When it comes down to paying off debt or investing in ourselves, all of our money just disappears as if it went into some dark closet and we can’t find the door .
Parkinsons Second Law: “Expenditures or “money paid” out rises to meet income.”
Well let’s dig in to where this money could be hiding.
I had a great discussion with ChatGPT the other night. And we came up with roughly a hundred or so things that you can do to save some money.
What’s funny was that it seemed to have some sort of bias toward programmable things.
Anyway, below is the list that the AI and I came up with…
- Create a budget and stick to it
- Use coupons and promo codes when shopping
- Cook at home instead of eating out
- Bring your own lunch to work
- Use public transportation instead of driving
- Cut down on subscription services
- Turn off lights and electronics when not in use
- Make your own cleaning products
- Buy used items instead of new
- Find a roommate, move back in with your parents, move to a cheaper state or place
- Take advantage of free events and activities
- Use a reusable coffee filter instead of buying disposable filters.
- Unplug electronics when not in use to save on standby energy.
- Use a pressure cooker to cook meals faster and save on energy costs.
- Use cloth napkins instead of paper ones.
- Plant a vegetable garden to save on produce costs.
- Switch to a no-fee bank account.
- Purchase clothing and household items at yard sales.
- Buy food in bulk and store in reusable containers.
- Turn off the water when brushing your teeth to save on water costs.
- Use a reusable straw instead of disposable ones.
- Shop at discount stores for groceries and household items.
- Use a reusable ice pack instead of buying disposable ones.
- Use a programmable smart plug to turn off electronics when not in use.
- Use a car-sharing service instead of owning a car.
- Use a solar charger for electronic devices.
- Use a reusable lunch container instead of disposable ones.
- Use a programmable slow cooker to save on meal preparation time.
- Use a reusable tea infuser instead of disposable ones.
- Use a rain barrel to collect rainwater for watering plants.
- Use programmable appliances to save on energy costs
- Meal prep to ensure you don’t drive out for fast food
- Use a ceiling fan instead of air conditioning
- Take advantage of loyalty programs and rewards to earn points and save on future purchases.
- Use cashback and rebate apps to earn money back on your purchases and save money over time.
- Meal plan and grocery shop with a list to avoid impulse buys.
- Cut down on dining out and prepare meals at home.
- Reduce or eliminate subscriptions for services you don’t use.
- Make use of public transportation or carpool to save on gas and transportation costs.
- Buy generic or store-brand products instead of name-brand.
- Negotiate bills and expenses to try and lower costs.
- Consider using a prepaid cell phone plan instead of a traditional contract plan to save on monthly expenses.
- Use a water filter or refillable water filter pitcher and refillable water bottles instead of buying bottled water
- Shop for groceries at discount stores or warehouse clubs
- Eat your leftovers
- Borrow instead of buying
- Eat ramen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Use a gas rewards program for grocery purchases
- Buy generic medications
- Make your own beauty products
- Use a rewards program for gas purchases
- Use a slow cooker to save on energy costs (this is questionable)
- Use a water-efficient showerhead
- Use a refillable ink cartridge
- Use a low-flow toilet or a bidet
- Buy in-season produce vs mangos in the winter?
- Buy store brand products rather than name brand
- Avoid ATM fees by using your bank’s ATM
- Use a credit card with no annual fee
- Use a grocery delivery service to avoid impulse buying
- Eat before you go shopping to avoid hunger buying
- Shop at thrift stores
- Use a cashback or rewards credit card
- Use regular unleaded gas instead of super unleaded gas
- Buy non-perishable items in advance when they are on sale
- DIY projects instead of hiring someone
- Pay off high-interest debt first (I prefer the snowball method)
- Take shorter showers or cold showers or shorter cold showers ?
- Use energy-efficient light bulbs or just remove every light bulb
- Cut your own hair or don’t cut your hair ever ?
- Trim and paint your own nails
- Do your own home repairs
- Buy items in the off-season (winter clothes in the summer)
- Quit smoking, many employers have free health coaching
- Use public libraries instead of buying books
- Make bookworm friends so you can borrow their books
- Take advantage of free trials (streaming, audiobooks, etc)
- Cut back on alcohol consumption
- Carpool with coworkers
- Buy clothing on clearance
- Use a reusable water bottle
- Refinance your mortgage or loan to lower payments
- Use a shopping list when grocery shopping to prevent overspending
- Use coupons when shopping
- Invest in energy-efficient appliances
- Use a reusable shopping bag (to prevent from having to purchase grocery bags)
- Cut back on meat consumption
- Use a smart thermostat
- Cancel cable or satellite TV
- Bundle services to save money
- Use a clothesline instead of a dryer
- Shop around for insurance quotes (car, home, pet, life, etc)
- Buy refurbished electronics
- Use a bike, scooter, or foot mobile for short trips
- Get a library card for audiobooks and ebooks (really?!)
- Use a reusable razor
- Buy refurbished furniture
- Use a rechargeable batteries
- Sell your newish car that you’re making payments on and buy an older reliable car
- Use a home security system with no monthly fee
- Use a rewards program for hotel stays
Now if you went through all of these and can’t figure out how to save $1, then I just don’t know. Saving money means you could have spent (x) amount but CHOSE to spend (y) instead and save (z) amount.
Goodluck with your financial goals. You got this! ?
