Quick Turnaround: Why Saving Money Can Be Simple, Effective

For everyone that assumes saving money takes a lot of effort, you're not wrong.

But, you're also not completely right, either.

Saving money could be as easy as one, two or three, explicitly striking a few line items off your budget. These are things you are paying for at the moment, but either don't need or can be modified to the point where you're not missing out but don't have to have that high price tag as a result.

Take for instance cable television, that source of entertainment that isn't a need but really is something everyone has. Cable television on average can cost around $2,000 per year, a steep number when you consider a lifetime of paying that particular utility.

Instead, try to change up how you watch television, such as using pay per month apps that are less expensive or streaming services that might leave you missing a few channels but gaining cash in hand. Adding two streaming services at $10 and $20 per month, respectively and keeping your $50 per month internet takes that monthly cable bill from $200 to $80 to $90 instead.

Sure, you might have to watch your favorite show a day later, but is that "inconvenience" really worth $1,200 per year difference in money out of your pocket.

From television to your dinner table, ask yourself how often you eat out at restaurant and with what consistency?

Meal prep is a lifesaver for some reasons, besides the fact that you have lunch and dinner accounted for this week and then start the process over again Sunday (day or evening). This starts with grocery shopping with the idea that you are planning meals and avoiding the dreaded lunch out at work or take out two or three nights per week for dinner.

The lunch and dinner combo can be quite pricey when those meals are paired with a fine slice of consistency. The average lunch checks in at about $10, with dinner (for one) at about $15 to $20. Now take those numbers and start multiplying. If you have lunch out three days per week and another three days are dedicated to dinner, you'll be spending about $3,000 per year on just restaurant dining, and that doesn't even take into consideration that grocery bill and all that food sitting there while you sift through plastic and styrofoam containers.

Just a few modest and relatively simple changes to your expense and budget can save you thousands, proving that putting money in your bank account doesn't have to be a laborious process.