To build wealth, finding ways to earn more must be combined with knowing easy ways to save money. But, not all of us have the sense of pinching pennies. This can be developed by understanding the importance of saving money and make a habit of the daily ways to save money.
In this post, we will share everything there’s to know about different ways to save money.
Easy Ways to Save Money on a Tight Budget | Your One-Stop Guide
The Basics
1. Assess Your Current Situation
There are a lot of quick and easy ways to save money on a tight budget.
But to find out which will work best for you, you have to take a good look at your current financial situation and find out where you can adjust your finances to start saving little by little. This way, you’ll also see chances for easy ways to save money.
You also need to set long-term goals to increase your motivation to save. Having fixed numbers like a specific amount in your savings account also helps you be on target.
2. Create a Budget
One of the most effective and easy ways to save money is by creating a budget.
Although starting one and maintaining it may seem difficult at first, it can become second nature to you once you get used to it. It just requires discipline, focus, and dedication.
However, it pays off, literally, eventually. Once you get the hang of it, budgeting will be easier. You’ll also know what to scrimp on and get savings from. Your hard-earned money will go a long way when you stick to a budget.
3. Monitor Your Expenses
Nowadays, tracking your spending is easier and convenient with the use of online tools and apps you can access through your smartphone or cell phone. You can check your budget anytime and anywhere when you need to.
By monitoring your expenses, you get a good grasp of your spending habits. You’ll also know what to cut and how much to save by doing so.
This will help you avoid impulse buys. This will also teach you how to budget money on a low income.
4. Categorize
It’s easier to monitor your budget and manage your finances if you have categories set up for all expenses. You get to see how much you allocate for each area of your life, such as food, education, housing, and entertainment.
And by doing so, you can easily control how much money is going to certain expenses you may have to cut back on.
5. Stick to Your Budget
If you have created a budget for yourself but did not stick with it, it’s like going back to where you have started.
To continuously save money, you need to have discipline and stick to the budget you’ve made. You can develop the discipline to keep to your savings plan by reminding yourself of your goals.
Creative Ways to Save Money Through Lifestyle Changes
6. Save Money with Your Kids Playing Sports
This is definitely one of the fun ways to save money. Do you have kids who are big enough to play and enjoy sports? Well, don’t worry, because you can save money from that too.
Instead of buying all brand new equipment, why not buy used ones in good condition? You might also want to consider renting your equipment instead of buying brand new ones.
7. Opt for Affordable Date Ideas
Dating can get expensive. Don’t get us wrong because we’re all for enjoying life with your significant other.
But if you’re looking to save more money without compromising your date nights, then this might be for you.
8. Consider Staycations
With Instagram-dictated travel goals, destinations, and deals left and right, it’s harder to save money on travel expenses.
But instead of splurging on a weekend getaway to somewhere extravagant, why not consider having a staycation? If you want to save more, you can just stay at home and binge watch on your favorite TV series.
9. Use Coupons
Learn and master the art of couponing. You can do this especially when you go to the grocery.
By doing so, you get to save more instead of spending more.
The idea of it may seem overwhelming at first. But if you start with the brands you love, it won’t be much of a burden, especially since you get cash back, discounts, and freebies afterwards.
10. Conserve Water and Energy
Utilities can eat up a big chunk of your monthly paycheck. Check your water, electricity, and heating usage.
The average American pays a whopping $304 a month on utilities alone.
By conserving water and energy, you get to help Mother Nature and save money as well. That’s hitting two birds with one stone.
11. Avoid Swiping Your Credit Card
Credit cards are convenient to use because as long as you have them, you won’t need to worry about bringing too much cash. However, it can be a disadvantage for most people who are trying to stay within their budget.
Because of the convenience of a credit card, many tend to overspend. But by charging only what you can afford, you avoid interests and credit card debts.
12. Get Out of Debt
Saving money while paying your debts is difficult, but it’s possible. Of course, your top priority is to pay your debts, so you can attain financial freedom eventually.
However, you still need to save money for rainy days and other emergencies that may come. You don’t necessarily have to save a huge amount, just enough so you’ll have something if you need it.
13. Save on Car Insurance
Car insurance is expensive, and people purchase it in the hopes they’ll not need it.
It costs a lot, but you can save money on it too.
14. Take Advantage of Sales
If you love shopping for high-quality, branded clothes, you’d be happy to learn there are places to buy them at lower prices.
Many popular branded clothing stores are fast fashion retailers. That means they sell clothes that reflect the most recent catwalk designs without requiring you to pay catwalk prices.
15. Ask for Discounts
It helps to ask, especially if it’s asking for a discount.
Salespeople often have several discounts to give away, but they only give them to those who ask.
16. Use Your Air Miles
Does your job require you to travel across the country frequently? If yes, then you might have heard of “miles” but ignored it.
Take advantage of these because when you reach certain points, you get to redeem rewards such as free hotel accommodations, flights, car rentals, access to events, and passes to famous attractions.
17. Travel Off-Peak
Want to go to your dream destination but don’t want to spend much?
Then consider traveling during off-peak seasons. Apart from saving money, you get to avoid the tourist crowds and enjoy more places in peace.
Save Money on Food
18. Cook More
Eat out less, cook more. Trust us; it will save you more money.
Plus, it’s healthier for you and your family because you know exactly what you’re putting in your body.
As they say, health is wealth. It’s true because you get to save on hospital and medicine bills too.
19. Save Your Leftovers
Think of all the leftovers many people throw away. When you throw away your leftovers, doesn’t it feel like throwing your money away too? Use your leftovers wisely.
Turn them into something else, especially if you have a lot of them left over from the holidays. Turn that roasted turkey into a sandwich the next day, pasta into a frittata, or your grilled vegetables into a magnificent soup.
20. Plan Your Meals
Cut back on your expenses by avoiding eating out at restaurants. It’s always better for your wallet and your health to plan your meals and cook them at home.
Although it’s time-consuming and requires effort, you can rest assured your food is clean and well-prepared.
Plus, you get to save more money by staying away from restaurant meals.
21. Bring Your Own Water
Consuming at least eight glasses of water a day is good because it hydrates our body. It’s also cheaper than purchasing factory-bottled beverages every day.
So why not commit to bringing your water bottle every day? This way, you can make sure you’re always hydrated without spending money on bottled drinks that cause the landfills to swell.
Earn Money
22. Invest
Investments can help you grow your money over time.
Yes, it will take quite some time for it to reach the level you want them to be, but as long as you keep your money there, you’re sure to get something someday.
23. Make Extra Money on the Side
If you want to save money faster, you may want to consider making extra money on the side. Let’s face it, not everyone’s income is enough for them to live comfortable lives.
If you want to save money faster and you don’t mind putting in some extra hard work and time, getting a side hustle will certainly work for you.
24. Make Extra Money in Retirement
If you’re already enjoying retirement, you can still save money for something, such as a trip to your dream destination. It’s not too late to enjoy life and make it happen even in your later years.
There are some ways to make easy money. They include starting a blog about something you’re passionate about or renting your house out.
25. Sell Stuff You Don’t Need Anymore
Do you have things of value you don’t need anymore? You can make some extra cash by selling them.
There’s a lot of options when it comes to this. You can take pictures of these items and sell them on eBay or Craigslist.
Or you can set up a good, old-fashioned garage sale.
You get to get rid of your clutter, open up more space at home, and, most importantly, make money you can save.
Watch this video from Get Out Of Debt for 9 ways to save money on a tight budget:
There are plenty of ways to save money on a tight budget. And in order for you to consistently save money, you need to have discipline, dedication, and commitment.
At times it can be challenging. But continue sticking to your budget until such time you get used to it and it becomes part of your daily routine.
Up Next: 15 Ideal Saving Money Tips From Reddit
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in February 2018 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
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