Anyone who wants to be more financially comfortable probably knows that they need to be more frugal. Many of the wealthiest people in the world point out that you’re more likely to have a lot of money if you don’t, well, spend it.
That’s common knowledge. The problem is, understanding you’re supposed to save your money more often isn’t the same as understanding how to achieve this goal. Odds are good you spend most of your money on bills and necessities. You can’t simply stop spending money on the essentials because you’ve been told you need to save.
This is an understandable attitude. That said, there are probably a few simple ways to be more frugal you haven’t considered. They include the following:
5 Ways to Start Spending Less Money Today
Order Groceries for Delivery
Does a company in your area offer grocery delivery service? As long as the delivery fees and overall costs aren’t prohibitive, consider using this service instead of going to the grocery store. Research indicates many people spend less money on groceries when they aren’t tempted to make unnecessary purchases in the store.
Just remember to make sure the extra costs of delivery aren’t excessive. Buy the same exact groceries at the store one day, then buy them through a delivery service the other day, and compare how much you spend.
Search for Used Options
You probably already know you can save money on major purchases (such as a vehicle) by purchasing a pre-owned item instead of a new one. However, it’s also important to realize that you can save money on smaller expenses using this same strategy. From clothes to electronics, look into pre-owned and refurbished items before spending more than you need to.
Exercise at Home
Staying fit is key to your health. You know this. That said, this doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot of money on a gym membership. Many people waste a lot of money on fitness club memberships they rarely (if ever) use.
There are other ways to work out. With bodyweight exercises, you can even get fit from the comfort of your own home or apartment. That’s a lot less expensive than going to the gym.
Opt for Water Every Time
Although you may want to treat yourself from time to time, there aren’t many good reasons to drink beverages other than water. Many non-water choices are already filled with sugar and other ingredients that are bad for your health. Additionally, they’re more expensive.
You’re better off sticking with water. While you may have to discipline yourself to stick to this hydration option if you’re a fan of soda or juice, in the long run, your health and wallet will benefit.
Cook for the Week
Planning your meals for the week and prepping them ahead of time is a very effective way to start living more frugally. By consciously deciding to eat affordable meals, and preparing accordingly, you’ll avoid wasting money on take-out or unnecessary groceries.
The main point to understand is that living frugally can be much simpler than you think. By adopting a lot of small habits, over time, you’ll save quite a lot of money.
