It's hard to give a blanket statement on how to save money, as everyone has different habits, desires and necessities. But if you're someone who prefers to stay in and watch a movie rather than go to a party, there are specific money-saving tips that will work perfectly for your lifestyle. As an introvert, there are certain things you can do to help you not only make more money, but save some as well. Here are 17 of our favorite tips:
1. Use BillCutterz
No one wants to get on the phone and be stuck talking to customer service reps (talk about nerve wracking) and, with BillCutterz, you don't have to. Send your bills to BillCutterz and they will try to get a lower monthly payment for you. If they succeed, you split half of the monthly savings with them—but only for one year. After that, the money is all yours. And if they don't succeed, you don't have to worry about paying them a dime.
2. Watch Videos At Home
Make money without ever leaving the couch. Sign up for a site like Swagbucks, which pays you to watch YouTube-like ads from your computer or Android. Each time you watch a video, your account gets credited, and you can cash out on PayPal or for various gift cards.
3. Sell Your Stuff On An App
Garage sales are filled with people, and Craiglist requires you to meet up with total strangers, so what on earth are you supposed to do with your old stuff? Use an app. Sell your clothing on Poshmark or get rid of old technology using Decluttr and you won't have to come face to face with a single person.
4. Write Or Blog From Home
Skip going into the office altogether and work at home as a blogger or freelance writer. You can set up a site for yourself on WordPress or another blogging platform, but you can also work for various websites and make a living for yourself completely remotely.
5. Use Paribus
Online shopping and you notice that pair of pants you just bought went on sale? Running back to the store is a huge effort but, luckily, you don't have to with Paribus. This app deals with retailers for you to get your money back once an item has gone on sale after your purchase.
6. Take Surveys
Let's face it—you spend many of your nights avoiding your friends and browsing on the internet, so why not make some money while you're playing on the web. Sign up for a site like VIP Voice or MyPoints, which allow you to take surveys and cash in on things like gift cards to Amazon.
7. Dog Sit
There's something much different about hanging out with a dog versus hanging out with a person. So if you feel lonely, you might want to consider doing dog sitting from time to time. Instead of walking around with flyers, sign up for something like DogVacay, which is kind of like AirBnb for pet owners and sitters.
8. Compare Prices Using An App
Because introverts tend to be less impulsive, they don't mind giving more thought to their purchases. If there's something you're looking to buy, take the time to compare prices by using an app like ShopSavvy, which scans bar codes to help you find every local and online sale.
9. Be A Virtual Assistant
Being someone's assistant usually means spending time with them all day long. But as a virtual assistant, you can help out in your pajamas. Plenty of companies need someone who can do work remotely, and you can find work in a variety of industries, all without ever having to leave your home.
10. Use The Self-Checkout
Nothing is more intimidating than having to face the cashier with a handful of coupons. Skip the embarrassment and go to the self-checkout, where you can use all your various coupons without having to worry about the line behind you.
11. Use Honey
Searching for coupons in magazines or asking friends for discount codes can feel taxing. Skip all of this and download Honey, an extension for your browser that automatically finds promo codes and deals for you and applies them at checkout.
12. Borrow Books Instead Of Buying
Many introverts enjoy a good book, but instead of always ordering from Amazon or downloading an ebook for your Kindle, try a library book instead. And there's good news: You don't even have to go into your library to find out if your favorite book is available. Instead, get a Browser plug-in like BookBurrito or Library Extension, both of which automatically check availability at your library for you.
13. Get Online Estimates
If you need to get your car fixed or see a doctor, it's quite the nuisance to have to call around and compare rates. Skip this step and use an online estimate site such as AutoMD or Health Care Blue Book.
14. Use Affiliate Sites
Let's be honest: You buy all of your clothes online. So make the most of your purchases by signing up for affiliate sites, where you can earn points on your purchases that can then be redeemed for cash or gift cards. Head to sites like MyPoints.com and Ebates.com and click on the site you plan to shop at.
15. Go Thrifting—Online
Getting secondhand clothing is a great way to save money, but it often requires scouring the racks at various thrift stores. Thankfully, you can now go thrifting from the comfort of your own home thanks to sites like LikeTwice.com and ThredUp.
16. Get Your Groceries Delivered
If you find yourself ordering Thai food delivery more often than you'd like because you just can't make it to the grocery store, consider getting some groceries delivered instead. Websites like Instacart and AmazonFresh deliver groceries to your door, and this delivery will last you much longer than just a Pad Thai.
17. Invest In Stocks Online
You no longer have to go face-to-face with a stockbroker to invest your money. Using an app like Robinhood allows you to invest in stocks online, even if you're just a beginner.
This story originally appeared on Don't Waste Your Money. Checkout Don't Waste Your Money for other great tips and ideas to make the most out of life.