Small switches that improve the budget?

Question

Has anyone made any small changes that can improve their monthly budget? I started to bring lunch to work in the new year (ok it’s only been a week or so) and I’m finding I am saving both money by making use of leftovers I used to typically throw away by the end of the week that was cluttering up my fridge. And an added plus is it seems to be saving me time in terms of going out for lunch. I haven’t lost weight yet but I’m hoping it might have that effect too.

Anonymous · Answer

When I quit smoking I literally payed myself the amount that I would have spent on cigarettes. I set up an automatic transfer from checking to savings every week and I do give myself raises as prices go up. 13 years and counting and I have a pretty good nest egg built for myself.

Jemia Williams · Answer

Pack your lunch. Shop at grocery stores that give you gas points. Go to the movies on discount days, we do AMC $6 Tuesdays. Elect to do Happy Hour (a.k.a early dinner) with friends and family over a normal 7/8pm dinner out - HUGE SAVINGS! Cut the expensive gym membership and sign-up for a lower cost gym OR invest in a few dumbbells ($10-40), exercise bands ($10) and use YouTube videos to work out if you have adequate space in your home.

Sam Killingsworth · Answer

If you are not ready to give up your Starbucks you can cut your cost in half by ordering smart - like a latte? order a coffee with a couple pumps of your preferred flavor in it then add a little 1/2 and 1/2. End result is very similar and saves you both about 1/2 your money and almost 100 calories (more if you reduce the syrup). Fun bonuses: it's also faster as your drink doesn't queue up on the bar, it's got more caffeine for your buck (and even more if you get the blonde roast), and if you become accustomed to the change you are one step closer to ditching Starbucks altogether for home coffee (anyone can make coffee but latte's are more challenging).

James Christine Parker · Answer

This may not work for everyone, but my partner and I get together every weekend and look at our spendings.  I created my own spreadsheet for tracking things (similar to QB or YNAB).  Every weekend, we look at our bank balances, at our spendings, and at our goals.  It keeps financial responsibility to the top of our minds for the rest of the week.

Emily Pehl · Answer

The biggest thing that helped me to save more was to save first. I automate my savings so each payday $X gets auto transferred from my checking account into my savings. That way I don't have to think about it, it happens. And it forces me to pay attention to my bills and impulse buys.

Allyson · Answer

I keep looking for second income stream opportunities, but since you're looking for small changes and not a second job (haha)... 
1 - get ruthless about getting rid of excess stuff. If it's something that's in good condition and will fetch more than $15 or $20 - SELL IT (facebook marketplace, poshmark, mercari, etc.). I find that if it's less than $20 in value, it's not worth the time to post and meet up for, so donate it. Having *less* stuff makes it easier to find the stuff you actually need, when you need it and you won't end up buying duplicates.
2 - super simple meal planning. I bought a week dry erase board and put together a simple meal plan for each day starting with a FIFO (first in first out) mentality. I look at things I have in my pantry already (so I don't buy more) to see what I can use up to form the basis of a meal, combine that with proteins purchased in bulk at a warehouse store, and then I usually only need 5-10 things at the grocery store each week for planned meals.

Kathy Kavanagh Fencik · Answer

I bought everyone in my house Yeti mugs for christmas...we all make our coffee and tea  before we leave. No stopping at DD., Starbuckd saves time and money. No impulse buying food.

Crystal Rhineberger · Answer

I go around and shut off anything consuming power, we have solar panels and I want the house as independent  as possible. It saves the most in the summer!

Francesca Vanderwall · Answer

Yes and... (seriously some good suggestions thus far.)

Energy efficiency at home. I know my Nest thermostat saves me money. Maybe ask for one as a gift.

Talk to your tax preparer about ways to reduce your taxable income. You'd be surprised what happens with an HSA or FSA, not to mention the long-term savings.

Buy in bulk shopping with a list. Yeah, its a big hit upfront but again, the savings add up.

Play the credit cards rewards game. This assumes you pay your cards off in full every month. And when you shop online, start at Cashback Monitor then stack with the online shopping mall that pays you the most. Easy way to make  hundreds a year on money you're already spending.

Suzanne Leeson · Answer

Switch from traditional light bulbs to LED.  They last up to 20 years or more and cost less than $1 per year to run!

Small switches that improve the budget?

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