How to Save Money to Pay Off Debt in 2016

1. Don’t go inside to pay for gas!

When you go inside a gas station, you are tempted to purchase candy, soda, lottery tickets, and other items that may not cost much, but do add up over time! Paying and staying outside keeps you from spending those extra dollars every time you fill up!

2. Buy a coffee-maker!

Why would an answer to saving money be spending money? When told not to drink coffee everyday, people freak out (understandably). Instead, make an investment in a Keurig or other coffee-maker. This will save you time and money that you otherwise would have spent on McDonald’s coffee, Dunkin’ Donuts, or Starbucks. Soon enough, your coffee-maker will be paid off and you will be saving up!

3. Thrift shop!

Need new clothes for that interview? For a date? Get thrifty! If you put in the effort, you can get a whole outfit for $50, or $30, or even $20! Sure, not buying new clothes would save you even more money, but you aren’t getting that second interview with holy, stained clothes!

4. Sell the things you don’t use!

Do you still have that musical instrument you thought you were going to learn to play? Do you have old laptops and phones you don’t need? Remember those clothes you haven’t fit in since high school or college? Sell them! Ebay, Craigslist, and garage sales are great options! Your junk is another man’s treasure!

5. Shorten your showers!

Shortening your showers helps lower your water bill while saving your precious time. It also saves some warm water for those you live with. It could also save your skin from drying out!

6. Plant a garden!

You can get a relaxing hobby with this one! In the Summer or Spring, plant some vegetables you use often in your dishes. Then, not only do you get to be proud every time you make dinner, you can use the extra money to pay off bills! Also, you can share your veggies with your friends and neighbors. You could even sell them to make a little extra cash!

7. Eat before you go grocery shopping!

If you haven’t noticed, you might be tempted to shop outside of what is on your list if your stomach is growling across the aisles. You might even make some healthier choices this way. Keep your stomach full to keep your wallet full!

8. Budget smart!

This seems obvious, but put your bills and debt payments first when budgeting! See how much extra you can put down on your debt! Don’t let the minimum payment be your goal. Then, instead of joyfully spending the rest, try to save as much as you can of what is leftover!

9. Wait one month before a big purchase!

Do you really want that knew camera? Take your time to shop for the best deals, as well as make sure this is something you really want. Maybe wait even longer (until after a birthday or Christmas) and ask for gift cards and money for the item you want!

10. Carpool!

Whether you choose to carpool to concerts, work, or the coffee shop, this is a great way to save money! This will not only help you, but it will save your friends money as well! Even more importantly than saving your credit, you will be doing your part in saving the environment.