Your alarm goes off, you wipe the sleep out of your eyes, and naturally you think, “How will I save money today?” Oh is that just me? Today I thought I’d share 6 Ways to Save $ Before Nine. Basically, I’ll take you through my morning and identify some easy and quick ways to keep costs low, your spirits high, and your budget in check.
- Brew Your Own Coffee. Ah java, the sweet nectar of the gods. I partake in this beverage ritual every single AM. Save money by obviously making your own coffee at home rather than paying big bucks at a coffee house or fast food drive thru. I typically buy whole beans at ALDI and then grind them at home {a bag of whole beans are usually $4.49 there and I LOVE just about every variety I try}. You can also coupon your way to some cheap coffee too. We filter our water with a Brita pitcher rather than purchasing water to run through the machine. AND cleaning out your coffee pot by running 1 part white vinegar, 3 parts water through the machine every month or every other month while keep the brewing mechanism clean and keep you from having to purchase a new one sooner than necessary.
- Keep Breakfast Basic. We’re such a boring family. We eat the same things almost every morning – honey, milk, and Cheerios for the Eldest Princess, Peanut Butter Oatmeal for the King of Free and Youngest Princess, and Whole Wheat Toast for me. Occasionally we’ll break out from our pattern but typically these filling, cost effective foods fuel our tanks without busting our banks.
- Wash the Dishes. I don’t just want you to empty the sink, I want you to use dishes that are reusable. Paper plates, plastic cups, and silverware are nice to have on an occasional basis {we typically buy them if we’re having a party or whatnot}, but reusable dishes are the way to go when you’re short on dough. I make our own dishwashing detergent {this recipe is also great for scouring tubs, sinks, and toilets}. You can find a tutorial for making it here. Keep the ingredients as dry as possible because it will clump horribly if you don’t. I’ll be making a new batch in a couple of weeks and will post my own tips along with my tweaks on the recipe then {I can hear you clamoring in glad anticipation!}.
- Make a To Do List. Time really is money. When you manage your time more effectively, you’ll also manage your money more effectively.
- Pack the Lunchboxes. I’ve posted all sorts of tips on how to keep packing your lunch simple and cheap here. Just be sure you use as many reusable containers as possible, stay away from pre-packaged lunch box marketed items {they’re always a rip off}, and make packing it so easy your 9 year old can do it herself. If we’re going to be gone during the day, everyone in our household packs a lunch. Most days, the Youngest Princess and I are at home so we can fix our lunch later in the morning.
- Balance the Checkbook. You must, must, must, must keep a good handle on how much money is coming in and how much money is going out of your household. The best way to do that is to balance your checkbook on a daily basis, preferably in the morning before things get too crazy you’re spending money that you don’t have.
Stay tuned for 6 Ways to Save Before Noon later this week. And check out my Royal Money Saving Academy for basic saving ideas of every variety.
