Saving money can be difficult, but it is not impossible. Here are 100 ways to save money in your everyday life!
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Ilove finding unique ways to save money!Saving money doesn’t have to be extreme, and can be a lot of fun. Frugality is often about shopping smart and not wasting what you have. Here are some of my favorite ways to save money. Don’t forget to leave your favorite money-saving tips below!
1. Scrape the bottom of jars
You bought it with your hard earned money – get the most out of everything from toothpaste to the Ranch dressing container. For things like condiments or butter, we normally just stick the last bit in the new container, since new containers are rarely filled to the brim anyway.
2. Cook extra and eat leftovers
Leftovers make an easy meal, and don’t require any extra time commitments. Invest in some nice Tupperware or Rubbermaid containers; theymake a convenient way to save money.
3. Take restaurant leftovers with you
As with everything, I’m a firm believer in using common sense. I am NOT in favor of taking advantage of free samples orgrabbing all the sugar packs from restaurants. However, if you paid for your meal, there’s noshame in boxing up your leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.
4. Repurpose old things
Instead of buying new, repurpose old things.
5.Get clever with cooking
Here are 10 creative ways to use up condiments. Use bread crumbs for toppings and seasoning.
6. Shake ink cartridges
7. Use butter wrappers for greasing pans
8. Use old, mismatched dish ware for gift-giving
Bringing cookies to the neighbor? Use an old dish instead of using paper plates.
9.Make use of spare change
Start collecting spare change in a jar, and watch the savings add up. When our junk drawer is full of spare coins, we can normally get $10-$20 out of it!
10. Buy clothing used
11.Shop for holiday supplies after the holiday’s
12. Use reusable eating utensils
Use a water bottle and refill it, instead of plastic water bottles. And, most already do this, but use reusable plates/cups/utensils instead of paper. Although paper can be more convenient, it is wasteful and the little costs add up.
13. Ditch napkins
Clothnapkins save our family hundredsof dollars a year. Depending on how messy your eaters are and what is for dinner, a large napkin can be used a few times before being tossed in the wash. (Some families color-code napkins per person, or have a designated spot for each person’s napkins, so each person can reuse their napkin multiple times before washing.)
14. Ditch paper towels
We made the decision to go paper towel free about three years ago,and have never missed them. The average American family spends about $144 on paper towels. That’s crazy!
15. Ditch Sandwich bags
Cloth sandwich bagsare a great way to save money, especially if you use go through plastic baggies often.See also:25 Genius Ways to Go Paperless and Use Less Waste
16. DIY Dry cleaning
Sometimes, dry cleaning is a necessary evil. I recently stumbled acrossWoolite’s DIY Dry Cleaning sheets, which are LIFE CHANGING, and yet nobody seems to know about them. Yousimplytoss them in the dryer with your hand wash and dry-clean only clothing. With Amazon prime, you can get a pack of 14 for about $10.
17. Use reusablemenstrual products
Pads and tampons are terrible for the environment, and for you.Grab some cute cloth pads from Etsy or a new reusable menstrual cup. Diva cups are relatively inexpensive, and you will never have to buy pads or tampons every again. Grab some cloth panty liners(which feel just like underwear) on Etsy and you’re set for life.
18. Don’t go to the movie theater
Try the library’s collection of movies instead. (Being frugal also should never be illegal. Downloading movies off of the Internet is illegal.)
19. Cancel magazine and newspapersubscriptions
Many libraries subscribe to popular magazines and newspapers. Besides, you typically only read a copy once before throwing it out.
20.Use streaming services
Amazon Prime, Pandora and Spotify are great for music. Pandora and Spotify have free and paid options.
21.Check out your library’s full resources
Libraries have books, and many also have movies, CDs and audiobooks. Some have toys, games, and more. Your library also probably has a ton of free events and opportunities.
22. Stop buying coffee
Americans spend an average of over $1,000 a year on coffee. Daily or weekly coffee visits can eatup your budget. Instead of buying Starbucks, opt for making your own.
23. Ditch cable
Cable isn’t a necessity, and with streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, there are ways to enjoy entertainment at a reasonableprice.
24. Get rid of brand loyalty
If you have Netflix, check out the eye-opening documentaryFood Inc.It’s crazy to think that more often than not, brand names and generic names are the exact same thing made in the exact same factory with a different label slapped on them. Brand name is not always the best when it comes to food!
25. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and in-app purchases
Enough said – these three can really drain you budget. Ditch them to save money!
26. Try to avoid stress spending
Yes, I’ve done it too. After a long, hard day, buying a cute new pair of shoes can seem relaxing. But, stress spending can come with a lot of regret. Try to avoid shopping-induced sites, locations, and apps. Opt for a technology free night, or a good showon Netflix.I try to wait 72 hours before I buy something.
27. Avoid gym memberships
Gym membership fees can add up quickly; especially considering you can get in shape right in your own home. Pinterest is full of simple DIY workouts. Most only require a pair of good tennis shoes, a set of weights and a yoga mat.
28. Unplug when you’re not using electricity
Unplug things when you’re not using them, to avoid using “ghost electricity.”
29.Keep track of finances
For a month, keep track of every single dime you spend. Keeping track of where I was spending my money has made a huge difference in my finances.
30.Budget
After you realize what you’re spending on monthly expenses, budget to gaincontrol of your money!
Replace some of your social media at nightwitha spending tracker app on your phone, recording the day’spurchases. You’d be surprised at how much you’re spending on frivolous things, like coffee or clothes. I’m not a coffee drinker, but I realized I definitely needed to cut back on clothes and make-up!
30. Leave room for fun-money in your budget
This helps keep your sanity! 🙂 I give myself 5-10% of my income to spend on clothes, entertainment – whatever. #guiltfreespending
31. Pick quality over quantity when applicable
32. Utilizeprice matching
33. Meal plan
Strategic meal planning can cut back on food waste and can save you thousands.
34. Freeze meals
Bulk freezing mealsfor throwing in the crockpot or the oven on a busy night can help preventeating out.
35. Wait 72 hours before purchasing something
This prevents impulse buying and makes you really think, “Do I need this?” After 3 days, you may change your mind on that “must-have” shirt you wanted.
36. Make a grocery list
And stick to it!
37. Don’tspend crazy amounts of money on toys
Kids toys is a huge industry, and they can be pricey. Stores like Once Upon a Child sell gently used kids toys at a reasonable price.
38. Find free local entertainment instead of zoos, shopping, etc.
39. Take advantage of a store’s loyalty card
40.Carpool
Carpool is an easy way to save time and money!
41.Start composting
42. Shop with cash only
43. Pay bills on time to avoid interest
44.Remember to use warranties
45.Cancel the landline
46.Use a bicycle (or walk)
47. Find a balance between giving andsaving well
49.DIY cleaning supplies
50. DIY toothpaste
For the rest of the list, check out part 2!
Frugality How-To From the Greatest Generation:
Use it Up, Wear It Out, Make it Do, Or Do Without
