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Your bills are too high! Why?
Is it because you’re reluctant to live on a smaller budget?
Living on less doesn’t mean you’re living in deprivation. It’s about being smart with your money.
It means eliminating unnecessary expenses (like those forgotten subscriptions that keep billing you).
It involves earning cash back on items you buy regularly.
Saving money does require some trade-offs, but it’s about deferring gratification for a greater reward.
Those little sacrifices—like skipping a candy bar, canceling cable, or missing a night out—will lead to significant benefits down the road!
Occasionally splurging on your favorite coffee or planning that dream vacation is great—you deserve it for all your hard work.
However, it’s crucial to be prepared for unexpected changes.
Whether you have a job or work from home, circumstances can shift, and your current income may not always be guaranteed.
The more you save now, the sooner you’ll achieve financial freedom!
You Will Learn About:
How Can I Save Money Every Day?
Frugality isn’t about avoiding spending money entirely.
It’s about using your money as efficiently as possible.
It’s about eliminating waste and optimizing how you manage your time and finances!
Let me show you that saving money without micromanaging every cent is entirely achievable!
The best part?
You can make these changes without drastically altering your lifestyle and still enjoy the results of your efforts.
Top Tips to Live On Less
Do you find yourself with little to no savings at the end of each month?
Check out these 65 smart money hacks that can significantly impact your finances without obsessing over every penny!
Money Hacks: Food
1. Cut Back on Dining Out.
To save money, you need to eat out less.
Grocery store food can be pricey, and dining out adds extra costs for preparation, service, rent, and tips.
It’s a major drain on your wallet!
2. Cook From Scratch.
Homemade meals are not only healthier but also cheaper.
Search for recipes online—try Google for top-rated recipes like “french toast recipe.”
Recipes that rank high usually have numerous positive reviews, leading you to delicious, cost-effective meals.
3. Cook in Bulk.
Prepare meals in larger quantities and freeze portions.
This way, you’ll always have ready-to-eat food, reducing the need to eat out and minimizing cooking time.
4. Use Residual Heat.
When cooking, turn off the heat near the end and cover your pot. The residual heat will continue cooking your food.
For instance, this trick works wonders with rice, saving you time and energy.
5. Buy Seasonal Produce.
Opt for fruits and vegetables that are in season.
Instead of buying strawberries in winter, go for seasonal options like oranges or mandarins.
Seasonal produce is cheaper and fresher. Use a seasonal food guide to track what’s in season.
6. Freeze Produce.
If fruits or vegetables start to spoil, freeze them.
This prevents waste and provides you with quick ingredients for smoothies and other meals.
7. Take Leftovers.
If you dine out, take your leftovers home.
For salads, request the dressing on the side and use a to-go box to keep your salad fresh.
8. Look for Kids-Eat-Free Deals.
Check out Wallet Hacks for a list of restaurants offering free meals for kids, organized by day.
9. Get Cheap Leftovers with Too Good to Go.
Too Good to Go connects you with restaurants selling leftover food at discounted prices.
Find and purchase your meals through the app, and pick them up later.
10. Use What You Have.
Before shopping, check your pantry to avoid buying more of what you already have.
This helps prevent waste and ensures you use up all your ingredients.
11. Eat Less Meat.
Incorporate meatless meals into your weekly plan.
Meat can be a significant expense. Reducing meat consumption not only saves money but can also introduce you to new, healthier recipes.
Consider buying whole cuts of meat and using more parts of the animal.
12. Look for Special Deals.
Many businesses offer discounts during off-peak hours.
Check for happy hour deals or special promotions at your favorite places.
13. Use Ingredient-Based Recipes.
Visit My Fridge Food to input ingredients you have and get recipes based on them.
This helps you use what you already have and reduce food waste.
14. Eat Raw Foods.
Plan more meals that require no cooking to save on energy costs.
Focus on fresh produce, salads, or overnight oats.
15. Try Extreme Budget Challenges.
Watch this video where Ardent Michelle attempts to live on $2 a day for a week.
16. Opt for Lunch Instead of Dinner.
Lunch menus are often cheaper than dinner menus, even if the meals are similar.
17. Use a Reusable Coffee Cup.
Many coffee shops offer discounts if you bring your own cup.
Invest in a travel mug to save on disposable cups and reduce environmental impact.
18. Try Intermittent Fasting.
16/8 intermittent fasting involves eating within an eight-hour window and fasting for the remaining 16 hours.
This can help reduce impulse eating and save money by limiting eating opportunities.
If you are interested to get it started, check out this great book.
Money Hacks: Around the House
19. Insulate Your Home.
Poor insulation means your money is flying out through doors and windows.
Ensure all frames around doors and windows are properly sealed, and fill any cracks in your home’s exterior.
In older homes, consider adding blow-in insulation to improve energy efficiency. The cost will be quickly offset by savings on energy bills.
20. Borrow What You Need Only Once.
For items you use infrequently, like lawn care tools or books, borrowing can be more cost-effective than buying.
Ask friends and neighbors if they can lend you what you need. You’ll save both money and storage space.
21. Bigger Isn’t Always Better.
Housing often represents a major expense.
Ideally, you should spend no more than 30% of your income on housing costs (including taxes and utilities).
If your home is larger than necessary, consider if downsizing could be a more cost-effective option.
Downsizing can lead to significant savings on mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowner’s association fees, and utilities.
22. Use Less Electricity (Turn Off Lights, Unplug Appliances).
Save on electricity by being mindful of your energy use.
Turn off lights when you leave a room and unplug appliances that are not in use, like your toaster oven.
These devices consume power even when idle, adding to your electricity bill.
23. Rent Out Part of Your Home on Airbnb.
Turn your spare space into a source of income by listing it on Airbnb. Whether it’s a finished basement, garage apartment, or spare bedroom, you can earn up to $200 a day depending on your location and room features.
Make necessary repairs, furnish the space attractively, and take clear photos to attract potential guests.
One of the greatest benefits of hosting on Airbnb is their coverage. They offer $1 million in property damage protection and another $1 million in insurance for accidents.
This ensures that your property is well-protected and you can host with peace of mind.
24. Install Water-Efficient Showerheads.
Using water-saving showerheads can significantly reduce your water usage.
You may experience slightly lower water pressure, but the reduction in your water bill can be substantial.
25. Invest in a Smart Thermostat.
I personally use a Nest Thermostat, which has saved us hundreds on heating bills over the past three years.
Smart thermostats offer precise control over your home’s temperature and allow you to set schedules for each day of the week.
You can adjust the settings remotely and monitor daily energy usage.
I appreciate how I can activate the heating remotely, ensuring a warm home upon arrival without wasting energy.
26. Switch to LED Lighting.
Modern LED bulbs last over ten years and are now more affordable.
By replacing just five of your most-used bulbs with LEDs, you could cut your electricity bill by approximately $225 annually.
27. Use Curtains and Blinds for Temperature Control.
Closing your curtains and blinds helps manage your home’s temperature by insulating against outside conditions.
Keeping them closed can also provide added privacy.
28. Utilize Oven Heat After Cooking.
After baking or roasting, leave the oven door open to allow the residual heat to warm your kitchen.
Just ensure it’s safe and avoid potential hazards, especially if you have children.
29. Avoid Excessive Use of Your Tumble Dryer.
Drying clothes on a line is not only more energy-efficient but also gives laundry a fresh scent.
In cooler months, drying outside is still feasible as long as you manage the humidity levels.
30. Organize a Secret Santa Gift Exchange.
During the expensive holiday season, consider setting up a Secret Santa gift exchange among adults. This way, you only need to buy one gift per person, easing the financial strain.
Children can still enjoy a pile of gifts under the tree.
Money-Saving Tips for Shopping
31. Earn Cash Back When You Shop, Dine, or Book Hotels.
Dosh simplifies cash-back rewards. Link your debit or credit cards, and you’ll earn cash back automatically at participating retailers.
There’s no need to scan receipts or redeem offers—just use your linked cards at stores like Walmart and Target, and Dosh will handle the rest.
You’ll receive a $1 Welcome bonus when you connect your card.
32. Get Cash Back on Amazon Purchases.
When shopping on Amazon, Rakuten provides cash back, applies promo codes, and offers a $10 Welcome Bonus.
Rakuten delivers cash back through checks every three months, and you can earn up to 40% at some retailers.
33. Receive Cash Back on Groceries.
To earn quick cash, try the Ibotta app.
This free app for iOS and Android gives cash back for grocery purchases. Just snap a photo of your receipt to receive cash that can be redeemed via PayPal, Walmart, Amazon gift cards, or Visa.
34. Explore Thrift Stores.
Thrift stores are excellent for finding affordable clothes, housewares, and furniture.
You might discover brand-new items at a fraction of their retail price. Before buying new items online, check thrift stores and local yard sales.
35. Opt for Generic Brands.
Don’t stick to name brands—generic options often cost significantly less and can be of equal or better quality.
Generic products are cheaper due to less marketing and simpler packaging. Be smart and choose value over brand loyalty.
36. Purchase Discounted Food Before Expiry.
Look out for markdowns on food items, such as bread. For instance, you might find a loaf marked down from $4 to $2. These discounts can significantly cut your grocery expenses.
37. Shop Midweek for Better Deals.
Shopping on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday can help you find more discounts on groceries.
Many stores offer midweek sales and exclusive discounts. Experiment with different days to discover when you can find the best deals.
38. Skip the Shopping Cart for Small Purchases.
When you only need a few items, carry them by hand instead of using a cart. This approach helps you avoid impulse buys and stick to your shopping list.
39. Compare Unit Prices.
Always check the unit price to find the best value. This information is usually displayed on the store shelf tag and helps you make more cost-effective choices.
40. Choose Used or Refurbished Items.
Buying scratch-and-dent or refurbished products can save you a substantial amount compared to new items.
41. Opt for Second-Hand Toys and Books.
For affordable toys and books, consider using Facebook swap groups. Many items are available for free or at a low cost.
Some groups may require you to list an item to participate in the swap. Look for Buy Nothing or Swap groups in your community.
42. Stick to a Shopping List.
Creating and following a shopping list is an effective way to manage expenses.
Base your list on your weekly meal plan and check your fridge and pantry for items you need to restock. Bringing a list helps you focus on what you need and avoid unnecessary purchases.
43. Unsubscribe from Promotional Emails.
Retailer newsletters are designed to encourage spending.
Unsubscribe from these emails or use Gmail’s Promotions tab to filter them out. This tab lets you easily check for special offers and discounts when you decide to shop.
44. Check Out Yard Sales.
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Yard and garage sales offer excellent deals as sellers aim to clear out items quickly. You can often negotiate prices and find great bargains on clothing, toys, bikes, and household goods.
Financial Tips: Managing Your Money
45. Focus on Paying Off Debt.
Prioritize debt repayment to save more money in the long run. The interest on debt usually outweighs any interest earned from savings.
Using extra funds to reduce debt is often more beneficial than saving them in a traditional account.
Debt Repayment Tip: Make debt payments at the start of the month to manage your finances better.
46. Automate Your Savings.
Set up automatic transfers to a savings account each month. Even small contributions can grow significantly over time.
Online savings accounts typically offer much higher interest rates than traditional banks.
Depositing at least $100 monthly can result in interest rates that are significantly above the national average.
47. Create a Budgeting Plan.
While budgeting may not seem like a quick fix, it’s essential for managing your finances.
Monitor your spending and develop a budget to gain control over your financial situation. Using a budgeting tool can simplify this process.
48. Save a Portion of Your Raise.
When you receive a raise, allocate a portion of the additional income to savings.
This allows you to benefit from the raise while also boosting your savings.
49. Try a No-Spend Day.
Challenge yourself to go an entire day without spending money. Plan ahead to avoid temptations, especially on weekends.
Opt for free or low-cost activities, like walking or biking, and bring meals from home. You may be surprised at how much you can save by avoiding unnecessary purchases.
50. Avoid Storing Credit Card Information Online.
I prefer not to save my credit card details on most online shopping sites, except for Amazon.
This practice helps prevent forgetting about unused accounts and reduces the temptation to make impulse buys.
Manually entering your credit card information can serve as a moment to reconsider your purchase.
51. Read Personal Finance Books.
Financial stability is crucial, even if money itself doesn’t guarantee happiness.
Reading personal finance books can enhance your understanding of managing money. Effective money management, debt repayment, and investment strategies can lead to financial security.
Check out this list of financial books. These books were instrumental in helping me achieve financial independence and transformed my perspective on money.
Money Hacks: Entertainment & Personal
52. Reduce Your Home and Auto Insurance Costs.
Insurance ads often urge you to call and save, but who has the time for that?
Fortunately, there’s an easier solution. Visit Insurify to compare rates for home and auto insurance. Enter your current details, and Insurify will find the best prices across major insurers for you.
53. Cut Down Your Internet Bill.
Are you paying too much for your internet service?
The reality is that internet providers often charge as much as possible without fixed rates.
Enter the Trim app, which helps reduce internet, phone, cable, and medical bills. Trim negotiates on your behalf and takes a cut of the savings. If they don’t save you money, you pay nothing. If they do, you keep 66% of the savings the first year and 100% thereafter.
54. Host Gatherings at Home.
Frequent dining out or drinks with friends can quickly add up.
Instead, invite friends over for a potluck or a themed evening like wine and cheese. Everyone can contribute, and you’ll enjoy a fun time at home for less.
55. Exchange Babysitting Services.
Regular babysitting can be costly.
Consider swapping babysitting duties with friends or family. You take a turn one night, and they cover another. It’s a great way to save money while ensuring reliable care for your children.
56. Wear Clothes Multiple Times.
If your clothes aren’t getting dirty, you can wear them multiple times.
For instance, if you work in an office setting or from home and your clothes stay clean, you can comfortably wear them 2-3 times before washing.
57. Utilize Your Library.
Your local library is a goldmine for saving on books, audiobooks, movies, and more.
Many libraries also offer free passes to local attractions and host free classes ranging from pottery to genealogy.
58. Adopt Smooth Driving Habits.
Your driving style affects fuel consumption. Avoid sudden braking and acceleration to improve fuel efficiency and reduce wear on your vehicle.
59. Pay for Items Annually.
Although paying annual bills in one lump sum can be tough, it often comes with discounts.
Many companies offer 5-10% off if you pay annually instead of monthly. Budget for these expenses and enjoy the savings.
60. Maintain Your Vehicle.
Regular car maintenance, such as oil changes and keeping tires properly inflated, improves fuel efficiency and prevents costly repairs.
61. Consider Carpooling.
Carpooling with others reduces fuel costs and lowers your carbon footprint. It might also provide perks like access to carpool lanes.
62. Plan Efficient Errands.
Combine errands and plan your routes to minimize trips and save on gas.
63. Negotiate Your Car Insurance Annually.
If your car insurance policy has been in place for over a year and your driving record remains clean, you might be eligible for a better rate.
Insurance rates are often based on outdated information. Making a call to negotiate could result in significant savings.
64. Do Chores During Off-Peak Hours.
Running appliances during off-peak times can lower your energy bills. Power companies often charge less during periods of lower demand, such as early mornings or late evenings.
65. Unplug Unused Electronics.
Many devices consume power even when not in use. Unplug chargers, game consoles, and other electronics when not needed to reduce energy consumption and lower your bills.
66. Cut Out Cable and Limit TV Watching.
We canceled cable a few years ago, saving around $900 annually. Instead, we use streaming services like Amazon Prime.
Money Hacks: Travel
67. Save on Flight Costs.
To find cheap flights, use Scott’s Cheap Flights. Enter your home airport and preferred destinations, and receive alerts for significant flight deals, often saving 40-90%.
68. Shop on Foreign Websites for Better Deals Abroad.
When traveling internationally, shop on local websites to find better deals on accommodations and activities. This approach often yields lower prices compared to international booking sites.
69. House-Sit for Free or Get Paid.
Consider house-sitting abroad to stay for free and enjoy the entire property to yourself.
No motel room can match this deal. Platforms like:
may require a fee but offer significant savings.
70. Clear Cookies for Better Deals.
Browsers track your activity with cookies, which can affect prices you see online.
Clear your cookies or use Incognito/Private mode to reset this tracking and find better flight deals.
To summarize:
- Clear your cookies before and after searches.
- Avoid accepting cookies on initial site visits.
- Use Incognito/Private mode for browsing to prevent cookies from affecting your searches.
How Can I Live On Less Income?
The key to living on less income is spending less than you earn.
While this is simple in theory, it’s challenging in practice. Align your spending with your core values—whether it’s family, travel, or health—to make spending less easier.
Prioritize what matters most to you and adjust other expenses accordingly. For instance, you might splurge on travel to visit loved ones but cut back on less important areas.
The Bottom Line
Managing money on a tight budget can be tough, but being frugal means making deliberate choices that align with your values.
By being thoughtful about your spending, you’ll have more financial breathing room and savings in the bank.
I hope these hacks prove useful and inspire you to take charge of your finances.
Do you have any additional money-saving tips? Share them in the comments below!
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