Can we take a moment to talk about everyone’s favorite topic – drumroll – saving money? I know, I know, it’s not the most exciting thing in the world, but hear me out!

I’ve been doing some serious pondering on how to approach our finances differently, and let me tell you, I’ve had some major lightbulb moments! ✨

So, I wanted to share with you my top 5 money shifts that have completely transformed the way I think about saving those hard-earned dollars. Trust me, these aren’t your typical “stop buying lattes” kind of tips.

Who says we can’t be financially savvy while still enjoying the good things in life, right?

This post focuses on transformative mindset shifts designed to assist you in saving money this year.

In today’s edition:

• We are diving into how to maximize your savings potential without sacrificing your lifestyle 😅💸
• I’ll be sharing some savvy tips that I use to save on everyday expenses

—Priceless Peep

🤫 Let’s fill you in on the secret

How To Maximize Your Savings Potential 

Tip #1: The Subscription Audit

Alright, it’s time to whip out your financial detective hat and do a little investigation. Take a hard look at all those monthly subscriptions draining $$$ from your bank account.  

On average, people pay $237.33 a month for their subscriptions, according to consumer research, which is nearly 200 percent more than they estimate spending when they’re asked on the spot — and I can relate.

To figure out if a subscription should be there to stay, asking yourself three questions:

• What value does it add to your life?
• Are you using the service and how often?
• Do you subscribe to or pay for another similar service? For instance, it’s nice to watch that one show on HBO MAX, but you could probably find plenty to watch between your Disney and Hulu or Prime subscriptions.

Perhaps it’s worth subscribing to just one at a time. 🤔 

Once you’ve done the subscription soul-searching and trimmed the excess, it’s time to put that saved money to good use. Consider reallocating it into your debt payoff plan or investing it wisely. Let that cash start working for you! 

Tip #2: Negotiation Ninja

Listen up, peeps, your bills are not set in stone! 

Yup, you heard it right. You don’t have to pay full price for everything. 

Here’s the scoop on lowering some bills: 

Auto Insurance: Start by shopping around and comparing auto insurance rates. Do this at least once a year to make sure you’re still getting the best deal. This is especially important if your situation has changed since you first got your policy. You never know, you could score some major savings!

Utilities: If you have multiple energy providers to choose from, you’re in luck! Shop around and compare your options to negotiate lower utility bills. Take a look at your internet, cable, cellphone, and other utility bills. There might be opportunities to save money by bundling services or exploring other cost-saving options. 

Credit Card Debt: Don’t let those high-interest rates weigh you down. Reach out to your credit card company and see if you can negotiate a lower interest rate. It’s worth a shot, my friend. Every little win counts! 

Late Payment Fees: Oops, we’ve all been there. If you accidentally missed a payment or had one returned, don’t panic. Reach out to your card issuer and politely request that they remove the late or returned payment fee. It never hurts to ask!

Trust me, a little negotiation can go a long way in lowering those monthly expenses.

Savvy Strategies for Everyday Expenses

Tip #3: DIY Mastery

Unleashing your inner creativity and exploring some DIY solutions for common household items can be more fun than you think. From homemade cleaning products that make your house sparkle to upcycling furniture and giving it a fresh new look. 

Before you pick up that phone to call in the pros, why not give it a shot yourself? 

Whether you’re trying to fix your leaky faucet or rewire that wonky light switch, YouTube is your ultimate DIY guru. There are countless step-by-step tutorials to guide you through almost any home improvement task. Be prepared to fall down the DIY rabbit hole!

Tip #4: Master the Art of Meal Planning

Picture this: No more last-minute takeout orders draining your wallet and leaving you with greasy leftovers. 

TikTok has become my best friend when it comes to figuring out what to cook and honestly I’ve surprised myself a few times. 

Plan, plan, plan: Take a few minutes each week to plan out your meals. Whip out that calendar and map out breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Think about your schedule, any special events, and ingredients you already have on hand. This way, you won’t be caught off guard and tempted to order pizza at the last minute.

Shop with purpose: Armed with your meal plan, hit the grocery store like a savvy shopper on a mission. Stick to your list and avoid those tempting impulse buys. And hey, don’t forget to check your pantry and fridge before you head out. You might already have some items you need, saving you even more money.

Embrace the power of leftovers: Cook in bulk, my friend! When making a meal, double the recipe and stash the extra portion in the fridge or freezer for future use. Leftovers can be a lifesaver on those busy days when you just don’t have time to cook. Plus, it’s like winning the lottery because you already have a delicious meal waiting for you.

Get creative with repurposing: Don’t let leftovers go to waste. Get your creative chef hat on and turn them into something new and exciting. Yesterday’s roasted chicken can become today’s chicken salad or chicken fajitas. Leftover pasta can turn into a delicious pasta salad. The key here is to repurpose, reimagine, and avoid falling into the leftover rut.

Prep like a boss: Take some time to prep ingredients in advance. Chop veggies, marinate meats, and pre-cook grains. This way, when you’re short on time during the week, you can quickly throw together a meal without the stress of chopping onions or waiting for the rice to cook. 

📰 In the News:

Stocks go up in in the fourth quarter of the year 80% of the time – what that means for your money? 

Don’t look now, but the market is entering what’s historically been a good period for investors. 

According to a recent article on CNBC, historical trends suggest that the fourth quarter of the year tends to be a positive period for stock market performance. 

September, on the other hand, historically tends to be a rough month for stocks. However, the market has rebounded in the past years during the final quarter, with a 7% or more increase each time. 

Looking further back, September has consistently been the worst-performing month for the S&P 500 since 1950, while the fourth quarter has had the highest success rate, with stocks going up 79.5% of the time. 

Experts caution that past performance is not a guarantee of future results, but for long-term investors, the historical strength in the stock market during the final quarter can provide optimism and should not be a reason to panic.  

It is suggested to stick to long-term plans, continue periodic investments, and consider portfolio rebalancing to maintain target asset allocations.

🧋Taylor’s Toolkit:

Do you relate to this? 😳💰

You’re on a journey to build better habits, but you need a little push to get started. 

That’s where a savings challenge swoops in to save the day! 

Now, the key to crushing a savings challenge is finding one that suits your budget and feels attainable. 

Tip #5 – Let me spill the beans on one of my favorites: the 52-week challenge.

Here’s how it works: each week, you deposit an increasing amount of money into your savings account. It can start small, with just $1 in week one, but as the weeks go by, you bump it up. In week two, it’s $2, week three it’s $3, and so on. By the end of the year, voila! You’ll have saved a whopping $1,378 in savings. 

You get to set your goal for the 52-week challenge based on what works for you. Maybe you want to start small and gradually increase your savings game. Or perhaps you’re feeling extra ambitious and want to go big right from the start.  

Remember, finding a savings challenge that fits your budget is like finding the perfect pair of jeans—comfortable, flattering, and totally your style. So, take a deep breath, take the leap, and get ready to see those savings grow.