5 habits and 8 things to help you spend less

Maintain your family budget

Those who are friends with a computer can make themselves a “counting-rhyme” in Excel. There is another option – a ready-made application for a computer or phone. For example, www.drebedengi.ru. Here you can record the expenses of all family members. Or zenmoney.ru. Coinkeeper service. me allows you to take into account the return of debts and even keep track of the income and expenses of a small company. Programs provide an opportunity to set goals and keep track of how close they were. Accounting will help determine where the lion’s share of money is going, where you can save. You do not have to keep in mind the expenses of future periods – replacing car tires, paying for insurance, it is enough to replenish the list of goals once. The app will send alerts. By the way, it will also be able to send alarm calls indicating that you are wasting money.

Don’t chase flagship products

A huge flat screen TV or the latest smartphone, whose functions you are unlikely to use more than 10% – it grabs attention. But it’s unwise to go into debt for such a thing. The cost of a car, for example, should be no more than six monthly income. This ratio is due to the fact that any car needs to be serviced. The more expensive the model, the higher the repair costs.

Follow store promotions

Recently it was profitable to buy groceries for one to two weeks in a single hypermarket. The fewer trips to the store, the lower the likelihood that you will not fill the basket too much. Now the situation has changed, sometimes chain stores within walking distance significantly reduce prices. Look for information about sales on aggregator sites, for example edadeal.ru, www.tiendeo.ru, skidkaonline.ru, myshopguide.ru.

Use the capabilities of payment cards, such as cashback

The bank will credit your account with reward for purchases. If you need to make an unplanned purchase (for example, the refrigerator has broken down) and you feel that you have enough money from your next paycheck, do not take a loan from the bank, and even more so, give up the installment plan in the store. Use a credit card. If you return the loan on time, interest will not run. True, this way of shopping is only suitable for disciplined people. Having admitted a delay in the return of money, you will be forced to pay an increased percentage for their use.

Apply for benefits

That is, a tax deduction for the purchase of housing, education and treatment. The state will return 13 percent of the cost (though only if your salary is official and you pay income tax). Property deduction is granted once. If you paid for your education (including continuing education courses) or the education of a child, brother or sister, then you are entitled to a social deduction. Will provide a benefit if you have funded your or your spouse, child under 18, or parent’s treatment. The cost of medicines will also be taken into account.

Foldable string bag… There is also a place for her in a handbag. Will replace the plastic bag from the store. Price from 49 rubles.

LED Light Bulbs… They use 85% less electricity than incandescent bulbs and last 25 times longer. Price from 115 rubles.

Faucet aerator… Saturates the stream of water with air bubbles, which allows you to maintain a sufficiently strong pressure, but at the same time reduce the water consumption by 40%. Price from 60 rubles… There are also ready-made mixers with aerators.

Rechargeable batteries and charger for them… Necessary if the house uses a lot of devices that operate on removable energy sources. Each battery can be charged 500 times. Charger price – from 500 rubles, rechargeable battery – from 200 rubles.

Multi-deck steamer… Indispensable in apartments with electric stoves, as it can simultaneously cook two or three dishes. Price from 2200 rubles.

Ethylene absorbent for refrigerator… Helps keep vegetables and fruits fresh longer. Ethylene gas, which is emitted by some fruits, such as apples, promotes ripening and then rotting of products. The absorber will interfere with the process. Price from 700 rubles.

Vacuum packing machine… Allows you to create an airtight container at home, in which products will be stored longer. Price from 1500 rubles.

Motion Sensor… It is useful to install it in a room that is rarely entered, but at the same time, the lights are often left on. For example, a pantry, a loggia. Price from 500 rubles.

Budget plan:

10% of earnings must be deposited into the account. Profit will grow along with the amount. If necessary, this money can be used for current expenses.

30% for immediate goals, such as vacation.

60% on current expenses (food + utilities + entertainment). It is better to divide this money by 4. The resulting amount can be spent within a week.