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Saving money is essential to your overall financial health, but there are only so many methods floating around that you can use before you’ve exhausted all available advice.
This is why it’s important to look for new strategies that will enable you to save more and spend less.
If you’ve already implemented all of the traditional advice into your financial life, here are 13 creative money-saving tips that go beyond the basics.
#1. Keep Everything in Your Home Organized
It can be easy to purchase things you think you need because you don’t know where they are in your home.
People who have a cluttered home or one that tends to get messy have managed to save a ton of money just by making sure that everything has a place. That way, they know exactly what they have on hand and what they need to buy.
#2. Switch Over to Grocery Delivery
Grocery delivery can be expensive, so this tip might not be for everyone.
However, if you tend to impulsively purchase things you don’t need at the store, buying things in-app can give you greater control over your spending, so you’re only getting what you need.
#3. Improve Portion Control and Save Food for Later
One excellent tip is to put away some food before you serve yourself during a meal.
This can benefit you by improving portion control while also making sure that you’re stretching your meals further and reducing your overall grocery spending.
#4. Find Unique Recipes That Allow You to Reduce Food Waste
Food waste is a problem that affects many individuals, especially those who live alone.
One tip that gets put out there a lot is to save and freeze anything you don’t use that might be on the cusp of going bad.
Then, look for recipes like “everything but the kitchen sink” soup, where you can combine various ingredients to create something delicious.
#5. Declutter Regularly and Sell What You Can
Everyone buys things they don’t need simply because the mood strikes.
Unfortunately, people will also throw those things away because they take up space.
Instead of throwing items away, make it a goal to declutter regularly and sell anything that can be sold.
This will help you make some money back and remind you of the importance of only buying things you want or will actually use.
#6. Add Stuff to Your Cart, But Don’t Buy It Right Away
Saving money is hard when there are so many things out there that you’d like to own.
One strategy people will use is adding things to their digital cart but not going through with checkout.
If you spend a few days without thinking about these things, chances are you just felt a need to purchase them at that moment.
You can then return to your cart, delete them, and avoid spending money on non-essentials.
#7. Make Sure to Get a Library Card
The library is such an invaluable resource that few take full advantage of it.
If you have a local library, get a card now.
Many libraries offer free tools that you can borrow (such as sewing machines and similar products), and many of their books and movies can be accessed on mobile devices, so you can keep yourself entertained for free.
#8. Replace Everything Disposable With Something Reusable
Some major disposable products we know are too expensive, like disposable razors and razor heads.
But when it comes to saving money, it can be easy to overlook the small things, like cotton rounds and tissues.
While they may only be a few dollars, that still adds up.
See if you can find reusable alternatives to disposable goods that you use in your daily routine.
You might be surprised by the difference it makes.
#9. Learn a Useful Skill
Learning how to make things on your own can save you a great deal of money over the long term.
Granted, skills can vary greatly.
Some people like to cut down on spending and save money by doing something as simple as baking their own bread.
Others learn a high-skill hobby like sewing their own clothes or making furniture to save money.
If you have skills or know you can develop them, put them to use to help you save money.
#10. Thrift Shop in High-Income Neighborhoods
Thrift shopping to save on clothes and other items is not a secret.
What few may realize, however, is that you should be shopping in higher-income areas.
Even though this sounds far more expensive, given the markup on goods and the likelihood that people will be searching for bargain finds there, you can find long-lasting brand names for much cheaper.
Even if cheaper thrift stores sound great, you’re not always getting the best bang for your buck.
#11. Exercise Regularly
Regularly exercising sounds like an odd money-saving tip, but it can save you money in several ways.
Exercising regularly is crucial to maintaining your overall health.
If you ignore your physical health, you’ll likely experience costly health consequences later that you could have avoided if you placed a greater emphasis on exercise and self-care.
Exercising can also help you maintain a steady weight, which many emphasize due to the costs of buying new clothes due to cycles of weight gain and weight loss.
#12. Stock Up on Freebies
Plenty of companies give out free samples or even full-sized items, which you should take advantage of when possible.
Stock up on all your favorite freebies when you can and put them somewhere in a bin.
Then, when you need something, you’re likely to have a few freebies to tide you over until you need to buy a full-sized product.
#13. Don’t Waste Your Self-Care/Personal Hygiene Products
It’s very easy to waste self-care and personal hygiene products.
For example, most of us use too much toothpaste and face wash when we need half or less.
Figure out exactly how much product you should use so you’re not going through it as quickly.
Best Frugal Living Tips
There is a misconception that living frugally means living a miserable life.
But the reality is, most frugal people are happier and wealthier.
Here are some simple steps to start living frugally and be happier as a result.
EASY FRUGAL LIVING TIPS FOR WEALTH
Save Money On Groceries
It’s no secret that grocery shopping is a significant expense every month. While most of us know a few ways to reduce this bill, there are many other simple things we can do.
Learn the easy tricks to spend less on groceries and pocket some savings.
LEARN HOW TO SPEND LESS MONEY ON GROCERIES
I have over 15 years experience in the financial services industry and 20 years investing in the stock market. I have both my undergrad and graduate degrees in Finance, and am FINRA Series 65 licensed and have a Certificate in Financial Planning.
Visit my About Me page to learn more about me and why I am your trusted personal finance expert.
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