After many requests, we’re back with more practical tips to help you keep money in your wallet. We previously shared a range of money-saving ideas and ways to simplify life, both of which help grow your savings. Since we still try to be mindful of spending (and sometimes cringe before opening our Target bill), here are a few more strategies that consistently save us the most. Read on…
Cheapola Tip #1 – Dollar Dinners. We cook at home most nights, but the grocery bill always has room for improvement. I remembered how cheaply I ate in college—lots of instant noodles and budget-friendly staples—and adapted that idea into a weekly “dollar dinner.” Once a week we keep dinner very simple: angel hair pasta with jarred sauce. No sides, no meat, just a comforting, low-cost meal. Because it’s only one night, it never feels like deprivation, and it stretches the rest of our groceries farther. For additional savings, swap in a frozen bag of vegetables and brown rice for a different inexpensive evening meal—simple ingredients add up to big savings over time.
Cheapola Tip #2 – Post Your Goals. A small visual reminder can curb impulse spending. I started keeping a note in my wallet above my credit card slots with short financial goals written on it, such as “pay off the house in ten years” or “save for an organic mattress.” Seeing those goals before reaching for a card helps put purchases in perspective and reduces unnecessary buys.
Cheapola Tip #3 – Go For Four. Inspired by the idea of a single no-spend day, we challenge ourselves to four no-spend days each week—usually Monday through Thursday. Most errands and shopping happen on the weekend, so avoiding purchases on weekdays is realistic. Small changes—choosing toll-free routes, reading news online instead of buying a paper, and bringing homemade breakfasts and lunches—make this doable. We also limit weekday trips to avoid temptations and sometimes reward ourselves with an inexpensive weekend treat to stay motivated.
Cheapola Tip #4 – DIY One Thing. Pick one service or product you normally buy and make it yourself. Whether it’s brewing homemade chai, doing your nails, washing your car, or mixing simple cleaning products from pantry ingredients, every DIY swap saves money. Other easy ideas: borrow books and movies from the library, make your own face masks from kitchen staples, or prepare meals in batches so takeout becomes rare.
Cheapola Tip #5 – Save The Date. The best dates don’t have to cost money. Commit to one free date night each week. It keeps your relationship lively and your budget intact. Try long walks, hikes, bike rides, exploring free museums or galleries, browsing garage sales or open houses just for fun, spending an afternoon at a bookstore, playing music and board games at home, or turning your guest room into a cozy staycation spot.
Cheapola Tip #6 – Break Out The Magnifying Glass. Audit your recurring spending and question what you really use. Maybe your Netflix queue is mostly unwatched, or your landline is redundant now that you rely on a cell phone. You may find opportunities to consolidate plans or negotiate bills to reduce costs. Small recurring savings quickly add up over months and years.
Cheapola Tip #7 – Grow Your Own. Start herbs, vegetables, and flowers from seed to cut grocery and floral costs dramatically. A packet of seeds can produce a season’s worth of basil or a bouquet’s worth of blossoms for a tiny fraction of the store price. Starting seeds is inexpensive and rewarding, and it gives you fresh produce and blooms at home.
Now it’s your turn—what penny-pinching tips do you use? Share your best tricks so we can all learn and save together.