Saving money can be a challenge, even under the best of circumstances. It requires discipline. Planning. Sacrifice. And disposable income. Or does it? What if there were some simple ways you could set aside savings, without it feeling like a chore? Here are some ideas:
Cook at Home
Eating out drains your wallet fast… Consider trying out new recipes or recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home. Meal prepping saves time and money, and you’ll likely eat healthier, too. Plus, turning cooking into a fun activity can make it feel less like a chore.
Shop Secondhand
Before buying new, check thrift stores, resale sites, or estate and garage sales for more affordable, eco-friendly options. You’d be surprised at the barely-used clothes, furniture, and electronics you can find for a fraction of the price…
Maximize Cashback Apps & Rewards
Apps like Rakuten and Ibotta, or your credit card’s rewards program can give you money back or coupons for things you’re already buying. It takes seconds to activate and use, and those small rewards certainly add up over time…
Cancel Unused Subscriptions
That gym membership you haven’t used in months? The streaming service you forgot about but are continuing to pay for each month? They’re all adding up. To identify the pesky merchants leeching off you (you may have even forgotten about many of them), go through your bank statements and cut out what you don’t actually need…
Get Good at DIYing Small Luxuries
Whether it’s making your own specialty lattes, concocting bath products, or creating gourmet meals, learning how to master little luxuries at home will make you feel rich without actually going out and spending a ton of money.
Rent Instead of Buy
Another clever way to save money is to rent or borrow instead of buying. In need a tool for a one-time project? Or perhaps a tux for a black-tie event? Ask friends, scour subscription sites like Rent the Runway or check your local library for listings…
Find Free Entertainment
Hikes, picnics, free museum days, or game nights at home cost little to nothing, but can be just as fun as pricey outings. To find wholesome activities near you, consider checking local event listings on platforms like Eventbrite and Facebook — chances are there’s always something fun going on if you look…
Wait Before You Buy
To avoid spending your monthly shopping budget in a matter of days, try this 24-hour rule: If you want something non-essential, wait a day. More often than not, the urge passes, and you’ll realize you didn’t actually need said item. If you still want it after the day passes, then you’ll know it’s worth buying.
DIY What You Can
From simple home repairs to homemade gifts, doing it yourself can save you a ton of money on both labor and materials. YouTube tutorials can teach us how to fix just about anything. Even if it’s not perfect, the pride (and savings) are worth it. Plus, what starts as a money-saving project can grow into a fulfilling hobby…
Focus on Quality Over Quantity
Products that break or wear out after just a few uses are a waste of money. Instead of getting trapped in the endless cycle of constantly replacing cheap stuff, invest in quality items that actually last. Yes, they’ll cost more upfront, but you’ll save money (and frustration) in the long run.
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Bonus tip - set up a small, automatic transfer to your First Federal Bank savings account each payday. You’ll be amazed how quickly your balance can grow when you pay yourself first! Since the money is taken from your paycheck, you’ll likely never miss it. So it won’t feel like a chore.