31 Simple Habits And Practices That Helped Online Users Save Anywhere From Spare Change to $35K

Saving money is hard in this day and age. Whether you're juggling two jobs, earning wages that barely cover the basics, or unemployed and searching for work, it often seems like there's never quite enough to set aside.

Stats gathered by the Federal Reserve of St. Louis reveal that in February 2024, Americans were able to save 3.6% of their disposable income. It also reveals that this percentage is less than what they saved the previous month.

What's more, the number of households living paycheck-to-paycheck grew by 62% from last year. Just by observing these figures, you can already say that more people are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet and put anything into savings.

The inflation and rising living costs we're facing don't seem to be ending anytime soon. Living paycheck to paycheck takes a mental toll, as our funds often run dry before the next payday even arrives.

So is it still even possible to save money? Well, according to users on r/Frugal, there are simple ways to save money.

They answered a user who asked this question:

What was the hardest part about transitioning to a frugal lifestyle, and how did you overcome it?

We've collected 31 of the best responses below.

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 Metcalfe

Don'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 Zimmerman

Only 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

Financial advisors emphasize that small, consistent saving habits can lead to significant financial freedom over time. Farnoosh Torabi, a financial expert, advocates for the "50/30/20 rule," where 50% of income goes to necessities, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings or debt repayment.

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

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 weightxtra_obscene, Craig Adderley

Dr. Angela Duckworth, a leading researcher on grit and perseverance, highlights the importance of long-term goals in financial planning. She suggests that cultivating grit can help individuals stay committed to their savings goals, even when faced with obstacles.

By setting clear, attainable goals and tracking progress, individuals are more likely to maintain motivation and overcome challenges. 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

Effective Budgeting Strategies

Budgeting experts recommend the envelope system as a practical approach to managing spending. This method involves allocating cash into envelopes designated for specific expenses, which helps curb overspending. Brian Tracy, a motivational speaker, encourages individuals to track their spending habits diligently.

By doing so, people can identify patterns and adjust their budgets accordingly. This proactive approach fosters financial discipline and can lead to significant savings over time.

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

Dr. Kelly Brogan, a psychiatrist, notes that mental well-being is closely tied to financial security. Her research suggests that financial stress can lead to anxiety and depression, impacting overall health.

Implementing simple budgeting techniques can mitigate these stresses, allowing individuals to feel more in control of their finances. Creating a financial plan that includes emergency savings can also provide peace of mind, which is essential for mental health.

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

Experts agree that investing in personal development can lead to greater earning potential. Dr. John Hattie, an education researcher, emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and its correlation with career advancement.

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

A relationship expert noted that financial discussions are often a source of tension in partnerships. Open communication about spending habits and financial goals can help couples align their priorities.

Establishing regular check-ins to discuss finances fosters transparency and cooperation, leading to healthier financial habits and stronger relationships. Creating shared financial goals can also enhance teamwork and accountability, reducing stress and conflict over money matters.

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

Financial planners suggest leveraging technology to simplify saving. Apps that round up purchases and save the spare change can significantly add to savings over time. Ramit Sethi, a personal finance expert, highlights the importance of automating savings to ensure that money is consistently set aside.

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

Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a happiness researcher, emphasizes that financial well-being is closely tied to overall life satisfaction. Her work suggests that people who prioritize experiences over material goods tend to report higher happiness levels.

By focusing on meaningful activities, individuals can create lasting memories without overspending, reinforcing the notion that saving can also contribute to a fulfilling life.

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. Financial advisors suggest saving three to six months' worth of living expenses to prepare for unexpected events.

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.