[Erin]

Many of us regularly seek ways to optimize our budgets and save money, often focusing on the more obvious expenses. However, there are frequently overlooked or less conventional avenues for savings that might not immediately come to mind.

For frugal living enthusiasts, financial experts, or anyone who’s discovered unique money-saving hacks: Are there specific strategies or practices you’ve adopted that might not be commonly considered but have proven effective in saving a bit of money? Whether it’s a daily habit, a lesser-known service, or a creative approach to everyday tasks, I’d appreciate insights into unconventional ways to stretch my budget further.

[Tina]

Do free grocery pick up. That way you only buy exactly what you need, and no extra items end up in the cart costing more $$ from browsing the aisles.

[Judy]

Don’t leave the house!! I find that almost every time I go out I end up spending money I could have saved just staying home!

[Christina]

Put everything in the basket & don’t click check out. Wait a week. Chances are you never really “needed” it.

[Sara]

No snacks. If you are healthy and don’t have a medical condition that requires you to eat every 2 hours, then stop. Three meals a day with plenty of protein should sustain you for the day.

Snacking is normally an emotional response.

Don’t miss: How can I make myself save money?

[Katherine]

The stage of life my family is in putting money into savings is low on the list, so I enrolled in “keep the change” offered through my bank.

Every time we use the debt card it rounds it up to the dollar and moves that much our savings account.

[Melissa]

Turn hot water heater down to 120°F. Turn off if you are gone a few days.

Unplug chargers if they are not in use. They contunue to draw electric.

Work with the weather. Right now heat and ac is off and windows are open. At sundown windows and curtains are closed. Blanket on the bed.

Charge phone and other electronics in your vehicle as you drive. I have a charger in the back of my car and a handheld power bank and usb fan is always plugged in. When I need them they will be ready.

Keep a bunch of cheap solar stake lamps in a flower pot outside in the sun. Use as night lights. Mine last all night when fully charged. When I use the oven I batch cook. I do not worry about preheating unless it is baked goods.

Explore these too: How do you guys save on perfume?

[Michelle]

Take coffee and drinks to go from home! Investing in a few cups is worth it. I even take my cup into restaurants and have never been told that anyone has a problem with it.

I’m not paying $3 for a drink.

[Kathleen]

If you haven’t shopped car and home insurance in the last yr, check rates with a broker. Buy in bulk. For example..Large packages of meat, break it down and freeze in vac bags.

They last longer too.

[Hay]

Half fill your car instead of filling the tank unless you live very far from a petrol station because the extra weight or carrying around the added fuel means you use the first half of the tank faster. You need to work put which is more efficient depending on distance you live from station.

Also depending on the types of journey you make putting in premium fuel often saves money in the long run.

[Wendi]

Intermittent fasting. I feel best when I eat only 5 hours a day, and it’s a total bonus it saves money. When I drink only black coffee and water when not in my 5 hour window, I feel best.

When I follow this way of eating, I don’t really have cravings or anything. I have so much energy, and low inflammation (which is otherwise a problem for me).

[Elizabeth]

Do a “no spend” week/month and make it into a game. Could be like Chopped for meals and maybe a reason to try more free activities with the family. When I make it a game or a challenge, my kids get excited to help.

Also, I recently cancelled Amazon Prime, and I’m shocked how much I’ve save since doing that. It’s no longer my “easy button” when I think of something I want.

[Judith]

Make grocery lists, only buy what is on your list. Drive economy car, carpool whenever possible. Turn heat way way down at night, we set ours for 55 at night, just enough to keep pipes from freezing. We sleep under layers of quilts. Small countertop ovens and protable Duxtop induction cooktops use less electricity than standard ovens/ranges.

Plus, they can go out on porch or patio in summer keeping heat out of the house. It is easier to clean a small countertop oven, take it out in the yard on a sunny day, oven cleaner.

Hang clothes to dry. We don’t miss our clothes dryer, haven’t had one since the 80s, ha, ha.

[Author]

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