Want to save more money? Here's 10 simple money saving ideas you can do right now!
When it comes to saving, one of the most challenging parts is just getting started. It can be hard to figure out ways to save, and how you should use your savings to help get you closer to your financial goals. But it doesn't have to be. There are a few easy things that you can do right now to help you save more money and get started on those goals.
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10 Easy Ways to Save More Money
Start Meal Planning
For most families, food makes up a significant portion of our budgets. You can save a ton of money by eating out less and better managing your food budget. (Don't believe me? See how my friend Stacey saves $1,000 a month here.)For our family, meal planning is key. And my secret weapon to maximize savings is by using The Dinner Daily. It is a seriously genius way to save on your grocery bills. Here's how it works: once you sign up, you'll get personalized weekly meal plans and shopping lists delivered directly to your email box. And the meal plans are customized to your preferred store's sales. They even send you coupons for things on your list! It makes saving money at the store so simple and you'll also save by not eating out as much. It totally pays for itself and then some. Check it out for 2 weeks FREE here.
Read more about how to save money at the grocery store from the Family Finance Mom here - these tips are amazing!
Subscribe and Save
This was a lifesaver when I had two babies in diapers. If there are things that you routinely buy, set up a subscription to purchase them online at a discount. You can save on everything from diapers to dog food at Amazon and the more subscriptions you have, the bigger the savings. Learn more about Subscribe and Save here.PS - if you do still use diapers, you can take 20% off your diaper subscriptions when you join Amazon Family. Get a free 30 day trial here.
Review Your Recurring Charges
Are you paying for things you don't use? Grab your credit and debit card statements and do a thorough audit of your recurring expenses. You may find that there are subscriptions for things that you no longer use. Cancel anything that isn't useful and you'll automatically start saving.Sign Up for a Loyalty Card
Did you know that most stores offer discounts on gas or even free items just for being a loyalty card member? If you shop at a store regularly, you should consider getting a loyalty card. You can save big on things you are already buying with not much effort. It's a no brainer!Get a Red Card
If you shop at Target and you don't have a Red Card you are leaving money on the table. I am not a fan of store credit cards, but the Red Card is different. It is actually a debit card, and it gives you 5% cash back on all your Target purchases in store and online. Plus free shipping with no minimum at Target.com. Check it out here.Use Ebates
Ebates is an amazing way to save on things you are already buying. It's super simple: just visit Ebates before you shop online and you'll earn cash back on your purchases. Then you'll get a check for your cash back. You can even find extra coupons and discounts too. It really works! Check it out here (you'll get a $10 reward just for signing up!)Try Ibotta
Ibotta is a savings app that gives you cash back on things you are already buying. It's simple: set up an account, choose your offers for everything from groceries to household essentials to pet supplies, then shop at your favorite store. Take a quick picture of your receipt and you'll get cash back for your purchases! You can even link your store loyalty card to make it even easier. Try it here - it's totally free to sign up and start saving!Get Savvy with Your Thermostat
A simple way you can shave a few dollars off your electric bill is by lowering your thermostat by a few degrees in the winter months and raising it in the summer. You probably won’t feel much of a difference, but you’ll be saving a ton of money in the process!Or even better, get a programmable thermostat and set a schedule for when you leave home so you're not heating an empty house.
Look Into Cheaper Plans
Review all of your current plans: your car insurance, phone plan, or even your health insurance. You are likely paying for more than you are using and missing out on some great deals. Do some investigating and see if a cheaper plan or getting rid of a few extras could help you save some cash.If you've been a customer of a company for a long time, consider calling and asking for a discount. I have done this several times and it works! They would rather keep a good, current customer by offering some savings than lose you to a competitor.
Cut Cable
There are so many entertainment options out there now that you don't need to pay hundreds on cable every month to watch your favorite shows. You can still watch all your favorite shows online through Hulu or Netflix and often you can pick up your local channels with a digital antenna.If you have Amazon Prime, you already have access to tons of movies, TV shows (and books and music too!) and an entire year costs about as much as a month of cable. Not a Prime member? Try a free 30 day trial here.
Saving money doesn't have to be complicated. If you try these 10 things today you could be well on your way toward your financial goals tomorrow.
Need help to organize your finances? Check out these great tips and get a free printable spending tracker!