Back in August 2019, I was like most Virgos, always wanting to save some bucks. I decided to give it a real shot and see how much I could stash away.
Step 1: Set a Clear Goal
I first sat down and thought about how much I wanted to save. I set a target of saving $500 that month. It seemed like a decent amount and was achievable if I really put my mind to it. So, I wrote it down on a sticky note and stuck it on my fridge. Every time I opened the fridge to grab a snack, I’d see that goal and remind myself why I was trying to save.
Step 2: Track My Expenses
I started using a simple app on my phone to track every single penny I spent. Every time I bought a coffee, paid for groceries, or took a bus, I’d quickly enter the amount and what it was for. At the end of the first week, I was shocked to see how much I was spending on little things like snacks and impulse buys. For example, I realized I was spending about $20 a week on random snacks from the vending machine at work. That’s $80 a month just on junk food!
Step 3: Cut Unnecessary Spending
After seeing where my money was going, I decided to cut out some of the unnecessary expenses. I stopped buying those vending – machine snacks and started bringing my own healthy snacks from home. I also canceled a few subscription services that I hardly used, like a magazine subscription and a video – game streaming service. That saved me another $30 a month.
Step 4: Look for Deals and Discounts
When it came to grocery shopping, I started looking for deals and discounts. I’d check the weekly flyers of the local supermarkets and plan my meals around the items that were on sale. I also signed up for loyalty programs at the stores I frequented. One week, I got a 20% discount on my groceries just because I had accumulated enough points on my loyalty card. I also started buying generic brands instead of name – brand products. Most of the time, they tasted just as good but were much cheaper.
Step 5: Earn Extra Cash
I decided to earn some extra cash on the side. I had a bunch of old clothes and electronics that I no longer used, so I sold them on an online marketplace. I made about $100 from selling those items. I also offered to do some simple tasks for my neighbors, like mowing their lawns or walking their dogs. That brought in another $50 during the month.
The Result
By the end of August 2019, I was able to save $550! I was so happy that I not only reached my goal but exceeded it. These methods really worked for me, and I’m sure they can work for other Virgos or anyone who wants to save money. It just takes a little bit of planning, discipline, and some effort to make it happen.
