Minimalism tips

Get in the habit of using coupons when you shop. You can use physical, paper coupons, or find ways to use digital coupons (my preferred method of choice). It’s a way to save money and get the best deal. Once you’re in this habit, it’s easy to keep searching for more coupons, which leads to more savings.

Sign up for emails to get specific deals where you shop. I have a separate email account for this so I don’t get bogged down in emails. Because companies give special deals to their subscribers, this is a great way to save at places where you already shop.

Adopt the mindset of never paying full price for anything. This will get you thinking about creative ways to save money for things you may have otherwise accepted as always costing full price. The habit of never buying full price can save you big time in the long run.

Think about what you’re buying and whether it’s something that adds value to your life. Consider holding off if you don’t think you’ll truly gain something from it. Practicing this will make you more mindful of how much your money is worth.

A rule of thumb before you purchase something expensive (e.g.: over $100) is to wait 10 days before making the purchase. The point is to avoid impulse spending. If you still think it’s a good idea after 10 days, then buy it.

Before you buy something big, do your research. It can pay off big time. I once saved $4,000 getting my car repaired by looking up the recalls first. Whenever you know you’re going to buy something expensive (a home, a car, a television), get online and look up deals and compare prices.

Find ways to reduce your expenses. Start by looking at your budget and attacking each expense at a time. For groceries, do research about how to use coupons and save at the store. For utilities, call your cable company and ask for a better deal (or ditch cable all together). It’s amazing how much you can cut in your expenses with a little effort.

At any given moment, companies are fighting for your attention to make you think you need something that you don’t. It’s the modern world we live in. Be aware that advertisements and commercials are there to persuade you to think you need something so you buy it. Notice this and stop yourself from believing it. Next step:

• Read this awesome blog post about fighting consumerism

Whether you’re rich or broke, it’s wise to live below your means. It’s the only way you can have financial success and not run out of money. Give yourself enough financial margin in your budget so you’re not stressed about money all the time. Next step:

• Read: Priorities In Life (blog post)