8 ways to change your financial habits to spend less

Maybe you changed your job to a less profitable job, lost your job, or just realized that your current lifestyle is unacceptable in the long term. Use these tips to rethink your attitude to finance.

1. Start living a glass half full life

When you're trying to save money, it's very easy to get hung up on limitations and deprivations. Therefore, actively try to change your attitude towards life. As soon as you notice that you are starting to mope about the economy, remind yourself that this attitude will not help. Think about all that you have and what you can do.

If you find it difficult because you can no longer go shopping at any time, think about the things that are already gathering dust in your closets and are waiting for your attention. If your social life seems to be suffering, invite your friends somewhere where you don't need to spend money.

Remind yourself that you have a home, loved ones, health, energy, and in general your life. You have access to an unprecedented amount of knowledge and entertainment. Focus on that, not the small inconvenience of saving.

2. Find low-cost hobbies

For example, you enjoy reading. Chances are, you have a lot of books on your shelves. Promise yourself that you will not buy new ones until you have read everything there is. Or give up shopping altogether: take books in the library or from friends, read online.

Or maybe you are into hiking. Stop looking for newfangled gear, go outside and explore new routes. If you like to dress stylishly, don't spend thousands on new clothes. Look for good items in thrift stores, or figure out how to modify your existing wardrobe items to create new looks.

Don't feel like you have to pay for joy.

Think about what you enjoy doing, and figure out why it matters to you. And then look for ways to bring it into your life in a low-cost way.

3. Cut back on what is not very important

For example, start buying store's own brand home furnishings. Over the next two months, watch for a difference in how you feel. Does a cheaper powder wash things? (Yes!) Does inexpensive soap wash away dirt? (Yes!) New ketchup to taste practically does not differ from the rest? (Yes!) Do cheap trash bags hold up trash? (Yes!)

With a very high probability, you will find that only 5-10% of these changes bother you, and the remaining 90-95% of the products fully satisfy your needs.

The best way to change your financial habits is to drastically cut costs, and then return only what you really feel bad without.

You will be surprised to find that the amount of actual needed is not so great, but the rest can be well saved.

4. Volunteer

This complements well the half full glass strategy. Volunteer work reminds you that you actually have a lot in life, and helps you appreciate it more.

Think about what you care about and sign up for volunteer work in this area. Ideally - in your own area to see the results of your work. You don't have to do this all your life.

Challenge yourself for 90 days and see what happens.

You will see that people face very difficult problems and live with them. You realize how rich your life really is - even when you have to save and deny yourself something. And you will understand that you can always help others.

5. Connect with people who don't need money to have fun

Do home screenings instead of going to the movies. films. Instead of going to a restaurant, cook something with friends. The pleasure of this is no less, and the costs are significantly reduced.

Go to social events, free lectures, hobby meetings. There are usually people who do not believe that you need to spend money to have a good time. Make new acquaintances. You will find that communication and friendship does not necessarily come with a price tag.

6. Don't waste your time on new entertainment

Let's say you enjoy watching movies, reading, or playing games. Agree with yourself that:

• you will not subscribe to a new streaming service until you have seen everything that you have added to your favorites in the current one;
• you won't buy a new book until you read, exchange, or sell the ones you already have;
• you will not buy new games until you have played all of the available ones at least once.

And so with any things and services for entertainment that you accumulate out of habit. Don't buy a new one until you get rid of the excess and enjoy what you already have.

7. Focus on self-development

Pick a low-cost goal and aim for it. For example, strengthen muscles through exercise. Learn to cook deliciously so that you eat less fast food. Learn a foreign language using online resources.

The main thing is that the goal is clear and affects daily actions. For example:

• Next 180 days i will do bodyweight exercisesto strengthen your core muscles.
• For the next 180 days, I will cook one meal at home every day.
• For the next 180 days, I will be studying French for 45 minutes a day.

After 180 days, the action will become a habit, and you will continue to perform it even after reaching the goal. This means you will become better.

Goals like these help shift the focus from saving to something inspiring. You will observe your success and be proud of not the purchased item, but of your dedication.

8. Consider Big Changes

All of the above tips suggest small changes, but sometimes drastic steps can be helpful. Consider maybe moving to a less expensive area, finding a smaller place to live, or sell a car.

One such big change would dramatically lower costs. However, this usually does not come to mind when we think about saving.

Consider this option seriously. Maybe it makes sense to sell expensive housing and find cheaper, and let the difference go to repayment of debts. Or find an apartment closer to work to reduce travel costs. Or give up the car and take the subway or walk instead. In this case, you will not only receive some amount from the sale, but also significantly reduce your monthly expenses.