10 Ways to Save Money While the World Shifts Back to 'Normal'

Though the coronavirus pandemic certainly isn't over, it's fair to say that things have improved a lot on that front, and that the summer of 2021 might look a lot more normal than last summer did. But the last thing you want to do is stray from your savings goals as things change for the better. Here are a few ways to keep saving money -- even as the world around you evolves.

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Sticking to a budget can help you keep your spending in check, and the less you spend, the more you're apt to save. You can bust out a spreadsheet to map out your expenses, or find a budgeting app that helps you manage your bills.

ALSO READ: 4 Sneaky Ways to Force Yourself to Save Money

Now that the world is opening up, you may be eager to hit the clubs, go back to the gym, and eat at as many restaurants as you can. But don't go overboard. If you start spending excessively, you'll thwart your savings efforts. Instead, identify the top things you've missed and want to get back to, and spend your money on them.

A lot of people saw their income take a hit during the pandemic and had to adjust their spending on the fly. If you cut back on certain expenses over the past year because you were worried about losing your job, keep cutting back even if that's no longer a concern. If you canceled your gym membership, for example, and got into the habit of running or biking instead, keep doing that. There's no sense in spending on things you've clearly learned to live without.

Preparing meals in your own kitchen will pretty much always be cheaper than eating at a restaurant or ordering takeout. Make a point to cook as often as you can, and try planning out meals ahead of time to maximize leftovers.

ALSO READ: Why Boosting Your Savings in 2021 Is More Important Than Ever

After a year of being cooped up at home, you may be eager to get out and travel. But that doesn't mean you need to book a stay at a luxury resort. Instead, explore your options for a low-cost vacation. Take a road trip to a national park and camp out overnight, or find friends to split a cabin in the woods with. You can have a great vacation without busting your budget.

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If the pandemic taught us anything, it's how to get creative with entertainment. To take that concept one step further, explore your options for no-cost leisure activities that help you stay busy without spending a dime. You can sign up for free programs through your community center or parks department, take up hiking, or get yourself a library card and enjoy hours of free entertainment each month by borrowing books.

A lot of people who have been working remotely for the past year are now being called back to the office. And that means you'll have commuting expenses to deal with. You can save money, however, by finding colleagues to commute with so you can split the cost of driving.

ALSO READ: 5 Ways Minimalism Can Save You Money

The less debt you rack up, the less money you'll throw away on interest. If you don't trust yourself to spend responsibly, tuck your credit cards away somewhere safe and only whip them out in an emergency.

Lowering your tax burden is a great way to save money, and funding an IRA or 401(k) plan can help you do just that. Traditional IRA and 401(k) contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, so the more money you put into one of these accounts, the less income the IRS can tax you on.

Healthcare can be a huge expense, but if you do your part to stay fit, you might manage to minimize your medical bills. That means eating well, exercising regularly, and doing things to alleviate stress.

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Now that things are slowly but surely shifting back toward normalcy, your expenses might change. Keep these tips in mind to maintain your savings during these unquestionably interesting times.

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