13 ways to reduce expenses and save more money

I am all about living your best life and there are a few things one would not necessary mind spending a few more extra coins on.

I believe we all have that, but until you are rich (without any financial constraints) you may need to be careful about the way you throw money around.

It is the so called little things that actually end up costing a lot more. A bottle of soda here, a plate of meal there and the bills keep adding up. To be able to save money, there has to be a conscious approach to changing habits.

Here I have listed some ways to reduce your current expenses and save more money.

Its best to take it slow at first and see how much this change of money spending habits will have on your overall lifestyle.

I personally believe that in as much as you have to be frugal, you also should not compromise on living your best life. At the end of the day, it all comes down to creating a balance.

WAYS TO REDUCE EXPENSES AND SAVE MORE MONEY

1. Reduce eating out

Food is important, you will always need to eat and if you really look at it, we spend the most money on food when we eat out a lot. Reduce the rate at which you eat out and plan your meals at home.

2. Buy secondhand

OK, I like shiny new, but sometimes shiny new is not really worth it. You can save a whole lot of money by buying some second hand appliances.

3. Air dry your clothes

Especially in summer dry your clothes the old fashioned way. This will reduce how much you spend on heating with the tumble dryer.

4. Take food to work/school

If you happen to be working at an organisation where food is not provided during lunch, you will end up spending a lot on your lunch food. So prepare your own food. If you can’t buy outside of the canteen. Canteen food tends to be more expensive. Same applies if you are a coffee drinker

5. Get shop/grocery store apps

Be notified when the items you need are on sale from your favorite store/local grocery store. Also read the weekly shop magazines.

6. Drink water instead of fizzy drinks

This is as much a money saving habit as well as a healthy habit to maintain. Your body will thank you.

7. Make use of books at library

If you are a student, It would save you a lot of money instead of buying a text book for each and every course. Some of the text books are just needed for a certain course and only for a short period. In the long run, there may be no need buying a text book all the time

8. Buy in Bulk

This I learnt from my mama. She tended to buy a lot of stuff especially foodstuff in bulk and kept. So she didn’t have to go to the market every time. Its convenient, saves time and saves money. The best time is when those items are cheaper at the market or in season.

9. Cancel that subscription

Yes! Netflix, HBO, Phone, gym subscriptions etc. are all taking your money. keep the ones you use regularly if you must and cancel the rest.

10. Take your shower at the gym

If you must keep your gym subscription, take a shower at the gym and save cost on electricity and water. That Hot water bath you love so much is costing you more than you think.

11. Opt for a night spent indoors

Choose a little game time at home with your friends, with home cooked meals over going to the movies or eating out.
I feel like every time I leave my house, I Just keep spending money.

12. Rent sharing/having a housemate

If you have an extra room in your home you can do without, you can rent it out. That way you can save on the amount you spend on rent or your mortgage.

13. Last but not least, keep a monthly list of your expenses.

This way you would know where you spend the bulk of your money each month.

Saving a ‘little’ money on all this ‘little’ things would add up in the end to a nice pretty sum. What others ways can we reduce expenses to save more? I would love to hear your answers in the comment section.

Wisdom and money can get you almost anything, but only wisdom can save your life. Eccl 7 v 12