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Something you may not know about Jake and I is that we’re both really into budgeting and saving. At a young age, I would save up my babysitting money and then really think about any big purchase I would make (usually handbags). I knew if I saved my money I could eventually get something I loved. When Jake and I started dating, we quickly realized we both liked saving and budgeting. In fact, one of Jake’s college degrees is in economics. I wanted to share a few habits that we’ve established to save money. These are little things that can make a huge difference.
6 Habits We’ve Established to Save Money
- Set A Budget: We use an app called Mint that breaks down exactly what we’ve spent money on in many categories ranging from groceries, to bills, to eating out and more. Besides household expenses, we find eating out is one of our biggest expenses. Jake and I are both foodies, so we’ve come up with a budget in each category that allows us to enjoy the wonderful Birmingham food while not overdoing it.
- Grocery Pickup: Although I’ve had a couple of bad experiences with Walmart pickup, I find I save money by using them. With grocery pickup, you order everything online. I am able to check the fridge/pantry before I order to make sure I don’t buy a duplicate of an item. Also I don’t find myself making impulse buys like when I’m the store. I can also easily make sure I am within our grocery budget. Note: I don’t recommend doing pickups on Monday after work, since this is when they seem to be the busiest.
- Limit Eating Out: Eating out is usually our go-to for date night. We try to go eat out only one time a week because it can easily add up. I cook almost every day of the week, then we usually eat out on Saturday night. We also try to eat out at mostly casual restaurants unless it’s a special occasion. Luckily Birmingham has an amazing food scene and it’s easy to find great restaurants that are not expensive. Homemade meals are a lot more affordable than at restaurants.
- Meal Prep: I have found meal prepping to be a great way to really help save money. When I got my first big girl job, I used to eat lunch out a lot. I was quickly finding it to add up, so now I meal prep lunches on Sunday. I portion them into containers, so they’re ready to grab and go. I also make healthier decisions. I need to start meal prepping for dinner next.
- Don’t Drink When Out/Don’t Buy Coffee Daily: When you go out, drinks can easily run you $10 a piece, which adds up fast. We try to not drink when we go out to eat unless it’s a special occasion. The same thing applies for getting coffee daily because a Starbucks drink can easily run you $5. That adds up fast! I brew my own coffee at home most days or buy the iced Starbucks coffee from Walmart.
- Turn The AC Up (Or Heat Down In the Winter) When You Leave: Although this is not as comfortable in the summer, your air conditioning bill will be a good bit lower if you let the house run on the warmer side while you’re gone at work all day.
Transitioning A Hot Pink Jumpsuit Into Fall
Although fall is not here just yet, I am starting to think about fall outfits. I used to think you couldn’t wear bright colors in the fall, but now I realize you absolutely can. The key is how you accessorize them. I added an accent of black to bring this jumpsuit into very early fall. Leopard would also be a perfect way to wear it for fall. This jumpsuit fits a little wide, so I added a thin belt with it. It’s lined as a romper, but is still cute. The lining under it does run a little small, so if you’re in-between sizes I would size up. I want this jumpsuit in red now.
What are some habits you’ve established to save money?
These are great tips! I try to cut back on the amount of times I eat out and get coffee. Normally I make my own coffee.
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
Author
So glad you thinking is. Yes I do too. Coffee is so expensive when you’re out. That $5 adds up quickly.
These are fantastic tips. We love using Mint for budgeting as well. It’s eyeopening how much we were spending on certain things (like restaurants) before we started using that app! I second using grocery pickup – I also find myself limiting my purchases if I do the majority of my shopping online (less likely to make an impulse buy that way).
This outfit is so beautiful, Courtney! I love the jumpsuit and your bag too!
Author
Thanks, Lindsey! I am so glad you agree. Mint makes it soo easy to establish a budget. It really is so crazy how expensive eating out is. I agree that online shopping saves me money too. I am more likely to impulse in the store I think. Aw thank you, I am so glad you like it.
Obsessed with this gorgeous jumpsuit!! Great money saving tips too 🙂 I am planning to re-do my budget this fall!
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
Author
Thanks, Annaliese! Budgeting is so important.
We do all of these tips too!! I think a huge one is the limit of drinks! So many people our age spend an enormous amount of money on drinks and we’re always content to limit ourselves in this category, especially if it means saving for something else! Love this post Courtney! Great job!
Katherine | http://www.oneswainkycouple.com
Author
I am so glad to hear! Yes, it really can add up quickly. We try not to do drinks out unless it’s meeting up with friends or if we’re at a winery/brewery. I also stopped my Starbucks habit except on occasion as a treat. Thank you so much.
These are all great tips Courtney! And how lovely is this jumpsuit? So good!
Author
I am so glad you think so. Aw thank you! I love it so much and want it in red now.
It is great that you are really working on budgeting Courtney . Too many people spend and have to face the consequences later. That app sounds like a fabulous way to budget . I have not done online grocery shopping yet but I understand what you mean about impulse buys ( I may be guilty of it, maybe!) We usually eat in 6 nights a week and get out on a Friday or Saturday night. Meal prep is so important . I bring my own lunch daily , eating out is costly . We have a little whiteboard on our refrigerator and write in the evening meal for each night ahead of time so that it can easily be started by whoever is home first. I try not to drink alcohol when out at a restaurant , but i do like a coke , which I don’t drink at home! Heating and cooling bills are expensive, that is a great idea ! This a really cute jumpsuit , I like the ruffled top and it looks super cosy to wear! . It looks nice with the black bag . Have a nice Wednesday Dear, Terri xo.
Author
Hi Terri! This is so true. Online grocery shopping is great. It saves time too. I find myself seeing things that were not on my list when I go to the store, especially Target haha. That’s so great you in most nights, it’s cheaper and healthier. That is so great about a whiteboard I might need to get one because Jake always is like what is for dinner. I like to get a soda when i’m out too. That isn’t as much as an alcoholic drink. Aw thank you I am so glad you like the jumpsuit. I want it in red now haha.
Yes’ target is one store that gets me impulse buying Courtney ! Jake will be able start dinner if you have it posted on a whiteboard. Happy Friday my friend, Terri xo.