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Money Saving Tips That Actually Work!

I can confidently say I’m able to walk into any store and walk out empty handed (if I don’t find what I’m looking for). I went out on Black Friday and there wasn’t a single thing I wanted other than a scarf. For the most part, I don’t really have a strong desire for anything.

Now, it took me a while to get here – but this is what I did, and what you’re gonna do to spend less.

1. Create a Shopping List

Use a shopping list not just for groceries, but for every store you go to – CVS, 7-Eleven, even the Dollar Tree.

Check off items as you go, and before actually checking out, take a final look at your cart. If something wasn’t on the list, put it back and add it to next week’s list instead. (Related: Join the 90-Day Money Saving Challenge – one simple, actionable task every day)

2. Avoid In-Store Shopping (use pickup)

Be honest. Could your grocery bill be lower?

Prices are higher than before, but sometimes we do it to ourselves. Many people complain about high grocery bills, but their carts are full of junk: no whole foods, zero real ingredients, four or five cereal boxes, all precooked meals. In those cases, yes, the bill will be higher.

If you struggle with self-control, get used to grocery pickup. Order online, pull in, and have it loaded into your car.

No excuses like, “I need to pick my own tomatoes.” For now, preselecting everything online allows you to monitor your total and remove items that push you over budget.

3. Buy What You Really Want (instead of settling for the cheaper version)

This won’t always work for immediate needs, but most purchases are wants, not urgent. In which case, you can save up and wait. Delayed gratification has never killed anyone.

When you settle and buy something you only kinda like because it’s cheaper, you often regret it and end up buying the item you really wanted later anyway, spending more in the process.

Ask yourself: Does the cheaper version have the features you actually want? Is the quality acceptable? Will you truly be happy with it? If not, leave it on the shelf.

4. Make a Monthly “What Do I Need to Buy” List

Start each month with a buying list. This forces intentional and strategic spending and stops impulse shopping. And anything else you want during the month goes on next month’s list.

A sample list might include replacing a coat or a new air fryer. Be reasonable, though, because chances are you already have what you actually need.

Limit yourself to a dollar amount each month and start with 5 percent of your take-home pay – possibly increase to 10 percent as you get the hang of it. For example, if 5 percent is $200, you could buy one item for $200 or four items for $50.

5. Read Reviews and Check Negative Feedback

Reviews can be obnoxious, but they’re useful. Because seeing dissatisfaction from others is one of the quickest ways to rethink purchases and avoid items that may not be worth it.

6. Review Your Past Purchases

Look at everything you’ve bought over the last 3, 6, or 12 months. Ask: How often do I use this? Do I actually use it? Was it just excitement that faded quickly?

I’m guilty of buying things I rarely use. However, reviewing past purchases helps me make better decisions and avoid impulse buys. 

7. Declutter

Decluttering has become one of my favorite practices. Pick a drawer or section and remove items you won’t use anymore.

It feels good and freeing. Because once you clear a space, the thought of filling it again makes you pause.

For example, after removing five water bottles and a few mugs, I have no desire to buy more. The same goes for hair and beauty products. I recently decluttered my spare bathroom and now have no urge to buy more lotion or scented soaps.

Seeing what you’ve gotten rid of, how much money you’ve wasted, and what you still have is a powerful reminder that you probably don’t need anything else.

Add to the list, or let us know your go-to money saving strategies…