Not having enough money is a common problem for many people. It is very easy to overspend and over borrow which can lead to large and daunting debts. Sometimes the only way to pay off these debts is to take extreme measures to save money. Most of the things described in this article are extreme and not recommended for everyone. Always consider your health and safety before attempting any of the following.
1. Live In Your Car
If you’re paying too much for rent, you do have the option of living in your car. If you live with your girlfriend, or live in an unforgiving climate, you definitely should not try this. It is certainly one of the most extreme ways to save money on this list, and requires a strong will and a very desperate financial situation. You can get a gym membership to shower, groom, and change your clothes and go to a laundromat to wash your clothes. With a gym membership, you can spend your time exercising and working out instead of going out and spending more money. A gym membership and laundromat will cost anywhere from 50-150 dollars a month which is likely a fraction of what you pay for rent.
2. Eat More Rice, Beans, And Pasta
If you’re spending too much money on food, consider adding more rice, beans, and pasta to your diet. These foods all are extremely inexpensive and can fill you up quickly. The only drawback is that each of these foods are extremely bland. To fix this, try using simple sauces to make eating them more tolerable and less boring. If you make rice, beans, and pasta regular staples of your diet, you’ll be saving yourself a lot of money.
3. Cancel Your Cable And Internet
This is one of the most practical ways to save money on this list. Canceling your cable TV and internet will save you a good chunk of money each month and will make it possible for you to do more productive things with your time. Instead of sitting around at home watching TV or surfing the internet, you can start exercise, volunteer, or learn a new hobby.
4. Buy Everything Used Or Barter
The biggest advantage of buying things used is cost. You may get something with a little bit of wear and tear, but the savings are usually worth it. This is especially true for cars, clothing, and furniture where you can easily save 50% or more off of the retail price when you buy used. In addition to buying everything used, you can also try bartering for things you want and need. This will help you get rid of things you don’t need and help offset the costs of getting new things.
5. Cut Your Own Hair
Cutting your hair can save you a lot of money in the long run. If you have a simple buzz cut, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t cut your own hair. All you need is an adjustable trimmer and a mirror. If you have a more complex hair style, it can be more difficult to learn how to cut your hair, but it is definitely doable.
Bonus: Plan Your Diet Around The Sunday Coupons
Most grocery stores have discounted items they sell at a loss. If you only buy and eat these foods, you’re basically paying less money for food than the grocery store. This can make it difficult to eat exactly what you want, but it can save you a lot of money.