How to save a little extra during crazy times

It’s a tough time for a lot of Americans right now. Some out-of-work individuals are into their 3rd month of being without a paycheck. Hopefully the stimulus checks and PPP Loans have helped put some cash in everyone’s pockets, especially those that need it the most. But, being stuck in quarantine isn’t all bad. Introverts are probably in hog heaven. (What is hog heaven? If you have any insight, tell me about it in the comments. I really want to know.) The one advantage of being at home is that you’re not out-and-about spending money like you probably used to. It’s bad for the economy, but it’s good for your wallet. If you’ve got a good handle on your budget, you should take cash you’d usually be spending and put it towards retirement or your emergency fund. And if you’re looking for a few extra ways to save, here are three to consider…

Let your car help (because it’s doing a lot of sitting): You’re not using your car much these days. And it’s not just gas stations that have noticed. Insurance companies have noticed as well. A lot of companies have already started giving discounts on premiums because they’re not having to pay out claims at the same rate as before the COVID-19 crisis. GEICO, for instance, is giving a 15% policy credit to all customers at the time of their next policy renewal. Not all companies are giving out discounts without the customer asking first, so find out what your insurance company is doing and take advantage. Every little bit helps.

Cancel unused subscriptions: It’s hard to come to terms with getting rid of subscriptions. I haven’t been using my Netflix lately, but it’s hard to let it go. I bought a year of both Disney+ and The Athletic and haven’t really taken advantage of either one of them. I watched The Mandalorian (of course), and read tons of articles about my Tigers during college football season, but haven’t really used either subscription in the last few months. I’d be willing to bet you have similar subscriptions that you probably don’t think much about. It may only seem like 5-10 bucks a month, but cancel one or two and that’s a couple hundred bucks a year.

Stop buying the most expensive version of everything: I’m just going to say this up front . . . there’s no way I’m replacing Diet Dr. Pepper with Food Lion’s Diet Dr. Perky. It’s just not going to happen. But everything on your shopping list isn’t as big of a deal. If you don’t believe me, buy the store brand sliced or shredded cheese the next time you’re at the grocery store. It’s just as good as Sargento or Kraft. Don’t @ me. If you don’t know what that means, ask your kids.