Extremely Useful Life Hacks That Could Potentially Help You Save Money And Become A Better Spender

Money gets tight fast when everyday prices keep climbing, and that pressure can make even small spending habits feel impossible to ignore.

This Reddit thread starts with one simple question about saving money, then turns into a long list of blunt, practical ideas from people who have clearly thought hard about where their cash goes. Some of the replies are funny, some are obvious, and some are the kind of reminders people need when their budget is already stretched thin.

Here’s the full thread, and the comments only make it more interesting.

Here's the original post by Reddit user u/DetachedMentally:

Reddit

1. "Don't have kids"

--anon

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2. "Always eat before going food shopping"

--Trackull

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Behavioral economics offers insights into how psychological factors influence spending habits. This understanding can help individuals recognize the triggers that lead to impulsive spending, which is especially relevant when trying to save money.

Research shows that awareness of these psychological influences can empower consumers to make more informed financial choices.

Understanding the principles of behavioral economics is crucial for making informed financial decisions. Research from the Journal of Behavioral Finance indicates that cognitive biases can significantly impact our spending habits. For instance, individuals may fall prey to the sunk cost fallacy, where they continue investing in a failing endeavor due to the resources already committed. Recognizing these biases can empower individuals to make more rational financial choices.

3. "When at the grocery, look at the price/oz or whatever unit it is instead of the total price."

It's usually posted in one corner. It's not going to save you tons of money, but it does add up. Plus it takes out the guess work when comparing similar items.

--Richards_Brother

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4. "I don't smoke but live my financial life as a smoker."

Meaning every Monday I transfer the sum of one weeks worth of cigarettes to my savings account. If people that earn less than me can afford smoking, so can I.

--kebabhue

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5. "Don’t buy something that you normally wouldn’t buy just because you have a coupon."

--Rwill113

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Studies indicate that small changes in spending habits can have significant long-term effects on financial health. This highlights the importance of practical strategies in managing finances.

Another common hurdle in financial decision-making is the emotional aspect of spending.

6. "Get yourself a library card."

It's not just books, but also movies, workshops, education, software, computer time, music. I've probably saved thousands on all sorts of c**p.If it weren't for the library, I probably wouldn't have been introduced to awesome books like American Gods, The Way of Kings, All Systems Down, or The Road.

--anon

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7. "I have a friend who, at the end of each pay period, moves whatever she has in checking into savings."

It doesn't matter if she's got $5 or $50 in the account, it goes into savings the night before payday.

--Gigglefruit358

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8. "learn to cook! 4 or 5 reliably delicious recipes will go a loooooong way."

--joo_ish

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Implementing a 50/30/20 budgeting rule can help individuals allocate their income effectively. This method encourages individuals to spend 50% on needs, 30% on wants, and 20% on savings.

Additionally, using apps to track spending can provide valuable insights into spending patterns, helping individuals identify areas for improvement.

It also reminds us of the AITA conflict over lending money to a friend with reckless spending habits.

Implementing budgeting techniques can significantly improve financial well-being.

9. "If you can avoid it, never take out a payday loan."

--Creative_Uzername

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10. "Buy secondhand!"

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11. "Making one extra payment on your mortgage per year will reduce a 30 year mortgage to roughly 17 years."

---thersites-

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Improving financial literacy is crucial for effective money management. Educational programs that focus on budgeting, saving, and investing can significantly enhance individuals' financial decision-making skills.

Incorporating financial education into daily life can empower individuals to take control of their finances and build long-term wealth.

Additionally, engaging in regular financial reviews can help individuals stay accountable to their goals. A study from the Journal of Financial Planning indicates that individuals who conduct monthly financial check-ins are more likely to achieve their financial objectives. By tracking their progress, individuals can make informed adjustments to their strategies and celebrate their successes.

12. "Only drinking water is a solid one. Soda at restaurants or other drinks add up a lot."

--Kings-x-Dynasty

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13. "If you can buy a tool to complete a repair for the same price as the repair itself, buy the tool and repair it for free next time."

---thersites-

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14. "When buying online, leave items in the shopping cart for awhile."

There is a good chance that the website is tracking this, and will lower the price overtime to entice you into buying.I've saved a lot by being patient. Like when I got a surround sound amp for $350 that was listed everywhere for $450 to $500, just by leaving it in the online shopping cart for a week.

--Whatmeworry4

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15. "Make your own lunches for work."

The cost of making/preparing your lunch for the week can be less than what you pay buying one days lunch.Also, can provide health benefits.

--imissmydogloads

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16. "If you're low income, **apply for food stamps** (or whatever your city/state calls the equivalent)."

Seriously, there's no shame in it. I neglected to apply for several years when I was really struggling because I had to unlearn the stigma that they had when I was growing up. Times have changed. ***If you need help, don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask for it.*** I qualify for the maximum amount where I live. It doesn't cover my monthly food expenses but it gets me through a few weeks and I could make it stretch if I really needed to. It never hurts to apply.

--BabaYagatron

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17. "Don't buy the cheapest option."

Often the middle priced option will be the best value. Things that are too cheap are worth what you paid for them.

---thersites-

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18. "Don't drink. Alcohol is a money drain."

--kryptonianjackie

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19. "This is not mine, but 'The 72 hour rule" is pretty damn helpful."

Basically, the gist of it is, if you want something that is not a necessity, instead of buying it immediately, add it to a list (in my case I use a spreadsheet, but whatever works), then wait 72 hours.If after 72 hours, you still want it, then you can buy it. It seems that 80-90% of the time, after the 72 hours is up, I don't end up buying the item I thought i wanted.The reason I like doing it with a spreadsheet is, I can then at the end of the year, easily add it up, and see how much money I DIDN'T impulsively spend.EDIT: It took me a while, but I remembered where I picked this idea up from. It initially came into my world from listening to the ChooseFi podcast interview with the Frugalwoods.Here's the podcast: https://www.choosefi.com/012-living-frugal/and here is her original article on it:https://www.frugalwoods.com/2017/01/09/my-foolproof-method-to-stop-impulse-spending/

--Icarus_Jones

aliciablasco

20. "I try to cost things as portions of better, or more fulfilling things i.e. A coffee is 1/10 of a new game. Ten meals out is a weekend away etc."

--_mexicola

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Well, these are all very useful tips. Managing finances is something most people struggle with and a battle they are used to losing.

We hope this list can potentially help you in the future. If you enjoyed this list, make sure to check out similar content on our platform.

The journey toward better financial management begins with a keen awareness of the psychological influences that shape our spending habits. As highlighted in the article, recognizing the cognitive biases and emotional triggers that drive our financial decisions can empower individuals to make more thoughtful and informed choices. By embracing practical budgeting techniques and committing to regular financial reviews, readers can not only reduce unnecessary expenses but also cultivate a sense of financial satisfaction and security amidst rising living costs. These strategies are not just about saving money; they are about transforming one’s relationship with money in a proactive and sustainable way.

In today's challenging economic climate, the article emphasizes the importance of understanding the psychological factors that drive spending habits. By recognizing these influences, individuals can make smarter financial choices. The practical strategies outlined in the piece serve as valuable tools for enhancing financial literacy and overall financial health. In an environment where every dollar counts, being equipped with knowledge is essential for navigating the complexities of personal finance and striving for stability.

Want more real-life problem-solving? See how ordinary daily tasks got dramatically easier with simple fixes.