Minimalism Guide- How to Save Thousands A Month

This is a guest post from an amazing blogger over at Mind Beauty Simplicity! This is her 10 Method Minimalism Guide to Finances & Saving Money!

In my teens & early twenties, I spent money like it was water. I was easily influenced by society, social media & advertisements with what I brought into my life. Over time, through many lessons, becoming wiser & becoming more minimalistic, I gained this sense of appreciation for the money I made & what I spent. Here are 10 ways I save money as a minimalist.

MINIMALISM METHOD 1: I USED CASH MORE FREQUENTLY

I was taught, when purchasing new items, it’s smart to use cash instead of constantly swiping a card. I didn’t get a debit card until I was in college.

And now, I refuse to own more than one credit card. Swiping my card over and over again honestly never felt real in my eyes. When I pay with cash, I can see with my eyes how much I’m spending, count it out & cry a little inside over it leaving my hands.

I’ve done this even when I was younger & it helped me save that money for longer periods of time. It stopped me from overspending or going on frivolous shopping sprees.

MINIMALISM METHOD 2: I SAVE MY COINS

I hoard coins like it is my job. My brother would always question how I would end up with large jars filled to the brim of coins. And I would receive hundreds of dollars in cash when I redeemed them.

A tip is to cash in coins at your local bank. They are less likely to require a fee. But seriously, if you do wish to treat yourself with something, cash in those coins first!

I sometimes place that money in my savings, but usually use it for bills, groceries or other necessities. 

MINIMALISM METHOD 3: I STOPPED SPENDING FOR NO REASON

I try not to go on pointless shopping sprees any longer. If I do head to the mall or online shop, it’s for a specific purpose.

I can’t tell you how many times I would go to the mall & drop $200 on clothing I immediately regretted months later. And it would be too late to even return them.

So now if I want something, I write it down in my notes section in my phone & come back to it later. If I still want it, I will purchase it. 

Recommended: 10 Things you Don’t Need in your Wardrobe

MINIMALISM METHOD 4: I PRIORITIZE IMPORTANT BILLS FIRST

By doing this, my bills are paid & I don’t have the worry of not having enough money to pay for my phone bill for example. Any money left over is for entertainment & other wants.

MINIMALISM METHOD 5: I STOPPED WANTING FOR MUCH

Honestly, I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t want much of anything anymore. Sales do not impress me. Makeup products always look the same. Like, how many brown eyeshadows do I need? I think I spend most of my money on food. Everything else rarely crosses my mind.

Regardless of the money in my bank account, I rarely feel the need to keep buying for the sake of owning more or expensive things.

Society teaches us success derives from our belongings. But I say to go away from this thinking & only purchase what you truly love & need. There is no sense in trying to impress others with the things you have. You’ll never be able to keep up & time will pass you by from all the exhaustion.

Recommended: Huge Makeup Collections Are Overrated

METHOD 6: I STICK TO MY GROCERY LIST

I used to go to the grocery store & aimlessly choose different things without having a game plan for my meals or anything. Now, I make a list ahead of time, decide which meals we will have during the week & stick to those items.

I also stopped overly purchasing different snacks. I rotate things out & keep it to a limit every two weeks or so. 

METHOD 7: COOK AT HOME MORE

I was always spending $50 to $100 on restaurant outings. Luckily, the pandemic taught me to be happier eating at home.

Before that, eating home-cooked meals was like a threat to me. I preferred going to the drive-thru windows instead of my fridge. But, when you cook at home, you are saving so much more money & also eating smaller portions.

I attribute my weight loss during quarantine to eating at home. 

MINIMALISM METHOD 8: CUT BACK ON EXPENSIVE SOCIAL EVENTS

Obviously this is an easier one to do given the times right now. But I’ve seriously considered cutting back on the number of events I go to once things are back to normal.

I would easily spend $40 to $50 on a ticket alone & then spend even more money on food & drinks once I got there. I’ve learned to be more creative & find free activities to do with friends.

MINIMALISM METHOD 9: I LIVE A LIFE THAT MAKES ME HAPPY

When you are happy, you are not bombarded with emotional purchases or guilt. I save money by only purchasing what makes me truly happy & fulfilled in this life. I gain much more gratitude with what I already own to the point of not wanting for much any longer.

Recommended: How I Healed My Pain & Created A Happier Life

CONCLUSION:

I hope these tips are helpful to you in saving money. I’d like to thank Sarah for allowing me to guest post on her blog. I absolutely love the topics she writes about & I find them very helpful to any blogger or woman!

Learning to succeed in this world. If you would like to see more posts from me, visit me at my blog MindBeauitySimplicity for minimalist content, lifestyle tips & teaching the importance of living intentionally!

~ B