Summer has come to an end, and that means revisiting your bank account before heading into fall. Whether it was vacations, get-togethers or concerts that did you in, summer always seems to come full of activities but doesn’t come cheap. As you head into the next season, it’s a great time to tighten your budget and see where you can potentially save.
Many people don’t know where to start when it comes to saving — everything you spend on a daily basis can seem like a necessity! These seemingly small purchases add up in the end, but switching up your routine can help save you some money. Here are five simple ways to switch and save.
1. Switch to public transportation
A lot of us rely on our own cars or popular rideshare apps to get from place to place, but one of the quickest ways to start saving is by taking advantage of public transportation. Instead of spending $10 here and there on gas and parking or rideshares, consider switching up your routine and relying on public transportation instead. Just be sure to buffer in some extra time in case of delays, but you’ll be able to get around for a fraction of the cost.
2. Switch to a new wireless provider
Switching to a no-contract wireless provider, such as Straight Talk Wireless, is easy, and you’ll save on your monthly bill. With Straight Talk, there are no contracts, no credit checks and no mystery fees — plus you get nationwide coverage on America’s largest and most dependable 4G LTE network. With Straight Talk’s unlimited plans starting at $35 a month, you can save on your monthly phone bill and get great deals on the best smartphones. And for a limited time, you can enjoy savings on smartphones like the iPhone SE for $129. With deals like this, you’ll be well on your way to savings!
3. Switch to your local library
Instead of spending your precious, hard-earned dollars on new books, visit your local library instead. Library cards are free to local residents, and many libraries even offer the luxury of reserving everything online — saving you time and money! That means free access to everything the library has to offer, including hard-copy books, e-books, magazines, podcasts, movies, music and more. Don’t spend your money on a book you’ll read once when you can borrow it for free.
4. Switch to going to the park
Getting together with your friends doesn’t always have to involve spending cash. Visiting your local park is a great alternative that’s free of charge. You can enjoy endless activities too, such as group sports, picnics and playing fetch with your dog. In addition, most parks offer a lineup of fun social activities to enjoy with your friends, such as screenings of popular movies and live music. Not to mention, the park can also substitute as your free gym. Go for a jog or do some yoga surrounded by trees and flowers!
5. Switch to eating in
This might be one of the hardest habits to change for most people. Having food show up at your doorstep (thank you, delivery!) is a blessing when you’re exhausted from work. However, it also racks up a hefty bill if it becomes a daily habit. Try giving yourself a limit to how many times you order in or dine out each week. Who says cooking is boring? Take a look at Pinterest for meal-prep recipes and spend a few hours on Sundays cooking for the entire week. You’ll save money while still eating delicious food, and who knows, you might just find your new favorite recipe!
For more information on Straight Talk and other ways to switch and save, visit your local Walmart or StraightTalk.com today!
†To get 4G LTE speed, you must have a 4G LTE capable device and 4G LTE SIM. Actual availability, coverage and speed may vary. LTE is a trademark of ETSI.
