6 Ways to Save in 2018

In 2018 I’ve decided to avoid spending extra money whenever possible.  That’s all well and good, but I don’t only want to avoid spending on things I don’t need.  I also want to save money on the things that I do need.  Over the last couple of weeks I’ve come up with an action plan and some ways to save in 2018.

Please be aware that I talk about periods & tampons in this post.  If that bothers you, maybe skip this one.

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I switched to a Menstrual Cup instead of tampons

I typically go through 1 $7-$8 box of tampons every month.  Some months I go through more than that.  I also used to spend extra money on panty liners to prevent leaks meaning that I was spending another $6 every couple of months. That adds up to roughly $96.  That’s also not including the need to buy new underwear when they get ruined.  The  menstrual cup was a one time cost of $35 (which I bought in 2017! So zero cost in 2018!)  It seals perfectly and never leaks.  It is recommended to be replaced annually, but some say you can get several years out of them you care of them.  Click the photo to get your own.  I promise they’re not scary.

I got a Costco Membership

I know that not EVERYTHING is cheaper in bulk quantities, but some things are.  For example, Costco brand diapers are less expensive than Huggies but are very similar quality and come in the same quantity at Costco.  Stay tuned for the post about things you should buy at Costco instead of  standard grocery store.

I have an App Arsenal for savings

I use Ibotta & Checkout51 for rebates on items found in grocery stores.  I use the Smith’s (Kroger) app for coupons. My car insurance provides a discount for downloading an app that tracks my driving.  I use Cartwheel any time I find myself in Target unsupervised.

 

I sought out discounts on things I have to pay for

You would be amazed at the discounts I was able to get by doing a little bit of research.  For example, my work offers discounts on health insurance for completing some surveys and biometric screening.  I got $600 off my annual premium.  We also have devices in our cars that save us 5% per car on our car insurance.  We may even shop for new car insurance soon just to try and get a better rate.  You shouldn’t even pay more when you don’t have to.

I order my groceries

I gave the click-list a try and it really helped me to plan my grocery list better and totally prevented impulse buys.  Not only that, it was massively convenient.  I just pulled up, opened the trunk and they loaded my groceries.  They also accept paper coupons.  So not only can I shop with my digital coupons on the site, but I can add in my paper coupons on top for additional savings.

I joined an MLM

I have a LipSense addiction.  And by joining, I get 20-50% off on all my orders…So I wait until some friends need some LipSense, and I add to my collection.  I do still spend a bit, but my friends & other customers help me earn a bit of it back.  And when I’m really working it on my sales the cost of my own addiction is a drop in the bucket.  If you’re thinking about doing this I highly recommend you go and read this post about what to consider before joining and MLM. 

How are you trying to save money this year?