Y'all, saving money can be so so hard, but it's also so rewarding. I feel like I used to be good at saving money but I've recently become a spender (oops). This is a learning process for me to but every time I travel I question if my spontaneous leggings purchase was better than an activity I could've spent that money on (normally no).
1. Prepare your own meals and avoid eating out. I love eating out, so much. Normally it's all my friends and I do but it hurts the wallet way to much. If I feel like I really need to go I'll eat before and go during happy hour to get one drink/snack.
2. Sales! Who doesn't love a good sale? If I go to the mall and need clothing for an occasion I will only buy it if it's on sale (unless it's a one off item).
3. Everyone loves to buy new clothes before a trip so budget those purchases into your trip.
4. Don't buy what you don't need (if this isn't me). Before buying an item whether it's $5 or $100 think about if you truly NEED it or just WANT it. When you're saving for something important, like travel you have to avoid the temptation of buying the new items and hopping on the new trends.
5. People say to quit the gym and workout at home. For me I couldn't do that, I need the gym so I got a job at one! I'm part time and I get a free gym membership. Some gyms even have volunteer positions that will give you a free membership.
6. Plan and research for your trip. When I decide on a location I look into costs of accommodations, food, activities, transportation, hidden fees, random purchases, think of everything you'll spend money on and make a budget after that. Booking things in advance can also save you lots of money.
7. Learn to say no. I hate saying no, I love being social and hanging out with my friends but looking at my bank account, I have to start being more disciplined in this. This doesn't mean become a hermit who doesn't see the light but maybe invite them over for dinner, do a potluck, go for walks, anything that costs little to no money.
8. Set a monthly target! For example, I always put $500 in my travel saving account every month whether I have a trip planned or not. This could be in one chunk or putting $20 a day away. If you plan your trips way in advance make a target of how much you want to put away before you go and make a weekly plan on how much you'll put aside for that.