Finding creative ways to save money can make all the difference for your personal finances. Saving money whenever possible is important. It can help you build an emergency fund, save up for a vacation, or free up funds so that you can invest.
For example, only saving $10 a week from your income adds up to $520 in a year. There may be something you can do to reduce your expenses. Saving money doesn’t have to be difficult, and once you start can get pretty addictive.
Top 30 creative ways to save money
Are you interested in saving your money? Start using these creative tips and tricks to save money!
1. Declutter
One of our money-saving ideas is decluttering. Discluttering is a good way to boost your incomes. Dig through your closet and your home, and give away the items you no longer need or use. Use the money you earn from selling these items to pay down debt or put it in savings.
2. Detox
Do an inbox detox. Unsubscribe from email advertisements, so you won’t be tempted to make impulse purchases whenever they announce a sale. Trust me-there will always be another sale!
3. DIY your hair & nails
Cut your salon visits in half by performing your own hair and nails instead. You’ll save lots of money, and you’ll still look wonderful. This is one of my favorite ways to pay less.
4. Consider cost per wear
Think about what you’ll wear before making a purchase. Ask yourself, “How often do I wear this?” Consider the cost of each wear. If you won’t wear it often enough, it may not be worth the money.
5. A sewing kit is your friend
Keeping clothing in good condition is one of the best ways to save money. If a piece of clothing tears or wears out, consider repairing it instead of buying a replacement. Since sewing kits are so cheap, many suffering veterans want to own one.
6. Join your local library
If you love reading, check out your local library and take advantage of its free book-borrowing program. You may be surprised at how inexpensive the books are after a few years of use. be sure to check out apps like Libby, where you can download digital and audio books from your public library without going to the library.
7. Get “cancel” happy
If you aren’t availing yourself of that subscription service, cancel your subscription! Too many people have paid subscriptions that they do not use, such as gym memberships and magazine subscriptions.
8. Overspending? Freeze the plastic
Here’s a fun personal finance tip: Freeze your credit cards! Getting them out of a block of ice is a pain (an extremely annoying one) which will slow your overspending habit down. This is one of the more innovative ways to save expenses.
9. Plan meals in advance
Do something difficult for a month or a week. Put the money you save into savings or toward your debts.
10. Create a grocery list
Make a list of the items you need before grocery shopping to help you avoid buying unnecessary items at the store.
One of my favorite apps to save money is Ibotta. I use it to see what coupons I can earn cash back at my favorite grocery store. They send you a Paypal deposit or gift card once your account reaches $20. This is a wonderful benefit!
11. Always compare rates
One of the best ways to save money on health insurance? Shop around every year and see which companies can offer you a reduced rate for your existing insurance coverage needs.
12. Keep the change
Gather all spare change in your home and car and deposit it in your savings account or pay down debt.
13. Go lean at the movies; take a big bag
Looking for money-saving travel tips for entertaining your kids? Avoid the seated eatery at the movie theater, which sells overpriced concession items. Bring your personal snacks in your large handbag to save money.
14. Start a spending journal
Have you ever wondered where your money is going? A creative way to save money is to start a spending journal and track your expenses for 30 days. You’ll begin to see where it goes.
15. Organize your bill due dates
Have different bill due dates? Call your service providers and ask them to shift your bill due dates so they are all around the same time.
16. New month, new budget
Adjust your budget every month. Budgets are rarely the same from month to month, so adjust yours as needed. Not a fan of budgeting? Perhaps you should try out a number of different budgeting methods until you find one that works for you.
17. Pay more than the minimum on debt
Pay as much as possible toward your debts whenever possible to expedite your debt payoff. This can include credit cards, student loans, mortgages, etc. Be sure to pay your additional bills toward your primary account balance.
18. Know your interest rates, prioritize your debt
Do you know the interest rates for any debt you have? It is essential to identify your repayment priority. Having a repayment priority will empower you to create a worthwhile plan to pay off your debt as fast as possible.
19. Get an emergency fund in place
If you have an emergency savings account, you are less likely to be burdened by debt during an emergency situation. Another of my favorite personal money management ideas is to start with $1,000.
After you’re able to liquidate your high-interest debt, you should increase your repayment amount to 3 and then 6 months of your regular expenses.
20. Negotiate everything
Got a work offer on the table? Be smart and negotiate more than just your pay. In addition to your vacation days, bonuses, and working hours, you should negotiate your worth to get the most favorable deal possible. Getting the most out of your salary is the best way to save money.
21. Save for retirement
One of the best ways to save money is to begin preparing for retirement as early as possible. If your company offers its employees a match program, take advantage of it–it’s free money. Planning for a lifetime of savings will ensure that you have the kind of retirement you want.
22. Don’t wait to invest
You don’t have to be a millionaire to invest in stocks. You can get started with what you have by investing in companies supported by apps like Acorns, Stash, and my personal favorite, Stockpile. You will be amazed at how quickly things add up.
23. Get the right insurance
Make sure you have the right amount of insurance and insurance type in place. Insurance, including disability, life, home, renter’s, pet, and auto insurance, protects your finances in the event of a mishap. Without proper insurance or insufficient coverage, you could find yourself in financial trouble if an accident occurs.
24. Become accountable
Accountability helps you remain on track toward your goals. Find a accountability partner to hold you accountable as you gain wealth. Setting ambitious goals is one of the best ways to succeed.
25. Create a money-savings chart
Money-savings charts are another method to stay responsible and monitor your savings. There are many types of charts that you can print out and use for saving goals.
Whether you have saved your first $1,000 or want to get a head start on winter holiday savings, these charts can help you achieve your goals faster.
26. Try a money-savings challenge
One of the most fun and cost-effective ways to save is participating in a money-savings challenge! A money-savings challenge is when you save a particular amount of money depending on the guidelines.
For example, the 52-week savings challenge is devised so that you need to set aside a fixed amount each week for 52 weeks. At the end of the challenge, you will save $1378! Choose an activity that inspires you and that you can fit into your budget.
27. Automate your savings
It can be challenging to remember to transfer over your savings deposits every week, which is why automatic savings transfers are a sensible idea.
You can select a particular amount or a portion of your income. Set up automatic transfers to bulk up your savings account quickly.
28. Find free things to do
We need to have fun, but outing can get expensive. There are, however, many low-cost and free things to do. All you need to do is simply google “free things to do” and the name of your town and you will find many fun ideas for a low price.
29. Set a daily routine for your finances
One of the best ways to save money on your budget is to establish a regular schedule for your finances. Setting good budget habits by regularly checking in on your finances will keep you accountable and focused on your financial objectives.
30. Remember – gratitude always
Be thankful for what you have. Gratitude makes you content. Contentment stops unnecessary expenditure.
Get creative and save more money
Saving money and finding ways to cut costs can help you pay off debt more quickly and bulk up your bank account. Try out a few ideas to get started and build up from there. When you see how much you conserve, you’ll be inspired to do even more!
Interested in becoming debt free and saving money while becoming financially successful? Enroll in our Free financial courses and worksheets to get started on your path to financial independence!
