Shopping

8 Money-Saving Tips to Help You Shop Smarter

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Whether you’ll be on a tight budget for the next few months or if you are simply looking for ways that will help you save some money, you’ll have to learn how to shop smarter. However, if you have no idea where to begin, you might be wondering – what are some tips that I should keep in mind?

Well, luckily for all of you looking for ways to save money at the end of the month, this article might be able to help you. The text below is going to feature a list of 8 money-saving tips that will help you with shopping smarter, hence, saving money. Let’s take a closer look at the list:

Source:affiliatecpa.com

1. First Things First – Put Your Budget on Paper

One of the very first things that you’ll want to do is to create a detailed, monthly budget. Why? Well, it will ensure that you do not overspend and it will also allow you to know how much you can spend on certain things. Naturally, the first thing you’ll do is to deduct all of the bills and loans you have, then determine the variable expenses, as well as your savings. Additionally, if you want to save money for something, determine how much you’ll put aside.

2. Lists, Lists, Lists

Never, I repeat, never go shopping without a list. If you do not have a list to follow, you’ll easily overspend on things that you do not need. Hence, before going to the supermarket, look around in your cupboards and fridge, and determine which items you need. Also, if you need to buy new clothes and shoes, ensure that you make a different list for that as well. Writing down what you need to buy and sticking to it will ensure that you do not overspend on things that you do not need.

Source:twitter

3. Shop Online And Wait For Sales

Online shopping won’t only allow you to save a lot of time on commuting, but, it will also help you with saving a lot of money, especially when there are sales! Hence, when you create lists for the things you need – no matter if it is clothes or groceries – browse various online stores in order to see where the best deals are, as well as if there are some sales that will allow you to purchase more for less cash.

4. Promo Codes And Coupons

There is a wide range of platforms such as this website that offer free coupons and promo codes, which means that you should get the advantage of those free coupons and codes! Why? Well, it will save your cash, which means that you can then use the rest of the money for purchasing something else or even better, you can put the money aside and save it until you meet your goal and purchase something from that list of things that you do not need, but want.

5. Out of Season Shopping is Quite Wise

If there are some seasonal things that you need – such as holiday cards or decoration – you might want to buy them when they are out of season. If you do so when they are in seasons, the prices will probably be twice as high as they are during the rest of the year. So, if you are able to find seasonal items before the season actually arrives, you’ll be able to avoid paying higher prices for the same item.

6. Say ‘Goodbye’ to Endless Browsing

You have your lists, so ensure that you stick to them! Wandering endlessly around a specific shop won’t only cause you to lose a lot of time, but, it might also cause you to purchase items that you do not need – which is especially true for individuals that do not have the willpower to avoid useless purchases. For example, if you need items such as toilet paper and fresh vegetables, go to those aisles and avoid wandering.

7. Consume it Before Buying Another One

I used to do a really bad thing that caused me to spend hundreds of dollars on something that I do not need at the moment. How? Well, for instance, when I notice that I half used my hand cream, I would immediately buy another one. This just leads to hoarding half-used products, which can cause you to lose a lot of money. Hence, before you actually buy something – no matter if it is food or other products – ensure that you spend the initial one first.

8. It is Always Better to Go Shopping Alone

Source:cnbc.com

You’ll want to avoid going to the store with your children or someone else. Besides avoiding your kids bugging you for some sweets and snacks that can cause you to overspend, you’ll also be able to finish shopping faster, which is extremely important when it comes to sticking to your budget, as well as list. So, if it is possible for you to go shopping alone, you’ll definitely want to do it, especially since you’ll save cash and time.

Bonus Tip – Does Spending Less Mean Saving More?

Just because you’ll follow all of the aforementioned tips, it does not mean that you’ll actually save some cash. Similarly, just because a specific shop has different sales such as ‘buy one and get one for free’ it does not mean that you should buy it – unless you actually need it. Hence, when you come across such sales, you’ll want to ask yourself whether or not you actually need it, is it high-quality, as well as can you place it in your house. If you answer all of the three questions with ‘no’ buy what you need and exit the store you are in.

Source:iheartradio.ca

Conclusion

As you can see, there is a wide range of tips that can help you shop smarter, which will, in return, allow you to save money at the end of the month. Once you get a hang of it, you’ll be able to save hundreds of dollars, which means that you can then use it for something else, such as returning a loan or, perhaps, purchasing something new for yourself.

So, now that you are aware of all the tips you should keep in mind when shopping, you might not want to lose any more of your time. Instead, you should go back to the beginning of this article and begin with the first tip on the list, which is creating a detailed budget for the upcoming month.

5 Reasons Why Good Mattresses Are So Expensive

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One question that’s often asked is why mattresses are so expensive.

Everybody wants to sleep well and to feel relaxed, but not everyone wants to give a lot of money on a good mattress.

Source:lifeisanepisode.com

But the reality is that you need to pay extra money if you want to have a good mattress because if you don’t do it, you’ll be disappointed. And no one wants to wake up more tired than they were when they went to bed.

You will find out the reason for the high prices if you keep reading this article. The explanation is reasonable; so that the next time you go shopping you won’t be sorry for the money.

And before anything, ask yourself: is it more relevant to save a few bucks or have a quality sleep every night?

Do you realize how important is it to have a good night’s sleep? A human being needs to sleep every day to stay alive; it’s like drinking water. A human body uses night and the time of rest to revitalize. It’s a process that helps us function better, and if we don’t have enough sleep, we will not function the next day.

And one of the reasons people have lousy sleeping schedules and why they wake up often at night is terrible mattresses.

Source:sleeprepublic.com.au

And terrible ones often come with a terrible cheap price that can be tempting to everyone. Who doesn’t like a great deal and to find something for a low price. But sometimes, the cheapest things eventually become the most expensive ones – and we will explain what we mean by this.

The thing with mattresses is that you can’t buy a good one for a low price, and if you find one that’s cheap, the possibility is that it’s not good.

Finally, we’ve prepared answers about why you should never question the price of a mattress, if you don’t want to think about back pain.

1. You don’t buy a mattress every other day

Source:trustedmattress.com

According to mattress-review.org, buying a mattress is an investment, investment in good sleep, and enjoyable life. And they aren’t something that you are going to buy frequently. Many years will pass before you need to buy a new one. Did you know that a good quality mattress can last you up to 15 years? Yes, that’s an extended period, and some can last that long and still preserve its features. And even after all those years, you will still feel like the mattress is almost as new. The firmness and the softness will still be there.

But some people are buying mattresses more frequently. Every other year, or even there are those unfortunate ones that need to buy a new mattress every year. And you know what the difference between these two types of people is?

Those who own mattresses that last for up 15 or 10 years are willing to give a bit of extra money when shopping. Those who need to replace their mattresses often are those who wanted to save and thought that they could get a really great mattress for just $200.

The reality is that you can often find great cheap things, but when it comes to your well-being, health, and wellness, you shouldn’t choose the short-term solution. And if you don’t want a short-term solution and want something that’s made out of quality material that will last long, you will have to pay a little more.

And finally, if you divide the price of a good mattress with days that you’re going to use it, and if you do the same with the cheap one – guess what? The cheap one will be more expensive because you will have to buy it more frequently.

And it’s always good to invest in something that will last longer and then buy something that you’ll need to replace soon after you bought it.

2. The quality of the material

Source:dormeo.rs

We already touched upon this topic in the previous paragraph, but it deserves to have its own. The material of the mattress is essential; the final product can’t be excellent if the material is not.

And yes, you’ve guessed it right – the good quality material is always going to be a little bit on the expensive side. The manufacturers that make their mattresses out of super-quality material will price them a little bit more. Those mattresses will last long; they will not deform and cause you any trouble and pain while sleeping.

3. The type of mattress

Source:deskelly.ie

One of the main things that form the price of a mattress is, of course, the size of it, and the type. The ones with a lower price are the innerspring one – but they can still be a perfect option.

The memory foam ones are more expensive because memory foam cost extra, but they often fit anyone’s needs and are great.

And finally, the most expensive ones are the hybrid mattresses that combine the previous two; they are both made out of innerspring and memory foam or latex. And we can say that they are the best ones because they combine the best things from both worlds.

4. The final touches

Did you know that even the borders on the mattress add up to the price? Now you know, and if you want to have a mattress with a hand-stitched border, you need to be prepared to pay more. The borders that are done by machines are less expensive, just like the quilted ones.

So, when buying a mattress, you need to consider these kinds of small touches too.

5. Your health

Source:lull.com

If you are still asking yourself is it worth to pay a bit more for a mattress, you should start asking yourself how much your health is worth. Is it worth waking up every morning with back pain, or feeling like you slept on needles, and feeling everything but relaxed?

Think about your future and your health. Investing in an excellent mattress is investing in your health. If you are waking up energized and relaxed every morning, you will be able to conquer the world. And if you are tired and are not feeling like yourself, you are not going to be productive, which will result in you doing a lousy job. And that all depends on the quality of your mattress.

The next time you ask yourself why is a mattress so expensive, remember that it’s because you are not buying only a mattress, you are buying a way of life.

Hopefully, you’ll find what you are looking for, and you will enjoy your new mattress that much that you will want to sleep all day.

The COVID-19 Lockdown has Shown the Difference we Could Make to the Planet

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COVID-19 and the lockdown have been difficult for most people, but there is a positive effect in the middle of all the turmoil, the influence on the planet’s ecosystem. This difficult time has taught us a lot about emissions and the environment.

We all need to work together

For many people, annual Earth day is often full of good intentions which never seem to last long. They can quickly become despondent when their efforts fail to produce results, or when few seem to share their enthusiasm in protecting the planet. Activists such as Louise Gund, who is also a successful Broadway producer, can be quite vocal and makes many valid points which many will agree with. However, before COVID-19, it seemed impossible for a comparatively small number of activists to make a significant difference. While businesses and government agencies were starting to take the threat to the environment more seriously, it was something which relied on everyone to work together. This seemed an unlikely reality, until many countries around the world went into lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In the process, they reduced the pollution and greenhouse emissions.

Source:cordmagazine.com

Many people can work from home

Professions such as retail, construction and food production can never be done from home. Although, many sectors which previously claimed that staff needed to be in the office all or most of the time, found new ways to clear their workload as staff worked from home. This has played a big part in reducing the volume of traffic on the roads, resulting in lower emissions. Assuming things go back to a reasonable level of normality, home-working has been proven to work for a large number of people. It poses questions about whether this method of work could be continued, to keep down emissions and protect the environment, now that we have been shown it can work. Of course, there may be times when workers need to be physically present, but we’ve learned it’s not as often as we thought. The positive effect on the environment could also inspire people to look at other ways of saving energy.

People will find other ways to keep in touch, from a distance

Source:nbcnews.com

With the temporary closure of social venues such as restaurants and bars, people found other ways to keep in touch. Some who lived within walking distance of each other, left the car at home and took advantage of their allowed exercise to walk to family and friends’ houses, even if it’s just to drop off essential supplies to their doorstep, then to stand back and catch a brief glimpse of them. While others had to make do with social media, video calls or the telephone, the impact on the environment was less than traveling to a venue to meet up in person. Clearly, the businesses being shut also meant less of an impact on the environment. It’s not a long-term solution for those businesses and for the livelihoods of their employees but may at least make people reconsider whether they can walk somewhere in future, as opposed to driving there or taking a bus.

We don’t need to use all those shops

With many shops deemed non-essential and having to shut during the pandemic, it has shown that we can make do without them, at least for a short time. Again, they employ people and are important, but in the near future, people may rethink how frequently they shop there. As well as the environmental implications of buying more clothes, furniture and other items from these shops. We as customers could ask ourselves if we really need to purchase them as often as we do. People like to save money, and if they’ve gone longer than usual without buying them, it could lead to cutting down. That means fewer emissions from the production and transportation of goods. The lack of takeaways (as delicious as some of them are) has led to more baking and home cooking being done.

We can shop locally

Having discovered that we can shop less, we’ve also learned we can shop locally, With many consumers reluctant to travel too far, the local shops have provided a safer way of getting essentials. Small shops which may have been overlooked before, in favor of supermarkets, have shown us that local outlets can provide what we need. While many shoppers who were classified as vulnerable, will have been reluctant to queue outside larger stores, local shops have provided a safer alternative. When “non-essential” shops re-open, we could continue that trend and keep emissions low by shopping closer to home, resulting in less travel or a shorter drive if need be. If others follow suit by shopping locally, this can have minimal impact on sales – with everyone shopping in their local area, and a higher reduction in emissions.

Source:channelsight.com

We don’t need to travel so much

Having discovered we don’t need to travel as much has shown positive results for the environment, and what can be achieved when we all (unintentionally) work together to reduce the damage to the planet. Holidays abroad are less essential compared to the privilege of being able to see our loved ones closer to home. For some, the lockdown has been an opportunity to discover new places closer to home, previously they would have driven a beauty spot a greater distance away.

We’ve proven (without trying) that we can make a positive impact on the environment. When lockdown is over, we can put into action some of the things we may have been forced to do, to stay local, work from home and focus on what matters to make the world a better place to live. This may mean that emissions will rise slightly, but if we consciously work together to minimize the impact on the environment, we can keep the rise to a minimum.

It may have taken a pandemic, but one positive thing to take away from this is that we’ve been given an insight that it is possible to preserve the planet for future generations.

Megan Fox Went Shopping Without Protective Gear

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Even though the mayor of Los Angeles’ urged his 4 million residents to wear masks to prevent the spread of coronavirus. However, the actress Megan Fox braved the supermarket without any protective gear on Thursday.

The Transformer star looked quite cozy, wearing a black puffer, graphic t-shirt paired with a grey beanie. She went shopping at the Erewhon Organic market in the City of Angels.

Source:oltnews.com

The mother-of-three, who is currently married Brian Austin Green, 46, looked content while carrying out a few bags of groceries for her family from the grocery store.

It seemed like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles star was shopping solo, and her husband was previously seen purchasing a case of coconut water and another of spring water on Monday.

The couple, who have a 13 year age gap, rarely make public appearances together with their three sons Noah (7), Bodhi (6), and Journey (3).

While the parents were seen stocking up a few times in the past weeks at elite markets during the coronavirus pandemic, neither of them were seen wearings gloves or masks.

Source:oltnews.com

Megan, who got married to Brian in 2010 after six years of dating, said that when she became pregnant with her eldest son Noah, knew that  ‘he was not subscribing to gender stereotypes.’

‘So I decided to provide an environment for him early on that would allow him to discover how he wanted to express himself,’ Fox added.

The actress emphasized that ‘if a boy loves princesses and a girl loves baseball, that’s not indicative of their sexuality.’

Is Coronavirus Making Monsters out of People?

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People need to control themselves.

The Coronavirus brought something all over the world, something that very hard to control – panic. And with fear that’s spreading everywhere, people started panic buying groceries. The sight of empty shelves is now regular, and toilet paper is nowhere to be found. With the panic buying, there has been real chaos going in the store.

Source:businessinsider.com

If you are one of those people that are buying things that they don’t need or buying too much stuff and not leaving anything for others – why are you doing that?

Do you ever think about other people? Do you ever think about the staff from the store, and how are they feeling daily? They need to work hard every day, be kind to people, explain to everyone why there isn’t any toilet paper left, even if it’s not their fault. And they are doing that while being scared for their life because of the virus.

Almost everyone on this planet saw the photographs of a crying cashier from an Australien supermarket. It shows the negative side of everything and the reality that cashiers all over the world need to deal with.

The cashier is in tears while being comforted by a woman that was shopping there. And she was crying because another angry customer attacked her.

In Australia, where this photo came from has been an enormous shortage of products in shops and supermarkets, and people are furious because of it. And because of their anger, they are yelling and being rude to cashiers, other workers from the shops, and even other shoppers.

There has even been some physical fight between shoppers because there wasn’t enough toilet paper and disinfectants for everyone.

Source:kotatv.com

A lot of people are reacting after they’ve seen this sad photograph. And they are commenting that cashiers and store workers are humans and that they need to work for living in this challenging situation. Most people on social media platforms agree with that and that they need to show respect to them.

A woman shared her story on social media. She commented she went to another store in the uniform from a store where she is working.  And that a customer screamed at her because there wasn’t any toilet paper left.

Why are People Panic Buying Toilet Paper?

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Panic buying has gone through the roof with the arrival of the new corona pandemic. First it was face masks and disinfectants, and now people worldwide are stockpiling toilet paper. Some countries have started to limit the quantity of items you can purchase, while some supermarkets are completely out of  toilet paper.

But why? Toilet paper isn’t protecting you from the virus, nor is it a necessity like bread or milk, but people still buy it in huge bulks. There could be many reasons.

Source:headtopics.com

Conflicting news causes panic and uneasiness

Steve Taylor, writer and author, says that the reason many are panicking is because the virus is new and unknown, and hearing conflicting news can be a stepping stone for extreme measures. People are told that there is a great danger, and the only way to stop it is washing their hands. It makes them feel helpless so they react with caution.

Unclear instructions from authorities

Since so many countries are taking action, closing their borders and imposing strict movement laws, people from countries which are not yet reinforcing new rules are preparing for the same conditions in their own hometowns, claims Baruch Fischhoff,  Professor at the Institute for Politics and Strategy at Carnegie Mellon University.

Panic buying is caused by panicky people

Social Media is full to the brink with pictures of empty racks and overflowing shopping carts. People look at these pictures and start to panic, which makes them go to the store to stock up as well.

“People are social beings, and we observe each other to note what is safe and what is dangerous. So, when you see a person panic buying at the store, it can cause a contagious fear effect”, says Steve Taylor.

Looking through those pictures makes people think that they must hurry up with their shopping while there’s still toilet paper in stock, which creates a never-ending cycle.

Wanting to prepare for the inevitable is natural

Whilst some governments and health institutes are instructing, or imposing that people stay indoors and avoid contact with other people, wanting to prepare for isolation is reasonable.

The new virus triggers some kind of a survival instinct in people. What are we to do when there are no more supplies left, including toilet paper? What are we supposed to replace it with? That money is going to be spent on toilet paper anyway – this is the thought process of many people.

Source:rfi.fr

Feeling in control of the situation

People who are stockpiling are only thinking about themselves and their families, and have no concern for health workers and the diseased, or other people in general. People mass buying face masks have caused their shortage, which means that a lot of health care workers are left exposed. In addition to the influx of patients to the already overcrowded hospitals, the loss of doctors and nurses can be catastrophic.

The reason for this kind of behavior is fear. Fischhoff claims that the preparations like buying toilet paper help people regain a sense of control in a situation which seems hopeless. It is simply a coping mechanism for many people in these hard times.

How To Choose The Right Gift?

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The season of holidays and celebration is coming. It already started to mix with our daily activities. For many people, buying a gift has somehow become more of an obligation than a pleasure. This is especially because it takes several hours or even a few days to find the right present for someone you love. In this regard, I have searched the internet and singled out several ways to buy some interesting items online. Now, you can do it easily and from the comfort of your home.

Facebook shopping

Image source: marketingland.com

Shopping through Facebook is one of the first things that we come up with. We can buy a wide range of products: from the wardrobe, footwear, jewelry, purses, fashion details, makeup, and many other things. A common feature of shopping through Facebook is ordering by mail and paying by delivery – delivery via courier. I enjoy the fact that there are many smart, talented and outstanding people who, at least in this way – manage to market their works. Just play around with Facebook and it will open up a wonderful world of different products. You can find something for sure!

Gifts.com

Happiness is a priority to both – for those that give as well as those who receive gifts. If you are searching for trusted family brands, you can find them in one place – gifts.com. Their great collection of more than 10.000 presents will leave you speechless. You can easily get lost in this pile and you can get so many creative ideas. Sort out what you want in categories which makes it easier to find an adequate gift for him, her, teens, children, babies, etc. You can also choose one according to the occasion. Is it a birthday? Or you’re looking for a wedding present? Just name it, and you’ll probably find it.

Smart Gift Shopping

Image source: cnn.com

Sometimes we don’t know whether is harder to buy or receive a gift. Let’s say you’re about to get married. Soon you’ll be showered with presents, but still, some problems may occur. Maybe you don’t know what kind of gift you wish for, but you most certainly know what you don’t want for your birthday or a wedding. Still, we’re always coping with the same problems. How can we tell our guests what to buy? Believe it or not, there is a solution to these problems. Nowadays you can use mobile apps that can help us get in touch with our guests. It is a simple way to show them what we want. These apps such as Wishsprout are very useful. You will avoid duplicated or unwanted gifts. It is just enough to share the link where your ‘perfect gift’ is located, and – Bam! Your guests will be able to see it on their screen. They can also confirm they will buy the gift you desired and send you a personal note about their ‘gift reservation’. Great, isn’t it?

Although we all love to surprise our dearest and enjoy seeing them cheer up, choosing the right gift is sometimes difficult and even stressful. Especially during the holidays when the offer is very high. Therefore, avoid the so-called “deficit” traps. Try to be reasonable and avoid buying a gift you can’t afford. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, cultivate a positive outlook. Keep in mind the person you care about so much that you want to give her a gift.

Shopping Tips for Military Soldiers and Their Families 

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Military members and their families face a lot of challenges on a daily basis. Deployment and relocation are stressful, and the lives of the other family members aren’t really easy either. When it comes to the financial situation of military families, there are various benefits to the purpose of which is to try and make their lives easier and less stressful. Government and many private companies and organizations alike offer similar benefits and discounts in order to support military families.

Commissary shopping

One of the benefits of military life is discounted shopping on base. The on-base department stores are called “exchange” and the on-base grocery store is known as the commissary. You can shop at the commissaries if you are a military ID card holder which you have to carry with you whenever you go shopping. In some occasions, your card will be checked when you go in, but you are always required to scan it at the checkout.

Prices in the commissaries are negotiated with manufacturers and they can often change. Sometimes the prices can change every two weeks, but that depends on what the commissary was able to pay for a certain product in that cycle.

You can often find things that are cheaper than usual and you can check everything online. DeCa keeps you updated on the list of products that are on sale at the moment. The list can be accessed on the DeCa website and in order to see it, you have to log in using your first and last name, date of birth, and last four digits of your social security number.

Img source: lakenheath.af.mi

Coupons are also a good way to save some money while shopping at commissaries. They accept coupons that are marked “commissary” and the regular manufacturer coupons. However, you cannot use both coupons at the same time, nor can you use double or triple coupons like in regular grocery stores. On the other hand, if you manage to use enough coupons so that the store is owing to your money they will give you the money as long as the amount is not more than 25 dollars.

Few times a year, the commissary hosts “case lot sales” which are bulk item sales held in the parking lots. Here, you can find some products for a much better price than usual because commissaries try their best to negotiate really good prices for these events. You can’t always be sure you’ll find products for a much lower price, but it is definitely worth trying.

Military IDs will also give family members access to commissaries. Military retirees, service members, and their families can often save up to 30 percent more compared to other civilian grocery stores.

Exchanges

You can also shop at the military Exchanges. Every service branch has an Exchange system that allows you to shop online or in stores at discounted prices and also tax-free. They often remind people of malls with numerous different shops and services some of which are barber shops, dry cleaning, gas stations, fast food shops, garden equipment stores, and uniform shops. There are also some online stores such as  www.veterannations.com that send all kinds of army print apparel. No matter what your branch is, you are allowed to shop in any Exchange. Another beauty of Exchanges is that they often offer discounts and special deals. Sometimes, if you’re stationed overseas for at least 30 days, you can buy a car tax-free and have it delivered to the US for free.

Family benefits

Img source: cheapoair.com

1. Health

All immediate military family members are granted access to the healthcare provided by the military. It’s up to the family members to choose whether they want to enroll in Tricare Prime, Tricare Standard, or Tricare Extra. The first option, Tricare Prime, all family members can receive necessary treatment at MTF, or Military Treatment Facilities, or pay some smaller amount of money in order to receive services from PCMs. Families that opt for a Tricare Standard option, have to pay an annual deductible and 20% of all medical care costs.

2. Education

Through programs like Family Educational Assistance Programs, families are being offered job and educational support. Spouses of military members can receive up to 4,000 dollars for trainings or degree programs. Furthermore, there are also numerous scholarships designed for military spouses and dependents.

3. Military discounts

Many organizations offer discounts for the members of the military and their close family. You should always ask about the potential military discounts and you should make sure to always have the military ID with you. When you’re eating out, shopping or looking for some other kind of service, ask about the military discounts.

Steps you can take in order to save money

Img source: chicagotribune.com

This is mainly about changing some of your habits and introducing new ones. As soon as you get used to doing certain things in a certain way, you’ll easily manage to save some money.

  • Track your expenses. Always be aware of how much money you get and how much you’re spending each month. What are the things you spend the most money on? What expenses can be reduced or removed completely? See what spending habits you can change in order to reduce your monthly expenses.
  • Define your financial goals. Make sure they are not too ambitious as once you find yourself unable to fulfill them, you’re going to be anxious and demotivated. Keep your optimism by defining some doable short-term and long-term goals. You can always open an emergency savings account, reduce your debt little by little, or start saving for a family vacation.
  • It seems obvious, but it’s surprising how many people forget to prioritize. Write down what your situation is currently and what you need to invest in. Once that is done, see what is executable and what is urgent. Start dealing with the things from the top of your list first and slowly progress towards the bottom.
  • Shop in garage sales, yard sales, and second-hand stores. You can often find great deals on these sales so don’t underestimate them. You can find dishes, clothes, some appliances, or even furniture that is in great shape.
  • Look for discounts and deals. We already mentioned commissaries and exchanges, but you can also always be looking for discounts in other stores as well. Even some amusement parks and museums offer military discounts.
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