10x nice quick money savings

Suppose you just got back from vacation or you're still going and the gas has to come from the expenses, the hole in your hand needs to be filled, and the belt needs to be tightened not only literally but also figuratively: welcome to our editorial office, where about half goes on vacation in September and is therefore quite rationed.

An average Monday morning goes like this. ‘Hey, did you spend money, on what and how was your weekend?’ The first question we ask each other is about money. Annabelle was super proud that she ordered a plain pancake this weekend for just six euros. Not much money, right? We won't mention that she then dumped all the syrup and sugar from the pancake vendor (for free) onto her plate. By the way, Annick is in the lead with zero (I repeat: zero) euros. She did buy Strepsils, but that was still cash in her wallet, so it doesn't really count. I also had a nice saving because I saw a pair of Ugg slippers at Westwing for almost no money and then I got a discount on top of that yesterday, and luckily they were already in another customer's cart and didn't come out. What I'm saying: saving. Will you join us? The challenge runs until somewhere early September.

1. First: budget

You need to know what you want to save and what you can therefore spend. Enter: the old-school household book where you will be shocked because you spend eighty euros on lunch and coffee.

2. Go for a weekend to parents-friends-whomever

At your (in-law) mother and/or (in-law) father, it's allowed to invite yourself. With a bit of luck, they also ask what you want to eat, open a nice bottle of white, and you go home with the leftovers. Ka-ching on your savings account.

3. Treat yourself to one splurge

Because we are also just humans with our weaknesses, give yourself one splurge. Think: a dinner, a dress that suddenly is heavily discounted, or a new perfume if you dropped yours on the bathroom floor. It can happen to anyone.

4. Snag a code from HelloFresh

I will eat much cheaper next week because I snagged a discount code through a friend and now I eat for free for five days. Ask all your friends if they have anything lying around, that will save you euros on groceries.

5. Reward each other

We celebrate each euro that is NOT spent. Normally, it's the opposite here in the editorial office. It motivates, it almost becomes a sport to spend the least.

6. Talk about it

And be shameless while doing it. Kiek felt like sushi, so we said: ‘Kiek, us too, if you treat.’ It shakes things up nicely and people are more likely to give you something. #extremecheapskates, yes.

7. Swap clothes and borrow

It's definitely a solid plan if you're going on vacation. Find a friend with your size or quickly make a new one if necessary. Dive into her closet to hoard all the summer dresses, flip-flops, and bags. Don't be tempted to shop for a party or wedding, your friend has more in her closet than you knew.

8. Don't buy books

If you're going on vacation at the end of August or beginning of September, then everyone has already been and all the books have already been bought. Life hack: people only take home books that are worth keeping, and those you will borrow.

9. Sell

That old iPhone, expensive bag, never-worn skirt, too-small belt, closed perfume bottle... Look in your house for at least five things you never use anymore and put them on Marktplaats. And the shipping costs are of course for the buyer. Cash register.

10. Try to eat at someone else's place every night

Whatever you do, do NOT eat out and do not invite people over. You go eat at friends' places, every night a different one for my part, saves a huge amount in costs.

And then in September everything at once hopla, over the top.