181 Best Money Saving Tips – Clever Ways to Save (+$3250) (2024)

Instant gratification when it comes to shopping can really mess up your budget. If you delay buying that thing for even just a day or two, you can make a more informed decision and might realize you don’t actually need that item after all.

When you track down all your expenses, it’s easier to identify your major expenditures and where you can cut back on unnecessary expenses.

It may be cheaper to fly from an airport slightly farther away from your home. Do take into consideration your travel expenses to get to the airport and decide accordingly.

Decide how much money you would want to have after retirement and decide on ways to increase your contributions to your savings plan. If your company offers a health savings account (HSA), you can free up a portion of your income to save accordingly.

Most travel sites offer a discount for direct online booking. The lower rates are prepaid and non-refundable.

Making your own meals rather than eating out can save you a significant amount of money every year. Buying lunch instead of packing your own can cost you $2000 a year.

Negotiating a deal might be a frustrating experience but be diplomatic and nice while making your point. If you are courteous, the reps will be more likely to offer a good deal. We are human beings after all!

Don’t be embarrassed to tell him you are short on cash. He will suggest ways on how to save money.

Sometimes minor errors on bills and insurance company statements may cause a significant rise on bills. Go through the statements carefully.

Did you know that you don’t have to spend half your paycheck for a birthday gift? Think of surprising your loved one with the best thing you could give: quality time together! Go watch a movie, go for a picnic or hike up a mountain. Make memories that will last more than material things ever would!

Keeping your car in good shape will save money in the long run. Keep the engines tuned and tires inflated.

The first step in saving money is to differentiate between wants and needs. Necessary expenses should be at the top of the list in your budget so that you don’t spend so much on non-priorities. Before you buy something, stop for a minute and ask yourself, “Do I really need this or can I do without?”

If you need to use the dryer, ensure it has an auto sensor function to minimize longer, unnecessary drying episodes.

This way you get to avoid admission fees as well as the drinks themselves. You may be surprised to realize you spend more than hundred dollars in one night on alcohol, especially if you meet people you know and you start buying rounds.

Always be flexible about your travel plans. Don’t choose a single location and just focus on it. Plan two or three and then decide accordingly by weighing the pros and cons, including the expected cost for each trip.

It will cost you about $100 a month to get cable TV, long distance telephone service, and high-speed internet service. Bundling up all these services in one plan is cheaper than paying separately.

These can be usually used for up to 6 years as they are pretty sturdy. Think about the savings: you won’t have to buy a different basket each year.

Cooking your own freshly prepared meal is much cheaper (and healthier, too!).

Have your children share bedrooms. If you’re single, you may also consider being a roommate and share accommodation with someone.

Call your nearby theater to find more about discounts. There are last-minute discounts for unsold seats a couple of hours before a show begins. Take advantage!

Preparing a monthly budget is one thing but sticking to it is quite another. A budget is an effective way to avoid impulse buying.

If these devices stay plugged in when not in use, they will be constantly using up electricity which can add up quickly.

Dog shelters are great places to adopt instead of buying. A bulldog puppy could be sold at $800. An adopted one costs a mere $45.

Regular service and maintenance of your air conditioner can save you up to $65 a year.

There is no need to feel uncomfortable asking about pricing of certain things. Most of the locals will be ready to provide such information.

A vet may offer sample products or coupons. Take advantage of these. The vets get them for free and they are usually more than happy to give them out and share with their clients.

You may find inexpensive ways on how to reduce your home and heating cooling costs and, eventually, save money.

Don’t cram extra baggage in your suitcase. Carry a good hand luggage bag and take a portable luggage scale to check the weight before you check-in.

As long as the foods are not liquid, you can bring along your own snacks. Food on the plane is much more costly.

Substituting the emergency room with your regular doctor will cost you more. If your doctor can help, go to him first.