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Try these 20 simple strategies to reduce expenses each day
Here are 20 easy ways to save some money every day
1. Cutting Down on Eating Out
One of the simplest ways to save money is by reducing the frequency at which you eat out. While it’s nice to dine at a restaurant every once in a while, doing so often can create an unnecessary financial burden.
Dining out not only entails the price of the food but also other miscellaneous costs like tips, taxes, and travel costs – all of which can add up quickly. Many are surprised to find how much they actually spend on eating out per month. In fact, you could probably make the same meal at home for a fraction of the cost.
Consider Jane. She ate lunch at a restaurant each day, spending on average $14 per meal. When she started packing her own lunch, she spent around $4 daily. That equals about $200 in savings per month solely from making her own lunch!
- Pack your meals for work
- Limit dining out to special occasions
- Prepare bigger dinner portions for leftovers
- Cook with friends or family to split costs
- Try more economical eateries when eating out
- Choose water over high-priced drink options.
2. Eliminating Unneeded Subscriptions
Today, there are subscriptions for just about everything—online media, groceries, box clubs, clothing trends, etc. While these can provide added convenience and fun, they can quickly become costly if not managed properly.
It’s important to assess whether your subscriptions are vital. Are you receiving value equal to the cost? Are you utilizing these services fully? If not, consider canceling them. The money you save can be hefty depending on the number and cost of your under-utilized subscriptions.
Sam had various different subscriptions that amounted to around $120 per month. After evaluating his usage, he realized that he was only using services worth around $60 monthly. Hence, he canceled the unnecessary subscriptions and cut down his expense by half.
- Use free versions of services where possible
- Share certain subscriptions with friends or family
- Cancel subscriptions not in use regularly
- Re-evaluate your digital magazine and newspaper subscriptions
- Keep track of all subscriptions to avoid missed cancellations
- If possible, opt for annual subscriptions instead of monthly ones that tend to be cheaper overall.
3. Trimming Transportation Costs
Whether you drive your own car or rely on public transport or rideshares, commuting costs can easily take up a significant portion of anyone’s budget. But there are many ways to lower these expenses.
If you own a car, maintaining it properly can save you money over time. Regular tune-ups and proper tire inflation can improve gas mileage and reduce wear-and-tear, saving you expensive repairs later on. Consider carpooling or using public transportation if feasible. It’s also not unusual to learn that walking or biking is the most cost-effective method given close distances!
Anna drove her car to work daily from Monday to Friday. But after realizing her office was just 4 miles away, she started cycling which significantly reduced her fuel and maintenance expenditures.
- Maintain your vehicle properly
- Carpool with coworkers or friends
- Use public transportation
- Walk or bike when possible
- If you own multiple vehicles, consider selling one
- Plan your errands efficiently to save on trips
This next table summarizes the above strategies nicely:
Strategy | Examples |
---|---|
Eating In | Pack meals, prepare bigger dinner portions, cook with friends or family |
Cancel Subscriptions | Use free services, cancel unused subscriptions, share certain subscriptions |
Reduce Transport Costs | Maintain vehicles, carpool, use public transportation, walk or bike when possible |
Remember, these strategies for saving money are not exhaustive nor may they be the most effective for everyone. They are meant to inspire thought and stimulate personal creativity in finding ways to save even more!
With some deliberate actions and smart decisions, anyone can reduce their daily expenses significantly. This newfound capital can then be used to meet other financial goals faster or simply used to contribute towards a more enjoyable life! Good luck on your journey to better money handling and an easier bank balance.