How to Save Money Tips
80 Small and Big Ways to Save Money This Year
If one of your goals is to save money this year, then make a few changes here and there to save a little or a lot. Remember the little things do add up! Read this list below on suggestions for saving money, and pick a few for a 2016.
- Bring lunch to work
- Take public transportation
- Drop your landline and rely on your cell phone
- Reassess your savings accounts
- Make your gifts
- Make your own cleaning products, like detergent and carpet cleaner
- Cook more and eat out less often
- Be aware of bank fees
- Make a list before grocery shopping
- Grocery shop at lower-priced supermarkets like ethnic stores
- Buy generic products
- Don't go to the grocery store when hungry
- Entertain indoors
- Explore free activities on the weekend
- Shop your wardrobe
- Wait on purchases before buying them
- Get a home energy audit
- Seal up air leaks in your home to cut heating and cooling costs
- Buy generic medicine
- Use your health benefits
- Skype instead of making long-distance calls
- Turn roaming off and rely on WiFi when traveling
- Know the right things to buy in bulk
- Reassess your Internet and cable provider and see if you can find a cheaper plan
- Turn off lights that aren't in use
- Unplug electronics when not in use
- Use cold water to wash your clothes
- Hang dry your clothing instead of tumbling it in the dryer
- Hand wash your clothing instead of taking it to the dry cleaner when possible
- Drink tap water instead of bottled water. Consider investing in a filter
- Cancel cable and watch your favorite shows online
- Work out outdoors, play sports, or go to a friend's gym instead of paying for a gym membership
- Shop at the farmers market
- Swap clothes, bags, and accessories with friends
- Google coupons before buying something online
- Renegotiate your cell phone plan, find a new carrier, or cancel some features to save money
- Use a prepaid phone instead of signing up for a phone plan
- Read books and magazines from the library
- Make your own coffee at home
- Return the purchases you need to return
- Sell your old things
- Buy used items
- Automate payments so you won't forget and be charged with late fees
- Negotiate a lower APR
- Upcycle your old items instead of throwing them away
- Always comparison shop
- Find a good rewards credit card and use it smartly
- Book trips early
- Stock up on holiday decor after the holidays
- Don't feel obligated to say yes to every invitation (this includes weddings, dinners, events, etc.)
- Eat right and exercise and get enough sleep, so you won't have to pay with your health
- Pay bills online to save on postage
- Stop smoking
- Stop drinking soda
- Compare gas prices to find the most affordable gas with sites like GasBuddy.com
- Get beauty treatments from trainee beauticians
- Keep plastic takeout containers for future use
- Wash dishes in a full dishwasher
- Avoid out-of-network ATMs
- Keep track of your money with a spreadsheet or Mint.com
- Plan out your meals for the week
- Refill printer ink instead of buying new cartridges
- Brush and floss every day and take care of your teeth to prevent pricey dental bills
- Keep your receipt or take a picture of it in case you want to return an item
- Vacation closer to home
- Don't check in your luggage
- Check out Airbnb instead of hotels
- Travel during an off-peak season or time
- Travel to an underrated place instead of famous tourist spots
- Use reusable grocery bags
- Find a place with lower rent or get roommates
- Join loyalty programs
- Wait for daily deals for services you like, such as dental cleaning or a massage
- Feed your pet the right foods and keep it in shape to reduce vet bills
- Work toward getting a better credit score so you'll be quoted cheaper rates
- Review your receipts to make sure you're not being charged for odd items
- Check your bank account daily to make sure there aren't any weird charges
- Always try to wait for a sale before buying something
- Don't use your credit card overseas unless it doesn't have foreign transaction fees
- Rent movies instead of going to the theater
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Kat Borchart