This post may contain affiliate links. See affiliate disclosure here.
When it comes to getting out of debt, saving money and achieving financial freedom, the little actions that you take every day are very important. Saving money and spending wisely are not as hard as people think. Although it may require a few changes in how you currently handle your finances, the changes that you make do not have to be radical. You simply need to pay close attention to how you spend and budget. We came up with a whole list of simple ways to save money while on a tight budget. 75 ideas actually to help you get on track with your financials and save money starting today.
1. Know your income and expenses
It’s obvious that the best way to start saving is to know how much money is coming in and how much is going out. Although you may have a rough idea of your income or your paycheck, it’s time to take a closer look.
Find out the exact amount of money that’s hitting your account monthly- is it the same every paycheck, do you get additional commissions, do you have additional taxes or medical that comes out of your paycheck? Figure out the amount that you deposit into your bank every week.
Then go through all of your bills and expenses and try to find the amount that you are using on your bills and expenses. Write down how much you spend on items such as; Rent/Mortgage, Utilities, Childcare, Clothes, Car, Insurance, etc. Food and Misc items can always vary so you can either put the highest of the average or budget these items cautiously.
There are a number of online apps such as YNAB, Mint and Every Dollar can help you figure out a budget pretty fast and take a lot of the hassle out. Some are free while other have a small fee. If you could use a little help in the budgeting department, I highly recommend taking a look at these apps for computer and phone.
2. Switch bank accounts
If you are getting almost zero from your checking savings or you are being charged fees, then it may be high time you changed banks. By switching banks, you may end up getting 10 times more than the interest that you used to get before. Some even give you cash to join like Chase bank. You local credit union is also a good option to look into.
3. Open a savings account
Make sure you open a free savings account so as to have somewhere to stash your cash. Since having all your money in one place is a bit dangerous, you should also have a savings account to supplement your other accounts. For instance, you can opt for online banks that offer higher interest rates. One of our top picks is HSBC– an online high yield savings account. Discover Bank and Axos are other banks to consider as well.
4. Cut the cable
These days, cable costs are very expensive, hence the need to cut them and opt for a subscription service that will allow you to save money every month. You can get live TV from a number of streaming companies such as Hulu, Youtube, or Netflix. It’s a great alternative to those high priced cable companies that lock you in for years. You can save up to $100 a month or more by cutting the cable cord. You can then move those savings into your new yield interest savings account.
5. Use Cashback Reward cards
If you are looking for a painless and easy way to save money, your credit card can greatly help. If you have the right rewards card, you can save money on everything from your household expenses to your regular bills. To enjoy these savings, you need to have a rewards card that gives you a percentage of every thing that you spend. Capital One has several amazing cash back reward cards as does Chase, and Discover Card.
6. Negotiate new rates on your credit cards
Most credit card companies have a tendency to hike their interest rates. They may do this due to lack of usage or a missing or late payment. Whatever the reason that they have, you can always save some money by calling them and asking them to change their interest rates. While this might not always work, its an ideal way to reduce the interest charged on our credit card if you retain debt.
7. Set up automatic transfers
A few simple ways to save money on a tight budget is to set up an automatic transfer to your savings account from either your regular checking account or paycheck. Either way, by automating the transfer you are ensuring that you don’t miss out moving moving into your savings. It also means that you never see the money, which is ideal- out of sight out and mind and the best way to save money.
8. Eat out less
We love to eat out from time to time but it can really be a very expensive venture if you don’t watch your budget wisely. Eating home cooked food and leftovers can save you a ton of money over time. The average person spends almost $3000 eating out in a single year- families are obviously higher.
The best way to save this hard earned cash is simply to eat at home more often. Budget meals, re-using left overs, and meal planning are super great ways to save on food. This doesn’t mean you can’t ever splurge on a nice meal, but cooking a gorgeous steak and having a nice glass of wine at home will cost you 1/4 of what it would in a restaurant. So enjoy your meals, just keep in the mind the extra money it takes away from your savings when you go out.
9. Create meal plans
One of the biggest money wastes comes from not knowing what you are going to have for lunch or cook for dinner. I have forgotten to bring lunch to work before and regretted paying that $12 for a quick sandwich way too many times!
Instead of getting into the habit of going out for food that’s not planned or ordering pizza at random, think about making a proper meal plan. This will not only save you money but will also put you in a place where you can actually use all the food that you purchase from the grocery store.
10. Use coupon apps
Downloading coupon apps such as Ibotta or Checkout 51 is one of the simplest ways to save money. These two apps will allow you to choose cash back coupons so that once you purchase any items you just scan your receipt and get money back. Its super simple and a great way to put a few bucks back into the bank.
11. Do a no spend challenge
This is a challenge that involves spending money on only essential things for a specific period of time. By doing this, you can have no spending days or no spending months. The best way to go about this is to circle the days on a calendar when you don’t want to spend.
The idea is to put awareness that spending on irrelevant things that you don’t need is not the goal. This is a great to do with a partner, friend, or even co-worker. Encourage each other to bring in your lunch to the office, forget the drive thru coffee in the am, and forgo getting that pair of “must have” jeans until next week. You will be surprised by how much you can save doing this a few times a week or even month,
12. Exchange the skills that you have with a friend, neighbor or another family member
Chances are you have some friends or family members that have specific skills sets that you need. If this is the case, then offer to exchange these services with them to save money. For instance, if their car has an issue and you are a mechanic, offer to repair it for them in exchange for something that you also need done.
If you cook well, consider making some meals for your friend that will paint your house. Think about all the ways you can help, and then all then things you pay for and see how much money you can save by exchanging services. Food, cleaning, animal care, gardening, driving, computer skills… the list is endless!
13. Get into the “save your change” challenge
Everyone has change laying around in their purse, wallet, side table, or even car. Collect all of your loose cash that you have and place it into a jar, envelope or storage container. Then every week, empty out your purse or wallet with loose and spare change and see how much you can save in year or even just a month.
You can make it exciting by entering into a competition with your friends or other family members. To motivate yourselves, set a goal for 75% of the money collected and use for a vacation or enjoyable evening out. With the remaining 25%- put that into your savings and keep going. You would be amazed at some of the things people have been able to purchase with just change!
14. Ask for discounts on the services that you regularly use
Although it might seem farfetched, it’s not wrong to ask for discounts. Just figure out your top three monthly expenses and look for a way through which you can find discounts on them. Remember, no matter how small it is every bit of discount will greatly help you get your savings higher.
15. Make your coffee at home
If you are a coffee lover avoid letting your coffee drinking habit render you cashless. Choosing to purchase coffee in cafes as opposed to making it at home may end up being a costly habit. Instead of using up to $1,155 per year on coffee, try making it at home.
16. Look for a way to cut down on your personal care costs
Some of us dream about ways to be pampered and taken care of if only once or twice a year. If you cannot cut down on some of your personal care services, look for ways through which you can reduce them. For massages, hair, nail and salon services you can visit your local beauty school to get discounted services.
Since students are helped and monitored by their supervisors, you are usually pretty safe and don’t need to worry about a poorly done job. I have had several massages from massage schools that charge 1/3 of the regular price of a massage and they have been pretty good!
17. Exclusively save your side hustle money
Using your side income to increase your savings is one of the best things to do. The good thing about this is you will quickly make progress and also get into the habit of setting money aside from each earning that you get. Some good side hustle ideas: make money selling your clutter, work from home jobs on your cell phone, freelancing, pet sitting, selling used clothes online, or even making money with a blog.
18. Save on movies
There are several tricks and tips that you can use to save money on movie tickets. If you are a huge fan of seeing films on the big screen, consider buying moving tickets in packs. Often times large bulk retailers (Like Cosco and Sam’s Club) will sell movie tickets to a particular theater for 15-30% regular retail price. Schools and business can also get great discounts on tickets and events so ask your human resources person at work.
Instead of going to the theatre, consider having movie nights at home. Also, use loyalty rewards and credit card programs that help you to save money every time you go to the movies. These simple tips are great ways to save money on a tight budget without having to sacrifice.
19. Identify spending triggers
Each and every person has a spending trigger. An example of a spending trigger is scrolling through Facebook or Instagram and making a rushed decision to buy designer shoes after seeing a celebrity wearing them. In order to save more, be aware of the times where you spend a lot of money outside your normal budget. Once you understand the things that trigger your spending you can be more aware and avoid them altogether.
20. Set big savings goals
Most of the times, we are afraid of making big savings goals because we are afraid that we may lose altogether. Achievable goals usually go beyond just thinking and hoping. It’s about setting achievable and measurable goals and breaking them down into smaller goals that you can accomplish easier. As you achieve smaller goals you not only build momentum but also your faith as well.
Try using a money saving chart that encourages you to save a little bit each week. Once you having been successful with these small achievements, you can then move on to setting larger saving goals and be ready for the challenge.
21. Reduce your technology costs
Now that we have so many tools to connect to the online world, we tend to stay inside more often than we once did. Instead of spending a lot if time on technology, learn to pass your time by reading, playing games or just walking outside. Reducing your technology uses will cut your energy costs and help you save a bit of money over time.
22. Shop around for insurance
If you shop around and compare quotes, you can always get cheaper insurance for your home, life and car. For instance, as compared to whole life insurance, term life insurance is definitely cheaper. You should try this every year if possible as insurance agencies adjust their costs every so often. Be sure to do this if you purchase a new car or home, etc. Always check out several reputable insurance agencies at the same time and see how much you can save.
23. Stick to your grocery list
One of the easiest ways to waste money is going to the grocery store without a list and being hungry! Its always best to head to the store after you’ve eaten and with your list in hand. If you are meal planning, then create your list based off the items you will need to make your meals only. Purchase only what’s on that list.
Although you can buy things for multiple meals, starting with a simple list can end up saving you a lot of cash. Having a specific list of things to buy can even take care of the shopping mistakes that you make when you are shopping hungry.
24. Pay attention to the unit cost
For anything that you buy, make sure you are aware of the unit cost. Many grocery sell a number of different brand with different unit costs. For example- Dole might sell a 32 oz can of peaches for $2.25 but PeachTree might sell a 48oz can of peaches for $2.95. The large can would be a better deal in this instance (but thats not always the case). These unit costs allow you to compare the prices before settling of the item you want to buy. Make it a habit of going with a calculator so that you can figure out the kind of products that will give you the most value for your money.
25. Check your credit score
When it comes to long term savings, your credit card score usually plays a very important role. When you have a good credit score and solid credit history, you qualify for better interest rates when buying a home, car or anything else. A good credit score can save you a lot of cash. So, before you embark on your money saving journey, check out your credit score. Places like Credit Karma or Credit Sesame allow you to check your report for free.
26. Stop giving your money away
ATM fees, annual credit card fees and overdrafts are some of the fees that you can always avoid. Thankfully, if you have a smart credit card and good budget plan you can hopefully avoid all these fees. For instance, is there any reason at all to pay for having either a savings or checking account with a bank? No. Find the right bank that won’t charge you fees for just owning an account with them. Instead find the bank that is ready to pay you interest on such kinds of savings. Budget properly so you don’t get overdrawn. Simple ways to save money on a tight budget can also mean not losing money.
27. Bike, walk or carpool to work
If you wish to lower your transportation cost and save yourselves hundreds of dollars every year then biking and walking to work is one of the easiest things that you can do. Since you will save money and stay fit as well it’s actually a win-win situation.
28. Fix any adverse accounts on your credit report
When you have a clean credit report and a good card score, you will not only save money in the long run but also get better interest on any type of loan you might need. This is why the adverse section of your credit report is very important. If there are items in this section, make sure you clear them up. Many free places that allow you to check your credit also list any negative marks on your account- you can usually obtain the address and phone number of these account and reach out to them to resolve any issues you might have. This is especially important if you have any accounts in collections. Once you fix these negative marks, your credit score will sky rocket.
29. Bundle your insurance
The more services you bundle with the insurance company the better the discounts that you get. Whether you need renter’s or home insurance, see if your company will provide discounts if you bundle your other insurance services with them. Thankfully, most insurance companies are always ready to bundle and offer some pretty good discounts.
30. Purchase a gas friendly car
For you to save money on fuel make sure you purchase a gas friendly vehicle. Consider buying an electric, hybrid or a smaller car. By doing this, you’ll end up saving a lot of money.
31. Make all your payments on time
Although we all know that we should pay our bills on time, there are instances when we delay for one reason or another. However, since your payment history makes up to 35% of your score, it’s very important to always pay on time. By having a solid payment history lenders will have a lot of trust in you. If you’ve proven that to them, they will provide you with better interest rates because you’re a lower risk to them.
32. Buy a used car
Since new cars usually lose 10% of their value in the first month, you can always save a lot of money by buying a used car. Did you know that vehicles are some of the most expensive things that lose value very fast? By opting for a used car you will spend less upfront and often have much lower monthly payments. You can take the savings and put that money in a savings account.
33. Re-think your gym membership
Although health is wealth sometimes you need to re-think your gym membership unless you want to keep your new year’s resolution by regularly visiting the gym. If not, cancel that membership and put that money into your savings account instead. If you have enough motivation then consider having a home gym- this can significantly save you money in the long run. Having home workout methods are good ways to save money on a tight budget. You can buy a set of weights, a stationary exercise bike, boxing bag, or even just videos online and get a great work out in any time you want.
34. Buy a car in cash
When you buy a car in cash, you have strong negotiating powers. Although most car dealership make money off financing cars, they still prefer lump sum payments. Buying a car in cash will save you money on interests and also give you negotiating power.
35. Get a smart thermostat
While getting a smart thermostat has an upfront cost, in the end, it may save you a lot of money. Once it learns your habits, a smart thermostat can make it easy for you to change the temperature of your home even when you are away. This means if you forgot to turn down the heat after leaving for the day you can just do it with your smartphone instead of paying for the heat that you’ve not used.
36. Use LED bulbs
Just like smart thermostats, LED bulbs may cost a little more money upfront. However, if you start using them you will save a lot of cash on energy costs.
37. Purchase things in bulk (but be a bit careful)
Although it’s cheaper to buy things in bulk, some people cannot overcome the temptation of overeating hence may end up spending a lot on foods that are eaten far too quickly. So, only buy in bulk if it’s something that you are sure you can manage or will use appropriately. Keeping 500 cans of coke might not be necessary but having 20 extra rolls of toilet paper could definitely come in handy!
38. Be careful with the expiration dates
When it comes to buying perishable goods, you need to be very careful about the expiration dates. As you put the items in the shopping cart, it’s very important to keep a close eye on the expiry dates. In a similar way, make sure that the cartoon of eggs that you’ve bought does not contain any cracked eggs, the cans are not dented and everything in the jar is well sealed.
39. Sign up for free loyalty cards
Most grocery shops provide free loyalty cards that can help you qualify for extra savings. Even if you don’t want extra cards in your wallet, you have no excuse of skipping loyalty cards. As a matter of fact, smartphone apps such as Key Ring now make it easy for you to carry loyalty cards without having to keep track of other cards.
40. Carry your own grocery bags
This is not only good for the environment but also enables you to save a lot. More so, most stores will give you some discounts for every used bag that you bring with you. Although the discount may not be a lot, these small amounts that you save can add up in the long run. Every little bit help when you are trying to save money on a tight budget!
41. Focus on carrying packed lunch
If you want to save some cash on the next day’s lunch just make a little extra food at dinner, pack it up and bring it to work. Not only does it help you deal with leftovers but it’s also much cheaper than buying lunch every day. Even if you don’t have any leftovers, it’s very easy to make a simple decent lunch rather than going out for fast food.
42. Get slow on the cooker
One of the easiest ways to make filing and inexpensive meals is to use a crock pot or insta pot. For as low as $20, you can find a good Crock pot to cook large family meals. With these appliances, you can put all the ingredients together while going to work in the morning, allow it to simmer and come back home to find that your dinner is ready.
43. Keep your blinds closed
By keeping your blinds closed during the summer your home will remain cooler. If the sun increases your home’s temperature, your air conditioner will work harder to ensure that your home remains cool which can, in turn, cost you a lot of money.
44. Check out the dollar store
Did you know that you can get some items at inexpensive dollar stores without losing on value? Better still you can always focus on purchasing run on the mills items from them such as lunch bags, freezer bags, picture frames, greeting cards, and disposable spoons among others. Its also a great place for your seasonal items and decorations. Always ensure that the items you are buying are worth your cash.
45. Check on your water usage
A leaky faucet or running water might seem like things you can ignore but you are actually losing a lot of money by doing so. It’s therefore very important to repair them when you first notice the issue. Overtime you might realize that there is an increase in your water bill if you choose to ignore the leak. In addition, you can lower the temperature of your heater to 120 degrees and save yourself additional money in the long run.
46. Decide to be vegetarian some times
As compared to most meals, meat is one of the most expensive. Luckily, even the most dedicated carnivore can find some of the best vegetable recipes that can help them make the switch without any hitch. Changing to even just one meatless day a week can help you save money.
47. Instead of juice or tea drink your water
Are you aware that water is one of the healthiest drinks? Instead of spending a lot of money on beverages and other costly drinks, just drink water. You can enjoy water plain or add some lemons and limes for a fruity taste or toss in a sprig of mint for a refreshing and cool chill. Water is the best thing for your mind and body and will save you hundreds a year by limiting your soda dollars.
48. Do regular home maintenance
While this goes without saying, as a homeowner, you need to know that some maintenance tasks can be very hard. It’s very easy to put off the changing the air filters or cleaning the gutters but when left unattended these tasks can become bigger and more expensive later on. To save money, in the long run, make sure you do any home maintenance task that comes your way.
49. Plan your vacations early
Create a vacation fund, start planning early and use all your travel rewards offers so you earn some money back. Instead of going abroad for vacation, opt for local attractions that might not normally get a chance to see. Purchase airline tickets as far in advance as you can if you do plan to travel far and book hotels in the off season to save hundreds per night.
50. Buy energy efficient appliances
Nowadays, there are many appliances on the market that can help you save money. It’s always advisable to wait until they go on sale or try asking for a discount if you buy more than two or three items at the same time. If you slowly change your appliances into energy efficient ones, over time, you can end up saving a lot of cash on energy.
51. Make your own baby food
Baby food, especially the organic kind, can be very expensive if it’s bought from the store. Fortunately, you can easily make your own baby’s food at home with real natural ingredients and save hundreds at the same time. Start with a few simple recipes like mashed peas and mashed sweet potatoes and see how easy it can actually be. You might be surprised to find that baby prefers homemade meals as well and you can feel terrific about know ing what goes into your child’s food. Nowadays, there are tons of inexpensive gadgets that you can buy and use to make them. My favorite is the Magic Baby Bullet.
52. Maintain your car
One of the most important things to do is to maintain your car properly. From keeping your tires properly inflated to getting your oil changed, this includes everything that’s related to maintenance. This will prevent your car from having big problems that can end up costing you a lot of money to repair in the future. Preventative maintenance is a cost savings trick.
53. Organize affordable parties
Although it’s amazing to have expensive and incredible birthday parties, if you cannot afford them there is no reason to do so. As a matter of fact, going into debt just to fund a birthday party is not only outrageous but also bad for your budget. Make sure you celebrate parties only when you can afford it.
For simple ways to save money on a tight budget and have a beautiful party, check out the dollar store for decorations or online for free printables. Plan on making your own food and desserts or ask some friends to help supply a few dishes to serve. You can still have a nice party if you wise and budget properly.
54. Live small
One of the best things to do is to live in a house that fits your exact needs. For instance, if you are a family of four, you don’t need a house that’s 5000 square feet. When it comes to choosing a home, you need to understand that a smaller house will cost less to cool and heat, will be easier to maintain and will boost your family togetherness. By living in a smaller home you will not make unnecessary purchases to fill up the house with furniture or other items as well.
Even if you are already living in a mansion, you can still minimize this. You can also focus your utility on the parts of the home that you are using and lower them on the parts that you are not using. Keep doors and winders closed and vents shut off on areas of the home you are not using.
55. Look for free or low-cost entertainment activities
Regardless of whether you have a family or not there are lots of free activities that you can do. For instance, you can take your kids to the local library where they can pick out some books, enjoy the free entertainment they often have, play with toys or even see the fish in the fish tank. Simply ask about the kinds of perks that usually come with the membership.
Many towns have parks and recreation associations that offer free movie nights, free kids activities or free holiday events- ask around to see what you can find. One of our favorite events is our local farmers market where they have free music and food and entertainment every week.
56. Avoid impulse purchases
If you feel the urge to purchase something right now, the right thing to do is maybe wait for a day or two to mull things over and be sure that you really need what you want to buy. The extra time that you have will allow you to search around and compare the prices so that you don’t end up wasting money.
57. Work in the library or work at home
Although co-working spaces are great because you surround yourself with other workers, they may also come with some additional costs. While working in coffee shops is fine, it can entice you to spend a lot of cash on pricy foods and lattes. So, if you want to cut costs and save money, work at home or at the library mostly.
58. Unplug energy vampires
Keeping your computer, television, blender, stereo, microwave, toaster, coffee maker and other appliances plugged in at all times mean that they are draining the energy that you are not using. Once you plug them into a power strip, you can easily turn them off with just one single switch.
59. Instead of using the stove boil water in the microwave
Using your microwave to boil water can end up saving you up to 60% of energy. If you really need to boil a pot of water on the stove ensure that you place the top on the pot to prevent from wasting any energy.
60. Make sure that your freezer is full before running it
If you want your freezer to work more efficiently, always keep it full. The cold items will help to keep the other items cold so that the freezer doesn’t have to work as hard. You can also use bags of ice to make sure that it works up to its full capacity if you don’t have enough food to fill it up.
61. Take care of yourself
Although this may seem obvious it’s one of the most ignored tips. Always make sure you take good care of yourself, wash your hands, eat healthily, have regular exercise and get a good night’s sleep. These are some of the things that will help you save money that you could have used up on expensive medical bills along the road.
62. Give up expensive habits
You also need to ditch expensive habits such as drinking alcohol, smoking, vaping, among other things. This kind of staff is not only dangerous to your health but also costly and a huge money waster. You are not yet convinced? These are clear ways to save money on a tight budget and if you can’t afford it, you shouldn’t be doing it. An average smoker normally spends $2000 on cigarettes each and every year.
63. Take advantage of free fitness classes and stream fitness online
Many fitness studios and gyms offer at least one free class every session, while others provide cheap introductory rates. You shouldn’t be afraid to try out new fitness trends and new places that give these free offers away. Plus, you can stream fitness classes online. There are several very inexpensive monthly subscriptions to fitness classes help online.
64. Stay warm without the heat
During harsh colds months, cover yourself up with an extra blanket or clothing layer, get your snuggle on to remain warm, drink a hot cup of coffee or tea and do everything that you can to stay warm without turning on the heat. By doing this, you’ll end up saving a lot of money. If you can’t handle the cold, set it at minimum range and be very careful about not raising it.
65. Purchase a water filter to save money on healthy water
According to recent studies done by the Water Project, an average American spends around $200 per year on bottle water. Instead of spending this huge amount of cash on bottled water why don’t you buy a water filter and filter your own water at home. By doing this, you’ll save a ton of money. If you are a sparkling water drinker and must have your fill of bubbly water- try the carbonated water maker and save tons each year.
66. Make your own gifts instead of store bought
If you want to save money but need to buy gifts for the holidays, friends birthdays or teachers gifts, then consider learning how to make your own gifts. Making your own diy homemade gift is perhaps one of the best ways to save some cash and give something truly from the heart.
There are some really special items you can make such as fresh baked cookies, food mixes, candles, necklaces, bath bombs and other creative gifts. Since these gifts have your personal touch they make the perfect item to share with those you care about. These are great ways to save money on a tight budget and your receiver will be super pleased with such thoughtful gifts.
67. Write a list before you go shopping
Among the easiest ways to save money and avoid impulse buying is to make a list before you go to store. Let me say this clearly… DO NOT go to Target without a list!! 😉
When you shop without a list you end up making unplanned purchases and impulse buy- all activities that make you lose money. Creating a list before you go and sticking to it is very important. Not only will it help you purchase items that fit into your budget, but will also help you avoid buying things that might end up in the garbage.
68. Invite friends instead of going out
Going out for a night to eat with friends always has a way of destroying your entertainment and food budget in just one fall swoop. While once in a while it can be fun, it’s much cheaper to come up with your own entertainment plans and stay home. Instead of going downtown, you might think of hosting a dinner for your friends, play cards, sit around a fire or just watch some movies with your guests. With some inexpensive finger foods, delicious drinks, creative decor and fun friends you can have a spectacular evening out by staying in .
69. Turn off the lights
While keeping your lights on at home may not seem expensive, over time it will cost you a lot of cash. If you want to save as much as you can, ensure that you turn off the lights before you leave your house. Turning off the lights when you have natural lights is also one of the best ways to save cash in the long run. It’s simple; if you are not using the lights turn them off.
70. Rent/swap movies, books and DVDs at the library or on the internet
Nowadays, you can easily rent movies, DVDs and books from the library. If you have books and movies of your own that you no longer use you can exchange them with others as well. Think about kids games, recipe books, exercise dvds and other often used items you can swap and borrow in your neighborhood. The more you can borrow and exchange with others the better and the more money you’ll save over time.
71. Stop using credit cards
If you have a habit of using a lot of money and getting into debt because of credit cards, stop using them altogether. Alternatively, you can hide them or just keep them in a safe place at home where you’ll not be tempted to use them every time. If you need to have a card for any emergency it’s alright but just don’t carry them around with you every time you need to use them. Keeping your card out of mind and sight can eventually help you. I have a friend that stores her in the freezer in a tub of water!
72. Do a lot of price comparison
While most of us have a habit of shopping at the same grocery store every time, this should not be the case. Thankfully, there are lots of cheaper ways that you can shop once you find cheaper stores. Just have a list of the things that you want to buy and then shop for them from a variety of stores until you find the best places to grab the things you need.
Perhaps the best fruits and veggies are at your local farmers market and your cheapest paper goods are at the dollar store. Staples, office supplies and meat are least expensive at bulk stores and baked goods might be best at the day old bakery where they offer deep discounts.
73. Avoid stress spending
It’s easy to justify spending just to relieve yourself of stress. However, this is not a very good idea. Instead of buying things just to make you feel better, it’s wise to look for other ways to relieve yourself of stress. Some of the things that you can do include meditation, exercise and a good old fashioned nap. You may also watch movies, read or do some small jobs at home. Shopping as means of stress relief can actually make things worse when you start to spend more than necessary.
74. When you can -buy used
By doing a bit of clever shopping you can always find the exact item that you want just slightly used. The best places to look for quality used items that could save you tons of money are games store, used equipment store and used consignment store among others. Just make this part of your routine and go there first when looking for things.
75. Do holiday shopping right after the holiday
Although most people apply this technique during Christmas, it works for all the holidays. It’s advisable to wait for about 2 days after the holidays before you go out shopping for the things that you need for the next year. For instance, get a mother’s day card for next year a day after the mother’s day, get wrapping paper, and gift bags the day after Christmas and snag forth of july and easter decor right after the Holidays end. By doing this, you will enjoy tremendous discounts.
Wrap up
These are some of the things that can greatly help you save money while on a tight budget. Remember, proper planning and budgeting on a regular basis means that you’ll save more and spend less money. Just see how much money you can save within a short time. You might be surprised and who knows, you might even become addicted to the habit.
