40 Creative Ways to Save Money

No matter where you are money-wise, you should know that it’s possible for anyone to turn their financial life around. Sometimes, all it takes is that first step in the right direction to get things moving. Today, I’ve created this list of my 40 top ways to save money today.

None of these tactics will transform your life on their own, but if you’re able to implement more than one, they can make a quite a difference over time. Some can take a few minutes, some require a bit more effort. I find them all incredibly simple, so anyone can do them. Some tips might not apply to everyone. Go through the list and find 15 or 20 that do apply to you and use them in your life.

Here are my 40 top creative ways to save money.

  1. Cut your hair short. Less hair, less water, less shampoo, less conditioner, less energy your hairdryer uses, less money spent.
  2. Unplug everything when not in use. Even when you’re not watching TV or charging your cell phone…your TV set, phone charger and all the appliances that remain plugged in are still using energy — and it’s costing you money.
  3. Prepare meals at home, like bringing lunch to work. Buying lunch at work usually costs as twice as making lunch at home.
  4. Drink more water. Simple. Just by drinking more tap water throughout the day you’ll save on expensive drinks like softdrinks. Don’t order drinks when you dine out. Instead, ask for water. Plus, drinking more water will also improve your health, which means less in health care costs too!
  5. Take public transportation as much as you can. Take fewer taxi rides.
  6. Buy quality clothes so they last longer. Assess clothing in terms of quality as well as price. An inexpensive shirt or a pair of socks is a poor bargain if it wears out in a less than a year.
  7. Buy quality appliances that will last. Do a bit of research when you buy a new appliance. A reliable, energy-efficient washing machine might cost you quite a bit now, but if it continually saves you energy and lasts for 15 years instead of five, you’ll save significant money over time.
  8. Plan gift-giving well in advance. That will give you time to decide on the most thoughtful gifts, which usually are not the most expensive ones. If you need to purchase these gifts, you will have the opportunity to look for sales.
  9. Get more sleep. You’ll use less electricity, you won’t do any late night snacking and/or drinking, and the health benefits of getting enough sleep will help avoid illness.
  10. Exercise more. The more time you spend working on your health and fitness, the less time you’ll have to shop, go out to eat, hit the bar, go to the movies, and otherwise spend! Not only will you save money, you will be healthier with a better body to show for it.
  11. Buy generic brands at the grocery store— they tend to be cheaper.
  12. Use cash, not credit.
  13. Grow your own vegetables. Gardening can turn into a hobby that actually reduces your grocery bill and is fun.
  14. Don’t spend when you’re emotional. Sometimes, a shopping spree really makes you feel better. But that doesn’t mean it’s good for your financial life! Instead of splurging if you’re upset, notice the temptation and emotion and opt for exercise instead.
  15. Create a money mantra. Write it down. Say it with confidence at night and in the morning. Your money mantra should describe your financial vision and how you expect to achieve it.
  16. Avoid convenience foods and fast food. Instead of eating fast food, try making some simple and healthy replacements that you can take with you.
  17. Give up expensive habits. Quit smoking. Ditch those illicit drugs. Reduce your drinking. Having vices is not only expensive, but potentially deadly as well.
  18. Indulge in a DIY spa day. Facemasks, body scrubs, and hair masks aren’t limited to pricey spas. Make your own spa-like goodies with easy-to-make ingredients lists including oatmeal, milk and sugar.
  19. Stream fitness classes online. Search through Youtube and you’ll find several aerobics classes.
  20. Turn off the water while scrubbing dishes. Spray a little water on all the dishes in the sink, then turn it off while scrubbing. Turn the water back on when it’s time to rinse. Good for the environment and good for your wallet.
  21. Leave your wallet at home or at the office. Going for a walk? Leave your wallet when you head out so you won’t be tempted buy something in impulse.
  22. Write a shopping list before going to the store and stick to it.
  23. Go grocery shopping on a full stomach. Studies show that shopping with hunger pangs may mean more food in the cart.
  24. Use a basket. Use a basket instead of a cart if you know you need just a few items. It’ll keep you from tossing in more than you need.
  25. Invite friends over instead of going out. It is always cheaper to stay in with friends and come up with your own entertainment – play cards, watching movies, sing karaoke.
  26. Eating a healthy breakfast fills you up with energy for the day while also curbing your desire for a big, expensive lunch.
  27. Collect spare change. Keep a jar where you put all of your change and when it gets full, exchange it for cash.
  28. Reuse junk envelopes. Use them to carry deposits slips and cash to and from the bank or as scrap paper for shopping and to-do lists.
  29. Save and reuse plastic bags. Use them to hold wet clothes from the pool or beach. Use them to return books or other items borrowed from friends and family. Fill them with stinky garbage or use them as trash liners.
  30. Buy in bulk. With the items you use a lot of, buy them in bulk. This cuts down costs and over the long run adds up to significant savings.
  31. Compare prices among the different stores.
  32. Travel during the off-season to get cheaper rates on flights and hotels.
  33. Consider a hostel or a vacation rental home instead of a hotel.
  34. Use a prepaid phone instead of signing up for a phone plan.
  35. Install CFLs or LEDs lights. Energy-efficient light bulbs might cost a bit more , but they have a much longer life than normal incandescent bulbs and use far less electricity.
  36. Stop buying things just because they were on sale. Everyone loves a good deal, but try to ask yourself: would I buy this if it was full price? If not, don’t buy it.
  37. Live in a smaller house or apartment. Smaller space, lesser items or things to store, less money to spend.
  38. Simplify your wardrobe. Dress minimally and stick to classic pieces of clothing. Look for clothes that you will be able to wear with many other things and to create multiple outfits.
  39. Save old clothes. Turn them into rags or napkins.
  40. Repair/Sew your clothes instead of throwing them away.

Hopefully some of these ideas will help get you to your goals!

2 thoughts on “40 Creative Ways to Save Money

  1. even though i’m a guy. I learned some advice on you. keep posting to help us young adult become financially free!

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