21 Ways To Curb Your Spending
Household Spending
Are you looking for ways to decrease your household spending and increase your savings? Decreasing your household expenses and curbing your spending is way easier than you think. Even in the tightest of budgets you can decrease your spending.
Stop Overspending
Below you are going to find 21 ways to curb your spending. Simple easy ways you can make an impact on your spending and expenses today.
21 Ways To Curb Spending:
1. Implement a budget
Learning how to budget and setting a spending limit for items such as groceries, entertainment and other expenses will help you curb your spending. If you aren’t sure how to budget or where to start checkout the 5 Reasons To Budget.
2. Start paying with cash
Paying with cash makes you more aware of how much you’re paying for items. Some people keep cash envelopes to keep them on budget. You can learn more about the envelope system here.
3. Hit pause
I know you really, really want it now. I don’t blame you. We live in a need it, have it now society. We pay extra for food delivery so we don’t have to leave our house.
We choose the fastest shipping options on packages. We stream digital television so we can have what we want on demand.
For a second, just a second hit the pause button and contemplate your next big purchase. Can you wait to buy the item? Will it go on sale? Do you have the funds to buy it?
4. DIY
Can you do it yourself? Costs and prices to remodel, repair, design and paint can be expensive. Learn how to use common hand tools and how to do minor repairs. If you in need Google it.
If you are looking to remodel, paint or change your home decor checkout these do it yourself options.
5. Turn the lights off
It seems so simple but it makes a big impact on your utility bill. When you leave a room turn the lights off or unplug items you aren’t using.
6. Cut and color your own hair
Or go natural. I used to spend hundreds on hair stylist appointments just to do it all over again in three weeks when my roots would grow out.
If you choose to color your hair try at home treatments for a fraction of the salon prices. If you’re handy with scissors you can save expenses by cutting your children’s hair.
7. Cut the cable
We were just talking about this the other day. We currently have our landlines and cable in a bundle package we got when we moved into our home. But we really don’t watch the cable except for maybe an hour a week.
Our family watches streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and Disney Plus or we watch web based channels. Cutting our cable will save us over $100 a month.
8. Cancel subscriptions
Do you have a monthly magazine or gym membership? Do you use them? If you do great. Do you have apps you pay for monthly? Some people have monthly subscription boxes that come each month.
Cancelling the subscriptions you don’t use will save you money. If you use and enjoy your subscriptions and can’t find cheaper options stick with what works.
9. Switch to cloth
Opt to get rid of some of your paper products and switch to re-useable cloth products. We did this years ago and haven’t looked back. Plus the savings are great!
We do still keep a roll of paper towels around for those really gross messes and for when we have company.
Paper Item Swaps You Can Try:
Paper napkins – Cloth napkins
Paper towels – Kitchen towels
Paper towels – Cleaning rags or cloths
Paper plates – Everyday dishes
10. Keep the temperature at a happy medium
In the summer you want it cool, in the winter you want it warm. In some homes the thermostat is under lock and key. Find a happy medium in the temperature zone and you will save money.
11. Wash it on cold
In the age of high efficiency appliances most laundry can be washed in cold water. Washing in cold water keeps your utility costs low.
12. Line it dry
If you can avoid running the dryer. Which I know in some climates you can’t. Avoiding the dryer and line drying your clothing can save you money and help curb your spending. A clothes drying rack may help you as well.
13. Save all year
When it comes to vacations, big ticket items or holidays the expenses are big. Try setting aside money all year in little amounts to help off set the costs or the chance of over spending.
14. Keep parties and holidays simple
Nobody says you need throw the biggest party for your child’s sweet sixteen or first birthday. Christmas isn’t supposed to be about all the presents under the tree and the thousands of dollars you spend.
Keep it simple.
Birthday parties and holidays are about the get together, the activities, the eats, the treats and maybe a few gifts. Set a budget and work with it. Make the food, invite a few close family and friends, have a few fun games and enjoy the company.
15. Set limits
The best way to curb your spending is to set limits. Set goals for yourself and stick to them.
16. Stop trying to keep up
There will always be someone who makes more money than you do and has more things than you and the grass will always appear greener on the other side.
But I want you to think about something the next time you look at those photos on social media that show your friends exotic vacation, new car or nicely decorated home. Is it all paid for or is it on credit?
17. Bring meal time back to the table
We live in a busy time with parents working, kids activities, mom time, dad time, family time, school, studying and so much more. Dinner time is rushed with some people eating on the go or in front of the computer or television. We search out the quickest meal options for our needs.
Bring meal time back to the table and try cooking a home cooked family meal. If dinner time doesn’t work, try breakfast. Check in on everyone, have some family time. Slow down and eat together.
18. Cook efficiently
Invest in appliances that will help you get a great home cooked meal on the table fast. The Instant Pot is amazing. I can add all the ingredients, set it and go bathe the baby, swap the laundry all while having the older child set the table and once everyone is home we can enjoy a family meal together.
19. Learn to freeze
Using your freezer will help you save money. Freezing fresh cheap berries in the summer will help you save money in the winter. Freezing extra meat and vegetables will help you save all year.
Stocking your freezer with freezer meals will help save you time and money each week.
20. Shop smart
Watch the store sales, check the flyers, keep a pricing book, shop around. You work hard for your money. Learn the secrets to saving money on groceries.
21. Spend wisely
Search around make sure you are paying the best price for the items you need. Invest in Rakuten and never pay full price again. Try Rakuten and receive a $10 gift my treat.
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Updated June 10, 2021
