Tips
65 Useful Tips For Saving Money in Everyday Life
Saving money sucks. Trust me; I’ve been around the block when it comes to building up some reserve funds, whether for a holiday, an emergency fund, or god forbid, trying to get a loan for a house.
I’ve tried countless different money-saving methods, from home-grown persona finance systems to cash envelopes to using a 40-day notice savings account for all of my income.
Over the years of trying to save money, throughout all of these methods, I’ve learned a lot. I don’t want you to go through a financial trial by fire as I have, so here are some money-saving tips to help you start saving fast and securely instead of going cold turkey with your spending.
Table of Contents
1.The 30 Day Rule
The 30-day rule is a tough but effective way to save money if you’re a bit of an impulse buyer like I am. It’s a simple idea: any time you want to buy something you don’t need, wait 30 days. If you still want the item after that 30 day period, you can buy it.
Most of the time and initial impulse, you had to purchase whatever it was should pass. This is a pretty intensive way to save money; after all, you’re essentially preventing yourself from buying anything for a month.
However, it’s a great method to save a ton of money and also get rid of bad spending habits at the same time.
Resource: https://www.chime.com/blog/what-is-the-30-day-savings-rule/
2. Plan Out Your Groceries
This is a big one for me. I love cooking, but even if you don’t, planning out your meals is a great method to save money in the long run.
Before you go grocery shopping, do out a list of everything you need for the week. This also means that you need to start meal planning, so you can eat healthier and spend less in the grocery store every single week.
You can do out a list by hand, or if you’re extra like I am, you can use an Excel spreadsheet. Out of all the ways to save money on this list, this is possibly my favorite. It’s going to help you set good eating habits, lets you enjoy better and tastier food, and saves you money.
When you’re out in the grocery store, there are even more tricks you can take advantage of to save even more money. First and foremost, buy generic brands as much as possible. The difference between a generic cola and the main brand cola can be several dollars. If you apply that to everything in your cart, that’s a lot of extra cash you need to pay.
As well as making sure you buy home-brand goods, try to take advantage of the deals and offers your store has going on at the time. Depending on the store, you might have different deals several times a week or weekly. Either way, know about these in advance and plan your meals around them. You could save some serious cash by doing this.
Furthermore, you could try online shopping if you wanted to be energy efficient and not use up any extra gas. Just make sure that the prices online match the ones in the store and that the delivery price isn’t unreasonable.
If you do plan out your trips to the grocery store, it doesn’t just save you money on your food bill. I’ve found that since I’ve started meal planning and using shopping lists, I’m getting way less takeout. I don’t know about you, but that’s saving me thousands of dollars annually.
Resource: https://www.shopusa.com/shopping/
3. Use a Notice-Based Savings Account From Your Cell Phone
Regular savings accounts are great for saving money and whatnot, but when you can access those funds anytime you want from your cell phone, it losses some of its effectiveness.
If you’re the type of person to tap into their savings account when it’s coming close to payday, then you should switch to a notice-based savings account.
Most banks offer this type of account in different notice periods. Some require seven days’ notice, while others require over a month before a withdrawal.
This account isn’t ideal for something like an emergency fund when you need the money at a moment’s notice, but it is great if you want to start saving money for something like a holiday that you know you’re buying in advance.
Resource: https://www.gocompare.com/savings/notice-accounts/
4. Cut Down Those Subscriptions
Spotify, Youtube, Netflix, Disney+, HBO, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Nord VPN, McAffee Antivirus, Twitch. That list goes on, and on, and on.
I guarantee that all of you have at least two of the paid subscription services I just listed. Although, it’s a safe bet to assume you have even more.
When you want to save money, the most basic principle of doing so is to cut back on unnecessary spending every month. Subscription-based services are guaranteed things you need to pay on a regular month-by-month basis, meaning you can rely on not having that money.
You might not even realize how much you pay until you sit down and look at it. Spotify, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ are four common subscriptions that people tend to have at once.
All of these can cost you upwards of $50 per month. That’s $600 per year. If you actively use those services, then that’s fine, but how many times have you used Spotify in the last 12 months? Not enough to justify the $100+ you’ve spent on it, I bet.
The point of this tip isn’t to take any luxuries away from you. If you use your subscriptions, then keep them. While it helps you reach your savings goals in the long term, $12 per month isn’t a personal finance deal breaker.
5. Switch Your Checking Account
Taking advantage of checking accounts that different banks advertised used to be a fantastic method of saving money. It’s not as effective now as it was back then, but it can still help you save a little bit of cash here and there.
You’re not going to be looking at interest rates so much as you are bank fees. Look at how much card transactions and withdrawals cost you between accounts and see which one charges less.
Don’t be afraid to switch banks if one offers an account with no fees. Saving a few cents on your day-to-day transactions adds up over time.
Resource: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/banking/savings-accounts
6. Let’s Talk Credit
You can’t really discuss financial advice and tips without talking about credit. Like it or not, that imaginary number is going to affect the cost of everything money-related in your life. Your car insurance is dictated by it, as is your ability to apply for loans.
Your credit is essentially a guarantee of financial responsibility. An insurance company or a bank wants to know that you can pay up what you owe.
While building up credit is important for your money-game in the long run, what’s more important right now is staying away from it. Specifically, staying away from your credit cards. Don’t keep them on your person, and apply for a bad credit credit card if you’re already in credit debt.
It doesn’t matter how good you think you are at not spending; a credit card is still going to kill your savings goal in the short run. Once your finances have stabilized, then you can start using your card to build up your score.
Resource: https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-stop-using-your-credit-cards-2385758
7. Consider Making Your Cleaning Supplies
This is a little tip that only saves you a couple of bucks here and there, but every bit counts, right?
Rather than going to grocery stores and being brand-name cleaning chemicals every time you run out, consider making your own at home. There are plenty of different home-made cleaning chemicals that you can make with a bit of vinegar and citrus that do the job better than any of those brand new, $5 bottles.
Resource: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a24885/make-at-home-cleaners/
8. Use the Car Less
I know it sucks, but walk more when you can. Using your vehicle costs a lot of dollars. You’ve got insurance, tax, and gas to worry about, as well as miscellaneous charges that you need to cover as time goes on.
This tip doesn’t work if you live in a remote area that’s separated from local resources, but for anyone in a city, just walk. Not only are you going to save money on gas, but you’re probably going to get where you’re going quicker, as well.
Resource: https://www.wikihow.com/Drive-Less
9. The Local Library is Your Best Friend
If you’re a reader, then you probably spend hundreds on books every year. I know I do. I have shelves upon shelves of different books, some I bought to read but haven’t, some I bought because I thought it looked pretty.
Both of these are wastes of money. Rather than taking your weekly trip to the book store, head down to the library to take out any book you want. You should be able to check what the library has in stock online, so try that before you head into the physical building.
Getting your books from a library is not only free but puts a time limit on you actually having the book, so you’re incentivized to read it faster.
10. Try to Drink the Tap Water
I’m not a classist here; I know that some areas have undrinkable tap water. In fact, I do. I only drink bottled water, and I live on an island.
With that being said, if the water from your tap is in the minority of locations that actually have good water systems, then drink that instead of buying bottles.
This helps you cut down on your cash spending as well as how much recycling you need to do.
If the quality is no good, though, then don’t drink it. Spending some extra cash on bottles every week is better than having to foot a massive medical bill.
You can buy a filter jug to remove any nasties from you tap water and make it taste better.
Resource: https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/about/guide-safe-tap-water-and-water-filters
11. Keep Yourself Motivated
All the credit, insurance deals, or checking account interest rates in the world don’t make a difference if you’re not motivated. You could try all the ways to save money under the sun, but it doesn’t matter if you don’t believe in what you’re doing.
It’s hard to stay motivated about building an emergency fund, but it shouldn’t be hard if you’re saving for a car or a house. If you need help with your savings in this regard, there’s no shame in making an active effort to motivate yourself with quotes and the like.
There are countless low-cost pay tips that I could give you, different checking account and direct deposit advice, as well as a million and one ways that could save you money, but none of it matters if you don’t keep yourself pushing through the hard times.
Resource: https://jamesclear.com/motivation
12. Saving Money by Repairing Clothes
Stop buying new clothes every week. Years ago, I started repairing rips and tears. It’s saved me a fortune. That’s not to say you can’t buy a new hoodie every now and again, but don’t get rid of your stuff just because of a little wear and tear.
If you can’t fix your clothes yourself, bring them to a tailor to fix them. This is especially helpful if you’re a fan of designers. The difference between a $50 repair job and a $200 new pair of jeans is pretty significant.
Resource: https://www.muccycloud.com/2020/04/beginners-clothes-fixing-guide.html
13. Invite Friends Over Instead of Clubbing
We all love the club, but we all hate having to pay $12 for a Vodka Red Bull, so have house parties instead. Now, we’ve all missed going clubbing these last two odd years, so there’s nothing wrong with going a bit wild, but try not to do so every weekend. I’ve been there, trust me, it’s worse because you wake up not knowing how much you’ve spent.
14. Switch to Cheaper Alcohol
Speaking of house parties, switch to home-brand alcohols. Trust me, the price is way less, but the alcohol still hits. I’m a bit of a whisky snob, so I’m not advocating for cheap alcohol in general. However, there are a ton of cheap vodka brands out there that taste fine.
Besides, you’re going to be mixing your vodka with something else, anyways.
15. Kids are Easy to Entertain
You don’t need to spend hundreds bringing your kids out to entertain them. Give them a cardboard box and watch the magic!
If you don’t have kids, then this tip doesn’t apply to you, believe it or not. That being said, you could cut down on the entertainment expenses for any nieces or nephews you have, too.
Resource: https://www.thesimpledollar.com/save-money/32-simple-and-free-ways-to-entertain-your-kids/
16. Speak to Your Credit Card Company
If you can, talk about rates. The lower you can convince them to make your fees, the better you’re going to be for it and the less credit card debt you have to deal with.
This is one of the more desperate saving tips I have for you. Getting your credit card company to change your interest rate isn’t going to be easy, but if you succeed, you’re going to notice your savings growing much quicker.
Resource: https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/can-i-negotiate-a-lower-interest-rate-on-my-credit-card/
17. Check your Savings Account Interest Rate
Interest rates are important for long-term saving, so check what the offer on your account is. This is especially important for a long-term savings plan. A ton of money is going to make a massive difference in how much you get in interest, but a little bit of money isn’t going to be too impactful, so plan accordingly.
18. Start a Savings Plan
Don’t just try to wing your saving goals. Plan it all out, and you’re going to have a much easier time getting to them. You wouldn’t launch a business without any plans in place, so treat your personal finance the same way.
Saving money should be treated like you’re trying to run yourself like a business. Plan out where your money is going, where you can cut back, and where you can’t.
Resource: https://www.bankrate.com/uk/savings-accounts/how-to-create-a-savings-strategy/
19. Make Your Family Members Gifts
This isn’t for everyone, but if you can, start making gifts instead of buying them. Most of the time, a handmade gift is more important than a store-bought one anyway. That being said, we all have that one relative that is materialistic, so this is a super subjective tip.
At the very least, you can always make a gift for your partner. Although, make sure you’re not over-estimating yourself. I once tried to make my partner a handmade wooden memories box for valentines, and, well, it was the thought that counted.
Resource: https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/homemade-gift-ideas-1251561
20. Yardsales Are Your Best Friend
Yardsales not only help you cut down money spending, but you can do one yourself to make your money move in the other direction.
Yardsales are great for picking random stuff up that you might need, but they’re far more valuable than that if you know what you’re looking for. Most of the time, people hosting yard sales are looking to get rid of their stuff and nothing more. They don’t care about what it is they’re selling.
You can take advantage of this. It’s easy to buy and resell items at a yard sale for a profit with a little bit of work, so consider doing that. It’s not a way of saving, but it is a way to generate more money.
Resource: https://www.iheartplanners.com/garage-sale-tips-the-ultimate-guide-to-a-successful-garage-sale/
21. Stop Buying, Start Selling
Speaking of, take a 24 hour period to check all of your things and separate what you want from what you don’t. Set up an eBay account to go along with that yard sale and start making some money.
Online shopping is massively popular, even for second-hand goods. With a little bit of reading up and effort, you could establish an online store presence that not only helps you generate some extra cash but that can actively be turned into a profitable side hustle.
Resource: https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/selling/selling/start-selling-ebay?id=4081
22. 60+ Hour Video Games
If you’re a gamer, long RPGs and online shooters are your best friend. I know people that only purchase one game a year: Call of Duty, and that saves them a lot of money.
Of course, you could also buy FIFA, Persona, or any of the other massive titles you hear about in the news. Also, if you’re a member of PS Plus or Xbox Live, make sure you’re taking advantage of all the free games you get every month. You don’t have to pay for the games, so you have no excuse not to play them.
23. Try to Quit the Smokes
Look, I’ve been there; I know how hard it is. If you can, try and switch to a vape. You’re going to save a fortune, as well as your life.
I’ve been back and forth with smokes my entire life, so I am speaking from experience. At its worst, I was going through a pack per day. That’s around $100 per week. On a vape, I spend maybe $30 per month on a new juice and coil.
Plus, there’s the added benefit that vapes taste great. I have a mango and passion fruit just in mine that actively turns me off tobacco because of the flavor.
Resource: https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/i-want-to-quit/top-tips-for-quitting-smoking
24. Cook in Batches
Even if you like to cook, cooking in batches can help you keep your bills down and save you time. You’re going to use up less gas and electricity, and you can save time by bulk chopping all of your meats and vegetables.
As someone who used to work in the food industry, I need to admit that I hate when people freeze food. However, if you’re looking to build up your savings, it’s a great way to do so.
Cooking in bulk for the week and then freezing saves you a ton of time and money, plus it disincentivizes you from getting any takeouts.
Resource: https://unyucky.com/blog/ultimate-beginners-guide-to-batch-cooking/
25. Keep the Lights Off
Check every time you leave your house that there are no lights on. If it’s bright out, do the same thing. This should be a bit of a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how many times we leave and just forget about the lights.
Not only is double-checking going to help with saving money, but you’re also going to help in saving the planet, and who doesn’t want that?
26. Swap With Your Friends
Books, games, DVDs, you name it; if you and your friends have the same interests, then start swapping. You might have lame friends like me, in which case this tip is simply off the table. However, if you’re lucky, you might have a few buddies that share your hobbies.
Being able to swap DVDs is nice, but being able to swap games is going to help your saving endeavors tremendously.
27. LEDs Help
LEDs are more energy-efficient than traditional lightbulbs, so make that switch and start saving. It might seem like you’re losing, not saving because you need to invest in that switch, but you’re going to be saving more money in the long run.
28. …So Do Smart Thermostats
Install a Smart Thermostat and start saving on your heating. Again, it might seem like buying stuff is the opposite of saving, but sometimes you need to invest before you can start saving money.
Resource: https://www.hivehome.com/discover-hive/smart-heating/five-ways-to-save-money-with-a-smart-thermostat
29. Invest in Your Appliances
Getting good appliances for your home might seem counterintuitive, but it’s not. You’re going to get that cashback.
Getting cheap appliances is a recipe for disaster. Buying something like a fridge is a big deal and costs a lot of money. So, needing an unexpected replacement can completely empty your savings account. If you invest in some good quality hardware the first time around, that event becomes exceedingly less likely.
30. Avoid False Economies
A false economy is when you save money short term but lose it long term, like when you buy a terrible oven and need a replacement in six months.
False economies are everywhere in our lives and can completely decimate any kind of reserve funds you might have. As my Gran used to say, “if you pay peanuts, expect monkeys.”
31. Clean Out Your Car Filter
A lot of savings revolve around your car, so improve your gas mileage and clean your filter. Of course, you could do away with the car altogether and save an absolute fortune. This might seem extreme, but I would definitely recommend it for anyone trying to put savings together for something like a mortgage when they live in a city.
If you have access to a sprawling public transportation network, then there’s no need for you to have a car.
Resource: https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-an-Air-Filter
32. Stay Away From Investing – For Now
Investing is good if you already have savings. If you don’t, stay away from it. There’s a rule of investing that goes, “if you have money to burn, you have money to invest.” Chances are you don’t have any savings to burn, so don’t go investing.
That’s not to say you should stay away from it indefinitely, though. Once I built up emergency savings, I began to use investments as a way to grow my savings while keeping my money free from inflation.
33. Compare All Prices
A savings plan only works for you if you work for it. Compare all of the prices for anything you want to buy. This saving strategy alone can help you put away hundreds that you otherwise wouldn’t have.
I’m not just talking about grocery shopping here, either. If you plan to buy anything from a razer to a TV, look at different places online to see where you can get it for the lowest possible price.
Resource: https://www.oberlo.co.uk/blog/25-best-price-comparison-websites
34. When You Can, Make Your Own
Bread, pasta, pizza, you name it. Not only are you going to save some serious cash on buying the finished product, but it’s actually a pretty fun hobby.
You might be terrible at cooking or baking, though, in which case it’s totally understandable if you want to ignore this tip.
35. Stress Spending is a Killer
I spend that when I’m sad or stressed. So, do as I say and not as I do, and what I say is to stop stress spending.
When you’re feeling a bit anxious, down, or stuck, keep the online stores as far away from you as possible. This can be tough, but if you have someone you live with that can lend a helping hand, take advantage of that.
36. Plan Out Your Long Term Goals with Your Partner
Not everyone has a partner, but if you do, plan out those savings goals. There’s no point in trying to start saving for a house when they’re saving for a new car.
You and your S.O. need to be in sync with where you’re money is going. That’s not to say that you have to have the same savings goals and consult one another every time you pay for something, but you should know what each other is planning.
Resource: https://www.aesinternational.com/financial-planning-guide
37. There’s Nothing Wrong with Second Hand
Buying used items saves a fortune; trust me, I’m a big advocate for it. Just because somebody owned something before you doesn’t make it any less worth your money. While certain things might matter, most items aren’t overly impacted by how many owners it’s had.
If you can save upwards of 60 to 80% on any particular good by buying it second-hand, you would have to be crazy to pay full price.
38. Track How You Spend Money Every Month
Know where your money goes. This is self-explanatory. There should be no more quick bites or drinks from the store on your way to work. If you buy it, you catalog it.
This can be an eye-opening process. You might think of buying a drink to and from work only costs a couple of bucks, but it could be costing you almost $30 per week. That’s $120 per month you can save but cutting that spending habit out, all because you realized how much you were spending when you tracked it.
Resource: https://www.thebalance.com/best-expense-tracker-apps-4158958
39. The 10 Second Rule
When you buy something online, wait 10 seconds at the checkout before you purchase it. Still want it? No? I thought not.
If you do still want it, then go ahead and hit play. There’s no point in trying to put savings aside if you don’t treat yourself every now and again. However, using this 10-second rule is going to help cut down what you buy a ton, especially if you’re an Amazon shopaholic.
Resource: https://www.firstforwomen.com/posts/money/10-second-rule-save-money-shopping-170523
40. Stay Away From the Store
Avoid malls like the plague. These buildings are literally designed to take your money as quickly and efficiently as possible. Everything from the layout to the colors is purposefully placed to trick your brain into buying more than you need.
I get it can be fun to explore, but save yourself the pain and torment of going window shopping. It might be romanticized, but it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Trust me, I know.
41. Declutter
Declutter and get more things to sell in your yard sales and online. If you have a history of buying stuff you don’t need, which, let’s be honest, is a serious possibility, then the chances are that you have an assortment of random stuff that you don’t need lying around your host.
Get some black bags and just go to town on all of your possessions. If you don’t need it, toss it. You can keep some stuff that you want but don’t need; just keep that within reason.
If you need some motivation, think of all the money selling your stuff is going to generate for your savings.
42. Quit/Limit Your Gambling
If you like gambling, put a limit on your account. I’m not just saying this as an empty tip, either. I’ve always been a big gambling fan, although I’ve never had a gambling addiction. I love placing bets on chess matches and Esports games, but I do so in moderation.
If you’re a fan of betting on football or horse racing, put a deposit limit on your account so that you take your spending control out of your hands.
43. Drink Fewer Sodas
Cut down on those sodas. Remember what I said about spending money buying drinks to and from work? This is a follow-up.
Stop drinking cola and start drinking water. If you don’t want to drink water, then start drinking smoothies. A personal smoothie blender is about $30 and was one of the best money savings decisions I’ve ever made.
Every morning, I make up a smoothie with some frozen berries, milk, and honey. That gets rid of my need for a morning energy drink, coffee, and soda, all for a fraction of the price.
Resource: https://www.eatthis.com/healthy-soda-alternatives/
44. Work More Hours
I hate this too, but when cutting spending doesn’t work, you need to start bringing more in. If you’re building up savings for one of life’s big purchases, then I’m afraid this is a little bit unavoidable.
I’m blessed that I’m working a job that I love, but I do get hating work. I used to work in McDonald’s doing deliveries on graveyard shifts in the middle of winter. I actually left that job on bad terms, so trust me, I know what it’s like to hate your place of employment.
However, a few hours here or there, or even some six-day work weeks, can really help you put those savings aside.
45. Pick Up a Side Hustle
Rather than working more hours, pick up a side hustle is something you’re good at. This actually started out as a side hustle for me, and I’ve managed to turn it into a well-paying career. Trust me when I say that if I could do it, anyone can.
You could draw, write, design, code, voice act, and more. You could set up an online business or run social media accounts. There’s no shortage of interesting jobs in the gig economy that you can take advantage of to bring in some extra money. Plus, you don’t have to slave away in a job you hate for that money.
Resource: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/293954
46. After Christmas is Buying Season
The biggest retail savings happen in the new year. Stores are clearing stock, so start buying in January. If you want to go extreme on this, you could stock up on bundles and goods that you’ve gotten on the cheap to resell them next Christmas.
With enough investment, this can generate a few thousand bucks for you during the holidays. However, it’s a much safer savings plan to just use this time to stock up on essentials for yourself.
47. Disconnect Your Cards From Your Accounts
Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of effort to convenience you not to buy something. In particular, this is a great way to avoid credit card debt on a site like Amazon.
I’m convinced that it shouldn’t be legal for it to be as easy as it is to buy something on Amazon. It’s literally one button press. Taking your card off of the account removes your ability to do that, all but eliminating and impulse purchases you might make.
48. Join a Club
Friends, laughs, and almost free entertainment. Google to see what clubs are active in your area and sign yourself up. I’m a complete nerd, so I’m a member of a chess club, but you can join the monster truck society or something.
Resource: https://www.timeoutdoors.com/clubs
49. Start Exercising
Again, it’s a great way to pass the time, but this time it’s good for you. Sitting around playing chess never got anyone buff, but going to the gym has.
You’re going to have to pay for your membership, but you can easily eat upwards of 10 hours every week working out, giving you 10 hours of free entertainment.
Not only that, but you’re going to look and feel great in yourself after you get into a gym routine, further helping your savings because you’re going to be eating food you cook rather than takeouts.
Resource: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/free-online-workout_b_7722024
50. Start Comparing Insurance
Insurance is a savings killer, so start comparing. This is a great tip for everything from your electric bill to interest rates to cashback deals, but insurance is the big one that you need to watch out for.
My partner works in insurance, so I’ve got a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how the insurance system works. Thus, trust me when I say you should check around different brokers for the best price. Everything from your credit to your house and car can generate a different price with different brokers.
Resource: https://insurify.com/blog/car-insurance/the-best-and-worst-sites-to-compare-car-insurance-quotes/
51. Leftovers Are Great
There’s nothing wrong with throwing leftovers in the microwave. It’s a great way to save money that could potentially save you upwards of $100 per month.
This obviously depends on how much you either cook or order, as well as the kind of stomach constitution you’re working with. However, I’m able to make a $10 takeout last me at least two meals, so that’s only $5 per dish. To my credit, I can eat anything, but the point still remains.
Resource: https://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/recipes
52. Bring Lunch to Work
Bring your own coffees and lunch to work. Obviously. Out of all the ways to save money you have at your disposal, this is the most obvious. Stop with the Starbucks and fancy lunches, make some sandwiches, and get yourself a decent travel mug.
53. Stop Buying Designer
I’m a sucker for Armani and Hugo Boss, but those brands are an easy way to empty your savings account. If you want to save money, it’s time to start shopping for some cheap local brands rather than expensive ones.
54. Make Yourself Accountable to Someone
If you’re answerable to someone, it makes saving easier. There’s nothing more difficult than trying to put away money for yourself. Saving money for someone else, though, that’s way easier. At least, it is for me.
Resource: https://www.success.com/heres-how-to-keep-yourself-accountable/
55. DIY It
If you can fix it yourself, why get a professional? Don’t risk hurting yourself, though. You can save money pretty handly with some DIY skills, but they’re just that, skills.
If you don’t have those skills, don’t risk hurting yourself trying to wing it. There are plenty of other ways to save money that don’t involve you injuring yourself.
Resource: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/21018142/21-home-improvement-budget-upgrades
56. Don’t Be Afraid to Freeze
Don’t be afraid to freeze food to use later. I’ve already talked about this, but one of the best ways to save money you have at your disposal is bulk cooking.
Bulk cooking is only possible with a freezer, so don’t be afraid to use it.
57. Move Somewhere Cheaper
It’s extreme, but it works. I’ve lived somewhere with ridiculously high rent my entire life. Trying to save money while renting is a fool’s errand. It’s doable, sure, but you need to cut back on everything from your cell phone to your insurance cost to make it work.
If you also live in an area with high rent per month, you might want to consider moving somewhere cheaper, if you can.
Resource: https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/cheapest-places-to-live
58. See What’s Free
Chances are, your city has a bunch of free attractions you never knew about. So, head online and start doing some research. While living in an area with high month-to-month rent is a nightmare, it does mean that I’m in a cultural city that’s full of attractions and museums.
This might not be your thing, but if it is, it’s a great way to get a day out without spending anything.
Resource: https://freebieslovers.com/free-stuff-usa/
59. Public Transportation and Walking
Stop using gas. It’s that simple. I’ve already said that cutting the car is going to pull back your spending a few trips ago, and this is another example of that.
60. Become Your Own Barber/Hairdresser
For you brave souls, you could try cutting your own hair. I tried this recently, and I made a mess of it, so cut your own hair at your own peril.
For your sake, you might want to check in with your partner to make sure they’re okay with the risks involved and wait a full 24 hour period before you commit. Otherwise, you’re going to end up with a shaved head like me.
Resource: https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-cut-your-own-hair-at-home/
61. Debt Snowballs Work
This is a surprisingly effective savings method. It’s an extreme way to save money that doesn’t involve specific spending cuts, but it’s a great method to use if you need to eliminate debt.
Resource: https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/how-the-debt-snowball-method-works
62. Carpool to Work or College
Again, gas is killing your savings. If you’ve got any buddies local that go to the same school or workplace as you, see if you can carpool with them. You might need to spend a little cash on gas for them every now and again, so just check to see if they’re okay with it.
63. Crockpots Are a Life Saver
Grab some food, put it in the pot, and leave. It’s the best thing I’ve ever bought. This is an especially great way to save money if you suck at cooking. The crockpot does all of the work for you, so don’t worry about what you spend, credit, brand name clothes, insurance, or any of that fancy terminology. All you need to do in order to save is to start living on crockpot stews.
64. Buy in Bulk
Out of all the ways to save money on food, buying in bulk is the most effective. This also goes for things like toilet rolls and even some consumables.
There should be bulk wholesalers somewhere in your local area, so check online to see. The cost of items in these suppliers is significantly cheaper than buying retail, so it’s worth the effort.
Resource: https://www.makeuseof.com/best-sites-bulk-items-wholesale-prices/
65. Cut The Charity
If you like to give to charity, I applaud you. I’ve started giving back as much as I can now that I can afford to. However, when I was trying to save and build credit, I didn’t.
There’s no shame in not donating to charity when you’re struggling yourself. Now, there are plenty of other people out there in better positions to pick up the slack, so focus on making sure you’re financially stable.
Out of all my tips, this is one of the least strict. After all, I can’t really complain if you give to charity even while you’re trying to save because it’s admirable even if it’s suboptimal.
