Consider Volunteering to Help Save Money

You're most likely looking to save money whenever possible. Every cent saved can result in much-needed benefits. Even as little as $5 saved per week can quickly add up over an entire year.

Imagine if you could save more of that by making a lifestyle change. While some of your friends and family may prefer to spend less by cutting expenses, you can save large amounts of this year and have fun doing so by making the decision to volunteer.

There are many ways to get involved in your community and help out after you get off work or during the weekends. Volunteering shouldn't simply be looked at as a way to save, however. You should genuinely want to help others out, but by doing so, a secondary side-effect comes in the form of savings.

Health is impacted
When volunteering, you will be asked to do various tasks, such as delivering water bottles, serving meals or shoveling snow. Since this is an election year, you might even consider volunteering for a political campaign and going to neighborhoods trying to drum up support for a candidate.

All of them have something in common: constant movement. When you're a regular volunteer, you are engaging in some sort of physical activity. As such, you're burning calories on a consistent basis, provided you're committed.

Money savings come in the form of not having to pay for a gym membership and other health benefits, as U.S. News & World Report noted [1]. With a good volunteer schedule, you will always be on the move and utilizing different muscle groups. You don't always have to go out and lift heavy boxes, either. Consider walking a neighbor's dog every few days or if you're in area prone to snowfall, go around the neighborhood to see if you can help with shoveling.

According to the Corporation for National & Community Service, individuals who volunteer have lower mortality and depression rates, in addition to greater functional ability [2]. The earlier you start to volunteer, the better your health will be. Interestingly enough, older individuals who volunteer benefit even more so from volunteering.

Inexpensive social gatherings
Throwing a party every week or so can get quite expensive, even if you inform guests to bring their own food and drink. Depending on the number of guests you invite to each event, you can expect to spend a decent amount of money.

Parties are also symbolic because they are represent excellent social interactions that allow strangers to meet. But if you're tight on money, volunteering can help fill that void.

When you volunteer, you're working with people who already hold at least one shared interest. You'll be able to interact with them on a constant basis getting the social interaction, without having to worry about attending an expensive party.

You never know, you may even end up getting a date from volunteering.

Volunteer and travel
Traveling is something that every young person wants to do, but may not have the resources necessary. In other instances, work may even get in the way. Vacation days can be sparse.

It will require a big lifestyle change and likely a multi-month commitment, but volunteering overseas can be a worthwhile and exhilarating experience. Organizations are willing to provide volunteers with room, board and maybe even the cost of flying in exchange for volunteering.

Some expenses will be required, especially if you're heading overseas. You will likely need to get some vaccinations and have to pay a program fee, but those costs are miniscule to the opportunity that will present itself, not to mention you won't be spending thousands of dollars to experience a new part of the world.

Resume enhancer
Even if you currently have a job, it doesn't hurt to periodically update your resume and ensure the information you're presenting is still relevant.

Whenever you volunteer, add it to your resume and online profile such as LinkedIn.. You never know when you might be interviewing for a new position or pay raise, but the experience from volunteering is invaluable.

You will be showing employers that you're committed to a cause and willing to put in the time and effort in something you care deeply about. Furthermore, your bosses may even bestow more responsibilities to you, which in turn can generate higher pay.

If you're looking to save money, volunteering may be the option for you.

[1]. How Volunteering Can Save You Money

[2]. Benefits of Volunteering