5 Truly Effective Money-Saving Tips for Working Professionals

In our previous article, we introduced 3 failure cases where "you think you're saving money, but you're actually losing it."

By the way, you're probably thinking, "Okay, I know the failure examples, but what should I do instead?"
Don't worry. I hear you.

In this article, I will properly talk about "truly effective money-saving methods."

When you search on the internet or social media, you only find cliché methods, and in many cases, the "inconvenience of daily life" takes precedence, making them impossible to continue.

In this article, I will carefully select and introduce 5 money-saving techniques that working professionals can practice without strain and that will definitely reduce your expenses.

1. Reviewing fixed costs is the strongest move

First, I'll start with what is considered the "classic" approach.

The most effective way to save money is to reduce the money that automatically goes out every month. It is not uncommon to save 5,000 to 10,000 yen per month just by reviewing your mobile phone bills, subscriptions, and utility plans.

What you especially want to review are "subscriptions you barely use" and "overpriced communication plans." Once you organize your contract details, the benefits will continue every month.

2. Avoid being "over-insured"

The principle here is the same as in point 1, but in terms of money that slips away without you noticing, you need to be careful about being over-insured.

When you become a working professional, people tell you to "just sign up for insurance for now."
But in reality, the minimum coverage for "just in case" is often enough. Medical insurance, cancer insurance, life insurance... if you are enrolled in multiple policies, first check if they are truly necessary.

If you are paying more than 10,000 yen a month, half of that might be "unnecessary."

3. The correct way to use credit cards and cashless payments

Actually, I personally think this third point applies to the most people.
In this modern age where cashless payments have become the norm, those who know how to use credit cards and electronic money effectively are the ones who have mastered true money-saving techniques. I'm sure most people have been using them without paying any attention to this.

Abusing cards just because "you earn points" is a recipe for failure.
The important thing is to "set a purpose and limit your main cards to 1 or 2." By limiting your payment methods, it becomes easier to manage, and you can maximize your return rate.

Furthermore, with cashless payments, another major benefit is that you can automatically visualize your spending just by "linking it to a household account book app."

4. Food expenses change drastically just by setting "eating out rules"

The last two points are methods that combine the perspective of "saving money" with another perspective: "organizing your life." It's truly killing two birds with one stone. And what I'm about to say is something those who "eat out for lunch every day" need to be careful about.
If that applies to you, you could easily be blowing 20,000 to 30,000 yen a month just on lunch.

However, switching entirely to cooking at home isn't realistic, so
setting a rule like "eating out is okay up to X times a week" is the most effective approach.

By setting a limit on the number of times, eating out turns into a "reward," which also increases your satisfaction. I think any rule is fine as long as you can keep it, so let's take the first step by starting within a range that isn't too difficult.

5. Select and reject social expenses based on "criteria"

Social expenses are unavoidable for working professionals.
But if you attend everything, you'll find yourself spending tens of thousands of yen every month...

I recommend thinking based on "purpose." Purpose-based? What does that mean? I am well aware that some of you are wondering this, so I will explain it carefully.

For example, for drinking parties that lead to learning or networking, you spend money with the

purpose of investing in future relationships. On the other hand, have the courage to decline social obligations born of inertia.This includes those drinking parties you honestly don't want to go to but end up going to anyway.
In short, it is important to

not spend money on gatherings where you cannot find a purpose.

Just by setting your own criteria here, you will save a significant amount of both money and time.

Summary

As I mentioned briefly before, I want you to remember once again that saving money is about "organizing your life," not "forcing yourself to endure hardship."

The five money-saving tips I introduced this time are all things you can continue without strain and see real results from.
In particular, reviewing fixed costs and insurance has the advantage that the effect lasts forever after doing it just once. Regarding this, I have published related articles in the past, so please check those for details.

Even those who have been worried, saying, "I'm saving money, but I'm not saving anything at all..." will surely be able to change starting today.

And actually, there is something even more interesting.
That is "Saving Money × Increasing Income".

Wait, increasing income while saving money!? Is that even possible?
You might be thinking that, but this is where the interesting part comes in.

I will publish an article about that next time.
Please look forward to it!!