As you’ve gotten older and ventured out into the world, you probably learned a thing or two about your finances. You might even consider yourself a financial guru in terms of money managing basics. After all, saving money doesn’t need to be complex. But even if you’ve done a pretty good job stashing cash each month, there are few hacks you might not know about.

Try a Budget App

If you‘re still using pen and paper to create your budget, it’s time to make a change. Using budgeting apps can simplify the process by helping your track expenses, create saving goals, and automatically tally your monthly spending. To get started, it’s a good idea to look at your monthly bank and credit card statements to see where every dollar is going. From there, you can look to make cuts based on some of the unnecessary spending throughout the month.

Cashback Apps

Cashback apps are another way you can save money. Some of the most popular ones include Dosh and Rakuten. All you do is scan your receipt through the app to earn money back. You can save money on most daily expenses like gas and groceries. How much you receive back depends on the offer and the store providing them.

Look to Refinancing Existing Student Loans

Refinancing your student loans is a great way to free up extra money. Student loan refinancing is a process where you take what you owe in student loans and turn it into a new one. Refinancing can not only lower the interest rates and monthly payments, you’ll also be able to create additional funds to use in other areas such as paying down additional debt, or just having a cushion instead of having every dollar wrapped up from each paycheck. Getting out of living paycheck to paycheck should be the primary financial goal going forward.

Get LED Lightbulbs

LED lightbulbs are the prime alternative to the typical non-efficient bulbs. You may be wondering what this has to do with saving money. Well, it turns out that traditional bulbs can increase your electric bill by quite a bit. Not to mention, they’re also a potential hazard if they end up breaking. LED lightbulbs can easily eliminate both problems as they’re energy-efficient and have no hazardous substance in them.

Try Planning Out Your Meals

Contrary to what some may say, eating out is far from economical. Just because a lunch or dinner out may cost $15, the cost can add up fast if you continue to do it. In fact, did you know that people spent over $2,000 a year on eating out alone? This is why you need to switch to meal planning instead. Sure, the cost of groceries may not be as ideal as it was in the past, but a total of $150 to $200 on ingredients is much better compared to eating out daily. All you need to do is choose three to four meals you’ll have for the month and buy the necessary supplies.

The stress of paying a mortgage, getting money together for a vacation, creating a college fund for the kids…with so much financial stress to cope with, it’s no secret that money is one of the top reasons why couples fight. If you’re constantly arguing with your partner about money, you’re not alone and the good news is that, with a little understanding and communication, you can get on the same page and start enjoying a happier, healthier relationship. The following are some tips for financial bliss when you’re one half of a couple.

Have a Not-So-Secret Stash

Our advice here is to set up a ‘mad money’ account. A mad money account has cash that each person in a couple can spend without having to check with their partner first. Wouldn’t it be nice to buy a new handbag or a new part for your car without having to justify the purchase to your partner? The fact that it’s not a secret stash means that you both don’t have to ask/answer questions about the cash that comes from that account.

Open Up Communication Channels

Communication is key in every aspect of a successful relationship, but it is especially important when it comes to finances. By talking about money, you will know exactly where you both stand and you can align your goals for the future. Whether you want to build your dream home or go on vacation, if you’re both on the same page about saving and spending, you’ll be more likely to achieve your goals. With open communication, you can also work together to make financial decisions that are best for both of you.

Don’t Hide Debt

You may be tempted to keep debt a secret from your partner. Hiding your credit score and loan repayments might seem like the right thing to do but it’s a big mistake. If your partner finds out that you’ve been hiding debt, it can damage the trust in your relationship. Trust is essential for a healthy relationship, so it’s important to be honest about your finances from the start. As you grow together if you are trying to grow your net worth as a twosome, debt can hinder that if it is not managed properly. Setting the common goal of eliminating debt can actually bring you both closer and teach you effective problem-solving strategies as well.

Align Your Priorities & Goals

Couples who are serious about their relationship need to be on the same page when it comes to financial priorities. This means having regular conversations about money, setting common goals, and creating a budget that works for both partners. It means co-signing on a personal loan if you are taking out credit to cover expenses you will incur together. Thinking of taking out a personal loan so you can make renovations to the home where you’re both renting? It should be a joint responsibility. Or do you both want to take out a personal loan to go backpacking to Asia? Again, it should be a joint responsibility. If you don’t have the same priorities and goals as your partner, arguments about debt and spending will start to wedge a split between you that could, over time, become a much more serious problem.

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Saving money is often one of the number one goals and resolutions when going into the New Year, and the start of 2021 is no different. Although there are a variety of ways to save money, some are more practical than others. Rather than go to extremes and set oneself up for failure, there are a few things that almost anyone can do that will help save money regardless of income or financial situation, and they are much simpler than most would think.

Find Cheaper Car Insurance

Car insurance is a necessity that cannot be eliminated from the budget. Failure to maintain insurance on an automobile will have several legal repercussions. However, there are ways the consumer can save, namely by obtaining various quotes, especially those done anonymously. The advantages of an anonymous auto insurance quote online include saving money, a faster process, and no obligation to buy any policy. This makes it possible to find the type of plan needed at a price that the consumer can afford.

Audit Subscription Services

Subscription services are a common money trap that can cost the consumers hundreds a year. Almost everyone is guilty of it. Whether it be a gym membership, an application for a phone, or other service, people tend to forget about them. That money adds up more quickly than one may think. For example, a $10 monthly gym membership that is not being used is costing the consumer a minimum of $120 annually before any taxes or fees. Those who have more than one unused subscription service may be throwing their money away.

Keep Energy Costs in Check

Electricity and water are also necessities to consider. However, that does not mean the homeowner has to pay an arm and a leg. There are ways to save on utility costs without taking drastic measures. Something as simple as turning the thermostat down one or two degrees or keeping the home cooler while away can significantly impact the usage. Not using a light or charger? Turn off the light and unplug the charger. Energy-saving lightbulbs and small appliances are also an affordable and convenient way to save too.

Evaluate Banking Costs

In this day-and-age, there is no need to pay outrageous costs for banking. Just like auditing subscription services, audit bank account fees. This can also include credit cards and other bank loans as well. There are a variety of no or low-cost banking options available. Your current bank may even wave some charges based on things like paperless statements. Going through financials with a fine-tooth comb to look at fees, surcharges, and interest rates and comparing them to other institutions is necessary.

Stick to a Budget

This one may be one of the oldest and most clique ways of saving money, but it is one of the best. Creating a budget and sticking to it is one of the simplest ways to save money. Despite popular belief, budgeting is more than merely figuring your expenses and allocating your money. Good budgeting consists of planning where every dollar goes before it hits the bank account. It can show where the money is being spent unnecessarily and where changes can be made. The more aware one is of spending, the more wisely they can spend.