The following article is a guest post.
The whole point of going to work is to earn money, but working can also rack up some expenses costing you money better off in a savings account. You can blame a lack of time or the need for convenience, but making a few small changes in what you’re spending to work can really add up to an impressive amount over a period of time.
Don’t believe me? Try this little experiment: gather together all the receipts for work-related expenses for one week. Coffee shop, lunch, gas, clothes, supplies – whatever it is you spend, and add it all up. If you use low APR credit cards for the majority of purchases, don’t forget to figure in what you’re paying to carry that balance over.
Now, pick your jaw up from the floor. It’s a significant amount, isn’t it? Here are 5 ways you can save money going to work. Thank me later and put your money into savings, where it belongs.
1. The Breakfast of Champions
Eat breakfast before you leave for the job, and bring your own lunch. Eating out is not only expensive, it’s unhealthy and this way you’re killing two birds with one stone.
You don’t really need that designer coffee every day – brew a pot at home and invest in a good travel mug. Even if you only spend $5 a day on coffee alone, multiply that by five days a week, fifty weeks a year. You’ll save $1270!
2. The Wheels On The Bus…
Consider taking public transportation to work at least a couple of days a week, if available, rather than driving every day. It’s cheaper and better for the environment. You may also qualify for a discount on your car insurance.
3. Go Halfsies
If public transportation isn’t available, think about car-pooling with some like-minded co-workers. Splitting up gas costs can save a lot of money these days.
4.Those Dastardly, Delicious Cookies!
Learn to say “no” to birthday celebrations or buying merchandise a co-worker’s child is selling for school. Yes, that even includes those devilish, yet delicious Girl Scout Cookies. They aren’t healthy anyways (even if you convince yourself they are).
$4 for one box doesn’t seem so bad, the problem is that you buy 5 boxes. I know, I love the Samoa’s also, but you just have to say no! You are at work to make money, not spend it. This might be one of the most difficult things to do, but your financial goals are important. Explain this if you must, but it’s okay to say no.
Saving money when going to work is simply a matter of being aware of where your money is going and stopping up the leaks. You’ll be amazed at how much cash is slipping through the cracks, but with just a few small changes you can reverse the tide.
5. When The Buying Bug Bites
If you insist on making purchases, and you have to use your credit card, then ensure that you use it wisely. Choose from a variety of cashback credit cards for regular purchases to earn a little back, and pay the balance off in full before the end of the billing cycle.
This can be a good way to monitor your spending habits when presented with the evidence in black and white at the end of the month.
