June 3rd is Repeat Day! Today is a day to repeat something you enjoy doing. In the spirit of this obscure holiday, we came up with five financial habits to repeat each day. These habits will save you money that can be used to pay off debt and add other benefits to your life!
These are effective financial habits to repeat each day.
Financial Habits to Repeat Each Day
1. Making Your Lunch
Depending on where you go, eating takeout or delivery from a restaurant at work will vary in price. In 2015, Americans averaged $53.00 a week for lunch, totaling $2,746.00. Comparatively, it only costs $6.30 to prepare lunch at home. With this change, you will save close to $3,000.00, which can be put towards rent, credit cards or a vacation fund. If you can afford to buy lunch, it’s still a good idea to compare prices and coupon for meals too. Any way to save is great for your budget.
2. Turn Off Lights
Turning off lights before you leave is great for the environment and happens to be good for your wallet too! Some bulbs cost more than others too. For example, if you use a 60-watt incandescent bulb (regular light bulb), it consumes electricity at a rate of 0.06 kilowatts per hour. After 1,000 hours, it would have consumed a full 60 kWh, and at $0.11 per kWh. This means you’re paying $6.60 an hour. Compare that to an 12W LED light, which lasts for 25,000 hours and costs $1.00 an hour. Repeating this habit will save you money, and the planet too!
3. Drink More Water
This habit is not just a health tip, but one that saves money. When a person drinks more water before eating, they stay fuller longer. Like the last habit, using a refillable bottle saves you from having to buy bottled water, as well as juice, tea or soda. Would you rather pay $2 for a bottled water or drink tap water for free?
4. Cancel Unused Gym Memberships
While it is always a good habit to get some exercise or make new friends, it is a bad habit to pay an excessive amount of money for those. Sixty-seven percent of people with a gym membership never go, and the average membership costs $60.00 a month. This adds up to around $800.00 a year. There are plenty of apps that allow you to do exercises from your own home, using nothing more than your body weight. If you would like more equipment to use that you don’t have, try a gym that offers a pay as you go method.
5. Stop Using Credit Cards
Easier said than done, we know! But it’s becoming an increasing problem. Total credit card debt stands at $1.04 TRILLION, and the average American has $5,331.00 in debt. If they are needed for an emergency, stick with one and keep it locked away. The less you have it on your person, the less likely you are to use it. Don’t forget that when you do have credit cards and don’t pay the balance, you are charged interest, with the average rate now at 16.46%.
Conclusion
These are only a few of the many financial habits you can repeat each day. Adopting them will help you realize the power that comes with a change of habit. We often think we must have a larger income or win the lottery to have more money. With these financial habits to repeat each day, achieving your goals becomes attainable.
If you still struggle to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Sign up for a free credit counseling session today!
