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10 Realistic Money Saving Tips and Techniques That Are Far From Challenging
Money saving tips in today’s modern world can be unrealistic and even discouraging. Finding realistic money saving techniques that work can feel nearly impossible. With countless articles promising overnight financial success or extreme lifestyle cutbacks, it’s hard to know where to start. But fear not! Katie T’s Home has compiled a list of 10 realistic money saving tips that won’t leave you feeling overwhelmed or sacrificing the things you love.
These tips are designed to seamlessly integrate into your daily life, allowing you to maximize your savings without compromising your lifestyle.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.
So, let’s dive in and discover how you can take control of your finances and watch your savings grow!
I also ask that you please leave your thoughts in the comment section below. I’m always trying to produce helpful content for my readers, and without knowing what you think, it’s hard to know what you find helpful/not helpful. So please leave your thoughts below!! 🙂
Katie T’s Farmhouse Home Fun Fact #9
Before I jump into this guide on the 10 realistic money saving tips and techniques, I want to mention a fun fact about myself! This is a new section I’m including on my blog posts so my readers can get to know me on a personal level!
So, for my ninth fun fact, I want to share that I’m a February birthday gal! February 26th, to be exact.
I never liked having a February birthday growing up because the weather was always meh, at least towards the end of February when the snow melts and it’s slushy.
However, now that I’m older, I kinda like the idea that February is when maple sugaring takes place, and I LOVE maple syrup! So I guess it’s fitting!
Create a Budget That Works for You
The first technique out of the 10 realistic money saving tips is taking the time to create a budget that works for you. Without a clear understanding of your income, expenses, and spending habits, it’s easy for money to slip through the cracks and your savings to dwindle.
By creating a budget tailored to your unique needs and priorities, you can understand where your money is going and make informed decisions about allocating it more effectively.
To start, take some time to gather all of your financial information, including your income, bills, and any other regular expenses.
This will give you a clear picture of your financial situation and help you identify areas where you may be overspending or where you can cut back.
Viewing digital charges like your bank account or credit card statements is a great way to see those out-of-sight out-of-mind costs that you’ve forgotten about. For example, you might discover a subscription that you forgot to cancel.
Next, you’ll need to prioritize the luxuries in life.
That’s right, you heard me! And I think this is where lots of people go wrong with budgeting.
It’s a shame because I think people get the notion that budgeting is strictly cutting back on every enjoyment of life, but, to be successful with saving money long term, that’s not the case.
You have to look at it like a diet. How many times do people succeed with diets that go cold turkey and remove all bad foods from the equation? Pretty few right?
But from what I’ve seen, the diets that work are the ones that allow people to enjoy the food that they like. They might cut back, but they still have the option of being able to eat cookies or have a glass of wine or whatever floats their boat.
So ask yourself, what luxury expenses are a priority, and what is feasible for your lifestyle? If that means cutting back and only buying one cup of coffee per day, then do that over cutting it out completely (if that’s the luxury you prioritize). If making coffee at home is feasible then do that instead and save yourself the money!
An easy way to prioritize luxuries is to allow yourself a set amount of spending money per month for these expenses. My husband and I call it “our splurge money,” and each month, we get the same amount of money that we can spend on our own wants, no questions asked.
Get in the Habit of Tracking Your Expenses
As you begin to implement your budget, it’s crucial to track your expenses regularly. Get in the habit of recording all of your purchases, whether it’s through a mobile app, a spreadsheet, or simply jotting them down in a notebook.
This will give you a visual representation of where your money is going and allow you to identify any spending patterns that may need to be adjusted.
By staying diligent with your expense tracking, you can make more informed decisions about your spending and ensure that you’re staying on track with your savings goals.
My husband and I use an app called Wallet. It’s free and easy to use, and I like it for a few reasons. One is that it doesn’t need to be linked to my bank account. Call me skeptical, but I like the idea of keeping it separate.Â
Secondly, you can set up automatic charges like rent or insurance, so you don’t have to add them manually every month.
Third, I made an account so my husband could see the budgeting expenses on his phone. So, if he makes purchases, he can directly add it in.
And finally, the biggest reason was that this app has a feature of setting an amount per period, and we can add expenses as we go along. So, for example, if my food budget was $500 per month, I can add the $235 grocery run to the expense tracker, and it will tell me I have $265 left for the rest of the month.
Pay off Debt As Soon As Possible!!
I cannot emphasize how important paying off debt is. Out of the 10 realistic money saving tips I talk about, this one is super crucial. We live in a world where debt is almost inevitable, but it is possible to live debt-free.
This means that paying off debt is a priority and, in some ways, even more than saving money. Because as long as you have debt, you’ll be dishing out more money in the long run. And that’s all because of interest.
Now listen, I’m not a financial advisor, so take my claims and ideas with a grain of salt, but I try to make the best financial decisions possible.
And if I can help others do the same by letting them know my techniques, then that’s a win in my book!
And to be completely transparent, my husband and I are debt-free. Now, at the time of writing this, we’re renting, so once we build our house and have a mortgage, that will be a different story. But part of the reason why we have no debt is because we prioritized it.
We also both went to college, have new-ish cars, and have been able to comfortably live within our means. Our income has ranged throughout our marriage, with job shifts and whatnot, but our joint income has never been astronomical by any means.
So, with that said, how are we debt-free? Because we prioritized the debt. We did this by paying the bill outright or, whenever we got a lump sum of money (let’s say money back from taxes), we paid off the school, car, etc.
So, make your debt a priority as much as possible, and saving will be that much easier!
Cut Back on Unnecessary Expenses
Cutting back on unnecessary expenses is an essential step toward achieving financial stability. Out of the 10 realistic money saving tips, this one is easier than you may think.
While the ultimate goal is to pay off debt and gain financial freedom, it’s important to approach this process sustainably. By implementing some practical techniques, you can start cutting back on unnecessary expenses and accelerate your debt repayment journey.
One effective way to reduce expenses is to reevaluate your monthly subscriptions and memberships. Take a closer look at services you rarely use or can live without.
Are you paying for multiple streaming platforms when you only really use one? Do you have gym memberships that you rarely utilize? Consider canceling or downgrading these subscriptions to save money each month.
Another area to examine is how much of what you buy is essential.
For example, is food waste common in your household? Perhaps creating a meal plan and focusing on making meals with the food items that go bad first will help cut back on food waste and save you money in the long run.
Additionally, take a look at your utility bills and find ways to reduce your consumption. Simple habits like turning off lights when leaving a room, adjusting the thermostat, and being mindful of water usage can result in substantial savings over time.
I like using smart plugs because they completely shut off the power, so electricity isn’t being pulled from the items that are still plugged into the outlet.
Also, consider shopping around for better deals on insurance or utility providers. By comparing prices and negotiating better rates, you can further reduce your monthly expenses.
Just be sure to do your due diligence and make sure there are no additional fees or surcharges that make the new insurance or utility providers seem cheaper but not so much in all actuality.
Use Cashback from Credit Cards and Apps
One effective way to stretch your budget and make every dollar count is by taking advantage of cashback. Thanks to the rise of technology, there are numerous apps and credit cards available that allow you to earn cashback on your everyday purchases.
Cashback apps work by partnering with retailers and offering you a percentage of your purchase back as cash or rewards points. By scanning your receipt or linking your credit card, you can effortlessly earn money on the items you already planned to buy.
If you have credit cards or plan on getting one, research which one best suits your needs. I have 3, including Discover, Amazon, and TJX.
I only use Amazon and TJX for their intended retailers and the Discover card for everything else. Putting everyday expenses on credit cards and not a debit card adds a layer of protection for my bank account while allowing me to receive cashback.
Depending on the card, my husband and I will use the cashback towards Christmas gifts every year, so the expense of getting Christmas gifts doesn’t completely throw our budget out the window.
Embrace DIY and Repurposing
One of the simplest ways to embrace DIY and repurposing is by reusing containers and packaging. Instead of throwing away glass jars, plastic containers, or cardboard boxes, consider washing and repurposing them for storage purposes.
These versatile containers can organize your pantry, store craft supplies, or even serve as containers for candles or possible gifts. Giving these items a second life saves money from buying new storage containers while reducing waste.
When storing food, I try not to use plastic, so investing in glass containers, reusable silicone bags, and beeswax wraps is the way to go. However, some foods come in glass containers that I keep every time including oui yogurts, Nature’s Promise dressings, and admittedly the large Carlo Rossi vessels.
Saving these containers, especially the last two, is super handy when I make my own dressings, juice, or broths and need containers to store them in. This technique is one of my favorites out of the 10 realistic money saving tips I mention in this post.
Another area where DIY and repurposing can make a big impact is in home decor. Instead of buying expensive artwork or decorative items, get creative and make your own.
You can design and paint your wall art, create unique photo displays using old frames, or even repurpose items like wine corks, twine, or scrap fabric to make beautiful and personalized decor pieces. With a little imagination and some DIY skills, you can transform your living space on a budget and add a personal touch to your home.
Repurposing furniture is another great way to save money and give your living space a fresh look. Instead of buying new furniture, consider refurbishing and repurposing pieces you already own or find at thrift stores.
With a fresh coat of paint, new fabric, or some minor adjustments, you can turn old, worn-out furniture into stylish and unique pieces that perfectly fit your style and save you a significant amount of money.
Reduce Energy Consumption
Reducing energy consumption is not only good for the environment but also for your wallet. Making a few simple adjustments in your every day habits can lead to significant savings on your utility bills.
One of the easiest ways to reduce energy consumption is by being mindful of your electricity usage. Remember to turn off lights and unplug electronics when they are not in use. This small habit can go a long way in conserving energy and lowering your monthly expenses.
Another effective way to reduce energy consumption is investing in energy-efficient appliances and electronics. Look for devices with the ENERGY STAR label, as they are designed to consume less energy without compromising performance.
While these appliances might have a higher upfront cost, they can save you money in the long run.
Making simple changes to your daily routine can also contribute to energy savings. As I mentioned before, smart plugs help reduce electricity from the things that are always plugged into an outlet. For example, our TV, lamps, or computers.Â
For obvious reasons, I wouldn’t recommend using these on large appliances like a refrigerator or washer machine. Also, be sure to properly shut down your computer if you decide to go in this direction, but they are super handy to have!
Shop Smart and Take Advantage of Sales
By being mindful of your shopping habits and making strategic purchases, you can take your money-saving efforts to the next level. Shopping smart and taking advantage of sales not only helps you stretch your budget further but also allows you to make the most of your hard-earned dollars.
One of the key strategies for shopping smart is to plan and make an online order and pick it up at the location. When you have a clear idea of what you need and order it online, you’ll be less likely to impulse buy that bag of chips you see while going down the store isles. I do this with my grocery shopping and it makes a big difference!
Another way to shop smart is to compare prices and look for the best deals. Before making a purchase, take the time to research different stores, both online and offline, to find the lowest prices.
With the ease of online shopping, it’s easier than ever to do a quick price comparison.
Lastly, be open to shopping at second-hand stores or thrift shops. These establishments often have gently used items at a fraction of the retail price.
Whether you’re looking for clothing, furniture, or household items, you can find great deals that will help you save money. Don’t overlook the value of pre-owned items as they can be just as functional and durable as new ones.
Cook at Home and Pack Your Lunch
One of the most effective ways to save money is by cooking at home and packing your lunch. Not only does this help you avoid the temptation of dining out or ordering takeout, but it also allows you to have full control over the ingredients you use and the portion sizes you serve.
By cooking at home, you can significantly reduce the money spent on food. Instead of spending money on pre-packaged meals or eating out at restaurants, you can buy fresh ingredients and prepare delicious meals right in your kitchen.
Plus, cooking at home allows you to experiment with different recipes and flavors, adding variety to your meals without breaking the bank.
Additionally, packing your lunch can save you a substantial amount of money over time. Instead of buying lunch at work or school, you can plan and prepare your meals in advance, bringing them with you wherever you go.
Know the Value of the Things You’re Buying
Out of the 10 realistic money saving tips, this one is also super important. Just as shopping smart takes advantage of saving money with sales and price comparison, you should also know the value of what you’re buying.
When making purchases, it’s easy to get caught up in the allure of sales, discounts, or the desire for convenience. However, taking the time to truly understand the value of the things you’re buying can be a game-changer for your wallet.
One way to evaluate the value of an item is by reading reviews or seeking recommendations from trusted sources. Look for objective opinions that provide insights into the product’s performance, reliability, and overall satisfaction. This will help you gauge whether the item is worth the investment and if it aligns with your needs.
Another aspect to consider is the lifespan of the item. Cheap or low-quality products may seem like a great deal in the short term, but they often need to be replaced more frequently, ultimately costing you more in the long run.
Understanding the value means assessing the durability and longevity of the item, ensuring that you’re making a wise investment that will stand the test of time.
Furthermore, knowing the value can extend beyond just tangible items. It’s also essential to consider the intangible benefits or drawbacks associated with a purchase.
For example, buying a more expensive but energy-efficient light bulbs may have a higher upfront cost, but it can save you money on your electric bills in the long term. This value can help you make decisions that align with your financial goals and prioritize long-term savings over short-term gains.
Or even buying items with a lifetime or extended guarantee. Depending on the application, it may be worth the additional investment. This is why I was willing to invest in my Emilee Henry pans, because of their 10-year warranty.
Ultimately know that just because things are on sale doesn’t mean you’re getting a good price. So if that means not participating in major sales like Black Friday because companies tend to raise the price of their products in the months before only to put it on sale so you think you’re getting a good price, then don’t.
10 Realistic Money Saving Tips and Techniques That Are Far From Challenging
Incorporating these 10 realistic money saving tips into your daily life can have a significant impact on your financial well-being. Start implementing these techniques today and watch your savings grow steadily over time. Remember, small changes can lead to big results, and saving money will always be a long-term game. So, what are you waiting for get saving and sign up for my newsletter below!!
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