16 Simple Yet Powerful Ways to Save More Money This Year

With the costs of everyday expenses like groceries, gas, and rent continuously on the rise, it’s becoming more and more difficult to save money.

A 2023 Bankrate survey shows that 22% of Americans have no emergency savings. While 30% do report savings, it is not enough to cover three months of expenses. Overall, 57% are uncomfortable with the state of their current savings account.

By incorporating a few simple habits into your daily routine, you can start saving more money this year without feeling like you’re sacrificing too much.

Why Saving Money is Important

Before we dive into the ways to save more money, let’s take a moment to understand why saving money is so important. Here are a few reasons:

• Emergency fund: Having savings can provide a safety net in case of unexpected expenses or emergencies.
• Financial stability: Saving money can give you peace of mind and financial stability, allowing you to handle any financial setbacks that may come your way.
• Retirement: Saving for retirement is crucial to ensure a comfortable and stress-free future.
• Big purchases: Whether it’s a down payment on a house or a dream vacation, having savings can help you achieve your goals and make big purchases without going into debt.

16 Ways to Save More Money

1. Create a budget

One of the most effective ways to save money is to create a budget. This will help you track your expenses and identify areas where you can cut back. Be realistic with your budget, and make sure to include all of your monthly expenses.

This may seem like an annoying answer, yet it’s very effective. How can you start to save money when you don’t have a full grasp on what your current spending habits are?

Don’t forget to regularly re-assess your budget and spending too, setting a time each month or quarter to take a closer look.

2. Set financial goals

Setting specific, attainable savings goals can provide motivation and direction for your saving habits. Whether it’s a short-term goal like building an emergency fund or a long-term goal like saving for retirement, having a target to aim for can make it easier to save money.

3. Automate your savings

Make saving money effortless by setting up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account. This way, you won’t have to remember to transfer money each month, and you’ll be less tempted to spend the extra funds.

4. Get rid of recurring fees

Review your current subscriptions and recurring fees (such as gym memberships or streaming services) and determine if there are any you can cut down on or eliminate entirely. These small fees can add up, so it’s important to reassess them regularly.

You might find you can shop around and get better prices on some regular payments, such as internet, insurance, and phone service.

5. Shop smarter

Take advantage of sales, coupons, and discount codes when shopping for groceries, clothing, or other necessities. You can save a significant amount of money by being a savvy shopper.

For grocery shopping, meal planning each week, and having a specific list can help you stay on track. For items like clothing and household items, you might look into lightly used options at thrift stores, at online stores like Mercari, or on your local Facebook Marketplace.

6. Cook at home

Eating out can be convenient, but it’s also expensive in the long term. By cooking your meals at home, you can save money and have control over the ingredients and portion sizes. A double win!

If you work in an office or are on the go at lunchtime, also consider bringing a lunch instead of buying food. You can pack simple snack-style foods or bring some leftovers from your dinner the night before.

9. Find ways to save on utilities

Small changes like turning off lights when you leave a room, unplugging appliances when not in use, or adjusting the thermostat can add up to significant savings on your utility bills. You might add insulated curtains to your windows, switch out incandescent bulbs for LEDs, or try out a programmable thermostat.

10. Avoid impulse purchases

Before making any non-essential purchase, give yourself at least 24 hours to think it over. This will help you determine if it’s something you truly need or just a spur-of-the-moment desire. In most cases, the urge to buy something will pass, and you’ll be glad you didn’t spend the money.

11. Get handy

When it comes to saving, there are a lot of ways to cut back by putting in a little sweat equity. For example, touching up paint, clogged plumping, and changing car tires or oil are relatively easy to do with the right insight. In addition, instead of hiring someone to mow your lawn or clean your house, do it yourself. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also get some physical activity in as well.

12. Don’t compare yourself to others

It can be tempting to want the latest gadgets or designer clothes that your friends or coworkers have, but remember that everyone’s financial situation is different. Focus on your own goals and what you can afford rather than trying to keep up with others.

Being grateful for what you have and avoiding the pressure to upgrade constantly can help you save money and be content with what you have.

13. Take advantage of free resources

Look for free and low-cost entertainment options in your community, like parks, libraries, and outdoor music venues. You can also find free educational resources online, like courses or tutorials, to learn new skills and hobbies without spending a dime.

14. Prioritize paying off debt

Debt can be a major hindrance to saving money, as high interest rates can eat away at your savings. Make it a priority to pay off any outstanding debt, starting with the highest-interest debts first. You might also be able to consolidate your debts to get a lower interest rate, which can save you money in the long run.

15. Stay motivated

Saving money can be challenging, especially if you’re used to spending freely. Remind yourself of your financial goals and the benefits of saving money, such as financial stability and peace of mind. You can also set smaller milestones and reward yourself when you reach them to stay motivated along the way.

16. Get Creative

When motivated to save money, people have done some pretty creative things. Here are some great examples:

• Biking to work instead of driving
• Selling a car (if you have more than one household car)
• Using public transport
• Downsizing to a smaller living space or shared housing
• Finding roommates to share rent and expenses
• Cutting out expensive habits, like daily coffee runs or smoking

The possibilities are endless when it comes to finding creative ways to save money. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and find what works best for your financial situation. Overall, saving money is about being mindful and intentional with your spending habits.

By following these tips, you can start building a strong financial foundation and reach your savings goals. So start today and see how much money you can save! Keep in mind that it’s not about depriving yourself of the things you enjoy but rather finding ways to be smart with your money and make it work for you in the long haul.