11 millennial money-saving ideas so teeny-tiny they might actually work
In 2016, most millennials consider being broke cooler than being affluent.
But you don't want to be so broke that complaining about being broke becomes completely devoid of irony.
SEE ALSO: Planning a summer staycation? Here are 4 ways to take it to the next level
The typical money-saving tips can feel like overwhelmingly big commitments – and for now, we can take comfort in being too young and carefree to have to make big commitments.
So, we put together some innovative teeny-tiny tips that can help you save just a little bit of money.
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You'll save shampoo and therefore money. Also, some science suggests only washing your hair every three days or so is healthy.
Image: DENNIE BRIGHT/MASHABLE
Charge your phone and laptop out of the house whenever you get the opportunity, whether it's at work, Starbucks or a well-off friend's place.
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If you find it annoying to unplug your various electronics when they aren't in use, plug multiple items into a surge protector that you can simply switch off to save power.
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Take advantage of opportunities to use a Starbucks restroom on your way home every now and then. You may as well use their free toilet paper and hand soap instead of the ones you pay for at home.
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Talk your friends out of fancy $40 brunches, and host a cereal and homemade mimosa potluck in the park.
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Buying in bulk sounds like a joke for millennials who live in closet-sized apartments on the fifth floor of a walkup. But investing in a Costco card (especially if you split the membership fee with your roommate!) is worth the investment if you use it enough, and there are plenty of creative storage solutions.
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Taking your recycling basket to the supermarket's bottle deposit doesn't take too much more effort than taking it to your dumpster. Each bottle usually only spawns five cents, but that means 20 empty bottles translates to a free candy bar.
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There are no rules against splitting a Netflix, HBO GO or Spotify account between a few friends. Spending a fraction of the monthly fee will cut the cost significantly over time.
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The library has endless books and DVDs – always check your local branch before spending $9.99 on iTunes.
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When you cook, make an extra serving or two that you can save for lunch the next day. Same goes for dining out – if you are trying not to over stuff yourself anyway, get a takeout box for half your meal.
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Just because you may not have a ton of money doesn't mean you shouldn't celebrate the Benjamins you have made. Just make sure to pick every last bill up after they fall to the floor – you need those.
