Readers: This is where I got my start, helping other Hawaii moms find ways to save money on groceries and household products with my first blog “Aloha Deals”. With the change in economy and prices, I felt like I needed to go back to my roots and help others save money where they can. Saving money on everyday things we need helps our budget stretch further for things we want, like participation in sports and treating myself to a pedicure every quarter when I go out with friends. And you know I’m always looking for a coupon or deal to use when I do go out!
Saving money can be challenging, especially if you’re on a tight budget or have a lot of expenses. However, there are several ways to save money that are simple and easy to implement. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best ways to save money.
7 ways to save money
- Create a Budget: Creating a budget is the first step to saving money. It helps you track your income and expenses, so you know exactly where your money is going. By creating a budget, you can identify areas where you can cut back on expenses and save more money.
- Use Coupons and Deals: Coupons and deals are a great way to save money on groceries, dining out, and other expenses. You can find coupons and deals online, in newspapers, and even on your phone. By taking advantage of these discounts, you can save money on things you need or want. Most restaurants and places to shop have an app or website where you can sign up for coupons and discounts. Others have rewards programs so you can earn free products or items back on purchases you were already making.
- Cut Back on Unnecessary Expenses: Take a look at your expenses and see where you can cut back. For example, if you’re spending a lot of money on eating out, try cooking more meals at home. One of the ways I do this is through Emeals– this helps me plan what to eat at home and sends my grocery list for picking up the items I need. If you have subscriptions you’re not using, cancel them. By cutting back on unnecessary expenses, you can save more money.
- Use Cashback Apps: Cashback apps are a great way to earn money back on your purchases. These apps offer cashback on purchases made at certain stores or on specific items. You can then redeem your cashback for gift cards or cash. Some popular cashback apps include Ibotta (see the link for how I got Thanksgiving dinner paid for), Rakuten, and Honey– I use the Chrome extension on my browser so it checks all available codes before checking out.
- Start an Emergency Fund: Having an emergency fund can help you avoid dipping into your savings or using credit cards in case of an unexpected expense. Start by setting aside a small amount each month and gradually build up your emergency fund. I personally like to have enough saved to cover both my home and auto deductible in case something comes up and I need to use it. Then when it gets used, I start saving again to have it sitting in savings.
- Negotiate Bills: Take a look at your bills and see if there are any services you can negotiate. For example, you can call your cable company and ask for a lower rate or switch to a different provider. You can also negotiate your medical bills or credit card interest rates.
- DIY: Doing things yourself can save you a lot of money. For example, instead of hiring someone to clean your house, do it yourself. Instead of paying for a gym membership, exercise at home or outdoors to take those dogs on a walk.
In conclusion, saving money is possible with some small adjustments to your spending habits. By creating a budget, cutting back on unnecessary expenses, using coupons and deals, using cashback apps, starting an emergency fund, negotiating bills, and doing things yourself, you can save money and achieve your financial goals. In what ways are you saving money?