14 Budget Hacks That Will Save You Money with Ease

Whether your last credit card bill was over the budget, you’re preparing for the financial upheaval that is a new child or simply want to save up for a beach vacation that by mid-winter feels like more of a necessity than a splurge, we’ve got you covered with 14 simple strategies to save some coin each month. By planning for a few Meatless Mondays, watching less television and setting clear financial goals, you just might earn yourself that seaside view. Keep reading to learn more.

photo: Sharon McCutcheon via Unsplash

1. Make a budget—no really.

Mark Avallone, Certified Financial Planner, is the founder of Potomac Wealth Advisors, LLC and a proponent of honing in on a family budget so that you can better understand your monthly cash flow and your discretionary income. He advises using simple, accessible online tools to get started—try YNAB, BudgetTracker, or Mint.

Estimated savings: On average, budgeters save more than $6000 the first year.

photo: Pixabay

2. Don't keep your credit card info online.

Not only is it a security risk, but when your credit card information is readily available (yes, even on Amazon), it makes buying things that much easier. Make the effort to take your info off your favorite online shopping hubs, so when it comes time to empty that cart, you'll have to think twice. 

Estimated savings: varies

photo: S'well via Unsplash

3. Don't "do" lunch.

It’s so tempting to tag along with your coworkers to get that $10 pasta bar special every day—but remind yourself of how much you'll put back into your savings account by packing your lunch during the workweek. And don’t think you’re destined to glumly chew PB&Js Monday through Friday! Box up leftovers from one of these delicious dinner ideas or make some of these easy lunch ideas. 

Estimated savings: upwards of $200 per month.

photo: Pexels

4. Make your own coffee.

It's almost everyone’s Achilles Heel—the daily latte. But it is possible to make one at home yourself that will work or taste just as good (or better) than its store-bought counterpart. We've even found the perfect  French Toast Latte recipe to help you break that Starbucks addiction.

Estimated savings: almost $80 a month.

photo: Pexels

5. Never pay full retail prices.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2020 Consumer Expenditure Survey, the average American spent just under $1500 annually on clothing. Depending on the size of your family, that figure can grow exponentially—so why not take advantage of every opportunity to avoid paying full price for something? Download an app like Honey or sign up for Ebates to save without even trying at common retailers, host a swap party or shop consignment or enjoy the thrill of the hunt by shopping off-season or digging through the racks (or online search results) at discount retailers.

Estimated savings: varies

photo: Pexels

6. Plan a budget birthday.

Bounce house. Color-themed candy bar. Unique party favors that won’t end up in the trash. Throwing your kid’s dream birthday party can get expensive (and stressful)  fast. Take a look at these tips for planning your child’s birthday party on a budget (spoiler alert: ask for help, DIY, and KISS) and put that $200 bounce house fee into your birthday kiddo’s college savings account—and spend your precious time practicing “Happy Birthday” on the ukulele.  

Estimated savings: $200 per birthday

photo: Eiliv-Sonas Aceron via Unsplash

7. Control your impulses.

Whether you start meal planning and buying in bulk (read: fewer trips to the store) or opt for “subscribe-and-save” programs like the popular one offered by Amazon, one of the key strategies for saving money is avoiding impulse buys. Many families find that by using online grocery delivery programs, they avoid those last-minute detours down the candy and cookie aisle and don’t even have the chance to be tempted by the two-for-one deal on Lucky Charms.

Estimated savings: 15% on items when you use a subscribe-and-save program.

photo: Cathryn Lavery via Unsplash

8. Make a list, and check it twice.

Another way to avoid impulse buys is to think ahead and put everything in a list—from the milk you’re pretty sure you won’t forget to the aged balsamic vinegar you need for that new pasta sauce recipe. Treat your trip to the grocery store like a time-sensitive mission and confine your purchases to the necessities on your list, and you’ll walk out with a shorter receipt and a few extra Hamiltons in your wallet.

Estimated savings: Over $100 a month.

photo: iStock

9. Get your kids in on the action.

Kids receive over $30 billion worth of gifts each year—and a former Nickelodeon executive and mom of four created Goalsetter as the alternative to that duplicative LEGO set or that gift card that they don’t need. How does it work? With the help of a parent, kids 13 and under can create an account to track their savings and progress towards their goals (older kids can register on their own). When it’s the season for gifts, friends and family members can purchase a digital Goal Card that allows kids to save for the future, share with others or spend on things that matter to them (like that bike they’ve been dreaming about for over a year).

Estimated savings: varies 

photo: Raw Pixel

10. Cut the (cable) cord.

Families spend about $720 annually on cable costs. Cut the cord, and you’ve just put a hefty sum back in your bank account. And with quality programming perks becoming readily available through other sources (Amazon Prime is a great one-two punch example), you don’t have to say goodbye forever to the occasional miniseries binge. Bonuses of cutting cable: you’ll read more, you’ll spend more time with your family, you’ll reduce unhealthy eating habits, and you’ll avoid those commercials that get you thinking about the Joneses.

Estimated savings: over $100 a month.

photo: Pexels

11. Try going vegetarian.

An easy (and delicious) way to save is to go vegetarian—at least a few times per week. Meatless meals are far from boring: most families find that these recipes get them out of their comfort zone with new ingredients and flavors. We’re especially partial to the broccoli cheddar risotto and black bean wraps on this list.

Estimated savings: an average of $100 per month.

photo: Pexels

12. Travel smart.

Travel can get expensive, but if you remember a few tricks, you'll save money while on the road. This money-saving app will help you find parking that won’t break the bank, and be sure to use this money-saving app to find the cheapest gas in the area. If it's cheap flights you seek, consider opening a travel credit card. Many of them (especially airline cards) offer extra points and incentives if you spend a certain amount within the first few months of opening an account. Some even offer double points for travel-related expenses, so take advantage of this perk and charge away.

Estimated savings: varies

photo: Frankie Cordoba via Unsplash

13. Buy stuff in advance.

Whether you bring all that Disney gear with you to avoid resort price tags, or you buy school, holiday or birthday supplies in the off-season, you'll be saving money in the long run if you buy stuff ahead of time. 

Estimated savings: up to 50% on supplies.

photo: Stock Snap via Pixaby

14. Go coupon crazy.

From Groupon to SnipSnap, and the ones you still receive via USPS, coupons are still a great way to save. In addition, most grocery stores have apps with additional saving opportunities. 

Estimated savings: varies

—Katie Brown with Natasha Davis

Feature photo courtesy Pixabay

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