Creativity Counts: Why Saving Money Starts With Thinking Outside Box

Saving money isn’t without its pains.

Whether you’re talking about budgeting, living on an income that doesn’t allow you to spend freely or just thinking about retirement and how you’re going to save for your golden years, you can’t overlook just how important money is to the here, now and future.

But as much as money can be difficult to manage, you also can’t be afraid to think about saving in a way that allows you to be a little creative in the process.

Far too often, most people look at money as a black and white endeavor. You make a certain amount, you spend a certain amount and then keep whatever is leftover.

And while that formula is tested and is true, you also can look at your expenses and subsequently saving in a more vast, diverse way.

For starters, plenty of individuals will be more than apt to cancel or go without certain expenses, such as cable television. That means they’ll trade in their $200 per month service, but not without having a brilliant idea to be still able to watch television and movies through paying for streaming services at a fraction of the cost. Sure, you’ll still need interest service, but that free is about $70 per month, give or take, and even adding a $10 per month service (or two for that matter) still puts you at about half of what you’re paying now.

You also have to learn that shopping isn’t necessarily off the table, either. Just because you have an affinity for nice things doesn’t mean you can’t think about buying used first and foremost. Cars and houses are two high priced expenses, and both are best when purchased used versus new.

Also, your clothing budget can be cut significantly without ending your shopping altogether but simply buying during non-peak seasons. That mentality also works with more than just clothes.

Finally, your home often can be a source of savings as well, but in ways, you never thought possible. Think about your next vacation, and why not make it a relaxing few days at home instead. You can use the time to binge watch your favorite show or even just put together that scrapbook you’ve always wanted or even do some at home projects that are long overdue (and also would save you money versus hiring someone else).

Being smart with money and learning to save isn’t without its ups and downs, but you don’t have to assume that the “down” part has to include you sacrificing what you want rather than think outside the box instead.