Saving money is no easy feat. Without a doubt, most people are looking to save money and cut costs where they can. Couponing is a great way to save money, but it absolutely takes time whether you’re clipping coupons or using digital coupons. Either way, you have to dedicate a lot of time to looking for coupons and not everyone has that kind of time! Have no fear, because there are ways to save money without using coupons! This list is a great base for anyone looking to start cutting costs!
1. Meal planning.
Meal planning is probably the best way to save money, because it’s easy to stick with. By meal planning, you won’t be stuck at home on a Friday night wondering what to cook. It’s very easy to decide to order pizza or eat out when you have nothing planned, and this can add up pretty quickly if you get in the habit of doing it too often! Also, if you go shopping with a grocery list instead of just navigating through the store deciding what to get, you’ll save money by knowing what you need to purchase and what you don’t need to purchase. We provide a free weekly menu plan for you each week.
2. Buy in bulk.
While memberships to Costco or Sam’s Club or places of that sort cost money annually, you’ll find that if you can buy things in bulk, you’ll ultimately save money. The best things to buy in bulk are things like paper towels, diapers, and frozen foods that you consume frequently. Be sure to read our article on how to get the most out of your Sam's Club Membership.
3. Stop paying for convenience.
Have you ever noticed that there are bags of shredded cheese and blocks of shredded cheese? Those bags of pre-shredded cheese are more expensive because you’re literally paying for someone to shred it for you. If you can take an extra two minutes out of your day to shred cheese, you’ll save money. This goes for things like bottled water, bagged lettuce, and other things that ultimately, someone else did for you.
4. Make sure everything is powered off when you leave the house.
Even if it’s just a small light, or a phone charger being plugged in that isn’t in use, these things cost money. Becoming more aware of your electricity use can make a big difference. Once you start to make small changes here and there, you’ll find that you’ll be able to save money, and while it might not be a ton, it will still help!
5. Take advantage of yard sales.
A lot of people are selling things that may have never even been used! You can find some really great deals on stuff at yard sales, and it’s a lot cheaper than buying stuff brand new! This is a great way to save money, and if you flip the role and host a yard sale, it's also a means to make money!
6. Try generic brands.
This one is a little more hit and miss, because some generic brands are just like the original, and some are not even close. It’s definitely worth giving a shot though because some generic brands are awesome and will save money on your grocery bill, sometimes even 50% worth especially when you are not using coupons this tips works well!
7. Exercise more!
This one might not seem like a way to save money, but it definitely is. Firstly, when you’re outdoors exercising, you’re not inside using electricity or boredom snacking. Second, you’ll be healthier which ultimately cuts down on healthcare costs. Your bank account and your body will thank you!
Ways To Save:
How to Shop at Whole Foods without Spending your Whole Paycheck
5 Ways to Increase Your Savings at Target
How to Get the Most out of your Sam's Club Membership
Stockpiling 101
Melissa is a soccer mom who has been married to her best friend for 22 years. She loves sharing recipes, travel reviews and tips that focus on helping busy families make memories.
Jane
Thanks for these tips on how to save money without using coupons!
Janell
I found this post by visiting the Frugal Friday Link Up Party. I recently purchased a Sams club member ship at a discount price from a vendor. I made my first trip and bought enough in bulk the membership paid for its self in savings. Thanks for a great post.
Lux Ganzon
I'm a fan of generic brands. It sure does save you a loooot. 🙂
petra
Although I love to exercise, I never thought of it as a way to save money. Thanks for the list of tips!
Linda Maye Adams
I’m the opposite—if I do meal planning, I waste food. No matter what, whatever I’d planned was off track by Tuesday. I couldn’t predict that the day would be 70% humidity, and I’d be too worn down by it by the time I got home to feel like cooking. Or I was tired out from work and didn’t have the energy to even follow a recipe. So I’ve done much better by doing improvised cooking and using simple recipe templates. I just count out the number of vegetables and fruit I need and buy whatever is on season. Then I use it all up during the week.
Melissa@StockpilingMoms
That is interesting. I think that by menu planning you know what to purchase and by prepping in advance you take the being tired from work out of it 🙂