Are You Realizing Growing Up is Expensive Too?
Monday, October 12, 2009
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Upon leaving “the nest” after graduating high school in 2005, I lived at Miami University for the next 4.5 years; 3 years of which were in a house with 3 other guys. When you live in a house, you really feel like a grown-up: Cooking, cleaning (occasionally) and paying bills. But even now, as I live completely on my own with a full-time job and my own apartment, I’m realizing there is a lot of hidden costs to life and, even though I have a solid paycheck, I pay close attention to my expenses. Here are the things I’ve learned over the past 6 months that save me $$$’s a month.Turn your A.C./Heat off during the day: Especially if you live in an apartment where it takes merely minutes to get it back to a comfortable temperature.
Prepare a menu, and then go shopping: I’ve saved over $50 a month by pre-planning meals on a weekly basis and only buying the necessary ingredients. It also ensures you are not wasting food (and money) by letting food spoil.
Don’t buy anything unless it is on sale (or you have a coupon): Fortunately working for a company that produces advertising, I have an abundant amount of coupons. But also take advantage of sales. I just purchased 2 suits at Jos A. Banks for $200 (Saved almost $800)
If you have a gym membership…Utilize it! I take full advantage of my gym membership. Anytime I can, I take a shower at the gym. I’ve calculated that I save up to 5 showers a week at my house just by doing this. Also, use their towels and all other amenities (I can’t remember the last time I washed towels in the laundry).
Go Home and see your family: You go to visit your family because you care about and miss them. They feel the same for you, so when you leave on Sunday afternoons, you are most likely going home with some type of care package (I’ve been eating beef n’ noodles for a week now, saves a ton of groceries and time). Thanks Mom!
Along the same lines…Cook Casseroles: Cook a casserole early in the week and you can eat it for the several days…you’ll see your grocery bill start to shrink instantly.
Have no shame…Shop at discount/thrift stores: I do all my shopping at Goodwill or similar stores. My most recent purchases: $1.00 toaster and 5 workout shirts for $2 (better than the $150 for 5 name brand shirts)
Start tracking your expenses and habits and see where you can save! Let us know how you trim your budget and lifestyle!
great article.