We all want to make more money, but it seems like it can be such hard work sometimes. You either have to take a whole new job or spend $0 on fun things until you’ve reached the amount of money you want. However, you don’t need to make such sacrifices anymore! Here are 25 easy ways that anyone can start saving money.
Budget
I’ve said it before, and I’ll keep saying it because it’s so important: Budget, budget, budget. If you haven’t, then start; if you have one, then sit down and re-evaluate. It can never hurt to go over your budget again and work out any kinks. This will help you be more accountable with where and how you spend your money.
Snowball Method
If you have debts that are gathering interest, here’s the best way to pay them off and keep that money for yourself. Instead of spreading your extra money across multiple different payments, only pay the minimum on all but one—the smallest one. From there, work you’re way up through the next biggest debt until they’re all gone.
Overpay
Like the snowball method, overpay a bit on your debts or credit cards as much as you can. This will keep the interest levels down while also helping you whittle away at the debt as a whole.
Water Meter
Invest in a water meter for your house. This will help you measure and keep track of how much water you’re using and when so that you can figure out ways to make your water use more efficient.
Pack Lunches
Don’t buy lunches for you or your family. Instead, spend some time every night or morning and make packed lunches. This saves you money (since packed lunches are cheaper than ones you buy), but it’s also probably healthier since you’ll be controlling what you and your family eat.
Keep Doors and Windows Shut
This is especially important if you have kids or animals in the house. Doors and windows often get opened and never get shut, letting the cold air out during the summer and hot air out during the winter. This, in turn, makes you pay more to keep your home at a nice temperature.
Seal Cracks or Leaks
Besides keeping doors and windows shut, you’ll also want to check for any cracks or leaks in them that are slowly letting in cold or hot air. Even if it’s a subtle crack, it can costs hundreds of dollars to be thrown away on your utilities.
Garden
Save some money by growing your own vegetables, fruit, and herbs. You’d be surprised at how much money you spend on those kinds of foods, plus it’s a great way to be self-sufficient and get out in the great weather!
Check Offers
Before you go shopping or out to buy something, check to make sure you’re getting the best deal. This might mean spending a few extra minutes scanning online for competing prices or looking over a store’s catalogue, but it’s worth it if you can save some money!
Rebate Program
There are tons of rebate programs you can get involved in or couponing sites that save you money! Ebates is one of the most popular, but you can enroll in numerous programs with all sorts of different perks and benefits.
Buy Used Books or free Kindle books
If you love to read and have your own library, then buy your books secondhand or buy electronic versions. I’m not a fan of e-books, but you can get some great deals (even free books) if you use a Kindle or other similar product. If you want a hard copy, then buy a gently used copy that you can still read but doesn’t cost nearly as much.
Use the Library
If you like to read but don’t care about owning your own books, then consider just using the library. You usually only have to pay a one time fee (or small annual fee) to get a library card and then you can read as many books as you want.
Buy in Bulk
This isn’t always the case, but buying in bulk makes the price of each individual item go down significantly. If you have a big family or go through certain items really quickly, then this is a great idea.
For small things, don’t buy in bulk
However, buying in bulk may actually be bad for you. If you live by yourself or your family doesn’t go through things like milk or ranch very fast, then buying them in bulk may be a waste of money. If you find yourself throwing out food before it gets used, then stop buying in bulk and buy the size that you’ll actually use.
Save Spare Change
It might be tempting to just leave your change in the cash register or get rid of it, but don’t! Keep your spare change and collect it. Over time, you’ll get a pretty hefty collection of change that you can use for whatever you want!
Turn off Lights
Get you and your family in the habit of turning off lights when they’re not being used. This seems especially difficult for kids to grasp, but it’s a good habit to start. You’d be surprised at how often this happens and how much money you can save if you can start turning them off when not in use.
Coupon, Coupon, Coupon
There’s really no reason not to use coupons. They’re easy to get, free, and give you great deals on products you were probably already going to buy. Look for store and manufacturer coupons to save twice as much.
Don’t Get Sucked into Sales
Just because something is on sale doesn’t mean that you need it. Avoid the urge to say, “Oh! It’s on sale now, so I should buy it before they’re all gone” or something similar. If you tell yourself that, then you probably didn’t need the item in the first place.
Buy Based on Value, Not Price
This is hard for some people to do (I was one of them), but it really is better to buy based on value and not on price. A shirt that’s $5 but falls apart in two days isn’t nearly as smart of an investment as a $20 shirt that last you years.
Buy Used Baby Clothes
It’s silly to buy brand new baby and kid clothes. They’re going to outgrow them in a few months, and then you’ll just have to spend more money. Buy used (but still clean and good quality) baby clothes since they’re only going to be used for a little bit.
Use Less Laundry Detergent
Companies are tricky when it comes to laundry detergent because they usually put a scoop that is way too big so you’ll use more cleaner. Clever, right? Beat them at their own game by using less detergent (usually half the scoop will do the trick), and you’ll take a lot longer to go through it all.
No Gym Membership
I’ve always found it funny that people will drive to go to the gym. I know you do more than run and walk at the gym, but you’re wasting money on gas and the gym membership when you do that. Get rid of the membership and buy a workout DVD or run outside if you want.
Join Free Customer Rewards Programs
The trick here is to make sure that the rewards program is actually free. Some stores make you pay for their program, which I don’t think is usually worth it. But if it’s free and you can get access to great deals and coupons, then why not? If you hate the emails, then just create an email specifically for rewards programs.
Make a List
When you go to the store, make a list and stick to it! Don’t get distracted by fancy deals on products you don’t need or yummy food that isn’t good for you or your wallet. When you stick to your list, you only get things you need and save money!
Drink More Water
This may sound like a health tip, but it’s also a financial one! By drinking water more, you’ll cut things out like pop that can get pretty expensive (especially name brand). You’ll also be more full at dinner, which means you’ll eat less, which means you’ll spend less money on groceries! It’s a win-win!
Here are a Few Other Great Ways to Save Money or Supplement Your Income:
7 Serious Ways to Add $500 to Your Income
5 Ways to Save $500
22 Online Stores That Offer Free Shipping
50 Ways to Earn Extra Money on the Side
Top 54 Side Hustles to Make Extra Money on the Side
12 Surprising Ways to Save Money
8 Legit Ways to Make Money From Home
15 Legit Ways to Make an Extra $1500 a Month