On this blog I try to focus on ways to live a full, healthy life affordably. I don’t feel that our health and happiness need to be sacrificed because our budgets might be a little on the tight side. There is always a way. In my book, being frugal makes you creative.
I’ve put together 10 ways that you can start saving money today, some of them from the comfort of your own couch. Saving money doesn’t need to be painful. Hopefully some of these savings hacks will be fun, like the workouts and crockpot meals.
Whether your getting your budget in shape so you can save up for a vacation or you just need the extra cash for necessities, these money saving tips will help.
The biggest way to start saving money is to know your families budget. I’m talking not just eye-balling it but knowing it like-you-know-the-back-of-your-hand know your budget. Once you pick apart that budget, you’ll be more aware of the little things here, and there that may be eroding your funds.
Budget
If you are more an app person, Intuit Mint will keep track of your budget, bills, and goals helping you to analyze your expenses even further.
If you are looking for actionable budgeting advice, Rosemary over at the Busy Budgeter is your gal. As the name suggests, she has many posts on budgeting. If you read none of her posts, please read Budgeting for People that Suck at Budgets. She walks you through how to start a budget. As of this post (1/26/19), she also has a free 90 day budget boot camp that you can sign up for.
Cut the cable cord
While this may not be a new suggestion, the amount of cable substitute options is growing. Now is a better time than ever to look into the saving power of going cutting the cord. Current streaming options like Hulu, Netflix, Youtube tv, Amazon, and more, have your favorite cable channels. Many of these streaming channels are also rolling out their own award-winning content. Some of these have a free trial period too. I personally cut the cord several months ago and I am saving soooooo much money!
Food
Planning is the key to saving money on food. Make a menu plan for the week ahead include prep time. If you are busy, like so many of us, crock pots can be a real-life saver.
Jamie at Totally the Bomb has 33 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Recipes. None of them are boring either. On Nicole’s blog House of Hermens she has a delicious list of 1 week of crock pot meals that clock in at $50! You just make them ahead, throw them in the freezer, then thaw before throwing in the crock pot. Saving money on food doesn’t have to be bland.
Then Rosemary, The Busy Budgeter, has a post of 3 Weeks of Cheap Dinners Ready in Under 15 Minutes. She preaches keeping things simple and easy. These recipes while being affordable, and easy, are big on flavor!
Shopping
Shopping is an area where it can be easy to spend too much money. Next time you need to shop for clothing, accessories, food, or whatever I have some hacks to help.
Make a list and stick to it. I know it can be hard when there is shiny new thing on sale. Just remember you are saving money for a bigger purpose.
Ebates whether shopping in store or online, use Ebates. You get a percent of your purchase back! It’s simple to use. I especially like to use it when it is back to school time. I’m buying things I already need, sometimes on sale, AND receiving money back. Winning!
Ibotta app is another way to get money back for the shopping you were going to do anyway. You scan your receipt and Ibotta gives you money back.
Allowance
I know many adults with an allowance. An allowance isn’t kids’ stuff. I like to think of it like a diet cheat day. You have your cheat day in hopes that you’ll be able to stick to your diet on all the other days.
For instance, maybe, you REALLY LOVE peppermint mochas from Starbucks. You’ve looked at your budget and you’ve seen you purchase one most days of the week. Give your self an allowance. Maybe budget one day a week you can treat yourself. After a month of once a week mochas, see about taking it a step further, budget for one every other week. This little example can lead to $80 a month in savings!
Automatic Savings
After each paycheck have a portion automatically put in your savings account.
Honestly, it doesn’t have to be a lot. About 10 years ago I could barley afford to put back $10. I had the automatic withdraw set up and forgot about it. Out of sight, out of mind my saving began to go. Eventually I was able to move it up to $25 a month. Every little bit counts. Do not worry about it being too small. Put away what you can, try to forget about it, and it will grow!
Banking
Checkout your local credit Unions and banks.
Compare them to your current bank to see if you are getting the best deal when it comes to ATM fees, over draft protection, checks (yes, I said it), and savings account thresh holds. Some banks will penalize your if your savings dips below a certain level, no thanks.
See if any are offering money back offers if you should transfer your money to their institution.
The House
Wasted electricity can eat away at a budget. Make sure lights and Televisions are off when not in use. Turn off computers and tablets at night. They continue to pull energy when they are on and you aren’t using them. Plus, these periodic rests can help them to last longer, says my husband the tech junkie.
Another easy way to save money is by taking shorter showers.
Cut the Gym
If you aren’t using it, or you can’t afford it anymore, cut the Gym membership.
You can workout at home. YouTube and POPSUGAR Fitness are two places that could replace your membership for free.
I would suggest start with POPSUGAR. They have a variety of workouts, yoga, barre, ect.. They also have an assortment of instructors with workouts starting at 5 minutes all the way up to 60 minutes. Like this 10 Minutes No-Equipment, At Home Cardio Workout.
Entertainment
If you are a movie buff or you are just itching to see the latest “it “movie, start going to matinees.
Movie discount days and matinees. Check your local theater. Many have matinees on the weekends as well as weekdays. While you’re at it see if those theaters have one day a week where they offer all movies at a steep discount all day long.
Groupon and Living social are great places to check out if you want affordable fun. They have local eats, concerts, massages, tours, all kinds of fun stuff.
Library is often over looked. Take a trip to your local library for DVDs. Not only are they cheaper than renting or streaming, you get to keep them longer too!
Parks and Rec centers often have free or low-cost entertainment options.
Healthy Habit
Living on a budget and saving doesn’t have to hurt. These 10 savings hacks can be started right away and can become healthy habits for the long term.
What have you done that was a savings game changer?
Leave a Reply