In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, let’s talk about some ways we can save some green! 

Before I jump into my money-saving tips, I do want to mention one caveat. Many people are dealing with significant financial struggles at the moment and while the tips in this post might help, they aren’t going to address major concerns. So, I wanted to share this link https://www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/. This webpage from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has great information about what to do if you are struggling with mortgage or rent payments, tips for managing significant financial concerns, and information on how to avoid scams related to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Hopefully, between the great information from the CFPB and the tips I’m about to share, you can get some ideas for ways to keep more green in your wallet. 

1. Check out your local library! 

This may seem obvious if you are already familiar with or a user of library services. But, I am always surprised to find out how many of my friends aren’t aware that the library offers more than just books! Depending on your local library, you might have access to services like Hoopla or Libby (or some other service). Through these resources, you can often access EBooks, audiobooks, movies, music, and more! My local library even recently expanded its WiFi service so that you don’t even have to be inside the library building to use their WiFi. Your local library might even offer additional services like help to find a job, physical games which can be checked out, and more. These free resources can help save money in many ways! 

2. Try a Pantry Challenge!

If you’re anything like me, then some grocery store purchases end up in the back of the pantry or freezer if you’re not sure how to use them. One way to save some money can be to get creative and try to use those items. Maybe you want to go all-in on the challenge and try to make dinner with only what you have on hand. Or you can use websites like https://www.supercook.com/#/recipes. It will ask you to check off items you have on hand and then suggest meals you could make with those items. Just remember to check the expiration dates on the things you pull out to make sure you aren’t using things that have gone unnoticed for a bit too long…

3. Buy Used!

Used items are frequently a fraction of the cost of buying something brand new. In fact, buying used clothes and furniture has become trendy recently as more people have been focusing on the environmental benefit of buying used (if you want to know more about that you can find some info here). If you’re in the market for new clothing, furniture, appliances, or even some technology items, do a quick search to see if you can find a used version online or in a local secondhand store. Buying secondhand may not always be an option (I’m guessing there aren’t many used PS5s on the market), but buying used whenever possible can help save some serious money! 

Hopefully, these tips can help you save some green this St. Patrick’s day! If you have some other money-saving tips, share them in the comments section and maybe others can benefit from your thrifty wisdom.