Saving money can be challenging, even if you have some disposable income after paying bills. Today, with so many enticing products and the ease of online shopping—where a few clicks can complete a purchase—staying on budget requires effort and discipline.
What if you delay paying for items in your cart and review them later? You might find that you don’t need everything and can delete a few items. This tip comes from Reddit’s ‘Frugal’ community, where users shared simple strategies that helped them save money. Reviewing and scaling down your shopping cart is one such effective change.
Today, we’re highlighting some tips and tricks from the frugal community that might inspire you to make budget-friendly changes. Scroll down to check out the list, and get ready to start saving money!
#1
Add items to your Amazon cart, but hold off on buying them immediately. After a few days, revisit your cart and assess whether you need those items. Remove anything unnecessary and repeat the process as needed.
#2
Keeping a budgeting notebook where you write down every expense can be more effective than using budgeting apps. Writing your expenditures by hand helps you become more aware of your spending and encourages you to cut back. Seeing it all written down makes you more motivated to save money.
#3
Cutting out sodas not only saves money but also helps improve your health. With rising prices and the long-term health risks associated with sugary drinks, giving up sodas can lead to significant savings both financially and in terms of well-being.
#4
I stopped using food delivery apps like DoorDash and switched to frozen chicken strips and tater tots for a quick and affordable meal. It’s a simple way to save money while still enjoying a convenient option when I’m in a hurry.
#5
I used to enjoy a glass or two of wine with dinner or afterward, but doing it every night became expensive and unhealthy. I’ve started replacing it with hot tea in the evening. Although I wasn’t a tea drinker before, exploring different varieties has been fun, and it’s starting to grow in me.
#6
I finally got a library card and connected it to my Kindle through the Libby app. I haven’t bought a single ebook or physical book all year!
#7
I created a gift bin. Whenever I find a great deal online, at a thrift store, or a bin store, I buy the item and store it in my gift bin. This way, I’m always prepared with thoughtful gifts without overspending.
I always have nice gifts ready for kids and family members. This way, I’m prepared for occasions like Christmas without last-minute shopping stress or overspending.
For example, we’re attending a birthday next week, and I already have two new Lego sets I bought at a great discount in January. The child will love the gifts; all we need to do is wrap them, saving us time and money.
#8
One morning, during some free time, I went through my email and unsubscribed from almost every list I was on—Wayfair, H&M, Home Depot, and more. Not only did it clean up my inbox, but it also stopped the temptation of sale days and coupon codes. This simple step has helped me control impulse spending!
#9
I started shopping at a discount grocery store that sells items nearing or just past their sell-by dates. At first, I was worried the food might not be good, but I haven’t had a single issue. We’re now saving hundreds of dollars each month on groceries!
#10
I learned to make my fancy coffee at home using a cheap espresso machine we had. After a few weeks, I upgraded to a used, nicer model. I haven’t had to sacrifice taste for frugality, and the $250 I spent on the espresso machine has easily been “earned” back by not going to coffee shops.
Conclusion
Making frugal changes doesn’t have to be difficult. Simple habits, such as delaying online purchases, writing down expenses, or cutting out pricey daily habits, can make a significant impact on your savings. By unsubscribing from marketing emails, shopping at discount stores, or making your favorite coffee at home, you not only save money but also build smarter financial habits. Small steps like these, when consistently practiced, can lead to major savings and help you reach your financial goals with ease.
FAQs
Q1: What’s an easy way to stop impulse shopping online?
Ans: A helpful tip is to place items in your online cart but wait a few days before purchasing. When you return, you may realize you don’t actually need them, helping to reduce impulse buys.
Q2: How can writing down expenses help with saving money?
Ans: Physically writing down every expense in a budgeting notebook makes spending more visible. This practice often leads to more mindful spending and better financial control compared to using apps.
Q3: What are some health and money-saving changes people make?
Ans: Cutting out soda is a simple change that not only saves money but also improves long-term health by reducing sugar intake.
Q4: How can I save on food costs without sacrificing convenience?
Ans: Instead of ordering from food delivery apps, consider stocking up on quick-cooking options like frozen chicken strips and tater tots, which are much more affordable.
Q5: What’s an affordable alternative to drinking alcohol daily?
Ans: Replacing a nightly glass of wine with a cup of tea is a healthier, cheaper habit. Exploring different tea flavors can even make it an enjoyable ritual.
Q6: How can a library card help save money?
Ans: Getting a library card and using apps like Libby to borrow eBooks for your Kindle means you can stop buying physical books or eBooks, saving you a lot in the long run.
Q7: What’s the benefit of creating a gift bin?
Ans: Having a gift bin stocked with discounted items bought throughout the year ensures you’re always ready with thoughtful gifts without overspending during holidays or special occasions.
Q8: How can unsubscribing from email lists help with saving?
Ans: Unsubscribing from retail emails removes daily temptations, like sale alerts or discount codes, reducing impulse spending and clearing up your inbox.
Q9: Can shopping at discount grocery stores really save that much?
Ans: Many people find that discount grocery stores offer excellent savings on items close to or past their sell-by dates, helping save hundreds on monthly grocery bills without sacrificing quality.
Q10: Is it worth making coffee at home instead of going to cafés?
Ans: Investing in an espresso machine and making coffee at home can lead to significant savings over time. Even with the initial cost of the machine, it pays off by avoiding expensive daily coffee shop visits.
