7 Genius Ways to Start Saving Money Today (You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner!)
What Are Some Simple Ways to Start Saving Money Today?
Life can be hectic, and between the endless to-do lists and daily expenses, it’s easy to feel like saving money is just one more impossible task. But guess what? It doesn’t have to be! With a few simple changes, you can start saving money today—without feeling like you’re sacrificing the things that matter most.
Saving money doesn’t mean overhauling your entire lifestyle all at once. Small, intentional steps can lead to big results over time, and the best part is, you can start right now. So, grab a cup of coffee (homemade, of course), and let’s dive into some easy, practical ways to stretch those dollars.
1. Start with What You Already Have
Before you think about spending, take a look at what’s already in your house. So often, we buy things we already have simply because we didn’t realize they were there!
Inventory Your Pantry and Fridge
One of my favorite ways to save is by doing a “pantry challenge.” Spend a week using up what you already have in your pantry, fridge, or freezer before making a grocery run. You’ll save money and clear out clutter at the same time!
I’m so excited to announce that a pantry challenge is coming up soon! It’s the perfect opportunity for us to tackle those forgotten items lurking in the back of our pantries, fridges, or freezers and turn them into delicious, budget-friendly meals.
Not only will this challenge help us save money and reduce food waste, we can also hold each other accountable and swap ideas for creative ways to use what we already have. Let’s turn those “what do I do with this?” ingredients into something amazing together! Stay tuned for all the details—I can’t wait to see what we come up with.
Tip: Get creative! That bag of rice and can of beans in the back of the cupboard can turn into a hearty dinner with just a little seasoning.
This past weekend, my husband dug out a brisket we had snagged on sale a while back. Since we don’t have a smoker at the moment, he teamed up with a friend who does, and together they smoked it to perfection. The result? A giant casserole dish brimming with tender, smoky brisket that smells heavenly.
Yesterday, we hosted a gathering and fed 14 people with that brisket, and guess what? We still have leftovers! The best part is knowing that the extra cooked meat will be frozen and ready to save the day on busy nights when we need an easy, delicious dinner. It’s amazing how one sale item can stretch so far.
Repurpose Leftovers
Leftovers are a budget-friendly lifesaver! That roast chicken from last night? Shred it up, use it for tacos, or toss it into a soup. A little creativity goes a long way in preventing food waste. In my case, the leftover brisket will turn into quesadillas, loaded tater tots, and chopped beef sandwiches.
2. Embrace Meal Planning
Meal planning isn’t just for super-organized moms—it’s for anyone who wants to save time and money. By planning your meals ahead of time, you’ll avoid last-minute takeout runs and impulse buys at the grocery store.
Plan Your Meals for the Week
Set aside 15–20 minutes at the start of the week to write out a meal plan. You don’t need anything fancy—a notepad or your phone will do the trick. Think about what you already have on hand, what’s on sale, and what your family enjoys eating.
💡 Pro Tip: Incorporate budget-friendly meals like soups, casseroles, and pasta dishes that can stretch into multiple servings.
Stick to Your Grocery List
We’ve all been there—you run into the store for milk, and somehow leave with $50 worth of snacks. Sticking to a list helps keep your budget on track and reduces food waste.
3. Cut Back on Subscriptions
Have you ever added up all the monthly subscriptions you’re paying for? Streaming services, apps, gym memberships… it adds up quickly!
Review Your Monthly Expenses
Take a look at your bank or credit card statement and list out every subscription. Cancel the ones you’re not using or don’t truly need. For services you want to keep, consider switching to a cheaper plan or sharing with friends or family.
Get out that credit card or bank statement and comb through each line. I recently discovered that I was paying for a Stitch Fix subscription and was billed for a box I never received. Quite a few emails later I received a refund and they removed my credit card from the account. One of my friends discovered she had been billed for two Disney Plus memberships for over a year. She cancelled one of the memberships and received a partial refund.
4. Save on Utilities
Lowering your utility bills is easier than you think, and small changes can lead to big savings over time.
Simple Energy-Saving Tips
- Use LED bulbs instead of incandescent ones—they last longer and use less energy.
- Unplug chargers and devices when not in use.
- Set your thermostat a degree or two lower in the winter and higher in the summer.
Water-Saving Hacks
- Only run the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads.
- Take shorter showers or install a low-flow showerhead.
- Fix leaky faucets—they waste more water than you’d think!
5. Buy Used Before New
Secondhand doesn’t mean second-rate! From clothes to furniture to toys, buying used is a great way to save money without sacrificing quality.
Shop Thrift Stores and Online Marketplaces
Thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, and apps like OfferUp are goldmines for gently used items. You’d be amazed at the treasures you can find at a fraction of the price.
I recently scored a pair of snow pants for my daughter on Poshmark for a fraction of the cost—just 1/10th of what a brand-new pair would have been! The best part? You’d never know they were secondhand. They’re in fantastic condition and perfect for all her winter adventures. It’s such a win to find quality items at a budget-friendly price, and I love knowing I saved money without sacrificing quality. Secondhand shopping for the win!
Borrow Before Buying
Need a tool, appliance, or even a book? Ask friends, family, or neighbors before buying. Chances are, someone already has what you need. Also, consider if renting a tool or item would be cheaper than buying.
6. Automate Your Savings
Saving money doesn’t have to be stressful or feel like a chore—automation makes it almost effortless. One of my favorite strategies is having money taken out of my paycheck before I even see it. It’s a simple “out of sight, out of mind” trick that ensures I’m saving consistently without having to think about it.
Both my husband and I have retirement contributions automatically withdrawn, so the money goes straight into our accounts before we even have access to it. This approach not only helps us stay on track with our long-term goals but also takes away the temptation to spend it. It’s such a relief knowing that our future is being taken care of with zero extra effort!
Set Up Automatic Transfers
Schedule a small amount—like $10 or $20—to transfer from your checking account to your savings account every week. Even small amounts add up over time.
Round-Up Apps
Apps like Acorns or your bank’s own round-up feature can automatically round your purchases to the nearest dollar and save the change. It’s an effortless way to build your savings.
7. Embrace DIY
Sometimes doing it yourself can save money and be a lot of fun.
Make It at Home
Skip the coffee shop latte or store-bought cleaning supplies and try making them yourself. A quick online search will give you recipes for everything from homemade lattes to DIY all-purpose cleaners.
Get Creative with Gifts
Homemade gifts are thoughtful and budget-friendly. Think baked goods, crafts, or even a handwritten letter.
This year, I’m excited to add something new to our home routine: homemade simmer pots! They’ve been on my to-do list for a while, and I’ve finally found a few recipes that I can’t wait to try. Simmer pots are such a cozy, natural way to make your home smell amazing, and they’re perfect for creating that warm, welcoming vibe during the colder months.
I’ll be experimenting with a few different combinations soon—think cinnamon, oranges, cloves, and more—and I’ll definitely share the results once I’ve had a chance to try them out. If you have a favorite simmer pot recipe, let me know! I’m always looking for new ideas to make our home feel even more inviting. Hopefully, they will smell delicious enough to give away to friends and family!
Closing Thoughts
Saving money doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated. By making a few small changes—like meal planning, buying used, or cutting back on subscriptions—you can start seeing savings right away.
Remember, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about progress. Choose one or two tips to try this week, and celebrate those wins, no matter how small.
You’ve got this, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way. Here’s to saving money, building a brighter future, and finding joy in the simple things.
Like this post? Keep reading here How to Create a Budget That Actually Works: A Step-by-Step Guide.
