Looking to trim your budget? These 60 expert money saving tips will help you reduce your spending while still enjoying life!
Finding ways to save money that allow you to still enjoy life is absolutely key to reaching your financial goals. If you feel like you are giving up everything you love, then you will just end up splurging and blowing your budget anyway.
Read through this list of money saving tips and see which ideas you can incorporate into your life!
Money Saving Tips for Around the House
These money saving hacks will help you cut household expenses and keep your home running well for less!
Make A Budget
A budget is simply a plan for your money, and you MUST have a plan to be successful with money. Creating a household budget is the best money saving hack out there!
Read: How to Create a Fail-Proof Budget and use the free printable below to get started.
Identify Your Financial Goals
If you don’t know what your financial goals are, it is impossible to achieve them.
Think carefully about your money goals, write them down on a piece of paper, and hang it somewhere obvious. You want to see and be reminded of your goals everyday.
When saving money and sticking with your budget starts to feel difficult (and it will), you can easily read through your goals and think about how good it will feel when you achieve them!
Change Your Thermostat
Lowering your thermostat by 5 degrees in the winter and raising it 5 degrees in the summer is an easy way to save a ton on your electric bill. This is a tough one for me because I am cold all the time (seriously ALL the time), but it really works.
You could also try a smart thermostat, like the ecobee Smart Thermostat so you can control the temperature of your home from anywhere. It’s pretty cool!
Just by changing your thermostat, you can save 5% – 15% off your electric bill per year.
Ditch Paper Towels and Plastic Baggies
These convenience items really add up over time. Purchase a set of kitchen towels to clean up messes and high quality lunch containers to keep costs down in the kitchen.
I highly recommend the Utopia Kitchen Towels (super cheap and great quality) and this Rubbermaid Lunch Container Kit.
Get an Antenna
The average cable bill is $99 a month. That’s so much money! The antenna is where it’s at my friends. There are some great modern options out there and best of all, with an antenna, TV is absolutely FREE!
We have this antenna and it works great. We get all the major networks without the monthly bill!
Switch Your Cell Phone
Cell phones and cell plans can be crazy expensive! This money saving hack is an easy way to slash your big cell phone bill. Simply switch to a prepaid service and save hundreds every year.
My husband and I swear by Walmart Family Mobile – we pay $30 each per month for unlimited talk, text, and data. It’s awesome. Plus you can bring your own phone if you already have one you love.
Lower Your Internet Bill
You know how internet companies offer a lower price for new customers? Well, after a year or so that low price expires, and you are left with a much higher bill.
When that happens, give your internet provider a call and just ask them if they can reduce your bill. I’ve done this several times, and it works. Internet can get very expensive, so it’s definitely worth a call!
Turn Stuff Off
While this tip seems obvious, it’s easy to forget. Turn stuff off when you leave a room. The energy it takes to keep the lights and TV on are costing you money.
According to EnergyUseCalculator, if you left one light on while you were at work for 8 hours each day, over one year that would equal $17.52. I know it can sometimes be a pain sometimes, but always turning things off will save you some money.
Line Dry Clothes
Why stop at just turning things off? Save even more electricity by drying your clothes on the line. Especially if you live in a warm climate like I do, clothes will dry super fast in the sun. Making this simple change saves quite a bit over the course of a year.
Use Wool Dryer Balls
Okay, maybe drying clothes on a line isn’t for you. If you prefer to use the dryer, get these reusable wool dryer balls. If you haven’t seen these before, you have to check them out! They are an affordable and chemical-free alternative to using dryer sheets, plus they help your clothes dry faster.
Fix Home Repairs When They Are Small
Home repairs can become costly quick if you put them off. Don’t avoid small home repairs! Look online for a fix-it-yourself tutorial or head to the hardware store for assistance, but make sure to fix the problem before it gets big and expensive.
Make Saving Automatic
Make saving money a priority by having a portion of your paycheck automatically go into a savings or retirement account. It’s so much easier to stick to your savings goals if you don’t even have to think about it.
Sell What You Don’t Use
If you’re like most of us, you probably have a bunch of things laying around your house that you don’t need or use anymore. Why not sell them and make some extra money? Check out this helpful post to see the top 12 household items you can sell for cash.
Pay Cash Whenever Possible
Paying interest sucks! It’s no fun seeing your hard earning money go to nothing more than interest on a loan. You are basically just throwing your away money. Avoid taking on debt and learn to save up for big expenses.
Need help?
Learn how you can save thousands of dollars with these different money saving challenges.
Work Towards Becoming Debt Free
This money saving tip goes hand in hand with the last one. Working towards becoming debt free is key to achieving your financial goals. While getting out of debt may seem like an overwhelming task, it really doesn’t have to be. Come up with a repayment plan, and then stick to it!
If you need help staying motivated (who doesn’t?), then try the Snowball Method from Dave Ramsey. It’s a great way to build momentum as you pay down your debt.
Money Saving Grocery Tips
Save money on groceries and other everyday expenses with these simple money saving food hacks!
You Gotta Meal Plan!
You Gotta Meal Plan!Having a meal plan is the easiest way to save money on groceries, not only that but it sure makes like easier.
Pick one day to sit down and come up with a plan for the week ahead. Every Saturday morning I settle down at the dining table with my coffee and a meal planning template (see below) to create my family’s meal plan for the next week. It’s a stress-free way to plan out our meals.
Need help coming up with recipes? I LOVE this service! It makes meal planning SO easy. Right now, eMeals is offering a FREE 14 day trial – so you can try it for yourself.
Plan Around Sales
Speaking of meal planning, as you sit down to plan your family’s meals for the week, pull up the ad flyer for your favorite grocery store. While it does take a bit more creativity, if you plan your meals around what is on sale, you will save even more money!
Find a Cheaper Grocery Store
We all have things that we buy at the grocery store week in and week out. Make a list of those items along with the prices you normally pay at your current grocery store. Visit a few other stores in your area to compare prices and ensure you are getting the best deal.
Stick to Your Grocery List
The grocery store is full of yummy temptations, and it’s so easy to throw a few extra things in the cart. It seems like no big deal until you’re at the cash register and see just how much those little treats actually cost. That’s why it is so important to make a grocery list before you head to the store.
Shop for Food Online
If you struggle to stick to your shopping list when you hit the grocery store, shopping for food online will change your life! I have been using ClickList (available at Kroger stores) for more than a year now, and it has changed the way I shop for food.
Simply create your shopping list online and select a time to pick up your food. When you arrive at the store, your groceries are loaded into your car and you’re on your way!
No more being tempted with all the little treats at the cash register, plus you don’t have to drag your kids around the store for an hour. It’s an amazing service!
Bonus – Kroger offers special coupons just for Clicklist costumers too. Over Thanksgiving I got a 22 lb turkey for free!
Check the Unit Price
We are often told to buy in bulk to save money, but the bigger package isn’t always the best deal. Next time you are out grocery shopping, check the unit price on the package to make sure you are really getting the best deal.
Ibotta
If you are looking for a life-changing money saving hack, Ibotta is for you! Ibotta is my favorite cash-back app because you can earn cash back from your groceries with very little effort. As a working mom, I love things that save me money and require little effort. I bet you do too!
Before you shop, add offers (like save $.50 on bananas) to your Ibotta account. After your shopping trip, simply snap a photo of your receipt and upload it through the app. Within 48 hours, you will receive cash back for all your qualifying purchases!
Bonus – Right now, get a $10 welcome bonus from Ibotta when you sign up and redeem your first offer! Gotta love free money!
Related: The Complete Ibotta Review and Guide
“Clip” Those Digital Coupons
While clipping coupons is a great way to save money on food, it takes a ton of time. Which is one thing I just don’t have. That’s why digital coupons are my best friend. Digital coupons make it so much easier to save money on groceries and lots of stores offer them now.
Check it out:
To load up on digital coupons, log onto your store’s website and click the coupons you want. They will be loaded onto your loyalty card and automatically applied at checkout. It’s such an easy money saving hack!
Is Eating at Home a Struggle? Try a Slow Cooker!
The slow cooker is absolutely essential for busy families, and it really does making eating at home a breeze! Just throw the ingredients in, and go about your business. When it’s time for dinner, you have a hot meal ready to go. It’s a lifesaver!
For me, dinner time has always been hard. Restaurants are so tempting because they are quick and convenient, and after a long day at work, an easy dinner sounds pretty good. The slow cooker helps solve the dinner problem. If you have a hot meal waiting for you at home, eating out is a lot less tempting.
We have this Crockpot, and it works great!
If you choose to try the 14 day free trial of the $5 Meal Plan, they include at least one 20-minute meal, a freezer-friendly meal, and one slow cooker meal in the meal plan every week. So you will be able to try out your new slow cooker right away!
Try the Store Brand
I’ll admit I am guilty of being brand loyal – I have my favorites, ya know? But it’s easy to spend way too much for expensive name brands. For many products, the store brand is just as good and can save you quite a bit in the long run. Give it a try!
Eat Your Leftovers
Leftovers get a bad rap, but it’s totally possible to make your dinner taste just as good the second time around. Give the tips in this article a try: Leftover Hacks!
Plant an Herb Garden
Growing your own herbs is easy and a great way to save money on groceries. At my house, we are currently growing basil, mint, and rosemary. We use them all the time too – it’s an simple way to add big flavor to your meals.
Don’t Buy Ice or Water
Why buy when you can get it for free! Get a water filter and always have a reusable water bottle handy wherever you go. At home, keep ice trays in your freezer for free ice. Super easy!
I am a huge fan of the Contigo water bottles. They keep water cold for up to 12 hours which is great for the summer.
Make Dining Out Special Again
Remember when you were a kid and going out to a restaurant was a special treat? Make restaurants special again by planning a family night out once a month. It will save you money (no more weekly trips through the drive-through), and it will be something fun your family can look forward too.
Best Ways to Save Money Shopping
Use these money saving life hacks to save money when you shop. These tips will help you save on almost everything!
Buy Pre-Owned Electronics
Need a new phone, tablet or computer? Check out Gazelle.com! They make it super easy to get like-new technology for a great price.
Always Use EBATES When Shopping Online
If you don’t have EBATES installed, go get it right now! This browser extension makes saving money online absolutely painless.
After installing EBATES, every time you visit a website that offers cashback (and there are a ton that do), simply click the button to activate the offer, and then go ahead and make your purchase. Later, you will receive an alert with your cashback total. It’s super easy and very cool!
Stock Up After Seasons/Holidays
When stores start laying out merchandise for the upcoming season, everything from the current season starts to go on sale. This makes it the perfect time to stock up!
Last year, I purchased the adorable sandals I had been eyeing all summer for only $10 (marked down from $85). I was super excited to score that deal!
After holidays is another great time to stock up on seasonal items. Since my family lives in Arizona, we always put up an artificial Christmas tree. We were able to find a beautiful tree a few years ago for 80% off the week after Christmas. It definitely pays to shop those seasonal sales!
Use Discounted Gift Cards
This is such an easy money saving hack – shop with discounted gift cards. Go to the website Raise.comto find gift cards at discounted prices for restaurants, department stores, coffee shops, and even specialty stores.
Comparison Shop
It’s so important to comparison shop when making large purchases. My husband and I just re-learned this lesson last week.
We bought my daughter a loft bed for her Christmas present this year (shhh…it’s a surprise!), and we found the perfect one at a major online furniture retailer. They were having a sale, and we were just about to buy when my husband decided to Google the bed first. We found the exact same bed on a different website for almost $200 less!
The moral of the story? Always shop around before you buy.
Buy (Nice) Used Clothes
The thrift store can be a great place to find nice used clothes, but it takes time to sort through everything to find those hidden gems. The solution? A website called ThredUP – this online thrift store has helped me get high-quality clothes for very cheap over the last few years!
They make it so easy to save up to 90% on name brand clothing, shoes and handbags in like-new condition. It’s the easiest way to save money on clothes and shoes.
Check out my complete ThredUP review here.
Buy Timeless, Quality Clothing
Instead of splurging on the season’s latest trends, focus on high-quality timeless pieces that you will be able to wear for years to come!
Wait Before You Buy
Imagine this:
You’re walking through your favorite store and something catches your eye. It’s beautiful, just your style, and you want it bad. It’s even on sale!
Do you buy it?
If you are prone to impulse shopping, give the 30 day rule a try. Especially for expensive purchases, make sure to wait 30 days before you buy. If you still want it, and you can afford it, go back and buy it!
Buy Used
Make sure to check out local thrift stores before buying new. Especially for things like: home decor, cookware, dishes, small appliances, clothing, toys, wood furniture, sporting goods, and luggage. I have found all these things at the thrift store and have saved so much money.
A few thrift store tips:
- Be picky and make sure whatever you are buying works first. Most places allow you to plug in electric items and test them before you buy.
- Visit first thing in the morning on Wednesday or Thursday for the best finds.
Shop at Yard Sales
Yard sales typically have much cheaper prices than thrift stores because the people running them aren’t concerned with making a profit – they just want to clear the junk out of their house. If you are looking for something in particular, drive by a few yard sales on a Saturday morning (the earlier, the better) and see what you can find.
Save Money on Gas
Before you fill up your tank, use a site like GasBuddy.com to find the cheapest gas prices near you.
Track the Price and Score a Deal
Use the free website, CamelCamelCamel, to track prices on Amazon.
To use: Paste in the url of the product you want to track and hit search. CamelCamelCamel will show you the current price plus a graph of recent price changes. It’s an easy way to make sure you are always getting the best price!
Use Honey to Find the Best Coupon Codes
This is one of my favorite tips for saving money online! No more scouring the internet for coupon codes only to find they are expired. Hate that! Honey is a free browser extension that hunts down the best, current coupon codes for your purchase. When you shop online, Honey will automatically appear at checkout. It just takes one click to find savings.
Shop with Free Gift Cards
Nothing beats free! Swagbucks is a simple way to earn free gift cards to Amazon and a bunch of other stores. Simply sign up and install the browser extension. You can earn points by shopping online, completing surveys, watching videos and searching the internet. Save your points and then redeem for gift cards!
Sign Up for Swagbucks now and get a special bonus!
Take the No-Spend Challenge!
A No-Spend Challenge is a clever way to save a lot of money quickly. My husband and I were able to save $10,000 in less than a year!
This challenge is very simple – don’t spend any money on Monday through Friday (still pay your bills of course). While it does take some planning to do it right, it’s actually a pretty painless way to save thousands of dollars a year.
Get the full details plus a helpful planning guide here: The No Spend Challenge: A Complete Guide
Simple Tips to Save on Entertainment
Have fun and save money with these easy tips to save on entertainment. From free local events, to discounted restaurants and movie tickets, this list has something you’re sure to enjoy!
Take Advantage of the Library
The library is a gold mine for free entertainment. They have books (obviously), plus movies, CD’s, and classes for babies, kids and adults. Plus most libraries have awesome online programs as well; find things like digital books, magazines and even foreign language programs all online.
Libraries are also a great place to take the kids when you’re looking for something to do on a Saturday. It’s the perfect place to play and learn. My daughter begs to go to the library all the time. She loves playing with toys and puzzles, creating beautiful pictures at the art station, picking out books and, of course, playing with other kids.
Find Free Events
Check local websites to find free concerts, events, special free days at the museum, and other fun local events for the whole family. You will be surprised at all the free events out there if you dig a little!
Check out Groupon
Groupon is another option for saving money on entertainment. Simply go to the Groupon website and click “local” at the top of the page. You will find tons of fun things to do for a fraction of the cost. It’s pretty cool!
Go to Lunch
I swear by this money saving life hack! If you really want to go out to a restaurant, always go at lunchtime (during the week, if you can) instead of dinner. You get the same food but for much less money!
Buy Movie Tickets in Bulk
Love going to the movies? If you frequent your local theater, buying tickets in bulk makes good financial sense. You can purchase bulk tickets to your favorite movie theater at places like Costco.
Turn your Hobby into Cash
Hobbies can get expensive fast, but what if you could actually make money with your hobby? I love this money saving hack so much, I have turned two of my hobbies into money making opportunities, writing (hello blogging!) and making music.
Here is a great post with more easy ideas to turn your hobby into cash: How to Make Money With Your Hobby
Save Money on Personal Care Items
Save money on everything from beauty products and salon services to exercise with these simple money saving tips!
Exercise for Free
Skip the gym and expensive monthly fees. It’s cheaper, easier and just as effective to work out from home. Go on a run, bike around the block, or check out the countless (and free) exercise videos on YouTube.
I personally love the PopSugar YouTube channel. They have so many different exercise styles and routines, it’s a great way to keep your workouts fresh and interesting!
Grow Out Your Hair
Short hair requires more maintenance. This means more trips to the salon which can add up really fast. When your hair is longer, you don’t need to visit the salon as often.
Snag a Groupon Deal for Salon Visits
When you do visit the salon, hop on Groupon.com first, tap local and then the Beauty and Spa category to find some sweet savings! I love searching Groupon for salon services, I have found some pretty awesome deals!
Make Your Own Beauty Products
Making your own beauty products is not only cheaper, it’s better for you too. You know exactly what you are putting on your hair and skin – no icky chemicals in sight!
Try these wonderful DIY beauty recipes:
Homemade Lip Balm, Homemade Moisturizing Soap, and DIY Facial Cleansing Wipes
Do Your Nails at Home
Nail salons charge $30 (at a minimum) for a gel manicure which lasts about 2 weeks. That really adds up quick!
If you love gel polish like I do (regular polish can’t handle motherhood), consider buying your own light and gel. The polish lasts a long time, so after the initial purchase, you can easily save $60 a month or more!
Give yourself a gel manicure at home with this affordable LED Nail Light.
Use Less Shampoo/Conditioner
Shampoo and conditioner can be expensive and most of us are using far more than we need to when we wash our hair. Prolong the life of your hair products by using a dime sized amount to wash and condition your hair.
Keep Makeup Simple
Keep your makeup routine simple and save a ton of money. Stick to the daily essentials like: moisturizer, foundation, concealer, blush and mascara. You don’t need the super fancy eye shadow you will only wear once or twice. Minimize your beauty products to maximize savings!
Money Saving Travel Tips
Traveling can be so expensive, but with a little planning, you can definitely make it more affordable. Here are some top money saving tips for travel.
Compare Airfare
It amazes me how many people don’t do this! Always compare prices on plane tickets to get the best deal. Not only compare airlines but different dates as well (if you can).
Pack Light
Avoid pricey baggage fees by packing light. This also makes using public transportation a whole lot easier when you reach your destination.
Go Camping
Camping is a fun and affordable alternative to staying at a motel. And kids love camping! If you’ve never been camping before, rest assured you can find campgrounds with lots of modern-day amenities like electricity, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and some even have swimming pools!
Pack Your Own Food/Coffee
Restaurants and fast food places are expensive and make up a big chunk of the budget when travel. Save money by bringing your own snacks and meals when you hit the road. Try to find lodging with a kitchen too, so you can prepare meals in your room. It will save you a ton of money!
Use Credit Card Rewards Wisely
A few months ago, my family stayed in NYC for four nights. The hotel room was insanely expensive, and we were able to pay for it completely using credit card rewards. It was so cool!
The key to using credit card rewards wisely is to make sure you have enough money to pay off your credit card balance immediately. The last thing you want to do is rack up interest charges.
For us, we bought two heat pumps last year. We saved up the money for them first, and then paid for the purchase with the rewards credit card. Afterward, we were able to pay off the credit card and keep the rewards points.
The Most Important Money Saving Tip
When it comes to saving money, the most important tip is to never give up. Remember your financial goals, and why it is so important to save money. You don’t want to be tied to huge debt payments – you WANT financial freedom!
Identify your goals, come up with a budget and stick with it! When you slip up, and you will, don’t give up. Read through your goals again, and get yourself back on track. You can do this!
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