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Do you ever feel like your money is vanishing before your eyes?
You’re not alone, many people struggle to save money due to unexpected necessities, rising costs of living, and too much temptation for unnecessary spending.
If you’re looking for practical ways to save more cash without drastically changing your lifestyle, we’ve got good news: there are a lot of brilliant tricks you can use that don’t require much effort or sacrifice!
In this article, we’ll be discussing 14 ingenious money-saving tips that could potentially help put extra dollars back in your pocket.
So, if you want some creative ideas on how to tighten up with finances while still living comfortably and making the most out of life, keep reading!
#1. Don’t Shop Hungry
It’s a common mistake to shop when hungry because our brain tricks us into buying food items that are not necessarily on the shopping list.
To combat this impulse, eating something light before grocery shopping can help prevent extra calories from finding their way into your basket.
Additionally, you should also create and stick to your grocery list as much as possible.
This will help ensure that all of the items purchased are necessary and useful, saving you money in the long run.
#2. Don’t Buy Out of Convenience
It can be tempting to buy something just because it’s convenient, especially when we’re pressed for time.
However, convenience purchases add up and often come at a steep price.
Whenever possible, try to shop around for the best deal or take some extra time to look for coupons before making a purchase.
You might be surprised how much money you can save.
Not only that, but you could also be avoiding unhealthy snacks or meals that would otherwise tempt you due to their convenience.
So remember, don’t just buy out of convenience, think before buying!
#3. Cook Your Meals
Arguing that feeding takes a large chunk of most people’s income, one user suggested that cooking at home can help save food costs. Another user opined that choosing easy recipes instead of fancy recipes is the way to save on cooking ingredients.
One person added that potatoes and rice could be money-saving staples and, if paired with a personal green garden, can help keep some more dollars in your pocket.
#4. Fix Before Replacing
Your household items will, in time, break down, but fixing them before replacing them, many users suggested, helped them save some bucks.
One individual, however, sounded a warning that certain extremes might pose dangers that could make spending on replacement a better option. Another user claimed their grandmother wouldn’t let go of a 49-year-old microwave despite outlasting its useable life.
#5. Separate Wants from Needs
According to one user, identifying the difference between what you want and need can help you save money. Because an item is available on sale doesn’t mean you have to unseal your wallet.
The user further explained that pricing only sometimes dictates product quality and that your choice need doesn’t have to be the more expensive item.
#6. Save the Car for When You Need It
The cost of managing a car can dig holes in your purse quickly. One user advised that you drive when driving is unavoidable and treats gas cost as it has tripled in value. Another user suggests that driving at 55 mph can increase gas mileage.
If you must have a car, learn the tricks to how to never have a car payment again and save thousands in the process.
#7. Choose Your Partner and Circle Wisely
Defining wisdom for many can be challenging to pinpoint, but one user thinks you must be able to afford wisdom in choosing life partners and friends. The user argues that your life partner and social circles’ money habits can make or mar your money-saving goals depending on their tastes.
Here is where being a lone wolf makes the most sense, no?
#8. Avoid Subscribed Expenses
Several people agreed that subscription expenses could be draining your pocket. One user explained that subscribed expenses include anything that makes you pay an ongoing cost after your first financial commitment.
Another user cautioned that not all subscriptions are bad, citing health insurance as an essential subscription in the case of an emergency. If you ask me for a word here, I’ll scream.’ discretion.’
Finally, one person noted that you can hire someone to pay your bills to avoid wasting money on unwanted subscriptions.
#9. Track Your Spending
One user rightly opined that you couldn’t save if you can’t track your money. A regular review of expenses can help safeguard against reckless spending and help you to save more.
So while the idea of budgeting might not be the most exciting thing in the world, it is something that you need to do if you want to get ahead financially.
#10. When at the Supermarket, Pay Attention to the Bottom Shelf First
Unlike opinion threads, where you’ll often find the best ideas at the top, shopping from the bottom shelves tops the response list of easy breezy ways to save some money, according to one user.
As another self-described addicted shopper thinks, supermarkets push the more expensive brands into view, but the bottom shelves are often where the sweet deals are.
#11. Reusable Before Disposable
According to several users, a checklist that prioritizes the reusable over the disposable is a money-saving grace. For example, a user claimed that paper bags, plastic bottles, batteries, newspapers, and magazines could serve other household purposes.
Another user explained that choosing reusable over disposable will save you money and help protect your environment from excessive waste.
#12. Bulk Buying Saves Money
Several people agree that bulk buying items you often use can help save costs. One user explained that products are usually overpriced when sold singly than when bought in bulk because you wouldn’t have to pay for the excessive packaging.
Another countered that buying in bulk is the manufacturer’s way of making you buy more and spend lavishly.
But if I use it regularly, say the sanitary products, foods and drinks, and everyday needs, would buying in bulk to save some extra money cost me a thing? I don’t think so.
#13. Understand Your Values
If you tend to have regrets over purchases you made, it could be time to sit down and think about what you value.
Doing this will help you to spend money on things that make you happy and not spend on other things.
For example, if you love traveling, spend your money here.
If you don’t enjoy going out on the weekends to bars, invite your friends over for movie or game nights.
Use the money you would save to travel more.
#14. Do The Opposite
If you are bad with money, consider doing the opposite of what your natural impulse is.
When shopping, do you give in and buy junk food when in the frozen food section or chip aisle?
Next time, tell yourself you won’t buy these things.
Or maybe if you tend to hit the ATM multiple times on a night out, take out a little extra at the start, then leave your card at home.
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I have over 15 years experience in the financial services industry and 20 years investing in the stock market. I have both my undergrad and graduate degrees in Finance, and am FINRA Series 65 licensed and have a Certificate in Financial Planning.
Visit my About Me page to learn more about me and why I am your trusted personal finance expert.