25 Creative Ways to Save Money

Stressing out over money can be seriously bad for your health. Taking control of spending and saving money will improve your overall quality of life.

Here are 25 money-saving tips to help you improve your spending and get on the fast track to saving money in no time.

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#1 Shop on Wednesdays

Many grocery stores launch new promotions and discounts on Wednesdays. You can maximize your savings using these midweek deals while shopping less crowded times of the week.

Grocery Rebate Apps: Ibotta is by far the best way to earn cashback from your grocery spending. It will pay you cash for taking pictures of your grocery store receipts. Ibotta is free to download. Plus, you’ll get a $20 sign-up bonus after redeeming your first 10 offers within 14 days.

#2 Use a cashback website when you shop online

When you buy online, don’t forget to use a cashback website like Mr.Rebates and Rakuten. I got over $1200 cashback from these apps. Each cashback is small, but a small amount of money makes a big difference in a few years. And it’s free to sign up and use.

Here is how the cashback app works: Instead of going directly to an online shop, you access a retailer’s online store through a link from a cashback website. You still receive your item directly from the retailer, but you also get some money from the cashback website!

#3 Avoid impulse spending

Give yourself some time to think about purchasing anything. “Buy 3 get 3 free” means 50% off. Sound like an amazing deal, but you need to buy 3 of them. Do you really need 3 of them?

#4 Stay away from shaving cream

Use bar soap or liquid body soap for shaving. Apply moisturizer immediately after shaving will prevent itch, flake, and crack skin. 

#5 Cut cable

If you aren’t watching much TV, you can cut the cable and instantly save hundreds of dollars every year. I watch most of the news on YouTube (it’s free) and most of the movies/shows on Netflix or Redbox.

#6 Cancel your subscriptions

Do you know how much you’re spending on memberships and subscriptions? Digital memberships and subscriptions are difficult to track sometimes. You can cancel unwanted subscriptions and lower your bills.

#7 Avoid store credit cards

When the cashier asks if you want to sign up for their card and save 20%, think twice before signing up for it. In most cases, there are some hidden fees you don’t want to pay. Take the brochure with you at first and read it before making decisions.

#8 Make your own coffee

If you buy $3 coffee at a shop 5 times a week, it will cost you $60 a month, $720 a year. On the other hand, if you buy Kirkland brand k-cups (30 cents for a cup of coffee), it will cost you $6 a month, $72 a year. By making your own coffee at home every day, you will save a ton of money every year.

#9 Buy LED light bulbs

LED bulbs may cost more than regular bulbs at first, but they’ll save you on your electricity bill. Why? LED bulbs require less energy to run. Also, LED bulbs last longer than any other bulbs. In my house, changing bulbs is my job. I love LED bulbs because I don’t have to change them frequently.

#10 Quit bad habits

Bad habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, and even drinking tons of soda or energy drinks are terrible for your health as well as your budget. You can make exceptions for special occasions but eliminating bad habits from your lifestyle will help you to achieve saving goals.

#11 Stick to the shopping list

Make shopping lists for groceries, clothing, etc. If you make a shopping list and stick to it, you will save money on impulse purchases.

#12 Buy secondhand

Did you know that Nordstrom Rack sells second-hand shoes? I purchased a “worn and refinished” SAM EDELMAN Laurna Mule for $30.19 (it was 71% savings + 25% additional discount). The retail value is $129.95, so I saved $99.76 (it still looks like new). Buying secondhand items is a great strategy for savings. The free app Poshmark is also a great place to find secondhand items.

#13 Eat out less

According to Wellio, you can save around $16 per meal by cooking at home compared to eating at a restaurant. And also, eating out regularly not only affects your wallet but also causes long-term health issues. Cook at home save money and stay healthy!

#14 Take care of your health

Healthcare is expensive. Eating healthy food, sleeping enough, quitting smoking, or drinking, and exercising regularly can help you stay healthy and save money. In America, 66.5% of all bankruptcies were tied to medical issues. (1) Taking care of your health is a long-term investment.

#15 Sign up for store Loyalty Programs (NOT A STORE CREDIT CARD)

If your favorite stores offer loyalty programs, signing up for them is a good idea to save some money. Store Loyalty Programs usually give you special discounts, free gifts, points for dollars, etc.

#16 Think about cost performance

Cost performance is a measure of the financial effectiveness and efficiency of a product. For example, luxury vehicles and their maintenance fees are expensive. These are not good cost performance. Good-cost performance cars are affordable prices and require fewer maintenance fees. Thinking about cost performance will change your shopping habits and save you some money.

#17 DIY spa day

Face masks, body scrubs, and hair masks aren’t limited to pricey spas. Make your DIY spa space at home and enjoy the relaxation.

#18 Clean out your closet

Take some time to clean out your closet. You may find never-worn clothing or a piece of a dress hanging in your closet with the tag still on it. Remember what is in your closet and prevent unnecessary spending.

#19 Wait for sales

Wait until the end of a season to buy clothes or shoes when they’re all half off or more. Buy Mother’s Day cards the day after Mother’s Day, wrapping paper after Christmas, and Halloween paraphernalia after Halloween. Most stores heavily reduce prices on seasonal items after the holiday has passed.

#20 Buy bar soap

Bar soaps are last longer than liquid soaps. It’s not only saving money. Doctors say bar soap is more effective than liquid soap and hand sanitizer. (2)

#21 UV care

One of the main environmental factors that ages our skin is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. In fact, it’s estimated that 90% of skin aging is because of the sun. (3) You don’t have to buy expensive skincare goods (especially anti-aging ones are expensive) if you protect your skin from UV radiation!

#22 Think about resale value

It may seem odd to think about reselling before you’ve even purchased it, but resale value is something we need to consider. Especially when you purchase a home or vehicle or something that is very expensive. Thinking about resale value will create healthy financial habits that will eventually save a lot of money.

#23 Reduce, reuse, and recycle

Be creative! I reuse ketchup bottles as a pancake squinter. For my reselling business, I reuse most of the cardboard and sometimes transform it into different sizes of cardboard boxes.

#24 Use basket, not cart

When you go grocery shopping, use a small cart or basket. By doing it, you can prevent buying a lot because the small cart or basket will be full soon. Physically prevent unnecessary spending.

# 25 Stream fitness classes online

Did you know that YouTube has so many FREE fitness classes? My favorite is POPSUGAR Fitness on YouTube. You can exercise at home without a gym membership or fitness class.

Wrapping Up

Did you discover some new creative ways to save money?

Or, do you have any other ideas? Please share your thought below or mention me on Twitter. I would love to hear your ideas (: