7 simple tips that save your family budget

We must admit: very few of us know how to save. Especially when prices in stores are constantly going up. At the same time, I want to learn to save and not count on a loan, for the use of which you will have to overpay. 

It is believed that the ability to properly distribute expenses is just a habit. Sometimes you just need to get over yourself, give up impulsive purchases and systematize your expenses. YokoSun has prepared 7 simple tips that will help you save your family budget. 

Tip 1: save on food

This does not mean that now you will have to starve. Quite the opposite. Try to reconsider your eating habits. For example, many people know that eating at home is much cheaper than in cafes and restaurants (even during business lunch periods). Avoid unnecessary trips and food delivery. 

It happens that some products run out at home, there is no time to go to the store, and then there is no time to cook, and there is only one way out: buy ready-made food. Therefore, it is better to purchase products in advance - but only those that have a long shelf life. This way you can avoid the temptation to waste money on ready-made food. 

Some products that we often don’t prefer are actually much healthier and cheaper. These are, for example, lean types of meat - in stores they cost 1.5 or even 2 times less. But it’s better not to save on some, as this can be dangerous for the health of family members, for example, vegetables, fruits and mushrooms. Try to balance your diet and spending on it. 

Tip 2: buy thoughtfully

It would seem that buying a large pack of diapers for future use would be rational. They will not spoil for a long time, and the more pieces in the package, the less you pay per unit. It sounds quite logical, but in reality everything may turn out differently.

Usually small size diapers are sold in large packages. They contain much less absorbent substance, absorbent. Quite quickly the baby can recover, then the diaper will become small, and unpleasant consequences will be not only diaper rash and squeezing of the tummy, but also leaks. 

Large packaging does not always equal benefit. The same applies, for example, to canned food. The larger the jar, the higher the likelihood that some of the contents will go into the trash. 

Tip 3: less clothing, more care

Often we buy clothes because of fleeting impulses. Many people try to cope with stress in this way – by adding something beautiful to their wardrobe. Often we don’t wear these clothes at all or wear them only a couple of times. 

Do not buy things that you need to create an image for. The simpler the wardrobe, the bigger the wallet and the easier it is for you: you won’t have to rack your brains about what to wear. 

Take care of things carefully. Do not try to remove stains using vinegar and other folk remedies, after which you will still have to throw away the clothes. Use working products that will not only cope with stains, but also will not spoil the item. Such funds are quite accessible. For example, bleach stain remover Express effect YokoSun will cost the same as you would spend on two cups of coffee. At the same time, due to the packaging volume (1 kg), it will help keep things tidy for a long time. 

Tip 4: saving on utility bills

According to a study by the Higher School of Economics, Russian families spend about 12-13% of their budget on utility bills. The share, you see, is significant, but it can be reduced. 

First of all, due to meters, thanks to which you pay for the electricity and water actually consumed. Then you can use special devices: energy-efficient lamps, special nozzles on the faucet and mixer, which provide pressure, reducing water consumption. 

Good habits will help. For example, start washing clothes only when the drum is full of dirty clothes. There are also life hacks: pay attention to where exactly the refrigerator is installed. If it is adjacent to a battery, it most likely consumes more electricity. 

Tip 5: promotions and discounts

Promotions and discounts really work. Manufacturers constantly compete with each other, including through price. Pay attention to promotions and compare prices in different stores. 

Loyalty cards also work and really save your budget. Some of them are given to customers for free, while others will have to be paid for. But even in the latter case, it can be a profitable investment if you use these services frequently. 

Tip 6: teaching children to save

In families with children, most of the expenses are spent on the child. And that's okay. You can’t save money on some purchases, but it’s worth dealing with children’s whims in stores. 

Do not buy toys for your child at his first request. It is quite possible that tomorrow the child will not remember the thing he so asked for yesterday. Offer to buy toys yourself, giving a limited amount of pocket money. Encourage your child to save. This is how the baby will begin to learn financial literacy and independence. 

Tip 7: systematize spending and savings

No matter what anyone says, lists really work. It’s better to go to the store with a pre-planned shopping plan, so you can concentrate on the really important things among the variety of enticing packaging. 

Try to distribute expenses by area in advance, for example, in a table. If you decide to procrastinate, set a clear goal and gradually complete small tasks. If there are several goals, save into different accounts or different piggy banks. 

Learn to save little, you need to make it a habit. Only then will you be able to see the result. However, you should not deny yourself and your loved ones small joys - they are often worth it.