Joshua Becker

“It’s not how much money you make, but how much money you keep.” —Robert Kiyosaki

In a world where we’re bombarded with options to spend, saving money can often feel like an uphill battle. But what if you could save without a significant overhaul of your lifestyle?

Small, daily habits can make a big difference to your wallet over time.

Here are 51 simple habits to help you start saving money today:

1. Make Your Coffee at Home: Brewing your own coffee instead of grabbing a latte from your local café can save hundreds of dollars each year.
2. Pack Your Lunch: Ditch the pricey takeouts for homemade lunch. You’d be surprised at how much you save.
3. Walk or Bike More: If it’s feasible, try walking or biking instead of driving. Not only will you save on fuel, you’ll also boost your fitness levels.
4. Cook at Home: Eating in more often than dining out can save a significant amount of money and can be healthier too.
5. Shop with a Grocery List: Avoid impulse buying by sticking to your list. This helps you focus on what you need, not what catches your eye.
6. Drink More Water: Carry a refillable water bottle instead of buying beverages when you’re out. Additionally, drinking more water at home instead of sugary drinks can significantly cut costs.
7. Buy in Bulk: For non-perishable items that you frequently use, consider buying in bulk for savings.
8. Turn Off Lights: Conserve energy and lower your electricity bill by ensuring lights are turned off when leaving a room.
9. Buy Used: Whether it’s a car, appliance, or book, buying used can offer significant savings.
10. Partake in Free Activities: Look out for free or low-cost events in your community instead of expensive entertainment options.
11. Cancel Gym Membership: Consider canceling your gym membership and finding ways to exercise for free instead.
12. Unplug Electronics: Unplug devices when not in use. They can still draw power, adding to your electricity bill.
13. Check Out Books from the Library: Feed your positive reading habit by borrowing books from the library instead of buying them.
14. Buy Generic: Generic brands often offer the same quality as name brands but at a fraction of the cost.
15. Cancel Unused Subscriptions: Regularly review and cancel subscriptions you no longer use or need.
16. Cook in Bulk: Make larger portions and freeze leftovers for later. It can save both time and money.
17. Make Gifts Instead of Buying: A homemade gift can often be more thoughtful and less expensive.
18. Share Meals When Eating Out: Restaurant portions can be quite large. Consider sharing a meal with your spouse or friend to save money.
19. Unsubscribe from Retail Email Newsletters: Resist the temptation to buy by unsubscribing from retail newsletters.
20. Commit to a 30-Day Shopping Ban: Challenge yourself to a one month without non-essential purchases. You might be surprised by how much you save.
21. Call Your Insurance Company: Reach out to your insurance company to inquire about potential ways to lower your rates.
22. Pay Down Credit Card Debt: Interest on credit card debt can be hefty. Make it a priority to throw all extra cash to pay down this debt to save money in the short and long run.
23. Cancel a Streaming Service: How many streaming services do you really need? Cancel one or two to save a bit each month.
24. Skip Dessert: Cut down on calories and costs by skipping dessert—at home and especially when dining out.
25. Adjust Your Thermostat: Small adjustments to your thermostat can lead to big savings on your energy bills.
26. Use Public Transportation: If it’s feasible, consider using public transportation to cut down on fuel and maintenance costs.
27. Buy Clothes Out of Season: Purchase winter clothing in summer, and summer clothing in winter to take advantage of sales.
28. DIY Home Repairs: Try fixing minor home issues by yourself before calling a professional.
29. Use a Clothesline: Dry clothes naturally when the weather is nice to save on energy bills.
30. Bi-monthly “Clean out Pantry” Week: Set aside time every other week to make meals using ingredients you already have—especially in the back of your pantry. This can help prevent food waste and save money.
31. Regular Vehicle Maintenance: Regular oil changes and tire rotations can prolong the life of your vehicle and save money on repairs.
32. Plan Your Meals for the Week: This reduces waste and discourages last-minute takeout orders.
33. Limit Alcohol Consumption: Cut back on drinks when dining out—they’re often the most marked-up items.
34. Quit Smoking: A costly and unhealthy habit. Your health and wallet will thank you.
35. Eat All the Leftovers: According to some studies, the average American family of four wastes $1,500/year on uneaten food. Save money by becoming more deliberate in eating all leftovers. This not only reduces waste but also stretches your food budget.
36. Use Coupons Wisely: But don’t let them encourage you to buy items you don’t need.
37. Turn Off the Tap: Don’t let the water run while brushing your teeth or shaving.
38. Limit Dry Cleaning: Choose washable fabrics to reduce your dry cleaning bill.
39. Regularly Include $5 Budget Meals in Your Routine: Incorporate meals that cost $5 or less into your regular meal planning. Here are some amazing ideas.
40. Take Shorter Showers: This can save on both your water and heating bills.
41. Shop at Discount Stores: You can find great deals on a wide range of items, from clothing to groceries.
42. Wait 48 Hours Before Making Any Purchase: Implementing a waiting period before buying anything can prevent impulse purchases and save money.
43. Order Off the Value Menu: When you do eat fast food, order from the value menu. The savings can add up over time.
44. Limit Salon Visits: Try going a smidge longer between hair cuts, coloring, styling. And learn to basic nail care at home.
45. Insulate Your Home: Proper insulation can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs.
46. Wait for Sales: If a purchase isn’t urgent, wait for a sale or discount. Just make sure it’s actually a good deal and something you actually need.
47. Consolidate Your Loans: If you have multiple high-interest loans, consider consolidating them for a lower interest rate.
48. Practice Preventive Healthcare: Regular exercise, a good diet, and regular check-ups can help avoid expensive medical bills in the future.
49. Reuse and Recycle: Find new uses for things before throwing them away.
50. Teach Yourself: Use free or low-cost online resources to learn new skills instead of paying for expensive classes or workshops. For example, learning how to sew can save you money on alterations or even allow you to make your own clothes.
51. Don’t Use Expensive Razors: Higher-priced razors often don’t give a better shave than their cheaper counterparts. Switch to a more budget-friendly option and see if you notice a difference.

Remember, every little bit helps when it comes to saving money. Even a small change in habit can lead to noticeable savings over time.

Start with a few of these suggestions and gradually add more as they become second nature.

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There are two ways to live when it comes to money:

1. Spend less than what we make.
2. Spend more than what we earn.

There’s a third way too: spend exactly as much as we earn. But we all know life has surprises, and the next unexpected bill will throw us into the second group.

When you think about it, spending less than what we earn makes more sense. Who wants to always be worried about debt? Who wants to feel like they’re always paying for their past? Nobody wants that.

But still, more than half of us spend more than we make. The numbers back this up:

• 61% of Americans can’t cover a $1,000 surprise bill.
• 77% of Americans say they worry about their money situation.

And these figures are only getting worse.

So, why do we choose to spend more than we make? Sure, some people will say it’s just too hard to earn enough money. But most of us could spend less if we really tried. What’s really going on?

Everywhere we look, ads tell us we’ll be happier if we spend more. It’s hard to ignore them. The more we make, the more we’re tempted to spend on nicer cars, bigger houses, and luxury vacations. We end up chasing a better life we can’t afford.

But living simply and staying out of debt is better than living large and owing money.

When you live within your means, you can relax. You don’t live to impress others. You can enjoy the simple things in life. You can teach your family important lessons about money. And you’ll have fewer regrets.

Sure, the world tells you to spend, spend, spend. But I’m here to tell you, there’s a hidden luxury in living frugally, an unexplored path that leads to contentment.

True luxury isn’t owning more, but the freedom to enjoy life fully, unburdened by debt – that’s the less-traveled path of frugal living.

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Fifteen years ago, I found my life changed through one conversation with my neighbor. I had spent most of my Saturday morning cleaning the garage, sorting, and organizing things I had accumulated over the years.

After a short session of complaining to my neighbor, she casually said, “Maybe you don’t need to own so much stuff.”

This comment changed my life forever.

Since then, my family and I have let go of 60-70% of our possessions, and I’ve dedicated my life to spreading the word about the life-giving benefits of owning less.

And one of these most appreciated benefits is financial freedom.

When we cut back on non-essential purchases, we not only declutter our homes, but we also declutter our budgets, freeing up money to spend on what truly matters in life.

In fact, according to some studies, the average American can save $24,630/year by becoming a minimalist.

I can attest that most of us waste more money on nonessential purchases than we think. And learning to cut back isn’t a sacrifice, it’s a gift to ourselves.

To get ahead financially, here’s my list of 10 things to stop wasting money on:

1. Oversized Housing

The average American home has nearly tripled in size over the last 50 years.

Not only do larger homes cost more upfront, but they also carry bigger ongoing expenses like utilities, maintenance, and property taxes. Choosing to live in a smaller home that adequately meets your needs can save thousands of dollars each year.

2. Expensive Vehicles

The average new car loan payment is over $716 per month and $526 per month for a used vehicle. Remember, a car is a depreciating asset.

It’s essential to choose a vehicle that is affordable and practical, not just attractive.

3. Eating Out Too Often

It’s no secret that eating out can add up.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the average American household spends about $3,500 a year dining out. By reducing restaurant visits and focusing more on home-cooked meals, a significant amount of money can be saved.

4. Excessive Entertainment

While it’s crucial to have fun and unwind, the costs of attending concerts, sporting events, and similar activities can quickly add up.

The average concert ticket price in America is $108.20. If you attended just one concert every month, that’s over $1,300 spent in a year. And let’s not even begin to consider the cost of refreshments and merchandise at these events.

5. Unnecessary Clothing

The average American family spends about $1,800 on clothes annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Given that we wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time, it’s evident that we can make do with much less.

Keeping with ever-changing fashion isn’t worth the price tag.

6. Costly Vacations

Vacations are essential, but they don’t have to break the bank. Considering cheaper alternatives like road trips, camping, or exploring local attractions can save a considerable amount.

7. High-End Gadgets

From the latest smartphones to high-tech appliances, these purchases add up.

Do we need the newest iPhone or the most advanced refrigerator on the market? Often, we’re paying for features we rarely use.

8. Impulsive Purchases

Whether it’s the candy bar at the checkout or the shoes that were on sale, impulse buying can take a toll on our wallets.

Being intentional with our shopping helps us to avoid these unnecessary expenses. Some studies indicate Americans spend $1,400/month on nonessential purchases. Yup, that’s $18,000 per year!

9. Expensive Memberships and Subscriptions

Gym memberships, magazine subscriptions, streaming services – the list goes on.

Evaluate what you really use and need. You might find that a few cancelations won’t impact your life at all, except to grow your savings. The savings may not be huge after one month, but multiplied by 12, year over year, and the savings look significant.

Some gyms in my local area charge $179/month! I pay $10/month.

10. Premium Brand Products

Be it groceries, cleaning supplies, or personal care items, opting for store brands instead of name brands can lead to substantial savings over time.

Let me be quick to point out that I’m not suggesting you give up all the things you love.

The aim of saving money isn’t to sacrifice life for it, but to find freedom because of it.

All freedom is a result of discipline.

By removing these expenses from our lives, we not only save money, we also remove stress, free up time, and find more joy. And isn’t that what life is truly about?

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We’ve all been there. It’s been a long, tiring week, and all we want is a little pick-me-up. A new pair of shoes, perhaps, or maybe that high-tech gadget we’ve been eyeing. That’s retail therapy for you.

It’s a common behavior that can lead to a cycle of consumption that strains both our bank accounts and our peace of mind.

The first step in overcoming retail therapy is to recognize it for what it is: an only temporary solution to a deeper issue. Whether it’s stress, anxiety, or just plain boredom, retail therapy only masks these emotions.

It doesn’t address the root causes. A shiny new purchase might make us feel better momentarily, but that feeling fades quickly.

We can save so much money by refraining from this habit. A study by Slickdeals revealed that Americans spend $3,800/year on impulse purchases—often while feeling emotional. That’s a significant sum that could go towards paying off debts, growing savings, or investing in meaningful experiences.

So how can we break this cycle?

1. Practice Mindfulness

Being mindful means being present, understanding what we’re feeling, and why we’re feeling it.

Next time you feel the urge to indulge in retail therapy and buy something you don’t need, pause for a moment. Ask yourself, “Why am I feeling this way? Is there something else I’m trying to avoid?”

2. Find Other Coping Mechanisms

Replace the temporary rush of retail therapy with more sustainable and fulfilling practices. This could be as simple as taking a walk, reading a book, or even just taking a few deep breaths.

Experiment with different activities and find what works for you.

3. Establish a Budget

Having a budget that accounts for discretionary spending can help curb impulse purchases.

If you’ve allocated a specific amount for non-essential purchases, you’ll think twice before splurging.

4. Practice Delayed Gratification

Instead of purchasing an item immediately, wait for a day or two.

This cooling-off period can help you make more rational decisions about whether you truly need the item.

5. Surround Yourself with Positivity

Who we surround ourselves with can influence our behavior.

Cultivating relationships with people who value experiences over material possessions can help shift your perspective.

While retail therapy can provide a quick fix, it doesn’t promote long-term financial health or personal fulfillment. By being more mindful, finding healthier coping mechanisms, and redefining our relationship with money, we can break free from the retail therapy cycle.

In doing so, we don’t only improve our financial situation. We also pave the way for a life of intentionality and true contentment. We realize that we don’t need material possessions to find joy and happiness.

Instead, we find these in faith, in the relationships we cultivate, the experiences we have, and the peace of mind that comes from financial intentionality.

So, next time you feel the urge to indulge in retail therapy, remember: the key to overcoming it isn’t found in the mall or online store. It’s within you.

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Retailers are in the business of making sales, and they’ve honed their strategies to ensure you leave their store with a lighter wallet. Their techniques range from subtle psychological nudges to straightforward enticements.

Recognizing these tricks can help you keep your spending under control. Here are ten common retail tactics and how you can resist them:

1. Free Samples:

Free samples draw you in and make you feel obligated to buy. How to resist? Remember, there’s no obligation – it’s okay to just say thanks and move on.

2. Clearance Racks:

Retailers use clearance racks to lure you into buying items you don’t need just because they’re on sale. How to resist? Stay focused on your shopping list and don’t let discounts dictate your purchases.

3. Loyalty Cards:

These programs entice you to spend more to earn points or discounts. How to resist? Use these cards only if they offer real savings on things you’d buy anyway.

4. Store Layout:

High-profit items are at eye level while cheaper options are harder to find. How to resist? Take a moment to look high and low for the best deals.

5. The Right Music:

Music can influence your spending, with slower tunes encouraging more time in-store. How to resist? Stay aware of your pace and don’t let the music dictate your speed.

6. Limited-Time Offers:

These deals create a sense of urgency, prompting impulse buys. How to resist? Take a step back and consider if you genuinely need the item.

7. Checkout Line Temptations:

Candy, magazines, and small items near the register are designed to capture last-minute purchases. How to resist? Avoid these impulse buys by sticking to your shopping list.

8. Anchoring:

Retailers use a high price point as the ‘anchor’ to make other prices seem cheaper. How to resist? Evaluate an item based on its worth to you, not in comparison to an anchor price.

9. Scent Marketing:

Fresh baking, coffee, or other enticing smells can encourage spending. How to resist? Recognize the intent behind the aroma and make choices based on need, not temptation.

10. Impressive Product Descriptions:

Fancy words and persuasive language can make products seem more desirable. How to resist? Look past the marketing and assess the product based on your needs.

Remember, stores are designed to make you spend. But you are in control.

By recognizing these tricks, you can make thoughtful, intentional purchasing decisions, not just reflex responses to strategic nudges.

This goal isn’t about saying no to every purchase; it’s about saying yes to the ones that truly add value to your life.

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