Best Ways to Save Money Today

best ways to save money today

Saving money is the first step towards getting out of debt and achieving financial independence.

With the cost of living on the rise and the constant pressure to keep up with the latest trends, it can be easy to fall into the trap of overspending.

But saving money isn’t just about cutting back on unnecessary expenses. It’s about making a conscious effort to prioritize your finances and set yourself up for a brighter financial future and eventually financial freedom.

Having some cash saved up for a rainy day will help calm your mind by providing a safety net in case of unexpected expenses or emergencies.  Saving also has a snowball effect where the more you save, the easier it is to save.  This is because you’ll be in a position to start earning interest on your savings instead of paying interest on your debt.  Additionally, saving money allows you to set and achieve your financial goals, whether it’s buying a house, starting a business, taking a dream vacation or achieving FIRE.

snow ball effect

The key is to start small and build on your current momentum.

It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and make impulsive purchases, but it’s important to remember that every dollar saved is one step closer to achieving your financial goals. One way to start saving money is by setting a budget. This will help you track your expenses and identify areas where you can cut back. Another way to save money is by setting a specific savings goal. It can be helpful to have a clear and tangible goal in mind, as this will help you stay motivated and focused.

 

Saving money is similar to losing weight where you essentially have two levers to pull. 

With losing weight, you can either eat less (consume less calories) or exercise more (burn more calories).

Saving money works the exact same way, you can either spend less or you can make more money.  The ideal situation is doing both at the same time, but for now focus on the easy wins and on what you can control.

walking out of costco, under budget

19 Ways You Can Start Saving More Money in 2023!

 

1) Setting a budget: One of the best ways to start saving money is by setting a budget. A budget will help you track your expenses and identify areas where you can cut back. You can either go to the old school cash in an envelope method or you can try using an app on your phone like Every Dollar.     

2) Creating a savings goal: Having a clear and tangible savings goal in mind will help you stay motivated and focused on saving money. For example, your goal can be to pay off your credit card, take a vacation or to create an emergency fund.

3) Cutting back on unnecessary expenses: Take a look at your expenses and identify areas where you can cut back. This could be things like eating out less or canceling subscriptions you no longer need.  Make a list of all of your subscriptions and see how much you’re actually spending each month.

4) Shopping for deals and discounts: Waiting for something to be on sale is a great way to save money and can also help build your self-discipline.  You might even discover that by the time the sale rolls around, you don’t even need that new TV, Phone Case, etc. Always be on the lookout for deals and discounts when shopping. This can help you save money on everything from groceries to clothes.

5) Buying in bulk: When buying items you use regularly, consider buying in bulk to save money in the long run.  Just make sure these are things that you actually use on a regular basis like toilet paper or milk.  Not an extra 30 case of beer!

6) Making a grocery list and sticking to it: Having a grocery list and sticking to it can help you avoid impulse buys and save money on groceries.

7) Using coupons: Coupons can help you save money on a wide range of products, from food to household items.

8) Cutting back on entertainment expenses: Entertainment expenses can add up quickly, so consider cutting back on things like cable TV, streaming services, and going out to eat or drink

9) Reducing transportation costs: Transportation costs can take a big chunk out of your budget. Consider ways to reduce transportation costs, such as carpooling, biking, or taking public transportation.

10) Making your own coffee: Instead of buying coffee every day, make your own at home to save money.  This can also save you time so that you’re not making an extra stop to Starbucks before work.

11) Negotiating bills: Don’t be afraid to negotiate your bills, whether it be your cable bill or your cell phone bill.  A lot of times if you tell your cell phone company that you’re going to switch to another company they will give you a discount for staying.

12) Refinancing debt: Refinancing debt can help you save money on interest payments over time.  If you have a 20% credit card interest rate and you can get a loan for 5% to pay it off then you could potentially save hundreds of dollars a month.

13) Finding ways to earn more: Whether it be taking on a part-time job, starting a side hustle or finding ways to increase your income, having more money coming in will allow you to save more.

One of my favorite podcasts is The Side Hustle Show which has a ton of interviews with regular people who have started amazing side hustles.

the side hustle show

14) Saving on energy costs: Look for ways to save on energy costs, such as turning off lights when you leave a room, using energy-efficient appliances and turning down your thermostat.

15) Saving on insurance costs: Shop around and compare insurance rates to find the best deal.

16) Saving on taxes: Look for ways to save on taxes, such as taking advantage of tax deductions or contributing to a retirement account.

17) Saving on healthcare costs: Look for ways to save on healthcare costs, such as using preventive care and shopping around for the best rates.

18) Saving on travel costs: Look for ways to save on travel costs, such as booking travel in advance and taking advantage of discounts.

19) Automating savings: Automating your savings by setting up automatic transfers to a savings account can help you save money without thinking about it.

saving money is easy and fun

 

If you can implement a few of these methods then you’ll be off to a great start!

Saving money is an essential step in achieving financial stability and security. It provides a safety net for unexpected expenses, allows you to set and achieve financial goals, and gives you the freedom to make choices with your money and start investing.

By setting a budget, creating a savings goal, cutting back on unnecessary expenses and shopping for deals and discounts, you can start saving money today. Additionally, buying in bulk, making a grocery list, using coupons, cutting back on entertainment expenses, reducing transportation costs, making your own coffee, negotiating bills, refinancing debt, finding ways to earn more, saving on energy costs, saving on insurance costs, saving on taxes, saving on healthcare costs, saving on travel costs, and automating savings are all great ways to save more money.

It’s important to remember that saving money is not about sacrifice, but about making smart choices with your finances. It’s about finding balance and taking control of your financial future. With a little bit of planning, budgeting, and a goal in mind, you can work towards a better financial future. Start by taking one step at a time and keep your focus on your goals, you’ll be surprised at how much you can save. Remember that small changes can make a big difference when it comes to saving money and achieving your financial goals.