Everyone would love to have a little more money in their wallet. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to identify real ways to keep more cash to yourself. In a recent online forum, commenters shares their favorite ways to save money. Here are ten of their most common responses.
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1. Invest in Safety Razors for Shaving
If you’re not using safety razors, you’re leaving money on the table. The value proposition is unlike anything else in the self-care and beauty product space. “I think I paid like $15 for it and a 250-pack of replacement razors,” reveals one woman. “It’s been five years, and I still haven’t had to buy more. I found that I actually nick myself a lot less now that I shave my legs with a safety razor. The one I use has some weight to it, and that’s part of the reason why.”
2. Shop at Thrift Stores
Don’t be afraid to shop for clothes, furniture, and household items at your local thrift store. Many people view thrift stores as retail establishments that sell unwanted items, but that presumption couldn’t be further from the truth.
Many modern thrift stores — especially those in affluent areas and neighborhoods — can be a haven for anyone looking to find high-quality items at an unbeatable price.
3. Finally Cut the Cord on Cable
It’s 2023. There’s little reason for the overwhelming majority of people to keep a subscription to cable or satellite. From live TV streaming services to outright free platforms, there are countless ways to get the content you want, for less.
Even if you’re a fan of live sports, you can ditch cable and not miss your favorite team or sport.
4. The Shower Hack
Brace yourselves, everybody, because you’re about to find out about one of the most incredible wallet-friendly hacks I’ve ever encountered!
I wish I could personally shake the hand of whoever came up with this idea: “We keep two five-liter bottles by the shower and fill them up before taking a shower so we aren’t wasting the running water while waiting for the water to be hot enough to shower,” explains one man. “We then use this water to mop the floor and water plants. It has reduced our water bill quite a bit and helps us save water.”
5. Stick To Your Grocery List
It’s shocking how much your grocery bill can increase if you shop on a whim — especially if you’re hungry. Countless people advise that you should arrive at the supermarket with a plan — and a grocery list.
Sticking to your list ensures that there will be no sticker shock when you reach the register. Once you master sticking to a shopping budget, you’ll immediately see the results in your wallet.
6. Stop Buying Drinks
Is there anything wrong with water? Why don’t more people opt for this free beverage instead of buying countless drinks throughout the day?
“This is the big tip: don’t buy fancy coffee in the morning, don’t buy juice for lunch at the office, and don’t get a soda for dinner,” reveals one savvy woman. “You save calories, reduce sugar intake, and save at least $10 per day!”
7. Go to the Movies on Discounted Days
While nothing beats seeing the latest Hollywood blockbuster on the weekend, there are significant discounts to be had at your local movie theater by watching these films during the middle of the week.
Thousands of local theaters give generous discounts to any moviegoer who wants to watch a movie on specific days early in the week. So what are you waiting for? See a movie and reap the benefits.
8. Let Go of Brand Loyalty
One of the hardest ways to save money is also one of the most satisfying. In other words, it’s time to let go of brand loyalty. Say goodbye to labels, people.
Once you adjust how you think about brands, it becomes infinitely easier to purchase products (from clothing to automobiles) you love — without paying a premium for the label.
9. APS (Always Pack Snacks)
As a snack lover, I proudly support everything the APS initiative stands for. “My life motto is APS: Always pack snacks,” confesses one woman. “Bonus points if you cut up fruit rather than toss an orange in your bag, as you’re much more likely to eat it. I made three dozen muffins at a time, froze everything, and then rationed them for the next few weeks. I saved so much.”
What an ingenious way to live.
10. Marry a Frugal Person
If you are someone who thinks about the big picture, then your savings begin and end by marrying someone who shares the same financial values as you! “If you are frugal and your partner is not, it can be a lifetime of pain,” reveals one woman. “Partner up with a frugal person, and you can encourage each other on the journey — and revel in the savings.”
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This thread inspired this post.
I’m John Schmoll, a former stockbroker, MBA-grad, published finance writer, and founder of Frugal Rules.
As a veteran of the financial services industry, I’ve worked as a mutual fund administrator, banker, and stockbroker and was Series 7 and 63-licensed, but I left all that behind in 2012 to help people learn how to manage their money.
My goal is to help you gain the knowledge you need to become financially independent with personally-tested financial tools and money-saving solutions.
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