Saving money is one thing a lot of people struggle to do. While many have plans to do it, executing it can be challenging.
Putting money aside for rainy days and financial goals is becoming even more challenging with inflation. In these difficult times, one great way out would be to incorporate easy money-saving tips in your daily life. If you are starting, you do not need to go extreme; these 15 almost effortless tips will help you save more.
1. Automate Savings
Automating your savings will ensure you save money from every paycheck you receive.
This is one of the best and the most effortless ways to put some aside as soon as you receive it.
For starters, it will save you from the temptation of spending your entire paycheck in the hope of saving what remains after.
Besides, you do not have to think and do the savings; the execution is automatically done for you.
2. Use Cashback Apps
Cashback apps help you earn back a percentage of your money on everyday purchases.
Ensure to use them when shopping for clothes, groceries, or even booking your holidays.
Besides the possibility of earning back a percentage from your purchases, cashback apps allow you to compare prices from different merchants, connect you with coupons, and track price drops of products you are interested in.
Cashback apps are one of the best ways to save money while shopping; start using them today.
3. Avoid Impulse Buying
Impulse buying often entails buying things you do not need, which end up being at the cost of the things you will need later on.
It could look like buying new clothes at the start of the month and not having enough money for groceries weeks later.
Impulse buying is a problem many people acknowledge and would like to stop. If you are on this boat, start by creating a budget and sticking to it. Also, consider shopping strictly using a shopping list, shopping with a full stomach, and finding hobbies other than shopping. These will help you stop purchasing things you did not plan for.
4. Unsubscribe From Marketing Emails
We know marketing emails often come with deals, discount codes, and promotions. We understand you want to be the first to buy when a product launches. But at what cost?
Those one-day deals are often too good to resist. Take the hard step and unsubscribe from those marketing emails today. It may go a long way in helping stop the habit of overspending online.
5. Pack Your Lunch
According to a Visa Lunch Survey, Americans who buy lunch spend $5 more per meal than those who pack their lunch. This would be on the lower side; the difference typically goes higher.
If you pack your lunch to work, you could save at least $1200 per year.
Besides, having your lunch packed means you’ll have more time during your lunch break. You could also think of it as an opportunity to eat more healthily.
6. Lower Your Thermostat
Heating and cooling take up a considerable percentage of your electricity bills. If you want to lower it, the starting point should be lowering the heating and air conditioning costs.
Lower your thermostat setting to the lowest comfortable figure you can have.
The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your cooling and heating bills.
Consider going even lower when you are asleep or away from the house.
7. Buy Generic Brands
Why go for expensive brand names when you can go for cheaper and equally reliable generic brands?
Buying generic brands for some products will save you a lot more money.
Some of the items you should consider buying generic include cleaning products, trash bags, makeup, medications, foodstuffs, personal care products such as shampoo, and pet supplies.
With inflation, staying loyal to expensive brands no longer makes no sense. Do your budget a favor and find cheaper options; they almost always work.
8. Shop at Thrift Stores
Whether you want to buy clothes, toys, household tools, furniture, or books, consider looking for them in second-hand stores first.
You will likely find items still in excellent condition at low prices in these stores. Sometimes, you may even find items with tags showing that they have never been worn.
If you are lucky, you may land vintage designer pieces that would cost a fortune when new.
9. Cancel Unused Subscriptions
According to PYMNTS CNBC, the average American has five paid subscriptions that cost an average of $133 monthly. Their study further shows that 42% of these people keep financing a membership they do not use because they are typically on auto-pay. People often stay months and months before canceling subscriptions they do not use; it is easy to forget about them.
The study additionally reveals that millennials are the most affected age group, as an average one would have 17 paid subscriptions or more!
Cancel subscriptions as soon as you know you will not use them as frequently as before.
It could be streaming services, dating apps, gyms, music services such as Spotify and Apple Music, online gaming services, and Amazon Prime.
Find services you can do without or those you no longer use and cancel them immediately.
10. Reduce Food Waste
The first step to avoiding food wastage is always inventorying your pantry, fridge, and freezer before grocery shopping. Failing to do it often results in overbuying things that may go bad.
Secondly, always create a meal plan and work with what you already have.
Thirdly, and probably the most important, is learning to reuse leftovers. Leftovers often end up in the trash, which is a huge waste of money. Save your leftovers well, eat them another day, or reuse them creatively. If you cannot eat it in the following few meals, you can label it well and store it in your freezer.
Just be sure it is well organized so that food does not get lost in there.
And lastly, learn to store your perishables well. Many fruits and vegetables end up in waste because of poor storage.
11. Compare Prices Online
Find a price comparison tool or website, and always compare prices from different online brands and retailers before purchasing.
There are many websites and apps that allow you to compare the product’s features, prices, and available shipping options, allowing you to choose from a merchant that gives the best deal.
Some of the best include PriceGrabber, Google Shopping, Shopping.com, and ShopZilla.
12. Use Energy-efficient Appliances
Whether it is fridges, dryers, washers, air conditioners, or even light bulbs, always choose the most energy-efficient option.
Energy-efficient appliances may be expensive to buy, but they pay back in the long run. With them, you will have lower energy and water bills while protecting the environment.
Also, according to the US Department of Energy, energy-efficient appliances are typically built to last longer. You will likely avoid the cost of frequent replacements when you go for them.
Always check out the energy efficiency of appliances and make comparisons before purchasing.
13. Utilize Free Resources
Before you pay for online services, look if there are free options. For instance, why pay expensively for budgeting apps when there are many equally great free options? You could also stick to the old-fashioned way and have your budget sheet.
Another great example would be word processing software. If you are on a budget, you could let go of paid brands and use Google Docs, which is free.
14. Avoid ATM Fees
You can avoid ATM fees in several ways, including banking with a bank that does not charge it. You could also find options for banks that reimburse ATM fees.
Secondly, you can always get options to pay without cash. Always check with the business in advance to see if they accept credit cards, Apple or Android Pay. If they do, take advantage.
Thirdly, always use your bank’s ATM network. Withdraw from your bank’s ATMs to avoid non-network fees. To succeed in this, you will need to find a bank with a strong network in your area.
15. Turn off Electronics
Unplug all devices not in use or when they are done charging. This will not only save energy but also extend the lifespan of your devices.
According to the US Department of Energy, homeowners can save up to $100 to $200 annually by unplugging devices.
While some devices are best left on, those that should be turned off and unplugged include TVs, computers, game consoles, microwaves, printers, washing machines, and tumble dryers. Having them on standby wastes energy.
Effortless Ways To Save Money
Saving money often lies in the simple day-to-day activities we do. If you are looking to do it, then you should jump at any opportunity that comes your way. Sometimes the difference may not seem huge at face value, but they add up. Incorporate these simple money-saving tips in your life for the small differences that count.
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This article was produced and syndicated by A Dime Saved.
