This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Simple strategies to make budget cuts and save more money each month
Cut your rent in half by getting a roommate.
Say goodbye to random shopping sprees.
Stay away from Amazon for 30 days.
Only go grocery shopping when you have a specific list created in tow.
Don’t use your credit card unless you can pay back the amount you used the same day.
Turn off the lights in your house when you’re not using them.
Don’t leave the shower running if you’re not in there.
Brush your teeth without the water running.
Cancel two subscriptions.
Don’t buy anyone drinks for 30 days.
Say “no” to add-ons with everything (e.g., subscriptions and services).
Stop financing other people’s lives.
Let go of the expensive recreational habits.
Buy in bulk.
Buy only what you need.
Don’t go to a store unless you need to purchase something.
Avoid using your emergency fund for non-emergencies.
If your dog is experiencing a mild (low-risk) ailment (e.g., allergies), treat it naturally first. If that doesn’t work, then take it to the vet.
Mix and match outfits instead of buying new ones for every event and outing you attend.
Don’t try to impress your friends with expensive gifts. Find a meaningful low-cost or free trinket instead.
Never utilize more than 10% of your credit card utilization.
If your spending is out of control, opt out of using credit cards and only use cash.
Stay away from gambling machines if you have a problem spending.
Put more money into investments instead of throwing it away.
If you’re not going to use something for the long-term, rethink the purchase.
If you’re realistically not going to eat something, don’t buy it and waste the food.
Go vegan or vegetarian a couple of days a week. The costs of buying meat can add up.
Decrease your travel.
Stay with a friend – if possible – when you travel to trim down costs.
Don’t spend more than 15% of your net income on rent/mortgage payments.
If your car accounts for more than 15% of your budget, get rid of it or get a cheaper one.
Workout more so you can slice your future and current healthcare costs. Leading a healthy lifestyle cheapens your long-term healthcare expenses.
Encourage your parents to save for their retirement if they’re still able to work or produce income; by doing this, you can mitigate their financial dependence on you and decrease your monthly budget.
Attend your annual and bi-annual medical appointments: Physical/Blood work, dentist, and age-specific appointments. The more consistent you are with your medical appointments, the less your overall costs will be in the long run because you’ll always catch stuff early.
Eat less sh*tty food and more healthier foods. You’ll have more energy (i.e., increase productivity), be less hungry for junk and eating out, and save money on your health and dining out budget. It is often cheaper to eat in.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.