Are you looking for ways to save money without making big changes? If so, you’re in luck. There are plenty of simple ways to cut back on your spending without having to make a lot of sacrifice. Keep reading for tips that will help you save money without too much effort.
1. Track your Money
Do this for at least one month to see where your money is going. This will help you identify areas where you can cut back. Grab our Budget Planner which comes with a tracker and more to support you in your journey.
2. Make a budget and stick to it
This will help you reduce your overall spending. After tracking your spending, you should have a better idea where you can cut down or cut out. Just as we mentioned in the previous step, our Budget Planner can help! Print it out and keep it in your family binder, or somewhere handy for reference.
3. Cut out unnecessary expenses
Look at your budget planner and see what you can cut out. This includes things like cable TV or eating out. It can seem daunting at first, but trust us – as time goes on it gets easier. Instead of renting a streaming movie every week – check one out from your local library. Use the extra cash on essential expenses like groceries and utility bills.
4. Make your money work for you
You may want to consider a checking and savings with high return such as SoFi Checking and Savings. You’ll earn up to 2.00% APY and pay no account fees, or late fees. Use this link to sign up and you’ll get a $25 bonus and up to $300 when you set up direct deposit. Sofi also has budgeting, savings, investing and debt management services – all included with your account.
5. Start a side gig to bring in extra Cash
If you need to reduce your expenses, bringing in additional income is a great way to do it. There are plenty of opportunities for side gigs these days. You can start a blog with our complete tutorial here on Crush the Clock. Or if you have a skill or talent, consider doing freelance work or creating YouTube tutorials. You can even participate in focus groups or surveys. None of these will bring in money fast, but with consistent effort over time they will pay off.
6. Get creative with your meals
You don’t have to eat out all the time to enjoy a good meal. Instead, try cooking at home more often. This doesn’t mean you have to be a master chef – simple meals can be just as delicious (and often times more so!). If cooking isn’t your thing, consider meal planning or even batch cooking. These methods can help you save both time and money in the kitchen.
7. Kick the Coffee
Make your coffee at home. Our favorite is Modere Logiq coffee because it has added benefits like anti-aging, brain & mood support, and it’s quick and easy. Plus, with their VIP program you can save up to 30% each and every month when you buy other great products from Modere for your home and wellness. Drinking your coffee at home instead of heading to the coffee shop can save you big money over time.
8. Refinance your debt
This may help you save money on interest payments. You can also reduce your overall expenses each month simply by getting a lower interest rate. Be sure to read the fine print thoroughly before signing on to a new loan, just to be sure it is helping you in the long run and not just the short-term.
9. Make a plan for your Money and stick to it
This will help reduce stress and keep you on track financially. Not just a monthly budget – but an overall financial plan including how you will be investing your money over the long haul.
10. Automate your finances
This way you don’t have to think about it as much. This can be done by setting up automatic bill pay or transfers into savings account through online banking like Sofi.
11. Shop around for better deals
Often with a little leg work, better than average deals can be found on things like insurance or cell phone plans. You may be surprised how much you can save by doing a little research.
12. Use cash instead of credit
There is something about having cash in hand that makes you spend it more slowly. Maybe it’s the visual of being able to see it leave your wallet, or simply the fact that you can more easily track it. Using cash will also help you to avoid debt and interest payments. It’s a great way to stick to your budget and reduce your expenses.
13. Live below your means
Don’t try to keep up with the Joneses. This will help you reduce your expenses and stress levels! You may be surprised how much happier you are because your bills are smaller, even though you may have less “stuff.”
14. Sell unused items online or at a garage sale
This extra cash can be used to reduce your overall expenses. Check out this blog post for more tips on Getting Rid of Unwanted Household Items or our Practical Guide to Declutter Toys. Both articles share some useful ways to make cash fast with the unwanted items you currently have at home.
15. Take advantage of Coupons & Sales
Using coupons and taking advantage of sales when possible can help you save money on groceries and other necessary items. You don’t have to be an extreme couponer, but every little bit helps. You can check for online coupons before you shop or even download a coupon app like Groupon Coupons to your phone.
16. Review expenses regularly
This will help ensure that you are on track with reducing your overall expenses. It’s also a good way to catch any errors or potential areas of improvement. Not sure how to do this? Just grab our Budget Planner. Using it will help keep your finances in order and reduce stress levels.
There you have it! 16 simple ways to reduce expenses without making big changes. Which ones will you try? Do you have any other tips to add? We’d love to hear from you.
