INSPIRATION – IGGY

Your daily habits and routines have a huge influence on your financial situation. The small choices you make each day can either put you on solid financial footing or send you down a path towards debt and money struggles. Becoming aware of how your lifestyle impacts your finances is the first step towards taking control.

How you start your day sets the tone for the rest of your hours. Are you hitting snooze over and over, rushing to get ready, and then grabbing an expensive coffee on the way out the door? That daily $5 latte equates to over $100 per month. Instead, go to bed earlier, get up at a consistent time, and make coffee at home. Having a calm morning routine will reduce stress and provide structure.

Eating lunch out can easily cost $10-15 per day, whereas packing a lunch may only total $2-3. Meal prepping healthy lunches on Sundays helps control your portions while saving substantially. Even grabbing a couple of inexpensive grocery store sushi rolls can be a fast, affordable option. Just beware of buying drinks, which jack up costs. Bring water or tea from home instead.

Meeting friends for happy hour can be a fun weekly ritual, but the food and drinks add up quickly. Instead of spending $30+ per person, suggest meeting at someone’s house or a park periodically. Split the cost of a bottle of wine instead of paying bar prices. Apps and drinks for 2 people can easily exceed $60. Also, arrange to carpool or take public transportation when possible to avoid driving while impaired.

Do you frequently buy coffee, snacks, or lunch while out running errands? Mindless spending like this often goes unnoticed, but can put a dent in your wallet. Before leaving the house, pack water, healthy snacks, and a small cooler bag if you’ll be out during meal times. Identify the stores you’ll need so you don’t end up browsing and impulse buying.

While it’s important to save, don’t deprive yourself of activities that help you recharge. However, look for free and low-cost ways to enjoy me-time. Instead of a spa massage, trade massages with a friend. Go for a hike or bike ride instead of paying for a boutique workout class. Or explore nearby parks, museums and art galleries which often have free admission days.

The bottom line is that our daily habits and routines have direct impact on how we spend and save money. Becoming mindful of these behaviors is the first step to making positive changes. Consistently developing little money saving practices will pay off enormously in the long run.