Saving money can be challenging, but not impossible when you look for creative ways to cut costs. Here are 16 ways to look for savings.
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1. Grocery store purchases
If the point is maximizing your money, then choosing the right credit card to swipe at the grocery store can help. Certain credit cards offer rewards for grocery store and restaurant purchases, and many don’t have annual fees. Some rewards can even climb up to 3% cash back at supermarkets, which can add up if you use your card on food a lot. Basically, if you are a foodie, I highly recommend you try this option.
Another great tool for saving money on groceries is utilizing apps such as Flipp, which allows you to browse through weekly ads and compare prices among retailers to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
When shopping at the grocery store, remember this: the higher-priced items or items with a high markup almost always tend to be placed in the “bulls-eye zone” (the second and third shelves from the top). If you are looking to save money, look for items on the shelves that are lower or higher than eye level whether it’s bulk items or store-brand options.
Lastly, everyone knows that in-season fruits and vegetables taste better. But did you know that they are also cheaper? Not sure which produce is in-season? Check out the USDA for a guide to in-season produce that will help you shave money off your grocery bill.
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2. Gas
Much like those credit cards that offer rewards and savings when spending on groceries, other cards help you save on gas. Rewards can range from cashback to car rental insurance.
Many grocery stores have free programs that reward shoppers with points they can use to pay for gas at partner gas stations. Shell, for example, has partnered with several grocery store chains. This gives customers discounts on gas when they purchase certain products with their special member’s card.
Have you ever gotten gas and then driven a couple of miles only to notice gas for much cheaper? This can be eliminated with apps like GasBuddy, which compares fuel prices near you, so you can make sure you’re getting the best price at the pump. If you put in a lot of mileage regularly, those savings can add up.
Also, make sure your tires are properly inflated. This will allow you to get better gas mileage and potentially save you hundreds of dollars a year on fuel.
Additionally, make sure your gas cap is tightened and you regularly change your oil. These two things can affect the way your engine runs and cost you more money.
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3. Electric bill
Looking to save money on your electric bill? Consider getting an energy audit. These audits will help you determine how energy is being used in your home. Once you have a general idea of that, you can then outline steps to make your home more energy-efficient, which will lower your electric bill. You can try out a professional energy audit, or do a DIY version.
Light bill too high? Switch to LED bulbs. Not only are these bulbs better for the environment, but they are also known to use up to 75% less energy than regular light bulbs, which results in a lower electric bill. An added bonus: they also last much longer than other bulbs, so you won’t have to purchase them as often.
Most of us tend to keep certain appliances plugged in even when we aren’t using them, but simply unplugging them when they aren’t in use could also save money on your bill. These appliances can account for 5% to 10% of residential energy use.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Much like negotiating for a lower rate on your mortgage, you can also negotiate your utility bills. Try contacting your utility provider and ask them for a better rate.
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4. Use your bank’s bill pay
Does your bank have bill pay? If so, you may want to take advantage of this feature as a payment method instead of using your debit card online. By using bill pay, you will save yourself from any debit card fees that your utility companies charge. You can even schedule your bills as soon as you receive them, to avoid having to pay late fees.
Those are the obvious ways you can save money, but keep reading for some ways you can save money that you may not have thought of.
5. Ditch the expensive cleaners
The price of the products you use to clean your house can really add up. So, why not try making your own using vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice or oil and salt. Not only will this save your pockets, it will also save you from all those harsh products found in typical cleaning products.
6. Skip the ATM
Some ATMs charge on average a $2 fee per use and although $2 doesn’t seem like a lot, it can really add up if you are using the ATM regularly. Why not skip the ATM altogether and head straight to the bank to get your cash?
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7. Drink water when you’re eating out
When eating out, drinks tend to be relatively high. To avoid this, consider ordering water with your meal instead. You will save an average of $2 each time.
8. Speaking of eating out? Split the Meal
Adult-sized portions in most restaurants are usually much more food than what one adult can eat in one sitting. So instead of paying for a large meal that you won’t be able to finish, consider splitting it with your partner (or child) and only pay for one entrée.
9. Shop Once a Month
Instead of shopping weekly, shop once a month. That way you’ll be stocked up for the month instead of going to the grocery store weekly, which results in less money in your pockets.
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10. Stop buying paper towels
Instead of constantly buying paper towels, opt for using old towels and clothing to make rags. These can be washed and reused, which will save you money.
11. Reuse your tea bags
Did you know that tea bags and coffee grounds can be used more than once? For tea bags, try drying them out and reusing them a second time. For coffee grounds, you can typically get a second pot out of the grounds. They both can be used more than twice. The only downside to this is that the strength and flavor of your drinks may not be as good.
12. Skip boneless, skinless chicken breast
Something that people may not realize is that they are paying at least $0.20 more per pound for the convenience of boneless chicken. Instead of buying the convenience, buy the cheaper bone-in option and spend the extra three minutes it takes to do it yourself.
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13. Reuse Ziploc Bags
If they haven’t been used for holding meat, those Ziploc bags you’re throwing out can be washed and reused.
14. Cover your windows
Covering your windows in plastic or investing in blackout or thermal curtains can save you during the winter and summer months by keeping you warm (or cool) and saving you money on your heat and air condition bills.
15. Use every last drop
Instead of tossing a bottle when it gets hard to get anything out or you assume it’s empty, add a little bit of water (as long as water won’t ruin it) or turn the bottle or tube upside down and let it sit. You would be surprised at just how many more uses you’ll get.
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16. Turn down your fridge thermostat
Setting your fridge at lower temperatures will only cost you money for both electric use and frozen foods that may not do so well.
All of the tips listed above can help you save money fast and make for a more prosperous 2023. However, the only way you can really make waves in your savings is if you make a place for it in your budget.
The best way to do this is to follow the 50/30/20 budgeting framework. With the 50/30/20 budget, the idea is that you will dedicate 50% of your monthly income toward essentials, 30% toward “wants” and 20% toward your savings. If you are really looking to save, you can switch the 30% and the 20% categories.
