7 Tips to Stretch Your Stimulus Check and Save Money After Quarantine
The coronavirus pandemic has affected us all in different ways, and lost income is one of the most difficult to deal with. Quarantine meant more ways to save money for many of us, too — whether from cutting down gas consumption while we worked from home, or just because we were less likely to eat out — but as some of us head back to work, saving money will continue to be important. A little careful planning could help you stretch that cash from the stimulus check a few weeks further.
Make your own coffee: It seems obvious, but those daily lattes can easily take a chunk out of your bank account. Use a coffee maker or French press for coffee instead.
Throw almost-spoiled veggies in the freezer: Start tossing nearly spoiled veggies in the freezer to use for smoothies. It can cut your weekly waste way down.
Hang-dry your clothes: Save energy by hang-drying your clothes rather than running the dryer more than you have to.
Switch credit cards: If you spend a lot of money at Whole Foods or on travel, consider specific credit cards that will offer the best rewards for your current spending habits.
Use a budgeting app: One of the hardest parts of budgeting is just developing awareness of our spending habits. Using a budgeting app like Mint is a great way to see exactly how your impulse buys really do shape your monthly budget.
Use energy-efficient bulbs: LED bulbs cost more to buy, but in the long term, they do cut down on electricity costs. As bulbs burn out in your house, make the switch.
Start a garden: While you're outside, think about starting a garden.You can get plenty of seeds for less than $20, and that will translate into much more than $20 worth of food over the following months.