Budget-Friendly Living: Five Tips To Keep More Money In Your Pocket

If you’re like most people, you’re probably thinking of ways to save a bit of money here and there. Between all your responsibilities, you might find that your pockets are bleeding cash from all ends with no solution in sight! Here are a few helpful ways to keep more of your funds.

Shop Secondhand

Second-hand shopping has been immensely popular over the last few years, and for good reason. You can save a lot of money on clothes, furniture, electronics, and so much more. Step into any second-hand store and you’ll find things at a fraction of the price that you’d find them brand-new, and often in very good condition. Flea markets, thrift festivals, clothing swaps, and all sorts of events help you buy the things you need for less, which can help you slash your shopping budget. These days, you can even shop on apps and sites like Depop and Vinted, expanding your second-hand options more than ever before.

There is also the charity element as many of these establishments use the funds they raise to support good causes. Plus, secondhand shopping is considered a more sustainable way to shop.

Utilize Public Transportation

Transportation can easily become one of your biggest recurring expenses. From buying a car to the ever-rising cost of fuel to maintenance, it all adds up. Getting about can be even more expensive if you’re constantly taking Ubers and Lyfts. But there are a few simple things you can do to minimize this cost. First, you can choose to walk or bike instead of driving short distances. It will be good for your health, wallet, and the planet as a whole.

Also, utilise your public transport system, if it is available in your city. A season pass can save you a lot of funds and can help you discover new places. Also, consider carpooling with friends to save costs and spend more time together if you can.

Purchase Refurbished Electronics

A single phone, laptop, or other electronic device can set you back hundreds of dollars and this only compounds when you have to buy multiple over several years. One way to cut down on these expenses is to buy your electronics second-hand.

Businesses like EasyCep make the process of buying second-hand electronics much easier. Not only do they have over half a million devices available but they are refurbished, meaning they work just as well as brand-new ones. As per EasyCep’s estimates, the products they sell last 4-5 years, giving customers full value for money.

From laptops to headphones, buying refurbished electronics not only allows you to get the latest products but also supports environmental sustainability by reducing what goes into landfills, from which toxins can leach into ground water.

Cut Data and Other Costs With Smart Tools

It’s easy to overlook how much we spend on daily amenities. Luckily, some tools can make a big difference in your budget.

WiFi Map, for example, is an app with over 185 million users working to help each other save on internet costs. The app features over 15 million crowdsourced WiFi hotspots, allowing you to access free internet wherever you go and keep you connected without spending a fortune. Starting in September, the app will expand its offerings to include a variety of essential amenities, such as public restrooms, water fountains, ATMs, charging stations, and more. This community-driven platform updates information in real-time, giving you the most accurate and up-to-date resources.

Whether you’re looking to cut down on data costs or find important amenities on the go [at any world location – big or small], WiFi Map is an invaluable tool that can help you save money and make your life easier.

Negotiate Lower Rates

Think of some of your most significant expenses with high interest rates credit cards, car payments, etc. Besides the base payment, interest rates can stress your budget significantly, especially since these are recurring. To keep more money in your pocket, you might want to hire a lawyer to help with lower your interest payments.

Roman Gambourg, a partner in a law firm of Gambourg & Read, has years of experience in interest-rate reduction for clients who found themselves bleeding money while trying to keep up with payments. “We are currently building a legal tech platform – a system to review interest rates and find avenues for negotiation and consolidation. Clients can benefit from better interest rates and save money,” says Roman Gambourg.

By Jaime Catmull, Contributor