Since 2007, I used to work at 3 different jobs at the same time. But this year, I had lost one job because of the recession and another one just recently because of a temporary lack of work. I now only have one job left. I am very grateful to still have that job. Since I now have a lot of free time in my hands, I had been thinking on ways to make more from less. I wanted to share with you by best saving tips.

On what to do when money become less available

Now living on one single job, I have a lot less money than I use to have. Luckily, I am able to make a living from one job only. I always been reasonable when it come to my expenses, but I allow my some extras. In those difficult times, I had to adjust myself quite quickly and I find multiple ways to save myself hundred of dollars if not at least a thousand dollars per year by respecting a couple of simple rules I gave myself.

More than ever, I watch out very closely every expense. This way, more money can stays in my pocket. I have a passion for investments. I invest on a regular basis on stocks, mutual funds and income funds. This is mainly the reason why I want to minimize my living expenses to the minimum in order to continue to invest in financial products from time to time.

It’s cooking time!

I don’t like to cook that much. During autumn and winter, I usually cook my lunch once per week, freezing 5 lunches or even up to 7 on a one time cooking. I use to do this while I was working at my multiple jobs. Good saving food tips: Groceries shopping need to be done at least once a week, that way, you have enough food for the whole week and you don’t have to buy yourself a sandwich or anything to eat. This allows me to save a great deal of money.

During summer time, I don’t like to carry a frozen dinner in my shoulder bag to go to work. Now that I have more time, I usually made myself some sandwiches before going to work. Since I don’t like to cook, I always prepare myself something quick to do, and sandwiches with a taco instead of bread (tastier and healthier) always seem to be the best option for me.

Also, I always have a pack of noodle and granola bars in my bag in case of a hunger…

Bringing tea and coffee at work

Before leaving to work, I usually prepare myself some coffee that I bring with me on my way to work. I really like coffee. I use to purchase 2 medium coffees per day, seven days per week. I was able to afford those expenses before. When I am at work, instead of purchasing myself a coffee, I now made myself some tea. From all the cutting expenses I went through, this one had been the most difficult one for me.

And thinking about it, coffee can really be additive. Second Cup coffee can be so much better and tastier than the one I make myself at home! I really have to control myself to not to go outside and not to purchase myself a coffee while being at work. I now purchase a coffee 1 or 2 times per weeks, not more. Recession is that tough!

No more Second Cup coffees and... no more alcohol

I like to drink rosé wine during summer time. During winter time, it’s red wine or… beer. But I have to say, I didn’t purchase myself a bottle for quite a while now. And this actually helps me to save money. Thinking about it, cutting or reducing on alcohol can definitely help you to save you some money, knowing the cost of a good bottle.

A visit to the Dollorama store: find everything you need or almost!

Paper towels, napkins, batteries and dishwashing among other can be purchase at the cheap price 1$ only at your local Dollorama store. You can find many of those little items needed in your everyday life at the Dollorama store.

Get rid of all unnecessary expenses: live frugally

This can be done by reading carefully your credit card statement if, like me, you pay everything with a credit card. By taking a good look at your statements, you can easily track down your expenses. For myself, I notice I was spending quite some money in eating outs and coffees. Basically, they were the major unnecessary expenses I was making. I am working at cutting those expenses. I can easily live on a tight budget. The minimum I need is 1 100$ per month.

How to calculate your minimum budget needed

Here’s how you can calculate your budget: include your rent, travel pass, groceries spending, Internet, student loan if you have any, and the amount of all invoices you have to pay for a month. And you will than have calculate the minimum budget required per month. You can always add an extra 100$ to the total, to cover up an emergency situation (medication, for example). Like for myself, I could life on 1 000$ per month, but I always add 100$ more. As you can see, my everyday expenses are quite low.

I don’t have a TV, no cable, just the Internet – which I couldn’t live without. I don’t have a cell phone or even a home phone, just a pager. This could be seen as a bit extreme, but I feel comfortable living like this.

Getting your hair cut at a beauty school

Since last year, I always got my hair cut at a beauty school. The hair cut is extra cheap (10$), to which I generally add 4$ of tips. Difficult to find a place in Montreal where to get an hair cut at 14$. But beauty schools are good place to go.

Feel like purchasing a CD, a book or want to go to the movie?

Discover the resources of you local library! I do not visit my local library enough. Whenever I feel like watching a DVD, I often do it at the library since, well, I don’ own a TV…

Shop for good deals on Ebay

I really enjoy Ebay. Ebay is the place for good bargains on a variety of items, from perfume, jewelry, clothes to hi-tech products, just name a few. Don’t forget Ebay whenever you want to shop for an original gift or whenever you want to treat yourself!

Reduce your banking and credit card fees

I recently cancel an insurance I had for one of my credit card. This cancellation allow me save 30$ per month. I recently notice this expense. And I felt terrible to not have it cancel earlier. Problem being: sometimes, you don’t even know for what you are paying for. Same thing applied for banking fees. It’s important not to pay for nothing. Some banks offer better “banking packages” than some other. You probably be able to find the one that suit best your needs.

Conclusion

I hope those following tips will help you t save money. There’s plenty of ways to save money. Sometimes, just a few habits need to be change and sometimes, it’s for the best. Evan only small change can make a lot of good to your money and your personal finance.