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How do you save money on a budget? Well, you have to be intentional, but it’s not as hard as you may think. Here are 9 tips to help you save while staying on budget:
1 – Pay with cash. Sounds simple enough, right? But, most of us use our debit cards rather than actual cash. One consumer payment study with 1000 people found that only 12% prefer cash over debit and credit cards. You can save money on a budget by paying with cash. There’s something about seeing and feeling the money leave my hands that’s more real – and more painful, than using my cards. And, yes, it’s a pain to go to the ATM and take money out. But, going to the ATM requires you to actually think about what’s in your account and how much you’re spending versus the convenience of swiping your card.
2 – Keep the change. So, you go to the store and the total comes to $10.33. Instead of searching your purse for 33 cents, use only paper money. If you give the clerk $11, you’ll get back 67 cents. Take the 67 cents and keep it in a large water bottle or coin jar. Even if that’s all you spend in the day, you’ll have saved almost a dollar. Keeping the change is an easy way to save money while on a budget. You’ll be surprised how quickly those nickels and pennies add up!
3 – Pay with face bills. Similar to #2, but pay only with $5 bills and up. Save your one dollar bills. If the total was $7.33, instead of giving exact change, pay with a 10 dollar bill. In addition to tossing the coins in the jar, toss your ones, as well. That’s $2.67. It takes some getting used to, but if you keep at it, you can definitely save more money than you think. At the end of the year, I often use the money in my water bottle for gifts or to take trips.
4 – Take your lunch to work. How much do you spend on lunch each week? If you eat out every day, it’s probably $7 – $10. That’s easily $50 per week and $200 per month. You can save money and stay on budget by taking your lunch to work. I take my lunch to work every day because I don’t get enough time for lunch to go out without rushing. Also, there aren’t any healthy options near my job. Fast food is usually unhealthy and can get expensive. When you cook, order groceries, or get takeout, consider your lunch for the next week. Plan to take your lunch for one week and see how much money you save.
5 – Make a list before you go. I order my groceries online, but I still make a list. If you make a list, you’re being intentional about what you plan to purchase, which helps you avoid impulsive buys. To save money while on a budget, I made a list of what I needed before going to the store. Next to each item, I estimated the cost. Then, I took the amount I needed in cash. Having the cash forced me to stay on budget and avoid overspending. On average, I spent 50% less when I made a list and used cash.
6 – Plan weekly meals. You’ve had a long day at work. You leave your job later than expected. Plus, your kid needs help with homework. It’s so easy to just run by a drive-thru! But, as soon as you do, there goes the budget. If you want to save money while on a budget, you have to plan. As you make your weekly grocery list, plan at least three meals for the week. Then, make two of those meals on Sunday. Cook so you have leftovers for a couple of days. Then, plan for an easy dish (i.e. tacos) mid-week. If you’re going to eat out, make it intentional. Buy food that affords you leftovers for the next day versus a drive-thru meal at almost the same price.
7 – Buy only what you need. In my 20s, I was definitely an emotional shopper. I bought stuff to make me feel better and it did – temporarily. But, most of it just hung in my closet unused, with tags still on it. Now, I try to buy what I need when I need it. If I’m going to a wedding and I need a dress, I’ll buy one. Otherwise, I do without it. Just because those shoes give you life doesn’t mean you need them. You can cut back on spending and save money just by taking a serious look at how you shop.
8 – Shop with coupons. Most retailers and manufacturers offer coupons or discounts. I rarely buy clothes without a coupon because most stores send them to frequent customers. Or, you can just download one to your phone. Why pay more money than you need to pay? Most restaurants send coupons in the mail or offer a coupon on your next purchase for completing a quick survey. With retail stores, like Express or New York & Company, you can pair your coupon with a reward certificate for added savings. At other stores, like Dollar General, you can match manufacturer coupons with store coupons for super savings. Checkout my article on how to save big at Dollar General for more savings tips!
9 – Earn rewards. Like coupons, most stores now have free rewards programs. If you’re going to buy from the store anyway, you might as well earn points toward free stuff. Clothing stores like Kohls, New York & Company, and Express send rewards based on purchases. But, most restaurants like Carrabba’s, P.F. Chang’s, Papa Johns, and Pizza Hut also offer rewards programs. Before ordering, sign up for the rewards program and earn points to use toward free food. If you shop online, sign up for Ebates. You get cash back for online purchases and they send your money quarterly. I get an average of $50 cash back every quarter on items I was going to purchase anyway.
You can easily save money on a budget by being intentional about your spending. Just apply these simple tips and continue to live your best life in balance!
