31 Simple Habits And Practices That Helped Online Users Save Anywhere From Spare Change to $35K
Even the simplest change in your life can save you money.
Some people think saving money means cutting every little comfort, but the online users in this story did the opposite, they got smarter about the tiny decisions that quietly drain wallets.
It started with everyday stuff that doesn’t look expensive, coffee runs, last-minute takeout, replacing cracked gadgets, and impulse clicks that turn “maybe later” into “oh, that’s already checked out.” Then came the real curveball: a few habits that felt indulgent at first, like buying semi-prepared fresh food so dinner is faster, and choosing the library when the urge to pay for caffeine hits.
Here’s the full story of how those small choices added up, from spare change to a jaw-dropping $35K.
Go with semi-prepared food.
This sounds counter-intuitive but giving myself permission to spend the extra money on semi-prepared fresh foods has actually saved me money. Examples include buying bagged coleslaw mix instead of having to grate cabbage and carrots, fresh pineapple chunks, marinated ready-to-cook chicken, etc. I am less inclined to stop and get food on the way home from work if I know I can just throw some tasty chicken in the airfryer and stir some dressing into the slaw mix. I actually eat more fruit and veg this way because most of the work is done.
MrsHyacinthBucket, Miles MetcalfeDon't go to coffee shops. Spend time at your local library.
Using the library. It is free and is one of the last sanctuaries we can go to without an expectation to pay for a service or our time there. It's been a boon both financially and mentally.
Quickstep3138, Polina ZimmermanOnly choose high-quality products.
Buy the high-quality version of the thing (even if it’s more expensive) and take good care of it.I’ve wasted so much money buying and replacing cheap c**p.
BeeLuv, Mathias Reding
This method provides a straightforward framework that helps individuals prioritize their spending and savings efficiently. By automating savings, people can ensure that money is set aside before it can be spent.
Leave what you want to buy in the cart first.
For online shopping, leave it in the cart. If you come back to it multiple times and think “yes I need/want that,” get it. Most of the time it’s not necessary and I’ll remove it or orphan the cart.
tege0005, cottonbro studio
Credit card tip:
Never, ever, ever carry a balance from month to month on a credit card.
tommysmuffins, Pixabay
Choose a Toyota car.
Buy a Toyota, pay it off quickly, keep up with maintenance, drive till the wheels fall off.
volneyave, revac film's&photography
When the bagged coleslaw mix and marinated ready-to-cook chicken stopped turning into “I’ll just grab something on the way home,” the savings started showing up fast.
The Power of Minimalism
Marie Kondo, renowned organizing consultant, advocates for minimalism as a means to reduce unnecessary spending. Her philosophy encourages individuals to keep only what "sparks joy," which can lead to mindful purchasing decisions.
By decluttering, people not only create a more serene living environment but also develop a deeper understanding of their needs versus wants.
This awareness can translate into smarter financial choices, reducing impulsive buys and fostering a more intentional relationship with money.
Meal plans should be according to what's on sale at the grocery.
What I eat for the week depends on what is on sale at the grocery stores that week. Sure I might buy some things at regular price but a majority of my big ticket food like meat and produce are purchased on sale. I have tried so many different recipes and different kinds of produce that I would not have ever thought to try before simply because of this habit.
crazycanadianferret, Pixabay
Cook and bring your lunch.
Bringing my own lunch. I've saved approximately $35k over my 12 yr career by not going out to eat daily while at work.
readsalotman, Karolina Kaboompics
Ditch sodas.
Cutting out soda from my diet. I love Sprite more than most people love their favorite food, which is why I can't have it around. Saves money on groceries, going out to eat, less dentist visits, and is probably the easiest way to prevent gaining weight
xtra_obscene, Craig Adderley
This approach underscores the value of resilience in the pursuit of financial stability and success.
Go with frozen food.
Frozen food. My husband and I both have very long days. We were stuck on the idea of making our own food for a long time but it never worked cause we had to make it from scratch. Once we changed to frozen food we started eating at home more. It’s not the cheapest option but it saves US money. So we’re happy about it :).
datfumbgirl, Muhammed A. Mustapha
Practice the three Rs.
Reduce, reuse, repair, recycle.
SnooLentils1438, cottonbro studio
Only purchase something when you're willing to let go of another.
I don’t allow myself to buy anything unless I am willing to let something go. Goes along with my anti-clutter and anti-consumerism.
Momentofclarity_2022, Alexandra Maria
The moment they stopped carrying coffee-shop habits into their routine, the library became the default stop, free time that didn’t cost a dime.
Effective Budgeting Strategies
This method involves allocating cash into envelopes designated for specific expenses, which helps curb overspending.
Go semi-vegitarian.
Being semi vegetarian. My parents were big meat eaters so eating for me was expensive, but I found if I bought more veggies and just bought smaller portions of better quality meat, I could not only eat better but also lose weight!
SIlver_McGee, Mike Jones
Have clearance months.
Clearing out my pantry every half/quarter year.I love buying in bulk or when something is on clearance. I have the bad habit of forgetting what I own.So I have fixed "clearance months" where I'm only allowed to buy fresh produce from the farmers market. Everything else needs to come from the pantry.It's a great way to clear the freezers from vegetables and pre-cooked meals and actually using up all my dried beans, lentils and rice.I have a special diary and track what I liked to eat or wich products where the most versatile (rolled oats= home made oatmilk, cookies and overnight oats for example).
littlelazybee,Annie Spratt
No-kid lifestyle (or if you have a partner, choose to be dinks).
I didn’t have a kid. Or worse, kids.I bring my own lunch to work. I used to eat at one of the building cafes three or four times a week. Now I bring my own food. That’s probably saved me $1800 in two years.Which is A Lot when you’re low income.One is accidental - I moved somewhere there was no fast food within 20 minutes of my house, and none on my route home from work. Cut down on my impulse spending at fast food places a lot.
Meghanshadow, Pixabay
The relationship between financial stability and mental well-being is particularly pronounced in the current economic climate.
It’s the same kind of guilt-fueled stress as the AITA debate about lending money to a friend in need.
Learn.
Learning things.Most people pay for things because they are not willing to learn how to do them themselves.Specialy now that we have the internet, a compendium of all human knowledge accessible to our fingertip, learning as never been easier.It can be any topic. Cooking, butchering, woodworking, 3d design and printing, programming, electronic board soldering, gardening. Learning is an investment in yourself that will always be a net benefit in the future. Even if it doesnt help you financialy, it make your more dependable and reliable which is an asset to your friend and family, but also to you. Even if you dont know enough to do something professionaly, in case of ermergency you can do enough to limit the damage. The difference between a pipe bursting that was capped within 15 minute and one that burst and you had to wait for a plumber to cap it is very substantial.
DrunkenSeaBass, Anete Lusina
Learn handyman skills.
Basic maintenance and repairs of your home, car, belongings.Becoming a handyman takes only repetition of doing the basics around your home. You'll save a lot of money knowing how to do the quick and easy things rather than having to call someone.
trobsmonkey, Ksenia Chernaya
Lights off.
Empty room? Turn the lights off.
badpuffthaikitty, Steve Johnson
Investing in Education
By acquiring new skills or certifications, individuals can enhance their job prospects and potentially increase their income. This investment not only pays off in monetary terms but also contributes to personal growth and satisfaction in one’s career.
How to avoid impulse purchases.
I make sure I REALLY want something before I purchase it, especially if the purchase exceeds $100. I see something I like or want in a store (or even online), I have to leave it behind and think about it for a minimum of 24 hours, but usually a week, before I purchase it. It helps me from making impulse purchases, avoid targeted marketing / moments of weakness and it also helps me from consume consume consuming. Most of the time, I don't really want the thing I feel compelled to purchase in the moment.
In-Out-Up-Down-5280, Craig Adderley
Hanging out? Ditch the card. Pay in cash.
Pay in cash when I'm hanging with friends. Automatically limits my drinking and spending to what's in my pocket.
321applesauce, cottonbro studio
Make food from scratch.
Cooking and baking from scratch.
thetarantulaqueen, Vlada Karpovich
After they finally started buying high-quality stuff instead of cheap “I’ll replace it later” junk, the replacement cycle and the wasted money both disappeared.
Open communication about spending habits and financial goals can help couples align their priorities.
Good quality clothing goes a long way.
Buying good quality clothing and caring for it properly. Launder carefully. Check seams and such before you have to mend them.
Adrienne Andersen
Be mindful of monthly subscriptions.
Being very careful about what auto-renew or subscription services I have. Not to say I have no services, I’m just very careful to not put things on autopay. honestly a lot of folks have services they don’t use or only use a few of the features. i try to pay things in full so I can just not renew the next year if i decide im done with the service . I will also check my existing services and see if they offer what I want. Or I just do without. With everything becoming a subscription these days I try super hard to have as few as possible!
Loose-Scientist-2916, cottonbro studio
Work from home.
For me, deciding to go back to working from home has had the biggest impact on my finances. It cuts a lot of costs related to employment, such as:* Clothing* Transportation* Food costs: Although I try to bring lunch, it's easier to incur some incidental takeout costs on the way home after a stressful day at work.I quit my remote job a couple of years ago and went back to remote work after less than a year of trying the in-office environment again. I saved $10k less during the time I was going to the office.I should also add that it's easier for me to do and get some overtime pay while working from home since I'm not too concerned about leaving for traffic or time spent in transit.I am childless and live on my own, so I don't need to tend to anyone's needs other than my own, which gives me a lot of freedom and control with my spending.
Glittering-Degree569, PNW Production
Utilizing Technology for Savings
Apps that round up purchases and save the spare change can significantly add to savings over time.
This tech-friendly approach appeals to those who prefer digital solutions, making saving more accessible and straightforward.
Use a budget app.
Using a budget app so that all my "meaningless" purchases that I have to enter a) make me feel like the a*****e I'm being towards myself and b) they literally add up.
anon, Greta Hoffman
Use the public transport.
Taking the bus. I work on a university campus and parking passes are ~$200/semester. I also save on gas since I only drive on the weekends.
Maddy_egg7, cottonbro studio
Part of raises should be saved.
Not sure if this fits. Every raise, half gets put into retirement.
Witty_Collection9134, Karolina Kaboompics
Then the cart rule kicked in, leave it there, come back later, and suddenly the credit card balance never had a chance to snowball.
financial well-being is closely tied to overall life satisfaction.
Buy items from stores offering them at the lowest price.
I've gotten in the habit of remembering prices. I can't say I have a super memory, but after buying the same thing at the same store 50 times, it seems to stick in my brain. This helps because if I'm at a different store, I can usually tell if their price is better than my regular grocery store.Obviously I can't remember every price, jy I can on the items I buy frequently.
notreallylucy, Michael Burrows
Meal planning.
Personally, I've found that meal planning and cooking at home has been a game-changer for saving money and eating healthier. It not only cuts down on food costs but also reduces the temptation to eat out, ultimately helping me stick to my budget more effectively.
Ella Olsson
Curb appetite by brushing your teeth earlier.
Small, but brush your teeth earlier. Helps curb appetite. Saves money and helps lose weight.
Kody1123, Andrea Piacquadio
Creating an Emergency Fund
Experts advocate for building an emergency fund as a foundational step in personal finance.
This financial cushion not only provides security but also reduces stress during emergencies. By setting aside small amounts regularly, individuals can gradually build this safety net, ensuring they’re better equipped for life's uncertainties.
Brew coffee at home.
We never (well, 99% of the time) never pay for coffee that we haven't brewed ourselves at home. We use a Chemex and some excellent Costco coffee beans that we grind ourselves.
kbenn17, Anna Tukhfatullina Food Photographer/Stylist
You don't need to aim to save $50 right off the bat. Sometimes, it's the little tweaks in your spending habits that can make a big difference.
Before you know it, you'll find yourself saving more than you ever did in the past few months without even trying too hard.
Are your friends and family having a hard time saving money, too? Share this post!
In summary, implementing simple yet effective financial habits can lead to significant savings and overall financial well-being. Experts across various fields highlight the importance of mindfulness, budgeting, and communication in managing finances. Whether it's adopting the envelope system, leveraging technology, or focusing on personal development, there are numerous strategies that can be tailored to individual needs.
Taking small, consistent actions today can pave the way for a more secure financial future, allowing individuals to thrive both financially and personally.
The weird part is, the biggest savings came from spending on purpose, not spending less.
For more family chaos, read whether she should apologize for spilling her brother’s secret at dinner.
