34 Ways to Save Money Fast

on April 28, 2015

Thinkstock

Save now. Thank us later.

Whether you're simply looking to clean up your spending habits, or you're saving up for a particular big-ticket item, we've got you covered. Jumpstart your cost-cutting mindset with this list of 34 easy ways to save real money-starting right now.

Thinkstock

Save equal to your indulgences.

We all want to indulge every once in a while, and we hey, we even recommend the occasional splurge (within reason). But each time you want that extra special latte, put the same amount of money aside for savings. If you can't save $4 after buying a latte, that's a clear sign you should make coffee at home instead.

Thinkstock

Review records regularlyu2014and reallocate.

Be aware of your spending in order to determine when it's time to reallocate funds. Review your banking records frequently and make note of purchases that aren't advisable in hindsight.

Thinkstock

Make a budget. Then stick to it.

Maybe reviewing your records isn't sufficient for you to stay on top of your spending. If you're in need of a budget overhaul, collect all your receipts for a month and review to see where your money is going. Assess your spending and form a budget that is tailored to your necessary expenses, which will help you avoid spending to much on the unnecessaries.

Thinkstock

Calculate your hourly wage.

Time to get those calculators out! Even if you aren't paid hourly, do your best to calculate how much you make each hour you work. Then, every time you make a nonessential purchase, contemplate how many hours of work that item costs you. Trust us-you'll start saving.

Thinkstock

Get out there and do stuff!

Hike. Take advantage of museum discounts. Go to the park. Run outside, visit friends, dance. Take advantage of all the ways to enjoy life without spending money and you'll be shocked at how easy it is to fill your time with expense-free leisure activities. (Check out this list of ideas if none of the aforementioned activities happen to float your boat.)

Thinkstock

Practice preventative dental care.

Dental hygiene, people! Root canals, major oral surgery and even cavities are real money-drainers (not to mention painful). If you're in need of a refresher, check out this checklist for preventative dental care.

Thinkstock

Get those credit card numbers out of there!

We all know that online shopping can be addicting and lead to unnecessary purchases galore. We suggest deleting credit card numbers from online accounts so that it's more of a hassle to make online purchases. It'll force you to process whether or not you actually need to make the purchase.

Thinkstock

Pack your lunch.

If you bring lunch to work rather than buying, the savings will add up in a hurry. Packing a lunch at home can cost as little as around $2.50 a day, so let's say your go-to takeout option is only $5. You could save $500 a year by opting for the brown-bag option. Check out sites like Budget Bytes for super cheap recipes, complete with cost analysis.

Thinkstock

Buy online, and buy in bulk.

Like we said, online shopping can be dangerous-but it can also be helpful. If you can find your regular purchases online, you can end up saving big if you buy in bulk. Look for retailers that offer free shipping to save even more.

Thinkstock

Make a grocery list. Then use it. Seriously.

Make a list before you go to the store, and stay faithful to it. You won't believe how quickly those impulse buys add up. Don't fall prey to clever displays, and whatever you do-don't go to the grocery store on an empty stomach.

Thinkstock

Buy items close to their sell-by date.

Price-cuts are made as products near their expiration dates. Even if you don't eat your purchases right away, you can always freeze items so they stay fresh until you're ready to prepare them-especially handy for meat purchases.

Thinkstock

Potluck > Night Out

Dining out as a group is a solid way to build a sense of community-but potlucks are a far less expensive way to go, and just as valuable an experience. Save on your eating-out budget by hosting or suggesting potlucks whenever possible.

Thinkstock

If it's over-the-counter, stick to generic.

Store brand medicines typically cost 20-40 percent less than name brand counterparts-with the exact same active ingredient(s). Next time you're purchasing Advil, go for the generic brand ibuprofen instead.

Thinkstock

Take a second look at your insurance coverage.

When it comes to auto and homeowner's insurance-shop around! Take a second look at all of your options before renewing each year, because rates are constantly fluctuating. Last year's great deal could be this year's worst rate.

Thinkstock

Watch your ATM usage.

Only use the ATMs of your own bank or credit union to avoid excessive withdrawal fees. Be prepared when traveling or on road trips with any necessary cash so you aren't left paying a fee to access your own money at an outside bank's ATM. Those fees add up quickly-especially when you're on the road!

Thinkstock

Be cautious with contractors.

Be careful in choosing home repair contractors-they are often overpriced or can perform subpar repairs. Ask around for referrals and do your best to find a trustworthy, capable contractor to work on your home. Here's how.

Thinkstock

Save on AC and heating costs.

Insulating blinds cut energy bill costs. Use window coverings such as these to either let in or block sunlight in winter/ summer months.

Thinkstock

Watch where you shop.

Outlet stores are a great option for maximizing quality while minimizing costs. Thrifting is another good option for saving cash on clothing, accessories and home goods. Plus, hunting for hidden gems can make for a fun challenge.

Thinkstock

Cut calling costs.

If you haven't made the leap, consider discontinuing that land line if you have a cell phone. Cutting out the second line can save you cash in the long run.

Thinkstock

Clean out your closet.

Ever heard of shopping in your own closet? We bet you have hidden treasures just waiting to rejoin your arsenal of adorable outfits. They're probably hiding under that sweater you've been wearing everyday for the past month. Take a day and clean out your closet-sell the clothes that have got to go and rediscover the clothes you had no idea you were missing.

Thinkstock

Give! (Wisely.)

Give gifts, but plan for it. Incorporate gift-giving into your budget so that birthdays and celebrations requiring a present don't add stress. Same goes for charitable donations!

Thinkstock

Save all year for the holiday season.

It may seem extreme, but there's no denying the holiday season is costly, so start saving now! Often, increased time off work and travel expenses result in even higher spending. Set aside a little each month so you can fully enjoy the holidays. And check out these other tips for Staying Financially Responsible During the Holiday Season.

Thinkstock

Maintenance is key.

Make sure your car engine is tuned, your oil is changed regularly, and tires are full of air to save money on gas and to prevent any major (read: costly) breakdowns. Regular maintenance will keep you safe, and it will save you the expense of major repairs-not to mention you'll pay less at the pump.

Tone it Up

Stay active...

...but skip the gym fees. Work out without the club: go for a run, do circuits in your living room, or do sprints at your local track. Check out these 10 Free Workouts You Can Do Pretty Much Anywhere.

Thinkstock

Credit or debit?

If you can treat your credit card like a debit card-and immediately pay off your credit card at the end of each month-it's a great way to build credit and earn rewards while you're at it. Even if you don't go the sans-debit-card route in every case, according to Jeffrey Weber, there are 5 times to always use a credit card: online purchases, gas, hotels, large purchases, dubious places.

Thinkstock

Take advantage of technology.

There are so many bargain apps available to make shopping deals more accessible than ever. Browse this list to see which ones might suit you. But remember, never purchase something just because it's a good deal! Make your list of shopping items before checking out available deals, and stick to your list.

Thinkstock

Split your paycheck.

Have your HR or accounting department automatically split your paycheck into specific percentages between your savings and checking. This way you'll save without thinking about it.

Thinkstock

Treat yourself (in new ways).

We don't want you to feel restricted, but we do want you to save. Cut out expensive bad habits like daily cigarettes or your extra-large, extra-shot latte addiction. Instead of these money-draining habits, reward yourself with small treats a couple of times each month. It's about balance, people.

Thinkstock

Turn out the lights.

This one seems like a no-brainer, but seriously-don't forget to turn the lights out when you leave the house. Beyond that, flip the switch when you leave the room, and open the blinds for natural light whenever possible. Small habits make a huge difference.

Thinkstock

Bye-bye, cable!

If you haven't joined the Netflix craze, it's about time. Netflix and Hulu each cost around $8 per month and can quickly and easily replace your cable addiction. Skeptical? Try a free trial. We think you'll be surprised.

The Sweetest Occasion

Opt for DIY.

Write your own greeting cards rather than spending all that money on the store-bought cards. This will free up more money for a meaningful gift, and the sentimental value of your card will skyrocket.

Thinkstock

Clean with cold water.

Cold water is good for more than just skin! Clean your clothes with cold to save 50 cents on each load.

Thinkstock

Save loose change.

Save your loose change! If it gets to be too much for your wallet, create a place for it at home. But don't only save it-use it. Take it to the bank, baby. Pennies make up dollars, after all.

%d bloggers like this: