100 Ways to Save Money Every Day
How to Save Money Every Day in The Kitchen
Declutter your pantry so that you know what you have and don't purchase duplicates unnecessarily.
Try generic or home brands - they are usually produced by the name brands anyway.
Bake as much as possible from scratch.
Keep meals as simple as possible - you don't need to make a meal with 13 different herbs and spices that you may not necessarily even like and never use those little jars of flavor again.
Grow your own food, particularly the things that are more expensive and/or you use a lot of.
To save money every day on food, preserve or freeze fruit and vegetables in season for later in the year.
Nothing saves money every day like writing a Menu. Keep 2 x monthly menu's for each season with a pre-written shopping list attached to each. We tend to eat the same things over and over anyway (if you don't believe me start writing down your food everyday). A menu keeps the shopping in budget and far less wastage.
It's sometimes cheaper to get the milk from the corner shop - particularly if that is all you need, and if you go into the supermarket or shopping centre you always end up buying other things. Even better, sit in the car and send the kids in to buy the milk.
Order your groceries online and have them delivered so that you can track your total calmly and slowly, with time to change things if you are over budget.
Eating within the seasons (which is why writing a menu for each season is valuable) will save money every day as produce will be more affordable, and sometimes downright cheap in that season.
How to Save Money Every Day in Your Wardrobe
Learn to sew, make your own clothes with more affordable or laster wearing fabrics.
To save money every day in your wardrobe, learn to sew the absolute basics to do your own alterations.
Hang your washing on a clothes line - saves power plus the clothes last longer.
Purchase quality clothing that lasts longer - only purchase solid, classic colors rather than fast trendy fashion.
Wash your clothes in cold water - it both saves the cost of the heating but also lengthens the life of your clothes.
Look in Thrift stores for quality brands at a fraction of the price, particularly head to more upper class locations to do this.
Give your current clothes a fresher look by changing the buttons or adding a trim, shorten long dresses, dye something a different color.
Shop your wardrobe. There are thousands of videos on Youtube around compiling capsule wardrobes from your existing wardrobe and then swapping them out for a completely different set every 60 days which allows you to use ALL of your clothes not just the same ones every day.
When you are bored of your clothes try new accessories, which are cheaper then a whole new outfit.
Before buying new clothes "because you don't have anything to wear" turn all of your hangers backwards and only turn it the right way around once you have word that garment. Track this over the space of 3 months see which clothes you actually wear.
How to Save Money Every Day in the Office
Have a budget - seems obvious right? People who struggle with money will avoid this at all costs because it means getting truthful about what they spend. It's time to look my friend!
In extreme cases, go back to what our grandma's did to manage the household budget. That was to seperate actual cash (remember what that looks like?) into different envelopes or bags for different purposes. So if you want to save for something you can't afford or is not in the budget, then you may put $20 each pay cycle into that bag. It will also show you where you have not budgeted correctly if you run out of the "food envelope" before the next pay.
To save money every day in the office portion of the home simply take care of bills the day they come - upload digitally - then shred the bill. This then avoids forgetting to pay a bill and being charged overdue fees and damaging your credit score
Every pay day, track your incomings and outgoings. Companies can and do make mistakes, so just because you have a Direct Debit set up, don't assume it is taking the correct amount.
Set up a schedule for comparing utility plans regularly. It's a pain, I know, but this is one of the best ways to claw back money
Do you need to buy all that new stationary or "whatever your obsession is" to get the job done? Generally it's a distraction anyway to try and motivate you into getting something done. Maybe you need to check out some Procrastination Quotes if you are doing this... just sayin!
Cancel subscriptions to services you do not use. Keep ONE streaming service and if you want to watch a series on another one, wait until it has fully dropped and pause your current service and start that service for the month. All platforms allow you to stop and start as often as you want.
When setting up direct debits for bills and accounts, set one up for actual savings. Even if it is as little as $5 or $10 coming out of your account every pay and into a bank savings account that you do not have easy access to.
If you use google pay or apple pay for all of your food and everyday transactions, download one of the many "rounding up" apps that will round your total up by the amount you choose (for example to the next dollar) and will invest that money. There are apps that invest in stocks, gold, crypto... pretty much whatever you like. This article from Business Insider shows the current best apps at the time of writing.
Check with your company what perks they offer, particularly if it is a big company, often there will be share funds that they match, or discount coupons and other monetary benefits for the employees that can save you money every day. Often these are not widely advertised and you have to go digging in the back end of your employee platform, but it may hold the key to savings of all kinds.
How to Save Money Every Day in The Home
Trade services with neighbours and friends.
Buy quality furniture and if you don't have the money, wait until you can save for quality as it will last far longer than the budget option.
The old adage "if it's brown, flush it down, if it's yellow let it mellow" is a good one to attach to the back of the door in the toilet - you could add "unless you're a visitor"! The less water you use, the more you can save money every day.
To save money every day in a simple way, change out all lightbulbs for energy efficient ones. Add one bulb to every shop until it's done.
Collect empty bottles and cash them in at your nearest recycling centre. If you are diligent about this the rewards can add up.
Stop buying single use items. Spend the extra money to buy the things you constantly use and throw away such as dish clothes, razors and plastic storage bags.
Don't turn on the heater... put on extra layers of clothing to keep warm. Socks, scarves or even throw on your robe over the top of your clothes are free alternatives to running the heater.
Keep your refrigerator and freezer full. If it is mostly empty it will drop in and out of cooling which takes more energy and therefore costs more on the electric bill. Fill empty containers with water and place in the empty spaces so that it mimics having food in there and keeps the temperature more stable. If you have a spare "drinks fridge" turn it off... if you need to save money you shouldn't be buying the drinks anyway lol.
Change filters and keep up on regular maintenance in any system in the house that requires it. This will save money every day by your systems running easier.
Run fans instead of heating/cooling units. There is a switch on them that allows you to change the spin direction depending on the season. Clockwise they will draw air up (for winter) and counter clockwise they blow air down (for summer).
How to Save Money Every Day in Health
Eating cleanly (see the kitchen tip of cooking from scratch) will also go along way to keeping you healthy and avoiding doctor bills.
Drink more water - this doesn't mean buying bottles (even if you recycle them). Most of the population are dehydrated, so one of the easiest, cheapest things you can do to improve your health is to drink more water.
If you have a chronic disease, look for home remedies instead of expensive ointments and creams (depending on your issue of course, don't be irresponsible). To save money every day, try alternatives such as coconut oil.
If you purchase a supplement then finish the supplement and don't buy new ones until the old ones are finished.
To save money every day when it comes to your health, stop the dieting! Every time you start a new diet or regime you buy all the books, all the new ingredients, all the new appliances, all the fancy special doo dads.
Potentially one of your biggest savings lies in the purchase you make often that is not so great for your health. Smoking, drinking, daily coffees on the run, purchasing take-out in your lunch break... all of these add up significantly, especially when you are tapping your phone or card and not adding it up on a regular basis. I challenge you to do this for the last 30 days and see what you spent on your particular poison.
To save money every day and improve your mental health, stop buying trinkets or home decor because "they match" and start decluttering and earning money by selling half of what you already own. It will make your home feel lighter, earn some extra $$$ and way less cleaning and dusting!
Give up the Gym Membership - be honest about how often you go. Are you using it as an excuse to get out of the house or not be with people? Then that's another issue to address, but for now, there is no exercise (for the general gym goer that is) that you can't replicate for free in your own home or surroundings.
Have a yearly medical check-in. I know it's not sexy, and if you feel fine it seems like a waste of money, however prevention is far cheaper than cure and by having a yearly checkup you can see how you are tracking in your health and what needs to be improved before it costs you money.
Look out for free tests and screenings, particularly if you are over 40 and those big ones start creeping in like mammograms, colonoscopies and other random things. Does your community offer any for free? I dragged my partner off to have a free Coronary Calcium Ultrasound once, because medical students needed patients to practice on. They were guided by qualified doctors so we got a free scan and results from the doctor, and the students got to learn. Win Win right?!
How to Save Money Every Day with Pets
You can save money every day by cooking your pets meals and freeze. It always works out much cheaper than buying the store varieties. Check with your vet as to what your pet needs and if you can add rice, vegetables, what kind of meat etc.
It's a well known fact that pets prefer the packaging not the toy... so don't buy the toy, just give your furry friend every empty box and strange shaped item that comes across your path.
Preventative vet care (much like yourself) with a yearly check up. This requires a conversation between you and your family as to how you decide on what health care issues are a non negotiable, particularly with an ageing pet.
If your pet is your fur baby and you would happily pay for medications or surgeries to prolong their little life, then pet insurance would likely save you money in the long run.
You can save money every day on kitty litter by setting up an outdoor cat run and an area in the garden they can do their business.
If you live in an apartment consider training your cat to actually use the toilet... not kidding... there are numerous YouTube videos on doing this and again it will save money every day on the dreaded kitty litter.
Make your own obstacle course, out of things you have lying around, to amuse your pet if you are out a lot.
You can save money every day on treats by making your own biscuits. Not only will you know what is in them (less chemicals) but there are some really cheap recipes on line.
Keep your pets secure so that they don't escape into the neighbourhood where they could be hit by a car costing both money at the vet and emotional trauma for both of you. Keep them extra secure on holidays with fireworks and during storms.
If you really want a pet, but you have a goal and want to save money every day, consider being a foster carer for your local shelter. Usually food is included, so you get the joy of a pet but allowing you to save money every day on the expenses associated with it.
How to Save Money Every Day in the Garage
Do your own servicing of your car. At the very least, change the oil regularly, and learn to perform any other small jobs that keeps the car in good condition and lasting longer.
Fuel is one of the biggest expenses of running a car. Can you take public transport on some trips? Are you going to the store 3 times a week because you don't have a menu or plan written out? Anyway that you can avoid starting the car you can save money every day.
Is your car cost-efficient or is it a guzzler? Every time our neighbour starts his car we say out loud "$5", because we know by the sound of it, how much gas it must chew through. If you really want to save money every day, consider trading in such a car for one that is more efficient to run.
Download fuel apps that tell you where the best price is on any given day. Find out the cycles of the best day of the week to fill up and put it in your diary to actually go do it on that day.
Keep coupons and discount codes for fuel either in the car or on your phone or app. No point in having a grocery coupon for gas pinned to the fridge at home. Keep it in the car.
Refinance your car loan - the best option is to not have a car loan but that's not always possible. In the meantime do your homework and see if you can get a better deal.
Do you go over your insurance costs every year or just let them roll over? For some reason when you do this, the insurance premium gets higher, while the perceived cost of the car and replacement gets lower. This is an easy place to save money.
Don't service your car at the car dealership. This is the most expensive place to get it done. Ask around for a reputable mechanic and support a small business at the same time. It may take a while to find someone, but you will likely stay with them forever.
Learn to check and adjust your tyre pressure and do it regularly (maybe when you wash the car or fill it with gas). This will save your tyres which are expensive to replace.
Never buy a brand-new car. As soon as you drive away you have immediately lost 1/3 of what you just spent. There are so many good, almost brand new, second-hand vehicles that reflect the money lost by the first owner. It doesn't need to be your lost money.
How to Save Money Every Day with Kids
Normalise having a budget and talking about money in a positive way with kids. If they grow up knowing that a budget is a good thing and allows you to eventually gain good things, it will never be an issue when you say "Not in the budget but let’s pop it in and see how we can save for it".
You can save money every day and keep your kids healthy by not ever keeping sodas, candy, and treats in the home. If it is normal from the start there will be less issues as they get older (I said less....).
Swap babysitting services with other parents or swap babysitting for some other service with grandparents. Never assume grandparents should just do it for free, that's not fair... ask if they will look after the kids if you weed their gardens or do something they find difficult.
Clothing is an easy way to save money every day with kids. They go through sizes like nothing else, so join a swap group or sell the previous sizings on Marketplace to contribute towards the next sizing. Thrift stores often have brand new kids and baby clothes with tags still attached, because the child grew out of it before they had a chance to wear it.
If you have little boys, then get your own hair clippers and cut their hair yourself. You could even do a short hairdressing course so that you could do the whole family. This will save a fortune over the years even after you have paid for a course and equipment!
Learn to sew when the kids are too little to care what they are wearing. When my boy was a baby I made nappy covers in lots of bright colors and would buy cheap matching colorful tanks. He lived in these and they cost me very little to make. Same with shorts and little dresses.
Don't normalise birthday parties with the whole class every year. This is so costly and if you are struggling one year, your child will really notice it and it may have an emotional impact. If they already know the parties are every 2-3 years or just milestone birthdays, then they won't be disappointed if you can't manage it one year.
Limit toys. If they want a new toy, then help them decide which toys they already own they are going to sell to try and contribute to the new toy. Buying children's toys for no particular occasion actually sets them up for bad money patterns themselves.
It is said that kids cost the most between ages 15-17 so here is where rules need to be pre-discussed with you and your co-parent in regards to what you are willing to contribute to their entertainment, cars and other activities. This will be different for someone with one child compared to 3 children, but the kids need to know ahead of time, what your budget is and what you are willing to contribute. Oh and stay strong on that rule....
When you go through phases where you have had to pay for daycare, and now you don't put that money against a debt or in savings. You have already proven you can pay that amount because you had to, so don't let it slip through your fingers when the magic day comes you don't have to pay it any longer.
How to Save Money Every Day in Education
Contrary to popular belief, your children don't require all new pens, pencils and pretty lunchboxes at the beginning of every school year. I know it's hard to say no, but within a week of starting back at school, they won't even remember they have last year’s pencils or ruler.
If you want to save money every day then join a library... and actually go! Very old school I know, but still very relevant. Between the brick-and-mortar libraries, The List Library and online resources, you may not have to buy as many books as you think.
Have a "uniform" for the kids. If you live in a country where school uniforms are not an everyday thing, then work on having a "school capsule wardrobe" which will both save money and save anguish of knowing what to wear of a morning for the little ones particularly.
Buy secondhand in any place you can, books, uniforms or other "requirements" As long as it is in good condition it could save half the cost of the item.
Generally, we know ahead of time how much school fees are going to be, so start a dedicated savings account and put that amount away weekly. Even if it is only $500 a year and you think "That's no problem" by putting $10 a week in a savings account it doesn't matter what emergencies pop up, that money is always there.
Have you considered a scholarship to save money every day when it comes to education? Every country, every school, every community, and almost every online course even offers scholarships. If you really want to study and can't afford it or don't want to alter your budget, check out what scholarships may be available to you.
When our son was born we looked into one of the college funds where you pay into it monthly and then it covers the education. The only issue with these are that if your child decides not to study, you only get back what you put in. So we set up a share fund instead, which was a good call because he decided to go to work straight from high school.
Once your children are at working age, set a rule that if they want "extras" for school, it is up to them to earn the money for it. This may include something as small as "cute" new binders instead of plain ones and go as far as class camps. It is up to you and your co-parent to set the rules here.
If you are using one of the investment apps as mentioned in the "Save Money Every Day in The Home" list above, consider using that money purely for education or school fees.
Sell textbooks at the end of every school year, no matter what level of study you are at. If you leave them to pile up, often a new edition will have been published by the time you go to sell it and it is no longer worth as much. If you are unsure if you may need it, see if there is an online version you can add to your library on kindle as a sample, so you know it is always there if you want to purchase it in the future.
How to Save Money Every Year on Celebration Days
The biggest drain every year on finances are days like Thanksgiving, Independence Day, Christmas, Easter, New Year, and any other special holidays that you and your family celebrate with joy.... and new matching decor, napkins, platters, themes, placemats, tablecloths, glassware, coffee mugs and the list goes on right?
If you must purchase a new dinner set for a celebration, make it a ceramic set in a block color that you can then use in other celebrations, not as a one-off, then in the bin kind of thing.
Wrap all of your pressies in newspaper and pretty ribbon. I have a friend who does this every Christmas and it actually looks amazing and very aesthetically pleasing!
You don't need new decorations on the tree every year. Start collecting family heirlooms that last a lifetime and generally mean more when dressing the tree every year.
Do you need all of that extra pretty lighting around the home on the next holiday? It can really up the electric bill!
Don't put your hand up to make ALL the food at any of these celebrations. That costs SO MUCH! Coordinate with everybody coming as to who will be making what so that it is all coordinated, or simply call a "Pot Luck" and see what shows up!
If you always end up footing the bill for all the food, drinks, decorations and so on, then next holiday book everyone into a fancy set-price buffet or similar, and tell them all that if you want to spend the day then you will be at this place and it is "this much $" and you would love to see them there.
Tell your friends and family you are not drinking this year so they will have to bring their own (don't get caught taking a swig though).
At the beginning of the year add up how many gifts you will need to purchase throughout the year for these celebrations and divide the number by 12 (monthly) or by the number of paydays you have so that you know how many presents you need to buy.
Request that you stop purchasing gifts for friends, family etc over a certain age. Decide on the age, and have the conversation with those that are near and dear that you and your children do NOT require more STUFF. It's awkward at first (yep I've done it) but then everybody takes a sigh of relief at the lesser workload and financial commitment.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes we need to get addicted to saving money instead of spending it.
Sometimes we need to get help to remove our money blocks, or even our genetic imprint around money.
I have read many times "How you do money, is how you do everything" and I have to say that has shown itself to be true from where I stand.
Do you say things over and over about money like "I was never meant to be rich" or "I live in the ghetto" when referring to your home? All of these things tell you about what you need to change.
Finally, I would ask you, what your relationship is with money... do you have one? Is it positive or negative? If money were a person how would you speak about them?
There is no point in saving hard to pay off debt and gain a savings account if you truly believe you were never meant to be rich, so work on that part at the same time ok?
