Saving money does not mean depriving yourself of the things you love. It means smarter spending and getting more value per dollar. From food to household items to even coffee in the mornings, many ways exist to cut expenses without sacrificing quality. This article will take a look at smart ways to save money. These are some frugal yet practical ways to save on a day-to-day basis.
Grocery Shopping Tips That Actually Work
Plan Your Meal and Create a Grocery List
Have you ever walked into a store to purchase a few items and wound up coming home with a cart load of things you didn’t need? That’s just what retailers are looking to get you to do. The secret is to meal-plan for the week and create a shopping list. Stick to it, and you won’t be making those impulse purchases that creep up on you.
Buy in Bulk (But Only Where It Is Economical)
Buying in bulk is a great money saver if you’re going to use it all. Stock up on staples like rice, pasta, canned goods, and household staples like toilet paper. But if it’s something that will expire quickly, such as fruits or milk, buy what you know you can use up before it goes bad. Otherwise, you’re wasting money.
Try Generic Brands
Name-brand products do not necessarily need to be better. In most instances, store-brand versions are equally good but a considerable bargain. Give them a shot—you won’t even be able to tell a difference!
Use Coupons and Cashback Apps
There are many apps that provide you with a cashback or discount on your food shopping purchases. There is money back on purchases you would already be making through apps such as Ibotta, Rakuten, and Fetch Rewards. Every little bit counts over time!
Cutting Costs on Home Essentials
Ditch Paper Towels and Disposable Items
Paper towels, napkins, and disposable cleaning wipes can be cheap up front, but their cost can add up quickly. Replace them with washable cleaning wipes, reusable rags, and reusable cloths. In addition to saving you money, you will be helping the environment.
Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies
Most store-bought cleaners are nothing more than a mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and water—items you probably already have in your house. One of our smart ways to save money is to Say goodbye to costly cleaning chemicals and opt for do-it-yourself alternatives. Vinegar and water in a mixture can be used to clean countertops, windows, and even some floors.
Buy Second-hand or Refurbished
Choose to buy used for household items like furniture, electronics, or small appliances. Sites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local thrift stores offer great deals. Or, if you would prefer to buy new, check out refurbished models, which typically sell at a significant discount but work just like new ones.
Saving on Clothes and Fashion
Shop Off-Season
Retail stores mark season-ending pieces for sale. Winter coats in the spring and swimsuits in autumn are ridiculously low-priced. Be a planner, buy off-season, and you won’t be spending a fortune again.
Thrift Stores and Online Retailers
You’d be surprised at the designer pieces you can find in thrift stores. Individuals often donate gently used items that just require a little wear, and you can score brand-name pieces for a percentage of their original price tag. If you love shopping in your pajamas, check Poshmark, Depop, or eBay for gently used styles at a discount price.
Repair Rather Than Replace
A missing button or a small tear won’t ruin your favorite shirt. With a little knowledge of sewing, you won’t be forced to prematurely replace clothes. Tailors can also carry out inexpensive small repairs, and your clothes will last a great deal longer.
Save Big by Bundling Insurance Policies
If you’re purchasing different insurance plans separately, you might be leaving money on the table. Most companies offer a discount when you purchase two or more policies in conjunction with each other. So, you pay one combined premium at a lower price point, typically saving you 10% or more.
Beyond the financial savings, combining insurance plans, like bundling car and renters insurance policies for instance, also keeps you from having to manage multiple insurance policies. One company is handling both of them, so you won’t have to worry about multiple bills to pay or one place to contact in case you need to file a claim. Some companies even give you bonuses in the form of lower deductibles or better coverage options for bundling.
If you’ve not compared your insurance options in a while, it’s well worth getting a quote to work out just how much you can save. One phone call to your company or spending some time on their website can put more money in your pocket every month.
Getting the Most for Your Money on Electronics and Gadgets
Wait for Sales
Patience pays when it comes to smart ways to save money. The big brands typically adhere to a regular sales schedule, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back-to-school sales. If you can hold on for a few months, you can typically get a great bargain.
Consider Past Models
Newer doesn’t always mean better. With every new phone, computer, or TV that is released, the old one is usually discounted in price. Buying last year’s model is a money saver unless you need the new functionality.
Saving Money on Transportation
Carpool or use Public Transit
If you work every day, consider sharing a ride to work with colleagues or using public transport a few days a week. This will save you gas, parking fees, and vehicle maintenance.
Keep Your Car Well-Maintained
Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks can also prevent expensive repairs in the future, saving you a costly breakdown.
Compare Gas Prices Gas
Gas prices vary widely between stations. GasBuddy is one of many apps that allows you to find the lowest gas prices in your area, so you won’t overpay when you fuel up.
Final Words
You don’t have to alter your lifestyle to find smart ways to save money. Small, everyday decisions—such as making coffee at home, using coupons, or buying store brands—are cumulative over time. The most important thing is to be mindful of where you’re spending money and to be on the lookout for ways to cut unnecessary expenses. You’ll be shocked at how much you can save with a little effort and frugal shopping!
Image Credit: Photo by Alexander Grey; Unsplash
