Expert Reviewed
Looking to save some extra money while not compromising or changing your lifestyle? These money saving life hacks will also help improve your health, quality of life, and the environment.
1. Actively Look for Coupons and Offers
Coupons are a great way to save money on all kinds of everyday products.
Companies issue coupons offering consumers savings as a way to get them in the door or introduce them to new products. Just be careful that the good deals don’t fool you into buying something you don’t need.
Start browsing free magazines and newspapers for coupons to cut out. There are plenty of online sites with digital and/or printable coupons, such as Coupons.com and Groupon.com.
2. Grow Your Own Vegetables and Herbs
Growing your own vegetables and herbs is a life hack that has loads of benefits. First of all, you save a lot of money. With some vegetables, like broccoli and tomatoes, you save more than half of what you would spend at a store.
Second, learning how to grow vegetables is a useful life skill and a therapeutic, satisfying hobby.
3. Stop Going to Coffee Shops
We live in a coffee shop culture. Unfortunately, a cup of coffee at any of the popular coffee shop chains costs between $2-$4. When you think about it, that’s a lot. And it adds up over the year.
A 200-gram jar of a premium instant coffee costs around $16 and makes around 30 cups of coffee. That’s about 53 cents per coffee, at least a quarter of what you spend at a coffee shop.
4. Exercise More (Without a Gym Membership)
Getting into shape is another life hack that will not only save you money, but also make you look and feel better. It’s a win-win. Doctor visits, time off work; these are all expensive things that you can avoid, or at least reduce, by getting in better physical shape.
5. Make Shopping Lists to Stop Impulse Buying
Ever popped over to your local supermarket with a few items in mind, only to come home with bags full of stuff you really didn’t need? You’re not alone.
It’s not entirely your fault. Supermarkets organize everything from the colors they use to the types of offers they run to tap into your subconscious and make you buy more.
So, write down exactly what you need before leaving your home. Pick up only what’s on your list. Avoid upsells, offers, and those candy bars that are always by the checkout.
6. Shop Around When It’s Renewal Time
When it’s time to renew a contract, like your cell phone, cable, car insurance, and so on, you can always beat the renewal price by shopping around. At worst, you can find a better price elsewhere and your current provider will price match to keep you with them.
7. Try Store-Branded Product Alternatives
This consumer report put several branded products to a taste test against store brands. Their experts could hardly tell the difference between a lot of products.
Store brands are always a lot less expensive than the popular brands you know and love. But if you can save a few dollars every shopping trip without compromising on quality and taste, it’s a no-brainer.
8. Learn How to DIY
Calling plumbers, electricians, and other maintenance servicemen to fix things around your home is expensive. You have access to free video tutorials and instructions online. Next time something around the house needs fixing, all you need is some patience and a few tools to save a small fortune.
9. Learn How to Do Basic Car Repairs and Maintenance
Car mechanics charge anywhere between $50-$100 per hour depending on what state you live in. Yet, something like changing a bulb, fuse, or even an air, oil, or pollen filter, is easy when you know how.
Before calling your local garage next time you have a small issue with your car, look up some video tutorials on YouTube. It may be something you can do yourself.
10. Use a Water Filter at Home
Buying a water filter can save you hundreds of dollars over the course of a year if you currently buy bottled water. Plus, it’s a lot more eco-friendly. Plastic bottles have a huge negative effect on the environment if facilities don’t recycle them properly.
The URL has been copied
