How to Save More Money

At Landmark Credit Union, we’re continuously working to help our members save more money. In addition to taking advantage of our better rates and lower fees, there are several ways you can save money every day, week and month.

Daily Savings

Make your Lunch

Avoid delivery fees and cut your expenses by making your lunch at home. Plan out your meals over the weekend or carve out some time the night before to prepare your lunch for the next day.

Brew Coffee at Home

Skip the long drive-thru line in the morning and make your coffee at home. If brewing at home isn’t an option, see if your workplace provides simple brewed coffee and you can bring the creamer and fixings of your choice. This way, you can save money on your morning java and your order will never be wrong.

Turn it Off

Maybe you like to leave the TV on for background noise or keep the lights on to give the effect that someone is home while you’re away for a few hours. If you’re not using the TV, turn it off. This will help lower your electric bill. If you like to leave the lights on for security purposes, install a timer on a couple lights in your home. If you’re away for an extended period, unplug your electronics. Many of them continue to use electricity even when they’re not turned on. This way, you won’t have to turn the lights on in broad daylight and save even more on your utilities.

Weekly Savings

Buy Generic

The main difference between many name brand products and their generic versions is marketing. If you don’t want to switch to the generic versions of certain cereals or medications, consider switching to generic paper products and bandages, as the functionality of these items is nearly identical to their name brand counterparts.

Buy in Bulk

For items that you use on a weekly basis and know you will consume before they expire, buy in bulk. Items such as toilet paper, certain cleaning supplies and non-perishable foods are all things you can easily stock up on. By buying these items in bulk, you’re saving money per unit and saving on gas by making fewer trips to the store. There are even websites where you can buy in bulk without a membership and it’s delivered right to your door with little or no shipping costs.

Consolidate Your Errands

Try planning out your errands in advance, so you can complete them in one day rather than having to run back and forth to the store a few times each week. While it may be tough trying to squeeze a week’s worth of errands into one day, try taking care of the big ones like buying groceries, stopping at the post office or returning an item into one trip. This will cut your gas costs significantly and can even reduce the everyday wear and tear on your car, potentially reducing maintenance costs.

Monthly Savings

Cancel Unused Subscriptions

If your untouched magazines are collecting dust on your coffee table, get rid of them. Some subscriptions may only require $10-$15 of your monthly budget, but why let that money fly out the door if you’re not even going to use the items you’ve subscribed to? The same goes for streaming services, gym/health club memberships and any other subscription-based packages that arrive on your doorstep every month that you’re no longer using or interested in.

Sell your Stuff

This doesn’t have to be done monthly, but comb through your house every few months for items you no longer use. Items such as books, gently used clothing, old kitchen appliances, furniture and other housewares that are in good condition can be sold to resale shops or on resale apps. You can get a little extra cash just for decluttering your home!

Cut Down on Entertainment Costs

You may have already cut out a lot of entertainment costs like going out to eat, seeing a new movie or heading out to large events. However, saving money on entertainment costs doesn’t mean you have to be stuck in the house all summer. Consider purchasing a Wisconsin State Park pass. Depending on which pass option you choose, they’re relatively low cost and allow you access to parks all across the state. For stormy summer days, dust off your boardgames and host a family game night. Saving money doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice keeping yourself and your family entertained.

There are several ways you can save on your daily, weekly and monthly expenses. No matter how small the savings, it can make an impact on your budget over time.

Start saving more with Landmark’s Savings Accounts, so you have more money for the things that really matter. Open a VIP Savings Account with as little as $5, with no monthly fees.