12 Simple Ways to Save Some Money

In today’s economy, it is more important than ever to be vigilant about saving money. While there are many books and websites that offer detailed steps to improve your finances, sometimes it’s the simple actions that can make the biggest difference. As someone who has learned the importance of living within my means from a young age, I want to share 12 simple ways that my family and I keep our personal expenses low.

1. Order Water at Restaurants

The first time I wanted to lose weight, one of the first things I did was cut soda from my diet. This included ordering water at restaurants. I was immediately surprised at how much this small change lowered the cost of eating out. Now, whenever we eat out, I always opt for water. I figure, why spend more money on a drink that’s not only expensive but also unhealthy? To make sure the server still gets a fair tip, I add the imaginary cost of soda to the bill before figuring out the percentage.

2. Take Your Lunch to Work

I learned this habit from my dad, and it’s one that I still follow to this day. Unless I have a specific meeting or a lunch date with my wife, I always take my lunch to work. Sometimes it’s leftovers, but usually, I eat rotisserie chicken and salad. This simple habit has saved me a significant amount of money over the years.

3. Brew Your Own Coffee

I drink coffee six days a week, and six days a week, I brew my own using a simple 5-cup Mr. Coffee coffee maker. Not only is it cheaper, but it’s also more convenient and always warm when I want it. Plus, I don’t have to sit in a drive-thru line on my way to work.

4. Give Up Alcohol

For me, giving up alcohol wasn’t primarily a financial decision, but it has had significant financial implications. Some generations spend an average of $300 per month on alcohol, which is a substantial amount of money that could be saved or spent on more important things.

5. Order Off the Value Menu at Fast Food Restaurants

When I’m in a hurry and need something quick, I opt for the value menu at fast food restaurants. It’s less expensive and usually just as good as the more expensive options. Since I’m not looking for a culinary experience, the value menu is the way to go.

6. Wear the Same Style of Clothing Every Day

I’ve written before about the benefits of wearing the same thing every day. Not only is it easier to get ready and feel more confident, but it’s also cost-effective. While clothes still need to be purchased and replaced, knowing exactly what you need and where to get it can save you thousands of dollars in experimental clothing purchases.

7. Don’t Buy Expensive Meats

My wife asked me if I’d ever want a smoker, and I said no. I’m pretty content with my gas grill in the backyard. I also mentioned that I’m not the type of guy who spends a lot of money on meat anyway. I’m happy with chicken thighs, chicken breasts, and ground beef. I don’t need to buy expensive cuts of meat if I’m content with what I already eat.

8. Don’t Use Expensive Razors

I’ve tried various razors over the years, and for a while, I thought I needed a super-fancy one. However, when it was time to replace the cartridges, I realized they cost almost $40 per package. I switched to a less expensive razor and blade, which cost $2 per replacement cartridge. My shave is just as close and comfortable, and I’ve never gone back.

9. Conserve Home Energy Use

Energy prices are increasing rapidly, so it’s essential to conserve home energy use. I grew up in a home where we were encouraged to put on a sweater rather than turn up the thermostat. Now that I live in Phoenix, the focus is on turning on a fan rather than the air conditioner. Programmable thermostats also make climate control savings easier.

10. Use the Library

Both my wife and I enjoy reading, and there are many books we want to read. Before buying a book, we always check our local library. If they don’t have it, they can usually get it through interlibrary loan. The library is a great way to save money and continue growing as a person.

11. Own Less Stuff

Clothes, mugs, pillows, towels, decorations, furniture, Tupperware, linens, pots and pans – the fewer items you buy, the more money you’ll save. We made the intentional decision to own less years ago and were shocked at how much money we were wasting on things we didn’t need. According to an article from Reader’s Digest, we’ve saved $15,000 per year by owning fewer possessions.

12. Throw Extra Cash at Debt

The only way to save money by spending it is to spend it on paying down existing debt. There are different strategies for accomplishing this, such as paying off the smallest debts first for psychological momentum or paying off the highest interest rate debt for mathematical savings. Whatever method works best for you is the one to choose. We’ve always made a habit of paying extra on our mortgage every month, and it should be paid off entirely next year.

Conclusion

While there are many ways to save money, it’s often the small, simple steps that can make the biggest difference. If you’re looking for ways to save money, I recommend trying any of the 12 tips I’ve shared. Every single one has worked for us, and I’m confident they can work for you too.

1. What is the first simple way to save money mentioned in the article?
The first simple way to save money mentioned is ordering water at restaurants instead of sugary drinks.

2. How does taking lunch to work help in saving money?
Taking lunch to work helps in saving money by avoiding the cost of buying lunch every day.

3. What is the recommendation regarding coffee consumption?
The recommendation is to brew coffee at home using a simple coffee maker instead of buying it daily.

4. Why is giving up alcohol considered a financial decision?
Giving up alcohol saved the author approximately $300 per month, which can be redirected to more important expenses.

5. What should you order at fast food restaurants if time is a constraint?
You should order from the value menu at fast food restaurants to save money.

6. How does wearing the same style of clothing every day save money?
Wearing the same style of clothing every day reduces the amount of money spent on clothing purchases.

7. What advice is given about buying expensive meats?
The advice is to stick to cheaper cuts of meat like chicken thighs and breasts and ground beef instead of buying expensive cuts.

8. What is the suggestion regarding razors?
The suggestion is to use a less expensive razor and blades to save money.

9. What can be done to conserve energy use at home?
To conserve energy use at home, one should use programmable thermostats, wear additional clothing instead of using heaters or air conditioners, and use fans whenever possible.

10. How does using the library save money?
Using the library instead of buying books saves money and provides access to a variety of literature.

11. What is the benefit of owning less stuff?
Owning fewer items reduces unnecessary expenses and can lead to significant savings.

12. Why is throwing extra cash at debt considered a way to save money?
Throwing extra cash at debt helps in reducing the overall debt faster, which in turn saves money on interest payments.