I think we all have some things that we can cut spending on so we can save more for the things we love to do. Traveling, adding to a retirement account, even updating some things around the house comes to my mind. Sitting down and listing out everything you spend money on each month can be a real eye opener for some people. But it does allow you to see exactly where your money is going. Then you know where you need to cut.
Here are some of my tips to cut spending to save more cash
Stretch the Food Budget
* One of the first things I look at in my budget is the food costs. It is getting higher every week it seems! So I look for ways I can stretch my food budget. Buying in bulk and repackaging is one way. Plus I make sure to have a few days a week where we eat meatless.
* Also I prepare extra on some meals and stash them in the freezer. Freezer cooking helps you save time and money by cooking several meals ahead and portioning it out for reheating later. Great for work nights when hubby has to cook!
* Another way I save on food costs is by drinking water. I use a refillable bottle and buy water in bulk (I refuse to drink our tap water. It’s nasty). Coffee on the run? I make it at home and take it with me.
Trimming the Beauty Routine
* I am forever looking for great beauty products but that does not mean I spend a lot on them. I have a few basics that I use daily and supplement with things I know work well, regardless of the cost. Being able to use a great cream that works vs. something cheap that does not will save you in the long run. A little of an expensive cream that lasts for 6 months is better than a lot of another cream that you have to replace in a month or two.
* I also simplified my routine and got rid of extra products that cost time and money. I look for products that have dual purpose and/or last a long time. Saved a ton of money that way!
* Take your exercise outside instead of in a gym. Walking, jogging, bike riding, tennis, swimming and others can all be done in your neighborhood for free or really cheap. Also, the workout DVD’s are great as are a lot of the streaming workout sites. Many of those are free or really inexpensive too.
* You can Save Money by Shopping Amazon for Best-Selling Beauty Products when buying in sets or looking for close-out specialty deals.
Save on Lifestyle Changes
* If you work close by, ditch the car and walk or cycle when you can. You save money and get in your exercise too!
* Getting crafty really helps save on gifts, decor, and maybe even sell your products and services for additional cash!
Remember to Focus Your Needs and Savings
* When listing out the must-haves in your budget, look to the needs first and then the wants. Saving money should be on your want list so making a plan to save a bit each month can become a priority. Determine how much you can save by trimming the fat and move that amount into a savings account. Even if it is $20 a month, it will add up!
Share with us some tips you have used to cut spending and saving cash!
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I want to thank you for the pointers here, they are very helpful.
Great tips, ladies! I do just usually buy disposable single water filled bottled rather in bulk and should buy bulk. I definitely agree about spending more on facial products including night creme, moisturizer, foundation, lipstick, etc. They not only look better and you do get your money’s worth but tend to last over a longer period of time for the same quantity. The same holds true, I believe, for hair products. Another great advantage is the time you save shopping for these same products too often. Your time is worth something.
I’m doing a lot of cycling since the first of the year and use it to do some errands!
Great tips! Thanks for sharing. I’ll definitely be trying some of these. I always try to save as much money as possible
Great ideas and I need all the help I can get when it comes to saving money and cutting corners thanks for sharing this one.
These are all great tips. We buy on sale with coupons to save even more. It is important to resist the impulse buying. I have found that an electric blanket allows me to lower the thermostat a couple of degrees.
I always try to buy in bulk especially with a great sale.
Drinking water, walking, meatless meal and preparing meals at home are great ideas for saving money and for staying healthy. We try to do those same things in our household and find it is not that hard to do.
I buy in bulk and I make sure to buy items on sale. I also buy less expensive brands, a lot of times name brand items will be more expensive than generic.
I could definitely use a few of these tips! We always need to save money!
I use coupons for things we will be needing, buy in bulk and portion out to the freezer, and one week each month I try to just use up things we have on hand instead of going to the store. Also, we just had a TV antenna installed and plan to give up cable TV altogether this year, just using netflix streaming instead.
I love finding ways to save money. Saving at the grocery store is what I have to do. We have a Grocery Outlet that I go to every week, and I find that I can save a lot of money on food their. I bought a pound of turkey cold cuts made without chemicals for $2.50 cents a lb. Lunch meat has gotten so expensive, but when I find a good deal on it cheap-I buy a lot!
We go through the sale ads and coupons to find the best deals on groceries and stock up when we can on good sales. Looking at where your money is going is eye opening. Makes you realize what you are buying and question why.
I make sure I NEED something before I consider buying it. I stay out of stores to eliminate impulse buying.
I have stopped driving to work, and it has saved me SO much money. Both in maintenance and gas for the car, but also from no longer stopping at Starbucks each morning.
I try all of these. I don’t have a car, my beauty routine is VERY pared down (Ivory Soap & water!), I wear my clothes until they fall apart, and I eat in for almost every meal (think: Rice Krispies and cheese sandwiches). Wait, I’m not cutting on spending, I’m just CHEAP! LOL!
We focus oon needs not wants. We allow some wants, but when we do get a wnt, it isnt am impulse buy and we pay in cash if at all possible. Too many dont think and end up with things they truly dont need they are just things they wnt for a brief time.