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Being wise with money sometimes looks like making big financial decisions, but the truth is, the best way to save money over the long term is to be consistent in small things. Here are 15 easy ways to save money this week. If you choose a few of these to do each week, you might be able to develop some sustainable habits to help you continue to save money!
15 Easy Ways to Save Money This Week
Do a “use what you have” meal plan
This is a great way to use ChatGPT. Check out my post on how to use ChatGPT to plan meals from your pantry and freezer.
Skip one grocery trip and make do with what’s on hand
Set a fun challenge for your family and try to go at least a few days past your normal grocery trip time. You might have some weird meals (cereal for dinner?) but it will help stretch your grocery budget further.
Set a 48-hour rule before any non-essential purchase
It can be so tempting when you’re scrolling Amazon to hit the “buy now” button. Make a note on your phone and check back at the end of the week to see if you still want the items.
Do a 10-minute fridge clean-out to prevent food waste
I do this once a week. I check any container and see what’s in it. I either throw it out or move it to the front of the fridge so that it will actually get eaten. Some weeks, we use the fridge clean out as our meal plan and we all eat up whatever is still in there!
Choose 2–3 no-spend days this week
Most of us end up spending money every day without thinking about it. Tell yourself you won’t spend money (unless it’s some kind of automated bill) for several days this week.
Pack snacks and drinks before leaving the house
This feels basic but sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to remember. Summer is coming and you might be planning to be on the go more. Buy some individually packaged snacks and make sure you’ve invested in some quality water bottles.
Cancel or pause one subscription you didn’t use last month
Take a look at your streaming services. Did you watch anything on Hulu last month? If not, pause your subscription. If a show comes up that you really want to watch, you can un-pause the subscription.
Check your bank/credit card for small recurring charges
Sometimes it can be hard to remember all the little subscriptions you signed up for. This is especially true of phone apps that offer free trials. You might be paying a weekly or monthly fee for something you don’t even use.
Lower one bill
Make a phone call and see if you can switch your car insurance or reduce a portion of your phone bill.
Wash laundry in cold water and air-dry one load
If you try this one time, you might find that you can do it every week! Over the course of a month this will save some real money.
Sell or list 3 unused items from your home
Facebook Marketplace is a great way to get rid of things you don’t need. Check out my tips on how to sell used items.
Make coffee at home every day this week
Purpose not to stop at Starbucks or your favorite local coffee shop. If you save $30, throw it in your emergency fund.
Eat leftovers for lunch instead of buying food out
Here’s another idea to eliminate food waste! Not only does eating up leftover ensure you didn’t waste the money you spent on past purchases, but you’re NOT spending future money on eating out.
Combine errands into one trip to save gas
I realized last week I had a couple overdue library books. I could have driven 20 minutes to return them, but I opted to wait a day and drop them off when I already had to be near the library for another appointment. I did get about 30 cents of overdue fines, but that was much less than the cost of gas would have been!
Set a weekly spending limit and track it daily
Just do this for one category of your budget, such as groceries or personal care, and keep track of what you spend each day.
