We all have our reasons for wanting to save more money. Whether you are working toward building a nest egg or want to save up for a rustic-themed Boulder apartment makeover, there’s no question that stashing away rainy day funds can be a challenge. This is especially true for those of us who tend to be a bit more impulsive about the way we spend our disposable income. This spring, as you work to pad your savings account with a little extra cash, remember that even the smallest financial decisions will affect your personal finance picture for many years to come. Here are a few tips for saving money this spring and summer:
Shop seasonally and locally.
Certain fruits and vegetables are more affordable during their peak production season. If you’re trying to purchase a winter squash in the middle of summer, you can expect to pay a premium (if you’re even able to find it in stores). It’s all about supply and demand, and if you’re unsure of the seasonality of your favorite produce, check out this helpful chart on the USDA website.
Being selective about your groceries isn’t the only way to save money on seasonal items. End of season retail sales are also a popular way of saving money on clothing, apartment décor items, and other non-perishables that you’re sure you’ll use during the following year. If this interests you, U.S. News and World Report has some tips you don’t want to miss.
Buy in bulk with a friend, family member, or coworker.
The idea of bulk buying with friends is as old as the wholesale club itself. It’s no secret that you can save money by purchasing large quantities of a given item, but in most cases, you don’t need an entire gross of something. If you have friends and neighbors around your apartment community who share a similar lifestyle, why not ask them if they’d like to start a bulk buying cooperative with you?
According to LifeHacker, this method of keeping your apartment stocked with staple items is something that most personal budgeting books recommend. Moreover, they explain that if you’re smart about how you do this, you should be able to purchase higher-quality items for less than the cost of generic. Read the original LifeHacker article here.
Use natural, DIY cleaning products.
For some people, spring cleaning means spending hundreds of dollars on cleaning products that they’ll use only once. Not only is this choice hard on the budget, but many of those expensive products contain harsh and harmful chemicals that you really don’t want to have floating around your rental home. The same can be said for many professional upholstery and floor cleaning services.
Avoid all of those volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the headache that goes along with them. In most cases, you can substitute natural products and see the same sparkling clean results. White vinegar is a wonderful alternative to many of the most common household chemicals, and it is also very pet-friendly. Also, be sure to check out these great DIY green cleaning product recipes, courtesy of Apartment Therapy.
Organize a swap party.
Perhaps the most common type of swap party is a clothing swap, and it’s a great way to revamp your spring wardrobe on a budget. When done right, swap parties are the perfect solutions to “a closet full of nothing to wear”.
You may have also heard of a book swap or two; those are also quite popular. Other ideas include general household items (board games, kitchen gadgets, textiles, etc), craft supplies, and jewelry. Whatever items you choose to trade at your party, be sure to establish ground rules ahead of time. Real Simple has compiled some very helpful tips for pulling off a successful swap, which you can view here.
Do away with disposable products.
This may seem like common sense, but for whatever reason, paper and plastic products have been flying off of shelves for decades. When you purchase these disposable items, you are literally throwing your money away every time you toss a paper plate or red Solo™ cup in the garbage. What’s even worse is the effect they have on our environment. The only advantage to using disposables in your rental home is that you will wash fewer dishes. In the grand scheme of things, it’s just not worth the cost.
There are countless resources out there for people who wish to make the switch from disposable products to reusable products. Here is one of them, courtesy of Peaceful Planet.
Getting into the swing of saving can be tough, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy and fun. Watching your nest egg grow is extremely gratifying, and planning for how those funds will be spent is even more exciting. So, the next time you’re tempted to make an impulsive, unnecessary purchase, consider depositing that amount into your savings account, instead.
Contact a member of our apartment leasing team at (303) 647-4897 to learn how our pet-friendly Boulder apartments can also help you save, while offering all of the modern amenities that you’ve come to expect from one of Boulder’s most sought-after rental communities.