Spending More To Save More
Chaz Somers started his professional career as a part-time social media contractor at ZayZoon and since then, has evolved into a full-time content marketing associate. Chaz’s love for branding and storytelling has led him to blog writing, clothing design and video production all within ZayZoon.
No matter where you are in your financial journey, having a savings plan is always a good idea. Whether you want to pay off debt, build an emergency fund, or save money for any other future goals for you and your family, saving can help you increase your financial wellness.
The most common way of saving money is by spending less. However, have you considered the concept of spending more in order to save? Although it sounds counter-intuitive, sometimes it makes sense to splurge. In many cases, spending more money now can save you significant amounts of money in the long run.
This practice can apply to multiple areas of life, which is why it’s so important to think long-term and find a balance in your spending. This way, you can ensure that you get the best value for your money.
Home maintenance and appliances
When it comes to home maintenance, it often makes more sense to spend now instead of trying to cut corners. Proper maintenance, insulation, and repairs can prevent trouble down the road. Spend now, save later.
Energy-efficient appliances are also worth spending more money on.
Instead of trying to prolong the life of your 20-year-old washing machine or fridge, it might be worth buying a newer one. Yes, it will be an investment now, but it will generate significant savings in electricity in time.
LED light bulbs might also cost more to buy, but they last much longer and consume less electricity. Similarly, a low-flow shower head is an investment that can lead to smaller water bills, so it will eventually pay for itself.
You don’t have to choose the most expensive models of home appliances, but don’t be too frugal either. The key is to buy from a reputable manufacturer that is known for its durable models. Buy according to your household’s needs and make sure you always check the Energy Star ratings.
Wardrobe
Paying thousands on designer pieces of clothing is not going to save you any money. However, for both men and women, paying for several high-quality staple wardrobe items can be a good financial decision.
For example, for someone whose work attire is formal, investing in a quality suit will be expensive now, but that suit will be made from great material that will last for many years. It’s thus better to spend more on quality rather than buy cheap and have to replace the item frequently.
This only applies to timeless classic pieces and items that you would wear on a regular basis. Spending big money on trendy pieces that might go out of style in a year, or on items that you would only wear twice is not an investment, but a treat.
Food and drink items
There are many appliances and accessories that can help you change your habits and save some cash in the long haul.
For example, replacing bottled water with tap water will make a big difference over time. Depending on your region, you might want to pay for either a water filter jug or even a tap water filter. Not having to pay for bottled water will pay off. Similarly, lunch containers can be an excellent investment, as they will help you save money on food that you would otherwise buy outside at work.
What you should spend money on depends on your lifestyle and personal habits. For example, if you regularly buy coffee outside in the morning, maybe it makes more sense to purchase a great coffee machine for your home. The upfront cost will pale in comparison to the money spent on coffee shops over time.
Health
Investing in your health is always a good idea.
A regular dental check can prevent expensive complications in the future. Making sure you have health insurance that covers your needs can literally be a life-saver.
Eating healthy can help prevent various diseases. Healthy foods can be more expensive and less accessible. However, there are always steps you can take to improve your eating habits. Even at a fast food store, there are always some healthier options available.
Exercising is also important if you want to prevent future health problems. Spending some money on the gym or home workout equipment can really help (as long as you use them!).
Services
If you’re handy around the house, or you enjoy DIY projects, by all means, save some money by building, fixing, and installing things yourself. However, a bad job can be expensive and time-consuming to fix. Therefore, paying for a professional to do a good job will save you time and trouble in the future.
Other areas in which paying for services might be worth it are car repairs, financial advice, help with taxes, etc.
Upfront costs
There are many other instances when paying more upfront can mean saving in the future.
If you can, buying your phone upfront will cost much less than getting it with a monthly contract deal. And in general, bigger down payments (for example for a car) will mean a lower overall cost.
Finding the balance
Learning about the best ways to increase your savings is all about finding the right balance between when it’s worth cutting costs and when it makes sense to spend more upfront in order to save in the long run. This will depend on your lifestyle and personal habits, as well as the needs of your household.
Learn how to budget and get the right mindset when it comes to spending and saving. It is never too early to start thinking of your financial future.
ZayZoon can help make upfront payments easier
Unfortunately, many Americans who live paycheck to paycheck are more restricted with upfront payments, having to wait until payday to access their salary. When employers don’t offer employee advances, they can fall prey to predatory lenders, ending up with high fees, high-interest rates, and high levels of stress.
Zayzoon can help employees by allowing them to access their salary as they earn it, instead of waiting for payday. This enables them to manage their finances better and offers them the opportunity to pay more upfront without getting overdraft fees.
Over time, this can lead to a better savings account and better financial wellness.
To learn more about ZayZoon and how we're here to help, click here.