6 Proven Ways for Saving Money

Hafsat Itanola
WikiMonday
Published in
3 min readFeb 22, 2023
Photo by Joslyn Pickens (Pexels)

Saving money can be a challenge, especially when unexpected expenses come up. One moment you’re keeping money aside for future plans, and the next moment you’re taking out of it to sort out unplanned expenses, making it harder to meet your savings target at the stipulated time.

But with a bit of discipline and creativity, it is possible to save money and build financial stability. Here are six proven money-saving tricks that have worked for me:

Create a budget

The first step to saving money is to create a budget. Having a budget helps you identify areas where you spend money and track it to identify areas to cut back on. This will help you stay on track and most importantly, avoid impulse purchases.

Cut down on eating out

Eating out can be a significant expense. Cooking more meals at home and sometimes taking food to work have helped me save a lot of money. Planning your meals for the week can help you consistently stick to eating homemade meals.

Buy in bulk

Buying items in bulk, such as toiletries and non-perishable foods, is another cost-effective way to save money. This technique helps me stay within and even below my monthly feeding expenses.

Use public transportation or carpool

Using public transportation has always been my thing. Transportation cost is how I have significantly reduced my expenses. Carpooling is another alternative I use when going out with friends. Walking is gradually becoming a thing for short distances.

Set up automatic savings

Setting up an automatic saving that directs a portion of your income to a savings account continuously is helpful. This strategy is what I’m currently using to meet my 2023 savings target.

Find ways to reduce utilities

Cutting back on your energy consumption is another way to save money. You can reduce this by turning off lights and electronics when not in use and purchasing only essential appliances. If possible, consider energy-efficient alternatives.

It’s always good to have a plan in place to help save money and be financially stable. In addition to the tips above, here are a few other ideas:

  1. Cancel subscriptions: Take a look at your subscriptions and see if there are any that you can cancel. Perhaps you’re paying for a service you no longer use or can find a free alternative.
  2. Plan ahead for big expenses: If you know there’s a big expense coming up, like a vacation or home renovation, plan ahead and start saving for it in advance.
  3. Avoid impulse purchases: Try to avoid making impulse purchases by waiting at least 24 hours before making a purchase. This will give you time to think about whether or not you really need the item and can afford it.

Remember, saving money takes time and effort, but it’s worth it in the long run. By making small changes to your habits and being mindful of your expenses, you can achieve your financial goals and build a stable financial future. So, prioritize your financial health and take small steps to save money each day.

This write-up serves informational purposes only. It should not be considered explicit financial or legal advice. Not all information will be accurate. Before making any serious financial decisions, consult a professional.

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Hafsat Itanola
WikiMonday

This is a personal finance blog where I share actionable tips to building lasting financial wellness.