1. Start sharing equipment.
Have you ever bought something because you needed it to complete a task, only to end up using it once? That’s not only a clutter creator, but also a money waster. And with prices going up, you can’t afford to spend on things with such limited use.
To avoid this, start sharing things with friends, family, or your neighbors. This works well with things like tools and kitchen equipment, while some people take it as far as sharing clothes for special occasions.
2. Cook at home versus eating out.
Is it fun to go to a restaurant? Sure, but it’s also costly. And with inflation, you want to keep your spending to a minimum so you can pay for all of your necessities.
Start prepping your meals to not only save money, but time as well. Doing so will keep more cash in your pocket and will probably improve your health as a bonus.
3. Do a pantry challenge.
Speaking of cooking at home, you can begin your quest to make this move by doing a pantry challenge. It involves looking through your kitchen and using whatever you have before you go shopping.
The benefits of a pantry challenge are numerous. It saves money by not having to shop and buy new things, while also avoiding waste. And it can also teach you not to buy things you don’t use, so you’re more selective when shopping.
4. Shop smart.
There are two simple ways to shop smart. First, eat something before hitting the grocery store, so you don’t get the urge to buy everything you see. And second, shop with a list and stick to it so you don’t cave in to costly impulse purchases that can bloat your final bill.
5. Minimize meat.
Unless you’re buying alcohol, meat is probably the most expensive item in your shopping cart. While it has its benefits and tastes great, try not to eat meat, chicken, seafood, etc., every night. Look for meatless recipes that can lower the financial load each week. Some examples include meals with beans, eggs, lentils, etc.
6. Buy the most affordable produce possible.
The simplest ways to cut produce costs are to buy it frozen, at a farmers market, or in season.
7. Save with store brands.
Give store brands a try, and you’ll notice that their products are very similar to the more expensive brand names.
8. Split bulk purchases with others.
Have you avoided buying in bulk because you don’t have room to store the stuff or don’t have the money to pay for it all? Then arrange with friends or family so you can split bulk purchases and you can both save.
9. Save on fuel.
The GasBuddy app can pinpoint the cheapest fuel in your area, so you always save at the pump. Sign up for a fuel rewards program with your favorite gas station to double your savings.