’s warmer weather, flowers are in bloom, and it’s time for spring cleaning. In the spirit of new beginnings and ‘cleaning’ this March, let’s look at some ways to challenge yourself and boost your savings this Spring season in 2021.

Don’t Eat Out

Yes, I said it. No take-out. This means drive-throughs, pizza delivery, Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Postmates… everything. Don’t spend anything on food you didn’t purchase and plan to cook with at the grocery store. All the money (which can be a shocking amount once you realize how much you’ve been spending on take-out) you normally spend on fast-food can be put right into savings. 

Take a Social Media Break

Social media platforms inundate you with ads with the intention of getting you to click on those ads and spend your money. You may consider taking a break from social media, or only log on during your weekend. This will help to cull needless, impulsive online spending as the result of manipulative advertising practices.

Dedicate More to Savings

Increase however much you’ve been putting away into your savings account, even if it’s only by $20 a week. Make a dedicated effort to increase how much you’re saving and try to increase that set amount as often as you can. If you haven’t been saving much recently, start doing so. Setting up an emergency fund or just putting away a few dollars when you can will really help you out on a rainy day or when you need to make big decisions later on down the road. 

Set a Stricter Grocery Budget

Not all of us follow a strict, regimented budget. Especially when we grocery shop, we tend to grab things that are “off the list” and buy more than we need. Set a realistic amount to spend each week on groceries, and only buy what you planned for and put on your shopping list. Anything extra you purchase should fit within your weekly budget, or it goes back on the shelf. 

Shop Competitively for Better Prices

Not all of us shop as critically as we should. Convenience within our busy lives is an important commodity. However, we should balance convenience with practicality. Don’t spend more than you need to for the items you can save on. Check online for the best deals before buying them. Shop with coupons and grocery apps, and check weekly ads for sales and deals. Rededicate yourself to shopping more frugally, and make an effort to be a conscious, savvy shopper.