Maybe in your 20’s you were “Responsible Rebecca” and had a grasp on saving money(Kudos for being a step ahead!). Me? I was throwing any extra cash I had anywhere I could spend it!
When I entered my 30’s, I realized I had basically saved nothing for a rainy day or a serious emergency. Scary times!
I had to learn how to be frugal while still enjoying my life. Check out these savings tips I tried that may also help you get your head above water.
1. Sleep on it
Although it’s so tempting to pick up that new pair of shoes, give yourself 2 full days before you make the purchase. This helps to reduce impulse buys, especially when tempted to buy things you don’t truly need.
2. Freezer cooking
When you have time, cook a large batch of food and freeze it in individual portions to avoid eating out and reduce visits to the grocery store.
Some of the best foods to freeze are soups, meatballs, cooked chicken or beef, and chili. Just make sure to use airtight containers to prevent freezer burn.
3. Learn to DIY
YouTube (University), as I like to call it, provides a slew of free how-to guides on simple home repairs and maintenance fixes. Tutorials range from changing light fixtures to removing wallpaper to dyeing and cutting your hair.
Instead of paying someone, you’ll save a ton and get a nice ego boost by doing it yourself!
4. Cut the excessive streaming services.
Yes, darling, I understand that we LOVE to have options! But when you really think about it, you probably only watch the same 2 or 3 streaming apps. Try to stick with just 2 subscription services to save money.
5. Shop thrift stores
Consider second-hand shops for clothing, home decor, and even furniture. They’ve got great quality hidden gems at ridiculously low prices.
Regarding clothing, there are several stores to choose from to enhance your style with one-of-a-kind pieces. There’s Buffalo Exchange, Uptown Cheapskate, Plato’s Closet, and good ol’ Goodwill, to name a few!
6. Try Reverse Budgeting
Make a game out of how much you can save within a certain time. Give yourself a REALLY good incentive for meeting your goal by the end of the week, month, or quarter (ex: gifting yourself that new jacket you’ve wanted).
And if you’re super strict about meeting the goal, give yourself a (gentle) punishment for not meeting it (ex: no new clothing purchases for the next 3 months).
7. Switch to a cheaper phone plan
Listen, I had a prepaid phone bill that cost only $50 a month, with great service as well! Take a good look at your phone bill and find out if there are cheaper options or prepaid plans. You can save a lot of money doing so!
8. Cancel Gym Memberships
Be very honest with yourself, my friend- are you actually using your gym membership? If not, save your money and cancel your gym membership.
Try working out at home using inexpensive equipment like resistance bands, doing bodyweight exercises, or doing free online workouts. Five Below stores have great workout equipment at super low prices – most less than $5!
9. Use Only Cash
Ohhh, it’s SO hard to part with your hard-earned cash! Which is why this tip is so effective. Force yourself to stick to a strict cash-only budget each week, which will help you better understand your spending habits.
10. Switch to a high-yield savings account
Please don’t let your precious money just sit in a checking account that earns you literal pennies. Look for accounts that have better interest rates to maximize your savings.
11. Opt for generic brands
Choose store-brand or generic products instead of name brands. Whether you buy Equate or Good & Gather, Tylenol is Tylenol – I promise!
12. Take advantage of the library
From free workshops to museum passes (varies by library) to borrowing sewing and cooking equipment, your library offers so much more than just books and old school DVDs. Head over to your local library to see what else they offer for free 99!
*BONUS* Go on a “No Spend” Challenge
For one month, try not to buy anything non-essential unless it’s ABSOLUTELY necessary. The first week is the hardest, simply because you’re not used to it. But you will be so surprised by how much money you save!
If you can’t commit to an entire month, try a No-Spend Weekend first, and see how you manage. Then try increasing it by one week!
Saving money after 30 doesn’t have to be a stressful event. You just have to be a little more creative while still making it fun!
And don’t worry that it’s too late to start. Just start small, and you’ll discover even more convenient ways to save more money every month.
Which tip sounds the most doable (or the least inconvenient) to you?
