This post was updated on August 18, 2021
You’ve got a decent job and been working for quite a while but you still feel broke. You cannot afford things and places you want to buy and go. I got you, babe. I’ve been on that road and it was frustrating. But don’t give up just yet because here are tips that can help you save money. I have incorporated some into my life and proven effective. I hope you find these ways to save money helpful. Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
How to save money and spend less
1. Make a shopping list and stick to it
When you go shopping without any list, you will end up buying things you don’t really need and spending more than you should. I created a shopping list you can for free. Be sure to stick to your list when shopping. How do you do that? Your items should be categorized into sections, directly go to sections, get what you need, and leave the store. Avoid walking and wandering around the store.
2. Delay gratification
This was something I struggled with for a long time. When you think of something you want to buy, add them to your list and wait for a period of time. You’ll come to a point where you don’t like that item anymore, or it becomes unavailable. Give it time, wait and delay!
3. Bring your own water
Cultivate the habit of bringing water wherever you go. You can do this by preparing your bottled water the night or a few hours before going out. Make sure it’s visible in your house so you can easily grab it before leaving. It will save you a decent amount without even realizing it.
4. Hold a clothing swap with friends
When you feel the need of replacing your closet with new clothes, contact a friend and do a clothing swap. I think this is a fun and brilliant way to purge your closet and get some new clothes!
5. Sell unused items
Take any things that are just sitting in your room, any toys or furniture collecting dust and serving no purpose. Take a picture and sell them online. Remember one’s trash is another person’s treasure!
6. Do a no-spend day challenge
This is an interesting and effective way to save. Challenge yourself and set a day where you do not intend to spend money at all. Mark them on your calendar. It can be once or twice a month, it’s up to your preference.
7. Track your spending
I think it’s very important that you are aware of the flow of your money. List your income and look into your spending habits. You might be surprised how much money you spend on things (clothes, magazines, eating out, make-up). Once you know which things you put your money on, you’ll be able to adjust your expenses.
| ALSO READ: Things to stop buying so you can save money |
8. Only buy what you can afford
Here is a fact: the only way to save money is to spend less than you earn. There is no way around it.
9. Don’t buy something just because it’s on sale
I am guilty of this myself. A lot of times I regretted buying things I don’t really like, don’t need, and will never use. Especially on holidays, we tend to buy things because they’re on sale. Later, they just sit in a corner, collect dust, and eventually we throw them.
10. Practice minimalism
I’ve discovered the concept of minimalism in 2019. It’s not just about getting rid of unwanted and unused items and keeping the things that make us happy. There’s more to it. Minimalism helps us to be conscious of the things we own, things we buy, and things we invite into our lives. The aim of life should be to eliminate not to accumulate. Less is always more!
Why you should try minimalism? Discover the benefits it can give you.
11. Figure out which ones are needs and wants
Every time you want to buy something, ask yourself first if it’s a need or want. This system helps us know what things to prioritize and which things to spend money on.
| ALSO READ: How to save money on a tight budget |
12. Carry cash and the amount you only need for the day
Carrying the amount we only need for the day gives us limitations and delays. You won’t be able to impulse buy when you don’t have the money.
13. Plan your budget
when you plan your budget for a month, it gives you control of your money. You can use this monthly budget that I use personally.
14. Apply save first spend later rule
Usually, we spend our money and save what’s left but it’s time to change that system. Calculate 10 or 20 percent of your salary, save it to a bank account where you can’t touch. Once you’ve done that, you can budget and spend the rest.
15. Do not go shopping on salary day
Who doesn’t feel right and happy on paydays? There’s a high possibility of emotional spending on paydays. We tend to buy unnecessary things thinking it’s okay because we just got our salary.
Budget Direct gives more tips to save money. Check it out!
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OVER TO YOU
There you have it. 15 ways to save money and spend less money. Now, don’t get me wrong, just because I wrote this article means I do all the things mentioned. I advise you the same. You do not have to do all of these, just pick some that are applicable to you.
Good luck with your journey on saving money and if you have more tips, let me know in the comments below.
QUESTION: What are your tips for saving more money and spending less?
Awesome ideas, I like the idea of saving now and spend later on a budget. Been saving money in a safe but I guess the bank would be better.
Fransic – https://www.querianson.com/
Thanks francis. Definitely save now and spend later is helpful
Great tips! Right now, Im also trying to sell unused items. Thanks for the tips!
You’re welcome!
Very useful write up for each of us. I am personally quite careful about budgeting.
Great tips and I do think you don’t realize the real and whole picture if you don’t keep track and plan your budget.
Its an important step to find out what strategies suits you best. – Knycx Journeying
So many useful tips on how to spend less. I always end up buying more than needed. Thanks for sharing