Sometimes simple things can help save considerably. A Reddit user wanted to know what things are perceived as simple but help people save money. Other Reddit users chimed into this conversation. Here are some of the best responses.
Use Your Local Library
The library has a wealth of information you can access freely, says one user, “I went through a period when I was dirt poor. We didn’t have internet, didn’t have Netflix, didn’t have cable. I read a lot during this time, and all of the new books I wanted to read, too, without paying a penny.”
Do Not Buy Coffee
A user points out that spending on coffee can eat into your budget, “This. Coffee is way overpriced, and generally, the quality isn’t that great. Way cheaper and better to brew your own.” Making your own coffee at home is a great frugal living tip!
Avoid Impulse Buying
One person urges others to take time before buying anything, “If you really want to buy something, don’t buy it and wait two or three days. If you still want to buy it, then do so.”
Reduce Eating Out
Eating out also makes one spend a lot, as one user points out, “Reduce eating out. Take your breakfast and lunch with you to work.”
Stop Buying Cheap Stuff
One user says that most people do not look at how much they spend on the cheap stuff and end up spending a lot, “Stop buying so many under 5 dollar things. A lot of people just swipe away $1 or $2 over and over. Then they look at how much money they have left and are completely lost on where it could have gone.”
Keep Track of Your Habits
By keeping track of spending, you will learn where the money goes and save something, says another user, “Keep track of it! Honestly, it’s the one thing that helps the most, especially if you don’t use cash for most of your shopping. Keep a spreadsheet with the expenses you make, and it will help you see what you may waste a lot of money on without realizing it. It’s the first step towards saving money.”
Get Rid of Cable TV
A member says there are other cheaper entertainment options to explore, “I haven’t seen this mentioned yet: get rid of cable TV. I’m saving about $100 a month by just going to the internet and subscribing to Netflix and Hulu.”
Eat Fresh In-season Produce
A user urges others to spend money on products that are in season because they will be cheaper, “Eat fresh produce in season. It’s cheaper. A good example right now, blueberries and strawberries are $1.50 per carton at Aldi. In 2 months, it’ll be $4+.”
Do Not Buy Branded Medicine
“You don’t need to buy branded medicine for things like Paracetamol or Hay Fever tablets. The non-branded ones are much cheaper, and the ingredients should be the same,” argues one user
Shop Around for Gyms
Gym memberships can be expensive. Before you pay, shop around for discounts as one user notes, “On the workout thing: shop around at different gyms if you don’t have the means to own your own equipment. I have a friend who found a community rec center with a $35 sign-up fee, and he pays $9 a month.”
Buy Quality Items
Go for quality products that will last longer, says another user, “Save up for that item which will last long. Don’t get caught up in the cycle of upgrades and upsizes.”
Save Automatically
Creating a system where you save a certain portion of the money you make automatically urges one user, “Decide how much you want to save monthly. Automatically save as soon as you get paid, then pay bills, then spend leftover. If you can’t save how much you want, decide how much you can save. Automatically save as soon as you get paid. As you get used to not having that amount increase slowly until you reach how much you want to save.”
Do Not Spend Money on Lottery Tickets
A member says chances of winning the lottery are low, and people throw their money away, “Never buy lottery tickets. You are not going to win the $million prize. You’ll end up spending $10 a week and maybe win $5 a month.”
Conserve Energy
A member urges people to conserve energy at home and save money, “Replace any halogen bulbs in your home with LEDs, pay for themselves pretty quickly. In fact, check all your lighting for the energy cost & get rid of anything that is above 40W. EDIT – of course, I’m talking about light bulbs here!”
Pay off Credit Cards
Credit cards accrue interest, and they could be substantial if you are late; according to another member, “Pay off your credit cards in full every week. Obviously, paying off your cards in full is great for your finances by itself, but when you do it this regularly, your credit card bill will have fewer surprises, and you’ll passively think about the cost of what you’re buying.”
Pay Bills When You Receive Them
Avoid penalties by paying bills early, says one user, “Pay your bills when they arrive, not when they’re due. It doesn’t cost anything extra, plus when some emergency comes up, or you’re just short that month, you won’t be socked with late fees because you had to choose between paying for that unexpected expense or that bill you put off.”
Fix Stuff Yourself
Learn how to fix simple things at home instead of calling professionals who charge a lot of money urges one user, “Fix everything, cook everything, do stuff manually, read more, and walk/run/bike whenever possible. These activities create value, improve your health and skillsets, and promote a non-consumerist approach to daily life.”
Take Care of Your Health
According to one member, health complications can be expensive in the long run, “Especially if you live in the States, take care of your body and your teeth. People underestimate how much poor health habits can cost you over the course of a lifetime. If you eat poorly and don’t exercise, you are much more susceptible to health complications that cost a lot of money.”
Plan Out Your Meals Before Shopping
Before you go shopping know exactly what you need to avoid impulse buying, says one user,
“Plan out your meals, then go grocery shopping. That way, you know you have all of the ingredients for the meals you want, you don’t impulse buy (as much), and you won’t really be tempted to eat out.”
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This article was produced and syndicated by A Dime Saved.