Simple Ways to Save Money Realistically – Even on a Tight Budget!

Finance by  Harsha Sharma 12 March 2021 Last Updated Date: 19 December 2024

Save Money

If you are trying to save money, but the usual tips don’t apply to you because you have already thrown away your credit cards or started using coupons more, there are still little things you can do to save money that are easy to do.

Saving money in this economy is all that matters with inflation coming in strong every few months. One of the reasons why it is important to save money is the rise in emergencies and the cost of living. So, this article is for all my corporate baddies out there hustling to save money!

The following article discusses the different ways you can save money in the long run and fulfil your financial dreams. No matter if you are dreaming of your dream vacation or buying that house atop a mountain – it is achievable. 

6 Simple Ways to Save Money to Meet Your Long-term Goals!

The following are the six simple ways in which you can save money for your financial goals in the future!

1. Enjoy What You Own Before You Buy More

This tip is in regard to collecting things. Many people buy items such as books or movies but end up with large collections that they have never truly even gone through. Instead of buying more books, read the ones that you own first.

Apply the same idea to movies. Once you have watched or read everything in your collection, then make the decision if you want to continue the collection. To save even more money, start going to the library more often for your literary and cinematic pursuits. You’ll end up spending nothing at all.

2. Check for Drafts

Perform a walkthrough of your home and check to see if you feel any drafts. If you do feel any, make sure to seal them up as quickly as possible. When air is escaping your home, it is literally like money blowing out the window.

After doing this, you will likely see a noticeable decrease in your energy bill. To reduce the energy bill even further, lower the thermostat a bit.

You’ll find you’ll adjust to the reduced temperature quite quickly and your energy bill will be that much cheaper.

3. Reduce High-Interest Payments

To save money on your monthly student loan payments, pick up the phone and shop around. If you have been making regular on-time payments, it is very likely you will qualify for a refinance loan.

This will enable you to pay off your existing high-interest balances with a new obligation that offers a lower interest rate which will result, in drastically reduced monthly payments.

4. Get Rid of Your Cable

If you are still clinging on to your cable, cancel it immediately, or if you are in a contract, as soon as it ends. There are plenty of other options out there for much cheaper entertainment.

Single subscription services are a fraction of your cable bill. If you don’t mind sitting through commercials, there are plenty of absolutely free options you can use for entertainment as well.

5. Don’t Shop Just to Shop

Instead of treating shopping as a fun time, treat it as a chore. Go into the store, whether grocery, clothing or any other kind of store, with the intention of only buying what you went in for.

This means not getting distracted by sales for things that you probably do not need. Remember, a sale is only useful if you need the item in the first place.

6. Wash Laundry on The Cold Setting

When doing laundry, unless the clothing specifically states to wash the laundry in warm or hot water, it is best to wash it in cold water.

Not only will you save on the energy bill, but your clothes will last longer as well.

7. Save Money on a Tight Budget

If you have a tight budget, you can save money without losing out on resources. You should focus on small changes in the budget so that there can be room for savings. Take the following examples: 

  • Avoid impulse purchases – wait for 15-30 days before deciding to buy something. The key is to use the time so you can think the purchase through. 

8. Stick to Your Budget

Find a budgeting scheme that works for you, be it the 50-30-20 rule or any other method that you find easier to stick to. Follow it.

A budget gives structure to your savings plan as you are aware of the cost-cutting and the areas where your money needs to be saved. This is also one of the areas where you have complete control over discretionary income.

9. Use Cash-back Apps

This is a great way to save money in the long run – it helps us get rewards for everyday purchases. You can get cashback on expenditures such as groceries to online shopping that helps you save money simply by uploading receipts after shopping.

The average cashback per purchase can be great for your savings plan as it focuses on travel-related and shopping purchases.

10. Earn Interest On Your Checking Account

If you are looking for an easy way to save money without cutting your budget too much, this is an excellent option. When opting for a savings account, opt for one that has no minimum balance requirement or any monthly service fees.

11. Automate Savings

This is another great option that helps you save first and flip the scenario on your savings-expenditure relationship. When you automate savings, you are directly depositing the pre-determined amount to the high-yield savings account.

It works quite well as you are putting savings at the forefront, which helps you move money into the savings account easily.

Wrapping It Up!

That was all about the different ways even corporate employees can find easy ways to save money, even if they are living pay-to-paycheck. This is important as you must also think of the future where prices are sure to shoot up – so will your paycheck, but the ratio between expenditure and savings should flip from what it is now. 

The trick is to be mindful while you spend and avoid impulse buying when out or online shopping. No matter if that product is 70% off, you must think if it will add value to your life.

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Harsha Sharma

Harsha is a seasoned writer and a huge advocate of self-care. Having completed years in the corporate sector, she’s on a quest to share her experience with the world. Whether it’s about The Daily Grind or the act of putting Mind over Matter, she’s free to share her ultimate recipe to nail the 9 to 5 life (and the life beyond.) While free from nailing her writing deadlines, she often finds herself following REAL trends, current affairs, facts, trivia, and entertainment. And when it comes to a life beyond 9 to 5, she can guide you on what to read, binge, and hype for!

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