COUPLES SAVING TOGETHER

Hello welcome, I'm glad you're here  

10 TIPS TO SAVE MONEY as a Couple

When in a relationship where you may be ready to take your relationship to the next level, maybe marriage. Both of you need to be on the same page when it comes to budgeting and managing your finances. As you know unexpected events can happen and you need to be prepared to face them together. Your relationship depends on it, as you may know many relationships fail due to finances. One spouse may lose their job, unexpected injuries that put you out of work for weeks or other unexpected expenses such as needing to replace household appliances. If you need to cut expenses in the next few weeks, or just want to have more money at the end of the month, here are 10 simple tips that will hopefully save you money.

1- Consolidate your living situation

Move in to a singular home. Once you are living under the same roof, you will no longer have separate bills to pay. This may come especially helpful if you have debt that you would like to get rid of, you can use the money you’re saving to tackle those debts and save money in the long run. 

2- Buy used

You can find real little gems on sites like offer up, let go, eBay, Amazon, Craigslist and more. Often people get rid of furniture that is still in very good condition. You can save hundreds of dollars by buying lightly used items.

3- Skip the concerts

Instead of spending a bunch to go see Beyoncé or Adele, or whoever you’re into consider going to local events where you’ll get to see new upcoming acts. These shows are often inexpensive or even free. There are also a host of festivals where you can attend free outdoor concerts given by some of the biggest names in music. 

4- Reduce or skip the restaurant & Movies

Groupon has some great deals on restaurants you may not have event thought of trying and get a great experience. I am and avid Groupon user. Try to avoid expensive restaurants and fast food restaurants. Meal prep cook at home! A romantic movies night in with a candlelight home cooked meal is a great way to connect and build a stronger bond. 

5- Use Coupons

Learning how to coupon is a lifelong skill that will save you thousands year over year. Often you can use manufacturer coupons on top of store sales and store coupons to save hundreds weekly and monthly. Personally Publix, Target, and CVS are a few of my fav places to coupon. When the price is right, you can stock up for months on nonperishable, such as cleaning products, toilet paper. Also, shop farmers market or mom and pop grocery stores, if you’re in Florida, these would include, Presidente, Bravo, Price Choice etc. you must read the weekly flyers that comes in the and you have to shop around. 

6- Set Smart goals

Together, set a meeting time where you both can discuss your goals and remember to be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely. You will need to discuss things like if you want to have kids? Buy a house?  Do you want to travel? Set clear goals with your partner. This act will not only put you on the same page, it will help build a stronger relationship with more and better communication. This will also help to better target savings and managing your budget.

7- Vacations

Plan your vacations. When you plan ahead of time, you can set a vacation budget. You can save exactly what you’ll need to enjoy the experience together. During your vacation, pack your lunch. When we go on family vacations and going to the major them parks, we save a ton just by packing our lunches and snacks while at the park. Again, I use Groupon to plan many of our vacations, you can also try air bnb.

8- Sign up for reward programs

Most companies offer rewards programs. So why not enjoy it? At the end of the year, the points accumulated will save you tens of dollars, if not more. I personally have signup to many stores that I normally shop in such as Publix, CVS, Walgreens, Target etc.

9- Use the credit card as little as possible

I don’t really use credit cards but, if you know you can handle using credit cards to leverage for the rewards, I say do it but, make sure you have the cash on hand to pay your balance as you make the transaction. Again, unless you are disciplined and pay the total amount on your statement every month, do not use your credit card. Why? You will end up not saving and over paying once you’re paying all those interests and fees. 

10- Create your budget

It is vital to establish a couple’s budget. You and your partner will need to decide who will pay what bill or how you will split the bills. You can also create a joint account for bill pay. You can use the 90/10 or 80/20 whatever works for you both. 

Takeaway:  Combining your finances as a couple will be a test on you relationship but with open and continuous communication you will be stronger and more connected as a couple!