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Do you ever feel like managing your finances is out of reach?
Have you always wanted to create a sound financial plan but don’t know where or how to start?
If so, then this article is for you!
Become the financial genius you always wanted to be with these 14 hacks that will change your life forever.
Easily learn the steps and techniques needed to take control of your money without going back to school.
You’ll also understand smarter ways to save, invest, and grow wealth to achieve financial freedom.
So join us on this journey into a world of success and security; being financially savvy can become second nature when following these simple tips!
#1. Make Your Own Coffee
Making coffee at home can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Not only is it more economical, but you can choose your own flavors and make it just how you like it!
From grinding to a hot cup of Joe, making your own coffee will make a huge difference in your wallet.
#2. Find Free/Cheap Hobbies
Hobbies can be expensive, but there are plenty of free or cheap activities that you can do in your spare time.
Try looking up local events happening near you, search online for tutorials, or find ways to get crafty with items around the house.
This is a great way to save money while still having fun!
#3. Pack Snacks
Being out and hungry is a recipe for overspending.
Whether it is grocery shopping when hungry or running errands, our willpower gets weak when we are hungry, and we can mindlessly spend money.
Having snacks with you, whether almonds, a granola bar, or pretzels, will help you avoid this trap and save a lot of money.
#4. Yard Sales In Rich Neighborhoods
Yard sales and estate sales are great ways to save money on things you need.
But one person points out that the best option is to only go to sales in wealthier neighborhoods.
The thinking is that people who live there buy high-quality items, and even though they are used, they still have a lot of useful life.
Add in you get a significant discount over paying for a brand new item, and this tip is one of the best financial hacks.
#5. Zero Out The Last Number
Here is a unique savings challenge to help you save money.
Many people round down their checking accounts weekly and transfer the difference to savings.
For example, if you have $917 in your checking account, you take $17 and put it into savings.
If you have $872 the following week, you round down to $850 and transfer $22.
The great thing about this idea is you can tailor it to fit your lifestyle.
If money is tight, consider doing this trick once a month, or if you have a surplus of money, do it daily.
#6. Asking Questions Before You Buy
Before you buy anything, you need to stop and ask yourself a simple question: Do you need it, or do you want it?
The answer doesn’t mean you should buy it or not, but it gives you time to think more about the purchase.
Advertisers have gotten good at getting us to emotionally buy things that we later regret.
Taking a minute to ask this question helps you to limit these types of purchases.
#7. Have an ‘I’m Broke’ Number
Most people consider themselves broke when their checking account gets to zero.
But some people make up an arbitrary broke number and pretend when the balance hits that number, they are broke and need to stop spending.
For example, this might be $500. If your balance is $525 and you have a few days until payday, it is time to stop spending.
#8. Buying Rotisserie Chicken
Most grocery stores sell rotisserie chicken; if yours does, you should buy it.
Not only is it flavorful, but it’s also a bargain.
It is usually under $10, and you get a lot of meat.
As a bonus, you can take the bones and make your own broth for soup.
#9. Budget
Some may argue that a budget isn’t a financial hack, but with so few people following one, it is.
You can completely change your finances with a budget. While this change won’t happen overnight, it will happen in time.
If a budget is a turn-off for you, consider following the 50/30/20 rule, which takes a lot of the work out of following a budget.
#10. Take Care of Your Health
While eating healthy and exercising might not sound like a financial life hack, it actually is.
The reason is that health care costs are astronomical and will only keep increasing.
These costs can eat up a good amount of your retirement savings.
If you can stay in optimal health, that is more money you can spend on enjoying retirement instead of costly health-related procedures.
#11. Stop Using Food Delivery Apps
Food delivery apps are super convenient.
With a few taps of your phone, you can sit back and wait for food delivery from your favorite local restaurant to your door.
The downside is there is a cost to this convenience.
After you account for the delivery fee and the tip, you often pay double for a meal, assuming it is fast food.
A better option is to delete the apps from your phone and pick up the food.
#12. Use The Library
The library is for more than just checking out books.
You can rent movies, read magazines, and even video games.
Some even offer 3D printing, hot spots, and free tax planning.
#13. Go To Free Workshops And Seminars
If you are short on cash and need to eat or want to limit your grocery budget, look for free workshops in your area.
Most will offer a light fare, like cheese and crackers, that you can use to fill up.
In some cases, you might get lucky and have a meal provided.
The only downside is giving up your time to attend the event.
But some wise people go for the food and then sneak out.
#14. Buy Private Label Brands
A grocery saving trick that many people are aware of is to buy off-label items.
This means instead of purchasing the name-brand cereal, you buy the store brand instead.
Not only is it cheaper, but most people won’t be able to tell the difference.
And this is for a good reason.
More stories tell how the production plants only swap out the packaging while the food stays the same.
How to Get Free Money
The idea of free money sounds like it can’t be true. But it actually is.
There are many ways you can get free money, from playing games, to watching videos, and more.
Here are the best ways you can get free money without having to work for it.
Steps To Building Wealth
We all want to have enough money that our finances are no longer a stress in our lives.
But with so much financial advice out there, building wealth seems impossible. Not any more. Here are the simple steps you need to take.
STEPS TO BUILD WEALTH AND BECOME RICH
How To Save Money When You’re Broke
When you have no money, the idea of saving sounds impossible. In fact, for many people, the idea never crosses their mind because they are only focused on getting money to survive.
But there are steps you can take to actually save money even when you are broke. Doing so will help you change your financial life faster than you thought possible.
HOW TO SAVE MONEY WHEN YOU’RE BROKE
47 Ways To Get Free Gift Cards
Nowadays, people are looking for every means possible to make extra cash. One unique idea is to get free gift cards. Gift cards are a great way to help pay for the things you need without spending any money.
You can earn free gift cards for completing simple tasks in many ways. This includes getting paid for simple online tasks like playing games, completing surveys, and shopping.
Here is a complete guide on how to get free gift cards so you can spend less money on the things you buy.
47 PROVEN WAYS TO GET FREE GIFT CARDS
How To Get Free Food With No Money
If you are short on cash, not eating doesn’t have to be a reality.
There are options out there that allow you to get free food, even if you don’t have any cash. Here is what you need to do.
How To Get Free Food With No Money
This thread inspired this article.
I have over 15 years experience in the financial services industry and 20 years investing in the stock market. I have both my undergrad and graduate degrees in Finance, and am FINRA Series 65 licensed and have a Certificate in Financial Planning.
Visit my About Me page to learn more about me and why I am your trusted personal finance expert.