There are two ways to view challenges like the current pandemic.

You can either focus on the other side when things get back to some degree of normalcy, hoping that will happen. On the other hand, you can seize the moment and improve your financial health by saving money with things you can do now.

Let’s explore some creative ways you can make the most of the situation.

Polish Up on Your Cooking Skills

The chances are that you’re getting tired of takeaway meals. They’re also expensive. That makes cooking at home an ideal way to save some money on delivery fees. Add a bottle of wine, and you can have a proper dinner without the high cost by the glass. Do yourself a favour. Make an extra portion to put in the freezer for a quick lunch some other time.

Sell Your Old Smart Gadgets

One of the hardest-hit industries during the pandemic is smartphones with sales plummeting 38 per cent. That means it’s an excellent time to trade your old gadgets to some cash and upgrade to a new one. You’ll probably find lots of deals from which to choose. The time to buy probably won’t get any better than it is now.

Photo by Tonik on Unsplash

Start a Garden

Starting a garden makes good sense, especially during this pandemic. Not only will you save money on produce, but it can reduce the times you have to visit the shops to help you stay safe. You don’t need a lot of space. You can get a lot of tomatoes from a single container plant. Herbs are another excellent choice for saving money on the fresh stuff.

Get Published

If you find you have a lot of free time on your hands, try writing and put your knowledge to work. Sites like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing will walk you through the formatting process. The best thing about this option is that you’ll make passive income. Once you’ve published it, all you need to do is market it and wait for the royalties.

Save Your Pocket Change

If you’re still paying with cash, keep that spare change. Set aside a jar or other suitable container. Make it a point to check your wallet or pockets for extra coins. You’ll be surprised how much you can save. Also, check with your bank to see if they have a program to round up your change into a savings account. It’s an excellent way to start an emergency fund or money for something special.

Automate Your Savings

The easiest way to save money is when you don’t have to think about it. It just happens. Set up an automated savings deposit with your bank to take care of the task for you. Even £5 a week will add up over time. The most important thing is to start. Then, make it more difficult to withdraw the cash so that you’re not tempted to use it. For example, don’t link it to your bank card.

Sleep on It

Before you purchase something online, wait a day before you hit that “Buy Now” button. Then, see if you still think it’s necessary to get. You may find that many items weren’t such a great deal, after all. Many e-commerce sites will save the products you’ve added so that you can buy them later if you still want them.

Final Thoughts

The pandemic has hit all of us hard and in many unexpected ways. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t make the best out of the situation and save some money. You may find that you’re better off without some of the things you used to do before. Set the cash aside for a treat for yourself in the future. Instead of getting down about the pandemic, see it as an opportunity for a financially secure tomorrow.