As a 36-year-old millennial, I have lived through 3 economic recessions and graduated into a disastrous job market.  Unfortunately, because the leaders in this country only care about capitalism and greed, many Americans are struggling to make basic ends meet. Every time I review my bank account even if I haven’t spent that much, because of inflation my money isn’t stretching as far. It’s painful and hard to realize that what you have worked so hard for is disappearing before your very eyes, but there are some ways to help your money stretch.

1. Eat breakfast for dinner: I’m not sure who told us that you can only eat breakfast things for breakfast, and dinner foods for dinner, but the truth is you can eat what you want when you want. I discovered that if I ate what I would normally eat for breakfast for dinner, it saves me money, it feels comforting, and I waste less food.
2. Shop your home: How many times have you been shopping or browsing and purchase something only to find that you already have something similar or the exact same item in your home already? Before you click complete purchase, let the item sit in your cart for 24 hours and if you still want it then hit that check out button. Often without making an impulse buy, we discover that we have the same items in our home, and we can save ourselves some money.
3. Travel through time: Watch old movies or listen to some older music. It’s a cheap way to travel through time and helps you to learn about your history and the world around you.
4. Explore your own backyard: Go to a different part of your city. Walk around. Act like a tourist. This is an easy way to add novelty into your life and helps to satisfy the urge to travel.
5. Experiment with your fashion and style: Try wearing your favorite items in a new way. Maybe try a different top or pants or jewelry. We often get stuck in a rut and then want something new to fix it, when all we needed to do was to try and see it in a new light.
6. Examine your expenses with a fine-tooth comb: Print out a copy of your bank statement and look at your spending. Seeing your spending on paper will help you to truly see how much you are spending on food delivery or subscriptions that you no longer use and forgot to cancel. Every dollar counts.
7. Save: If you can, set a rule with your bank or a banking app and save your money. Many people end up in debt due to emergencies or sudden expenses. If you have some money saved a way, anything that pops up will be a less than of a financial burden. Even $5 a week will make a difference.

I hope that these tips inspire you to find additional ways to save your money. If you have any more tips, please share them in the comments below. Happy Saving!!