Before I start ranting, let me first say that I am NOT one of those New Yorkers who are always complaining about how expensive this city is. However, I do appreciate saving a few dollars-- who doesn't?
Living on your own brings with it a whole host of new expenses. Rent, electricity, cable, and internet can break the bank, leaving not much "spending money." There are ways, however, to save a few dollars without feeling so miserly. You'll thank me when you have some cash to blow at the bar on Friday night.
Here are 5 ways to save $50 a week:
1- Brew your own coffee
If you're a coffee drinker, it is all too tempting to stop at one of the ten billion Starbucks on your way to work/class in the morning and drop four to five dollars. Do the math and you'll realize that every work week you are spending nearly $25 dollars on caffeine.
On the other hand, a container of Folgers coffee lasts nearly two weeks and costs roughly $6. (Check the CVS weekly circular before you buy- coffee is ALWAYS on sale).
Total savings per week: $22
2- Make your own lunch
My biggest expense of the week is food. As you know I love eating takeout and going to restaurants rather than cooking. But when it comes to lunch, it is so simple to save a ton of money.
An average salad or sandwich costs nearly $8. Eating lunch every day adds up to nearly $40 dollars. A homemade sandwich (meat, cheese, bread and vegetables), can be bought at the beginning of the week for about $20 at Fairway. Take some time in the morning (while you're brewing your own coffee!) to make your day's lunch. It pays off.
Total savings per week: $20
3- Always do your own laundry
How tempting is it when you see those signs in the laundromat that say for 99 cents per pound, your laundry can be washed, dried, and folded without lifting a finger? Well, here's a tip: stop being lazy. On average, your weekly laundry adds up to about 15 pounds-- that's 15 dollars every week just to get your clothes clean.
To do your laundry yourself takes about an hour's worth of time but, on average, costs a mere $7 (two washes for $2.50, two dryers for $2). Doesn't seem like much savings, but $8= 8 one-dollar drafts at your favorite happy hour spot.
Total savings per week: $8
Grand total savings per week: $50
Now nobody can tell me that they wouldn't want an extra $50 per week. And after rent and bills are paid for, you quickly realize that $50 is well worth three small sacrifices.
No comments:
Post a Comment