5 Simple and Creative Ways to Save More Money in the Second Half of This Year

*This is a collaborative post about ways to save more money

One of the most difficult things about money is that it’s never enough. Even when you’re earning a good income, your expenses creep up to match your new lifestyle, thus affecting your ability to put some money aside. 

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re already tired of feeling like you’re not in control of your finances, and need some help saving more. If that’s the case, then the smart tips that’ll be shared in this post will help you save a lot more in the second half of this year. 

Begin With the End in Mind

What are you saving for? This might seem like a pretty simple question, but it is very crucial. Most people assume that all they need to do is form the habit of putting some money aside. 

It’s a small thing, but having a reason for your savings will encourage you to stay true to that goal. The best part is you don’t have to use the savings for that goal. You can always “move the target” when the time comes. 

Save More Money and Put a Stop to Impulsive Spending

How many times have you walked past a dress shop, and without any plans popped in and bought a new dress? Or paid for new guitar loops because you wanted to try out a new soundtrack? How about just spotting a new book that you didn’t have a budget for, but still bought the book just because you liked it? 

We’re guessing more times than you can count, right? Well, now is the time to put an end to that. Have one or two cards for your expenses. Put your household expenses on one with a budget, and your miscellaneous purchases on another. This way, you’ll be able to track and monitor your expenses appropriately. 

Consider a Combined Streaming Service

We know you love your entertainment, so we’re not going to ask you cut that. Instead, maybe opt for a streaming service that offers both TV shows and music? 

This beats paying for each music track or renting your favorite TV shows. Amazon Prime offers hybrid music and TV streaming service. The only hitch is their pretty limited TV series and movies collection. 

If that doesn’t work for you, just have a basic Netflix subscription and stream your music on Youtube –there are tons of playlists there– or SoundCloud –there’s a free option there. 

Save More Money by Buying from Thrift Stores

Instead of buying high-end or expensive clothes and shoes, how about getting them from a thrift store? 

These shops have good clothing materials available for a fraction of the regular price. Plus, the clothes are in great condition too. The same applies to your beauty products. Wait until they’re on sale to get discounts as steep as 80 percent. 

Use the Automated Savings Option

Your bank app or savings account probably has this option. There are also tons of savings apps that can help you do this. 

So leave a standing order or instructions with your bank to automatically deduct a part of your income and put them away in a savings account. This way, it won’t even appear in your paycheck and you’ll be able to adjust your living expenses to what’s available.