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If you're looking for ways to slash spending, even small adjustments can add up. Cutting back and saving can be surprisingly simple, and with this compilation of easy-to-incorporate tips, there's a way to save every single day of the month, which becomes even more important amid ongoing inflation and as talk of a recession grows louder. What do you do to save? Share your tips in the comments.
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It is all too easy to buy bottled water or order a drink with a takeout meal. This adds up to no small cost over time. Consumers spend about 800 times more for bottled water than plain old tap water. The average worker also shells out more than $1,000 annually on coffee, according to a survey by the staffing firm Accounting Principals. Start filling up on tap water in a go-anywhere bottle and making coffee at home.
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Every degree you lower a programmable thermostat for at least eight hours a day can shave 10% off heating costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Keep the temperature at a maximum of 68 and bundle up in a sweater or drape an extra blanket on the bed if necessary. In warmer weather, cut the AC and use fans to create a cross breeze. Leave windows open at night, when it's cooler.
Consider canceling that gym membership. On average they cost $58 a month, yet 67% of Americans never use theirs, according to data compiled by Statistic Brain. Instead, explore cheap home fitness ideas and take advantage of activities such as walking and running (all you pay is the price of shoes). Situps and pushups in the living room also don't cost a thing.
Make money every time you make an online purchase with cash-back programs. Shoppers can get up to 8% back, which is basically free money in the pocket if the item was a necessary purchase anyway.
Check out the library to see what it offers, which could include pickup and streaming video services. Curious? There are amazing libraries in every state.
If it's feasible, riding a bike instead of taking the car to work or on errands helps the budget in many ways. It avoids car maintenance, gas, and possibly even gym membership costs (and reduces carbon emissions).
Related: From Boneshakers to the Wright Brothers — Fun Facts About Bicycles
Groupon, Woot, LivingSocial — the list of sites that offer discounts on services and goods is long. Deal sites take away the need to spend full price to try something new, and often feature deals on popular or well-known items and places.
Save big bucks by beautifying on a budget with items already in the home. Cheapism suggests DIY beauty ideas such as using sugar, baking soda, and olive oil for various beauty treatments.
Turn off the lights when leaving a room or going out for the day and save money over time. Electricity costs average about 13 cents per kilowatt-hour, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Think in terms of hours of use day after day, and this adds up to significant wasted cash.
Grandpa was right: It pays to turn off the water when brushing teeth or washing dishes. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, just turning off the tap while brushing saves up to 8 gallons of water a day, or more than 200 gallons a month. Do this every day of every month and see a dip in the water bill.
Save $100 on electricity simply by unplugging devices. Appliances that sit on standby, such as computers, TVs, printers, coffee makers, and phone chargers can easily be unplugged when not in use, which saves more than you might expect.
Head to social media and create a group for friends so you can make swaps online, then execute them in real life. This is the cheapest way to get new stuff and get rid of old stuff. There are several options for those looking to broaden their selection.
There are many ways to enjoy "live" events. Some plays (such as "Hamilton") have filmed versions online, and some movies that would once debut only in theaters now stream simultaneously online for less than the cost of travel, movie tickets, and popcorn. The big-screen holdouts are still quicker to come to streaming devices then they were, for those who don't need to see them immediately.
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The pandemic expanded options at museums around the country to include free, virtual tours online. You can "visit" museums across the country (and even the world) without having to travel.
Related: Historic Places Across America That You Can Tour Virtually
In this so-called sharing economy, it's possible for two or more people to go in together on passwords and memberships and share everything from tools to lessons to dog-sitting or baby-sitting services.
Buying generic instead of paying for name brands is an easy way to ramp up savings. Many common chain pharmacies, including CVS, Rite Aid, and Walmart, have discount programs for generic prescription drugs.
Convenience in dining comes at a cost that's usually much higher than making the same item at home. For instance, it's surprisingly simple to concoc granola, salad dressing, and chicken stock at home. Spending on precut produce, which is always marked up, is another waste of money. Instead, spend some time every Sunday afternoon prepping veggies and fruits for the week.
Yardwork, pest control, even simple car maintenance — with a little extra effort, these can often be done for less than it costs to pay somebody else to do the work. Yes, time is money, but if money is tight, carve out hours during the week to take care of tasks typically turned over to professionals.
Even if you're working from home, it can be tempting to order lunch delivered or for pickup. This obvious and easy change can save nearly $2,000 a year on average, according to Accounting Principals. Even a simple peanut butter sandwich and an apple just one day a week adds up to significant savings at the end of the year.
Related: Cheap and Easy Lunches Your Kids Can Make for Themselves
Buying pantry staples in bulk can save money in the long run — but be choosy about what to stock up on. Cheapism recommends items such as canned foods, baking supplies, and grains and legumes among the best bulk foods to buy.
Related: How Non-Members Can Shop at Costco
Stop paying top dollar for organic and all-natural cleaners, and just make them at home. Simple formulas using ingredients such as baking soda and vinegar cost a fraction of the price of store-bought brands but clean just as well.
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A whole host of items are even cheaper at the dollar store. Yes, the stores may not be packed with the highest-quality merchandise, but if you know what to buy at the dollar store, it's worth stocking up every now and then.
Eating the foods of the season is less expensive than buying imported produce, and shoppers can find plenty of local fare during summer. Summer recipes featuring tomatoes, zucchini, and berries are budget- and taste-bud friendly.
Freezing fruits and vegetables when they're in season saves money compared with the expensive selection of produce available in winter months, and lets your family enjoy local foods longer. Everything from berries to peppers can be frozen with the right process.
Whether doing laundry at home or at a laundromat, the cost can add up. Among Cheapism's money-saving laundry tips: Many people pour more detergent than necessary, a surprising money waster as bottle after bottle gets used up.
Bills for Fido and Fluffy can add up fast. Giving a pet the right food, enough exercise, and preventive treatments is just the start of saving money on pet health.
One of the biggest wastes of money is spending on things you really didn't need to buy in the first place. These might be items that offer little value in the long run or trendy gadgets that will lose popularity fast. Kitchen appliances such as sandwich makers and other specialty tools are some of the biggest offenders.
Shopping smart means being aware that it is all too easy to get sidelined at the grocery store by eye-catching packaging and premade snacks. Shop on a full stomach and tempting treats will be less likely to make their way into the cart. Always shop with a grocery list — and stick to it.
Too many shoes cost too much, especially considering all the sale options available. Save some money (or afford an extra pair) with Cheapism's list of Trendy Designer-Look-Alike Shoes and Boots Under $100.
Related: Where to Buy Shoes and Boots That Are Made in America
Keep an eye on the price of items you need with tracking tools such as CamelCamelCamel. They monitor price swings and send alerts when a price changes on Amazon and other ecommerce sites.
Children don't need all the latest toys, and a home doesn't need all the extra clutter. That doesn't mean depriving kids of fun: To save money on toys, buy used, swap with other parents, and even try renting toys that can be returned when kids lose interest.