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However, what often helps people feel motivated and encouraged is quotes such as this one by Charles Swindoll: "Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it."
Having to pay bills and balance your budget can be spiritually and emotionally draining. God tells us that we can rely on Him, but Christian men and women often find it hard to remember that when dealing with debt and not having the ability to save any money. However, what often helps people feel motivated and encouraged is quotes such as this one by Charles Swindoll:
"Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it."
The important thing to remember is that while God may throw challenges your way, He has also given you the tools to react to them and deal with them. Saving money can be a challenge for anyone. After all, while it is certainly understandable to want a vacation, a new sofa, or even a new gaming console, the process of actually saving up to be able to pay for something new in cash can be a lengthy one. Unfortunately, many people get overwhelmed and give up on saving money because it's too complicated, too difficult, or too painful. If you are interested in learning how to save money quickly and easily, there are a few ways you can get started today.
1) Eat more home cooked meals
First off, start preparing your own meals at home. While eating at restaurants or fast food joints can be fun, it's certainly not good for your wallet. Unless you only order one thing off the value menu at a fast food place, it's almost always more cost-efficient to eat at home. Head to your local grocery store and pick up fresh produce and meat you can prepare yourself at home. While you do not need to cook fancy meals, you will need to get comfortable in the kitchen. Remember that if you learn to cook a few simple things, then you will be able to cut back on the amount of money you spend eating out. The savings can quickly add up. For example, if you spend $30 each night eating at restaurants but you only spend $5 on cooking a meal at home, you will find yourself with a savings of $175 a week!
2) Strive to drive less
Next, consider being more thrifty about your personal gas usage. The cost of gas is quite high, so start being considerate of how much you use each day. While there may be sometimes that you have to use your car, consider taking a city bus or carpooling with friends when possible. Many families find that simply driving to work with a coworker a few days a week will help the financial savings start to quickly add up. Another thing to consider is how many separate trips you make to different stores. Instead of shopping at three separate stores, head to the mall where you can park once and walk around. Instead of going home after work and then heading out to a movie, consider going right after work to cut back on the gas you spend. Instead of taking a trip to see a friend who lives a long distance away, consider meeting halfway. All of these options will start to reduce the amount of money you spend on gas.
3) Get into couponing
Finally, use coupons when possible. While most people do not want to spend a ton of time finding, clipping, and organizing coupons, keep in mind that a coupon will do you nothing but good. If you see a coupon at the store for something you already plan to buy, why not grab it? If you are browsing your newspaper and come across a coupon for something you need to get, why not cut it out and shove it in your wallet? Even if the coupon is for a small amount, the savings will eventually start to add up and you will find yourself spending less and saving more. This will not only relieve some of your financial stress, but will also help you start to see your savings account grow.