I am not going to get into crazy things like making your own candles (although that is very fun), cutting your own hair, or re-using Ziplock bags, but here is a list of 30 creative ways you can save your money and also help you know where some of it goes. Some of these things are common sense and might just be a simple reminder for some of you. But here we go…
1. Don’t Use ATMs! The fees are crazy!
2. Everyday put your change into a change jar. Those coins add up!
3. Don’t buy bottled water. Take a drink container with you from home.
4. Always have a crafty side gig going on. “Ohhh., you crochet sweaters?”
5. Change banks to one that gives back!
6. Stop those expensive hobbies such as smoking, the weekly bottle of wine, etc.
7. Instead of the book store, check out the library!
8. Sign up for all of the rewards cards. Use the app STOCARD to save them all in your phone.
9. Make sure you have Airmiles and Aeroplan cards! You’ll soon be travelling!
10. You don’t have to have a gym membership. Watch your workouts online!
11. Get the girls together for an accessory swap! Those items will be new to you!
12. Know what bills you’re paying! Turn off your lights, use less power/ water, etc.
13. Use the app MINT. It lists all of your accounts and cards for easy checking!
14. Try to only pay in cash. You are more likely to spend less.
15. Recycle those bottles. That could be $30 in your basement!
16. Grow your own foods. If you can’t have a garden, at least grow your own herbs!
17. Have multiple accounts at your bank. You can save money easier by separating it.
18. Forget the brand names. Good looking clothes are good looking clothes.
19. Chart out your budget and get CLEAR ON IT. Know where your money is going!
20. Take a lunch to work. Add cookies!
21. Carpool, take public transportation, ride your bike or walk!
22. Sell your extra junk! I mean treasures…
23. Fill up your car tires for better gas mileage. Save the planet too!
24. Make big meals and freeze them for later.
25. Don’t go to the grocery store while you’re hungry. You’ll just buy chips and ice cream!
26. Only try to use one credit card for everything.
27. Increase your Feng Shui! Have a garage sale and make some cash!
28. Cut down on the lattes a few times a week, or make them at home! Who are we kidding…
29. Cut down on the fancy restaurants when you need to eat out.
30. Automate your savings. Get your bank to put (any amount) of money away every month.
Have you been doing some of these simple tasks already? Have you been using some of the apps I suggested? Please comment to let us know what creative fun ways you save your money!
sam says
I am doing most of these and it is all true. Stocard is a great loyalty card app and you also get full online flyers that are identical to the ones clogging up your door step. I use an antenna like my grandparents used (except they are flat and modern now and no ugly ears) and get 6 free HD channels. For wifi I use the library, cafes, or the umiversity near where I work and have no big internet or cable bills anymore. Airmiles is excellent. I have enough for three flights or a fitbit just by putting renos in a credit card and paying it right off. Take up cooking. It puts restaurant meals, ordeals and prices into perspective—a rare treat rather than a super unhealthy bad habit (laziness). I drive on weekends and take the LRT during the week.