Saving While You're Spending

There are some things that we have no choice but to spend money on. If you want your car to get you from point A to point B, you have to keep it fueled. The same thing with your body; if you want it to perform, you must feed it. Just because we must spend money on these necessities doesn't mean we can't still save money. Here are some ways to save on everyday spending.

Save on Gas

While gas prices have been low for a good while, we know that gas doesn't go on sale. There are still ways to save. It's your duty to take advantage when you can. For example, as a T-Mobile customer, I benefit from T-Mobile Tuesdays. It's a weekly opportunity to get free stuff and other deals. One of the frequent deals is 10 cents off per gallon of gas using the Shell Fuel Rewards app. This is just one example of how you can save on everyday expenses. Now, of course, you'd still compare prices. If the gas station across the street is cheaper even after the savings, your best bet is to go across the street. 

I've seen other opportunities to save on gas from some credit card companies. American Express, for example, often have various offers that help you save. The key is to use the offers only if it's really an opportunity to save and not you just spending to be spending. I've seen gas savings for BP and maybe others. Read the fine print and follow the instructions, but if you needed gas anyway and now you can save, why not?

Save on Groceries

You gotta eat, right? Do you leave the grocery store feeling like you spent a fortune, or do you leave feeling like you kicked but in savings? Hopefully, it's the latter. Just because we have to eat and buy food doesn't mean we shouldn't still save. Grocery stores have different ways to save - coupons, cashback, weekly sales and more. As a consumer, it is up to you to take advantage of the many opportunities to save. You want to stack savings and promotions. Sure, buy an item on sale, but also look for digital or paper coupons to save even more. These days, I may use a coupon that's printed at the register. Still, most coupons I load (electronically) onto my shopper's card even before going to the store. I also use the app, so if I purchase something out of the ordinary, I'll search for in-app coupons on the spot. 

Managing money like a boss means saving even when you're spending. Always make those dollars stretch as far as you can!