There are some seriously easy ways that you can cut your spending and save money. Like, right now, this very minute. Scroll through the list below and think about what items you might be able to do without, even if it’s just temporary.
Look, truer words have never been spoken: these are uncertain times. I am right there with you. Learning to live more frugally is something many are having to do.
I love shopping and treating myself and my family to nice, new things. But there are so many options where one can save money. So whether you are facing an economic dip in the family bank account, or you want to save some money for something else.
It might surprise you how quick and easy it can be to save £5 – £200 (or more) a month. Take a look at the list that I put together and start thinking about what items you actually LOVE, USE, and CAN’T POSSIBLY LIVE WITHOUT. The re-read the list and consider what items might be easy to cut out.
These changes don’t have to be permanent. While they can help save money now, when things improve you can certainly add them back if you miss them that much!
Streaming Services
There are so many streaming services that you can subscribe too. We have Netflix, Amazon Music unlimited and at one point i did consider Disney+. You can save money by canceling services or even putting them on hold. I originally paid out for Amazon Unlimited Family – meaning the kids could listen to their Alexa at the same time as mine. I soon realised that wasn’t required and was something we could do without.
DIY Household Cleaners
I seem to be constantly cleaning up and all the different cleaning products soon add’s up. You could look into home made alternatives and you will find you can save quite a lot. Have a Google for some idea’s.
Coffee Shop Stop
I am not a coffee lover, nor really a tea drinker. I do have a friend however who loves stopping off in a coffee shop when out and about. You purchase some great coffees these days to make at home. You could always buy a special thermos cup so can take it out with you. It might not be the same but you will save some pennies.
Subscription Boxes
I feel like there are subscription boxes for EVERYTHING these days! Food, clothing, boxes for pets, and more. And don’t get me wrong – they are fun and exciting! But when you are looking to slim down your spending, think about canceling or if you can put them on hold.
Outsourced Services
These can be a complete time saver. Having your windows cleaned or lawn cut are, off the top of my head, two services that I would absolutely consider worthy of my money. However when you are struggling with money it is worth cutting some of these out. These are services that we can do on our own. When life is busy it is easy to have other people do these jobs. Cleaning high windows is however something i cant stomach.
Cable TV
Cable TV services have been a popular budget cut for families for years. So if you are still hanging on to cable TV, perhaps now is the time to drop it and go with a cheaper streaming option or two. If you can’t quite bring yourself to break up with cable, consider downsizing your current plan. Even ditching one or two of those pricey premium channels can have a positive impact on your monthly bill
These changes don’t have to be permanent. While they can help save money now, when things improve you can certainly add them back if you miss them that much!
Takeout Food
I am a sucker for a nice Indian Takeaway, we have a really good one near where i live. However, as we all know a take away isn’t cheap. People have them more often than before and many people weekly. They are a luxury and unnecessary expense. Why not try a ‘fake away’ at home. Spend some time and cook your own curry, open a glass of wine and enjoy your meal at a fraction of the price.
Buy Generic
Store brands have come a LONG way, haven’t they? Swap a few store brands in place of name brands. Or shop at a retailer like Aldi and Lidl that exclusively offers its own line of brands at a lower price.
Gym Membership
Working out and getting fit is something many of us like to do. Quite a lot of gym memberships are pricey and many don’t actually use it that often. If you use it frequently, than canceling might not be a viable option. Try working out at home, there are plenty of DVD’s and online workouts that you can do. You just need to keep motivated.
Programmable Thermostat
We switched to a Hive heating thermostat a year or so ago, the novelty was it being wireless so i could set it from my phone. I am surprised how much money it can actually can save you. You can leave the heating on low meaning the heating will only kick in if it drops below that. What i do find great is if i am on my way home from somewhere i can look at the app on my phone and turn my heating on so its warm when i get home. Also consider wearing more layers if things get really bad.
There are so many different ways to save money, you this list is seriously just the tip of the iceberg! If you need to cut back or save for something important, you will discover ways to save money.
