Did you know that the average household wastes hundreds of euros each year on small expenses? By being more conscious with your money, you can significantly reduce those costs. In this article, you will discover 45 smart tips that you can apply immediately. This is important because every euro counts, especially in times of rising prices (which happens quite often).
Perhaps you sometimes feel like you have lost control over your expenses; these tips can change that. Let’s take a look at the first tip that will help you save right away!
Save on Little Things with These 45 Tips
Freeze Bread to Prevent Spoilage
This is a great way to ensure that you always have fresh bread on hand without it getting moldy quickly. Personally, I have noticed that when I buy a large number of loaves, I often can’t finish them all in time. By freezing them in portions, I can simply thaw a few slices when I need them. It not only saves money but also reduces food waste!
Make Your Own Broth from Vegetable Scraps
This is not only a clever way to save money but also a great method to reduce food waste. When I cut vegetables, I save the peels and scraps in the freezer. Once I have enough, I boil them with some water and herbs to create a delicious broth. This not only provides me with a flavorful base for soups and sauces but also saves me from buying ready-made broth.
Rinse Bottles to Use Up the Last Bits
It’s a smart habit to rinse out bottles, such as those for shampoo or sauces, with water. This way, you can extract the last remnants and use every drop, which not only saves money but also reduces waste. Personally, I always find it a shame to throw away something that is still usable. This little trick really makes a difference in how long your products last!
Fill Small Bottles with Products Instead of Buying Travel-Sized Packages
It’s a clever idea to fill small bottles with your favorite products, such as shampoo or conditioner, instead of purchasing expensive travel-sized packages. This not only saves money but also gives you the opportunity to choose which products to bring based on your skin type or hair type. Moreover, it’s better for the environment because you use less packaging material—a win-win situation!
Use Spare Change Programs to Increase Your Savings
Using spare change programs is an effective way to save without even noticing it. For example, when you pay for your purchases with a debit card, the program can round up the amount to the nearest euro and automatically deposit the change into a savings account. This may seem like a small amount, but over time it can accumulate into a significant sum without you actively thinking about it. It’s an easy way to grow your savings while managing your daily expenses!
Avoid Instant Payments and Use Your Own ATM
A clever way to save money is by regularly checking your subscriptions and canceling unnecessary ones. Many people pay for services they hardly use, such as streaming platforms or magazines. By cutting these subscriptions, you will have more money left over and make room in your budget for things that truly matter to you. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference in your financial situation!
Know Your Expenses and Save Consciously
A smart approach to be more mindful of your money is by creating an overview of all your expenses. This not only helps you understand where your money is going but also enables you to identify unnecessary costs. Imagine paying for a monthly subscription to a service that you hardly use; by recognizing this, you can easily save and create more financial space for things that truly matter. It’s a small effort that can yield significant benefits in the long run!
Save Electricity by Turning Off Devices
A while ago, I noticed that my energy bill was getting higher and higher even though I wasn’t using much more than usual. This motivated me to see how I could improve the situation. When I started turning off lights in rooms that I didn’t use, closing doors, and turning off devices like the TV and computer, I quickly saw a difference. Besides, it feels good to contribute to a more sustainable world!
Check Your Subscriptions and Cancel Unnecessary Ones
A few months ago, I decided to review all my subscriptions as well. To my surprise, I discovered that I was still paying for a streaming service that I hadn’t used for months. By canceling this subscription, I could save some extra money every month, which helped me achieve my savings goals—easily earned.
Buy Store Brands for Cheaper Groceries
Buying store brands for cheaper groceries is a smart idea. They often offer the same quality as well-known brands but at a much lower price.
For example, did you know that many store-brand butters are produced in the same facilities as brand-name butters. They often share the same ingredients and processes, differing only in packaging?
By choosing these alternatives, you can save significantly on your weekly groceries without compromising on taste or quality. This small change in your buying behavior can result in substantial savings over the course of the year!
Reuse plastic bags.
Reusing plastic bags is a smart and simple way to save money and help the environment. Instead of buying new bags every time, you can reuse the bags you already have for groceries or other purposes. This not only reduces your expenses but also helps reduce the amount of plastic waste in circulation. By making this small change in your habits, you are contributing to a more sustainable world without much effort.
Use coupons for purchases.
Using discount coupons is a smart way to save on your daily purchases. Often, there are coupons available for products that you were already planning to buy, allowing you to easily save money without compromising on what you need. It only takes a few minutes to find them (for example, on Social Deal) and use them, but the savings can quickly add up. Moreover, it gives a satisfying feeling to pay less for the same items!
Drink tap water, even in restaurants.
Instead of buying expensive bottled water, you can simply ask for tap water, which is often free. This not only saves money, but is also better for the environment as it reduces the demand for plastic bottles. Furthermore, tap water in the Netherlands is of high quality and safe to drink!
Go for a higher interest rate on your savings account.
When I switched my savings account to a bank that offered better interest rates, I noticed that my savings grew faster. It may have seemed like a small difference in percentage, but in the long run it makes a significant impact on my financial situation. This helps me in the ongoing battle against inflation!
Use cashback apps for extra money back.
By simply scanning your receipts or shopping through the app, you can get a percentage of your expenses back. This can add up significantly in the long run and helps you keep your budget balanced. It’s an easy way to gain a little extra benefit with every purchase!
Reduce subscriptions or switch during promotions.
Many streaming services and magazines offer temporary offers for new customers. By taking advantage of these, you can enjoy the same services for a lower price or even for free. Or you can choose to use Disney Plus, for example, one month and Prime TV another month. This way, you have enough to watch without paying for everything at once.
Sell unused items online.
By offering items you no longer use, such as clothing, electronics, or furniture, to others, you give them a second life and help someone else. You can also consider selling clothes on platforms like Vinted or United Wardrobe, where you can sell your clothes to people who are interested in them. This way, you not only earn some money back, but also create more space in your home.
Use energy-efficient appliances.
Using energy-efficient appliances is a smart choice because they not only lower your energy bill, but also contribute to a more sustainable world. When I replaced my old refrigerator and other outdated kitchen appliances with energy-efficient models, I immediately noticed a difference in my energy consumption. So consider gradually replacing your old appliances with energy-efficient ones. It may be an investment at first, but in the long run, you will definitely reap the benefits.
Eat at home and plan your meals.
A smart move is to eat at home and plan your meals in advance. This not only saves money by eating out less frequently, but it also helps you eat healthier. I found that when I planned my meals for the week, I made fewer impulse purchases at the supermarket (especially those unhealthy ones when feeling hungry) and wasted much less food. Moreover, cooking at home allows you to be creative with ingredients you already had, which is actually quite fun!
Borrow books and movies from the library.
Borrowing books and movies from the library is a smart way to save money because you have access to a huge collection without having to buy anything. Plus, it’s a sustainable alternative.
Repair instead of replacing.
It’s often tempting to simply throw away a broken appliance or garment and buy a new one. But by repairing instead of replacing, you not only save money, but also contribute to a more sustainable world.
For example, I repaired my old smartphone when the screen was broken. It cost less than half of a new phone and I could still use it for years!
I must also admit that I often look at my mother-in-law with affection when there is a tear/hole in a piece of clothing, then it’s quickly fixed!
Carpool, bike, or use public transport to reduce transportation costs.
Carpooling is a smart idea to lower transportation costs. By riding together with others, you can share the fuel and parking expenses, which can significantly save you money. Biking or using public transport are also great ways to save money and stay active at the same time!
Wait 24 hours for impulse purchases.
Do you recognize that feeling of excitement when you see something that you really want to buy? It can be tempting to make an immediate purchase, but by waiting 24 hours, you give yourself the chance to think about whether the item is truly necessary. Often, you’ll find that the urge to buy is much less after a day. This not only saves you money, but also prevents unnecessary purchases that you might regret later on.
Buy second-hand clothes and items.
A few months ago, I bought a refurbished smartphone that I needed for work from someone who had barely used it. It was a great deal and it works perfectly!
Close off unnecessary spaces in your home.
I might be a little extreme in this myself; I suspect my partner gets a bit annoyed with it sometimes. But by closing doors to rooms that I don’t use and turning off the heating in those areas, I can better retain the warmth in the rooms where I am. This not only results in a lower energy bill, but it also makes my home much more comfortable. It’s a simple step that can have a big impact!
Use reusable products instead of disposable items.
A smart choice I have made is using reusable baking sheets for the oven. Instead of using a new sheet of parchment paper each time, I not only save money but also reduce waste. It’s surprising how well these baking sheets work; they are easy to clean and last a long time.
Buy seasonal products for better prices and quality.
A clever idea to buy seasonal products is that they are often cheaper and of better quality. For example, in the summer, tomatoes and cucumbers are readily available, so you can buy them at a lower price and they also taste better because they are at their peak. Moreover, you support local farmers and reduce the ecological impact of imported products!
I often go to the greengrocer first and then buy the remaining items at the supermarket next door. Often cheaper and tastier!
Sign up for loyalty programs for discounts
An example of how I benefit from loyalty programs is my subscription at the local supermarket. Every time I do my groceries, I earn points that I can later redeem for discounts on future purchases. This has saved me a lot of money, especially during weekly shopping. It’s an easy way to get extra value from your daily expenses!
Stick to a budget to control your expenses.
A clever idea to control your expenses is by setting up a budget and sticking to it. This not only helps you gain insight into where your money is going, but also forces you to make more conscious choices. For example, by setting fixed amounts per category, such as groceries or entertainment, you prevent impulsive purchases and can save better for larger goals.
Make your own snacks.
A clever idea to save money is to make your own snacks. When I started making my own healthy granola bars, I noticed that I not only saved money, but also knew exactly what was in them. It’s simple, delicious, and you can vary the ingredients to your taste. Moreover, you avoid the unhealthy additives that are often present in pre-packaged snacks!
Grow your own vegetables.
It’s not only a great way to save money, but it also gives you the opportunity to eat fresh and organic produce. With a little creativity, you can set this up on a balcony, indoors, or in a small garden. Moreover, it’s a relaxing activity that helps me spend more time without a screen.
Use a bidet to save toilet paper.
With a bidet, you can effectively clean yourself with water, which is not only hygienic but also requires much less paper. This means less waste and lower long-term costs for toilet paper. Additionally, using a bidet can also be more comfortable for your skin, making it a win-win situation.
Use Too Good To Go.
By buying surplus food from local restaurants and stores, you can get delicious meals for a fraction of the price. It’s also really fun to discover new dining establishments that you might not have tried otherwise!
Turn off the heating one hour earlier in the evening to save energy costs.
When I first did this, I noticed that I didn’t have a problem with the cold because I was often already in bed or had a blanket around me. Furthermore, I noticed that my energy costs decreased significantly, which gave me extra motivation to maintain this habit. Especially when energy prices were skyrocketing.
Avoid soda and make your own healthy drinks with fruit and water.
I found that I not only consumed less sugar but also became more creative with flavors. It’s a great activity to experiment with different combinations of fruits, such as lemon and mint or strawberry and basil. Moreover, you save money by not buying expensive sodas, which is an additional motivation to maintain this healthy habit.
Take advantage of free museum days and cultural passes through the library.
Taking advantage of free museum days and cultural passes through the library is a smart way to broaden your cultural horizons without emptying your wallet. It allows you to explore various museums and exhibitions that you might otherwise skip due to entrance fees.
Hang up most of the laundry to dry.
Hanging up most of the laundry to dry is a smart way to save on energy costs, as you avoid using the dryer that consumes a lot of electricity. Additionally, it gives a fresh scent to your clothes and helps prolong the lifespan of your textiles.
Avoid gym subscriptions by exercising outdoors/at home.
Imagine this: outdoors, fresh air, nature calling. A great way to boost your motivation and well-being! There are countless free online workouts and apps to create a varied routine. With some creativity and your surroundings, you can effectively exercise and save money. Sounds good, right?
Save fuel by combining trips and finding cheap gas stations.
By planning your trips efficiently, you can avoid unnecessary journeys and reduce overall fuel costs. Additionally, comparing gas stations in your area can help you find the best prices, resulting in significant long-term savings.
Sell children’s clothing and toys online.
This one’s for the parents: selling children’s clothing and toys online. Kids grow fast and often leave behind many unworn clothes and unused toys. By selling these items, you give them a second life and make space in your home, while also generating some extra income. Moreover, other parents can benefit from affordable stuff for their kids, which is good for the community.
Buy in bulk during sales and freeze products.
Buying products in bulk during sales can be a smart move, especially if you have space to freeze them. I remember once being able to buy a large quantity of falafel; I bought more than I needed and froze the rest. That way, I had affordable meals on hand for months, which not only helped my grocery budget but also saved cooking time.
Set the AC to 24°C or higher in summer, and use sunshades.
At higher temperatures, the air conditioning consumes less energy, resulting in lower electricity bills. Additionally, using sunshades helps reduce the heat in the house, further reducing the need for cooling.
Keep your house organized with ‘one in, one out’.
By applying this rule, you ensure that the number of items in your house does not unnecessarily increase. For every new item you purchase, you let one go. This can help keep your house tidy and organized, while also making you think more consciously about the necessity of a new purchase.
Look for free or inexpensive activities nearby.
There are often many enjoyable activities that don’t cost a fortune. Think of hiking in nature, having a picnic in the park, attending free events, or joining a local library. This helps you have fun without burdening your wallet.
Join local exchange or sharing groups.
This can be a great way to acquire goods or services without spending money. There are often online groups where people trade things like clothes, books, or furniture. You can also consider offering your skills in exchange for something you need, such as doing chores or giving language lessons.
These are all 45 tips of which you can surely apply some yourself without too much hassle.
Something that has helped me, although it’s more of a lifestyle choice than a simple tip, is to embrace minimalism. Being critical of my “wants” and “needs” helps me easily save on things I don’t really need or need less, allowing me to have more money for what I consider important, like traveling solo on a budget or sometimes without paying too much attention to it.
