stash a little cash.

I don't know about y'all, but I'm not very good at saving money... just at spending it lol.

My new years resolution was to save more and shop less..so I've come up with some clever ways of stashing a little cash. 

{1} DIY mani's & pedi's {if you're not skilled enough to do it yourself see #2}

{2} Instead of getting a FULL mani/pedi, try only getting a polish change.. they're around $5-10

{3} Brew your own coffee instead of making daily Starbucks trips

{4} Make a list when you shop.. especially at the grocery store! You are far less likely to buy things that you don't need.

{5} Brown bag it & make your lunch every day. You'll end up eating healthier too!

{6} Avoid eating at restaurants.. and if you do eat out, try sharing an entree or choose an appetizer instead. Skip the cocktails and dessert as well. You can allow yourself one outing per month to splurge on a nice dinner.

{7} Sign up for company email lists. Stores will send you emails when they have big sales and you will end up saving lots of money when you DO shop. 

{8} When shopping online, leave items you like in the cart for a few days and they will send you emails alerting you about 'special' sales to encourage you to buy those items!

{9} Check out consignment shops. Some places have high end items at amazing prices! I've even picked up great finds at places like Plato's Closet.

{10} Stalk eBay but know what to look out for... 100% feedback and read the reviews! A lot of times you can get great deals on things that are no longer sold in stores. 

{11} Avoid the mall... seriously. It can save your life lol

{12} Don't feel pressured to buy everyone a gift for showers, birthdays, graduations etc. I stick to close friends/family ONLY. 

{13} Write down all your expenses. It's important to know how much money you're bringing in every month and how much you spend. A lot of banks online have 'spending reports' that you can check out.. take advantage!

{14} Need a new outfit? Shop your own closet... or a friend's... just make sure to give anything you borrow back!

{15} Get a piggy bank. Seriously do it. Go to your local craft store and pick yourself out a ceramic piggy bank and find some paint pens. Hellllooooo monogramming!!! Make sure you spray on a polyurethane sealant after the paint dries. This will prevent chipping. Every week try stashing away $5, 10, 20 or even 50 dollars and any spare change. Out of sight, out of mind ... right? 

Paint pen + ceramic piggy bank

My hand painted piggy bank! 

Go Horns! :)

Have fun saving!

xoxo

-ash <3