30 Ways To Save Money
Updated: Apr 20
Most people dislike the idea of saving money because they think it means living like some type of hermit. But when you consider some of these money saving tips you would be surprised at how simple it could be.
You don’t have to live like you're in the forest off the grid. Saving money can help you live a better life and have more money for the things you really want in life.
In this article, I have found 30 ways to save money that anyone can do. In fact, you can start today!
#1) MANAGE YOUR DEBT
The best way to save money is not to get into debt in the first place. But since that is nearly impossible, managing your debt is the next best thing.
Keeping track of what you owe will help you save money. You will know who your money is going to and when they expect to have it. This will allow you to not waste your money on past due payments.
If you have let things get out of hand, you are not alone. You still have time to get it together. Get free credit counseling. They will help you with a debt management plan that will work for your life.
#2) BUDGET
There are several different types of budgets out there, so budgeting can be overwhelming. But it is important to have some type of budget for your household.
Budgets allow you to know exactly where you are hemorrhaging money by paying too much for everyday items. When you can see what you are spending you tend to hold yourself accountable for overspending.
I like the fact that there are so many budgets out there because there is a plan for every type of person.
Choose a budget that works for you. I would even recommend switching your budgeting methods if you feel things are getting too monotonous.
Whatever you do, budget!
Related Stories: “Does A Budget Really Work?”
#3) GET A SAVINGS ACCOUNT
Saving money works best if you have a savings account. You may think that this is a no brainer, but many people opt out of getting a savings account when they apply for a checking account.
Maybe you don’t have a checking account either! No worries, there are so many types of saving options that you can look into to help you hold onto your money.
Please note, your mattress is not a savings account!
Do your research and find a type of savings account that you are comfortable with. If you don’t get one, where are you going to put all that bank you're accumulating from budgeting!
#4) LOWER THE THERMOSTAT
Lowering the thermostat in the winter can save you about 5 to 15 percent on your utility bill. This of course depends on the amount that you lower it. The average is about 3 percent for every degree. So to save 15 percent on your bill you can lower the thermostat 5 degrees.
I know right!
For a simple math lesson, if you pay $100 a month on utilities, you could reduce your bill by $15 a month. That's $180 a year and that’s no chump change!
This works for summer months as well, especially when you leave the house. Why not, if no one is home?
#5) BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH
If you work away from home this is a great way to save money. You may be thinking, well, I just buy from the value menu.
But it all adds up!
Its ok if you treat yourself every now and then, but eating out for lunch everyday is hurting your bank.
Watch that vending machine as well! Try this for a week and you will see the immediate savings.
#6) LIMIT MISCELLANEOUS SPENDING
Creating a budget will help you limit your miscellaneous spending. Ever get cash out of your account that was meant for one thing, but you have no clue where the money went.
Yeah that is miscellaneous spending!
Spending money on things you didn't mean to spend money on and you definitely didn’t need.
This can easily happen if you don’t have a budget. This will take some practice and you may slip up a few times. But keeping track of your spending is a great way to not waste.
Money not wasted, is money saved!
#7) CUT DOWN ON GROCERY BUDGET
Cutting back on groceries will help you save. We all know that groceries are expensive due to inflation, but cutting back will help.
Now, you might say, well I barely get anything and I still feel like I spend too much.
But, look again!
Did you really only get the items on your list?
A tip that I learned to help combat overspending on groceries, is taking advantage of grocery pickup.
Ordering my groceries online and picking them up, helps stop the temptation of buying things you did not budget for.
Especially if you have kids, when I started doing this I was able to finally stick to my grocery list.