About 5 or 6 years ago I got really into couponing. I would go get my papers every week, spend hours clipping coupons, check out all the fliers, gather my coupons, and spend a couple of hours at the store shopping. Sure, I saved a lot, but I also spent a lot of time preparing. As the deals started to dwindle so did my patience for gathering coupons.
I don’t like spending a lot of time on something just to save a little bit of money. I also understand that not everyone has all kinds of time in their day to try to find little ways to save money. If you are a busy mom you don’t always have hours a day to try to save your family money. You need quick and easy tips for spending less. There are ways to save money without spending a ton of time.
Are you wanting to spend less money without spending a bunch of time doing it? These ridiculously easy ways to spend less money may not make you rich but they only take a few minutes each. Plus, they aren’t painful to do. I promise no homemade deodorant or washing out old ziploc bags!
Refill Soap Containers
If you buy the liquid hand soap containers for your bathrooms you can easily refill them with the larger and cheaper refill containers. Instead of paying $1-$1.50 for a new container you will pay about $.50 to refill it (even cheaper if you buy the store brand). It only takes about 2 minutes to refill the containers, it’s just so easy. If you really want to save even more you can take an extra minute and make your own foaming soap refills.
Buy Generic
In most cases, generic food tastes just as good as the store brand and cost about 25% less. Skip the name brand and you can spend less on your grocery bill. Squeamish about buying generic? Most store brands are made in the same factories that the name brands are. It’s the same food with different packaging. Try buying one thing in generic each time you go grocery shopping. If you don’t like the generic you can always go back to the name brand. Buying store brands doesn’t take you any more time. Plus you can end up saving 25% less each week on your grocery bill.
Eat Leftovers
Eating leftovers is an easy way to spend less money and not spend any more time. Reheating things is usually faster than cooking them the first time. Instead of making dinner one night you can have a leftovers night. If you tend to forget about what is in the fridge keep a note on your refrigerator door. I have a small calendar so I can write down what leftovers we have. I write the leftover under the night I made it so we don’t forget how old it is. It’s also easy for my kiddo to see what we have to eat without opening the fridge door. It only takes a minute to write down what is leftover and can save you money.
Lower Your Hot Water Heater
If you have a minute or two try dropping the hot water temperature 10 or 20 degrees. It’s a simple way to spend less money on your electric or gas bill. The water heater doesn’t have to heat the water up as high and it will save you money. Usually, a 10-degree change won’t be enough to tell a difference in your water temperature but you can save a little extra cash each month.
Stock Up
See a deal at the grocery store on something your family loves? Just buy a couple extra. It’s one of the easiest ways to save. If you know your family really loves it you can buy anywhere from a couple extra to a 3 month supply. I like to do this with breakfast bars. My family eats a lot, so when they go on a fantastic sale I will buy 15-20 boxes. That tends to last us about 3 months. It only takes a minute or two to put the extras in your cart and store them. You can easily save up to 50% on the foods your family love by doing this.
Sign Up For Loyalty Programs
I LOVE loyalty programs! Most of them have an app that you can use on your phone and it takes almost no time to swipe and save. I like to sign up for the loyalty programs at the restaurants and stores that we regularly visit. Most of the restaurants have a small swipe machine by the cash register and I just swipe my phone and it gives me points or rewards. My favorite Mexican restaurant offers a free appetizer for every 5th visit. My favorite sandwich shop offers the 6th sandwich free. It’s just little things, but since we were going there anyway it’s nice to get some free stuff. I do recommend only signing up for places that you already use so you aren’t inundated with offers.
Grocery Shop Online
If you are trying to spend less money grocery shopping online is a fantastic way to save. I have found that I tend to spend less time grocery shopping online then I would in the store. Plus, I am not tempted to grab things that aren’t on my list. Most stores have online ordering for around $5. Just make a detailed meal plan and list and then order your groceries. I love clicklist by Kroger, you can read about my experience here.
If you are trying to spend less money these simple tips will get you started. What easy tips do you have for spending less money?
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Linda Johnson says
1. Since I live in the country, I try to combine as many errand as possible. This not only saves gas, but also time.
2. I use couponing apps such as Ibotta, Checkout 51, Retailmenot, and Walmart savings catcher.
3. We don’t eat out much and most of my meals are homemade.
4. We grow a garden.
5. I’m always checking gas prices so I can get lowest rate nearby.
6. I sew curtains, blankets, purses, and toys for gifts.
Julie says
I love Ibotta & Checkout 51! It’s so easy to save a little extra cash with them.