How to Save Money Each Month – 10 Easy Ways

Inside: How to save money each month — 10 clever ways (even if you have no money and it feels impossible).

“To many people spend money they earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people that they don’t like.” ~ Will Rogers

Just take a second to imagine the feeling of finding extra money in your wallet at the end of each month!

Could you finally afford to take the kids to Disney? Or, replenish your savings account? Could you finally feel like you could breathe again?

This feels pretty darn nice, doesn’t it?

Well here’s the good news:

This guide will help you learn how to save money each month on monthly and everyday expenses.

How to Save Money Each Month – A Personal Confession

Before we get to the tips below, I want to take a moment and tell you a personal story:

A number of years ago now my personal life took a huge hit – my husband (now ex-husband) lost his job.

We learned to live with less by making a few small changes that added up to BIG results.

And I’ve never forgotten what I learned through that experience. Not only did we continue living normally, but we actually saved $7,000 during that period.

And I’m going to share exactly what exactly we did and how you can do it too.

Are you ready to put some money back into your pockets?

Great, let’s look at 10 ways we can save money each month!

How to Save Money Each Month Even If It Feels Impossible – 10 Easy Tips

1. Use your credit card for everything

If you have an issue with using your credit card and not paying it back immediately then this is not for you!

This step is only and I repeat only for those who can use their credit cards daily and pay it back right away.

But why not reap the benefits of the cashback on your VISA? For every dollar I spend I earn one reward dollar, and at the end of the year this adds up to big bucks!

Each year I gain approximately $750.

2. Use a Money Saving App – Like Ibotta

Because I’m an accountant by day I loooovvveee saving people money.

Seriously.

I’ll admit, couponing has never been my thing, I’m just too busy, and it seems like alot of work. But on the advice of a friend I gave this Ibotta thing a try.

This is a FREE app that lets you get cash rebates (no points, no coupons — nothing like that) at your favorite stores.

I apologize if I sound like I’m shouting at you, but I get so excited about free stuff.

Ibotta works in over 300 retail chains, restaurants, movie theaters, convenience stores, home improvement centers, pet stores, and pharmacies.

You get cash rebates (like real cash) on things like milk, apples, cheese, bread. And over time this can add up to a good chunk of money.

So why not grab free money for doing what you already must do each week! Shop!

3. Examine your insurance (and walk or bike more)

Chances are with a few phone calls you may get a better-combined house and vehicle insurance rate.

Furthermore, if you are a two-car household, consider and I’ll use that word carefully, pulling one car off the road.

We parked our SUV and not only did we save enormously on gas but on insurance as well. Monthly it amounted to hundreds of dollars.

Enjoy some ‘staycations,’ instead of thinking you need an exotic destination for excitement and relaxation.

Try to rediscover your hometown with new eyes.

Check-out some awesome ideas for staycations here.

There are likely many activities of interest that you just haven’t considered.

Related: If You Want to Be Happier Spend Your Money On This One Thing

5. Watch High Electricity & Water Times

This may sound petty but you can shave up to $50 from your utilities.

Shorten your showers, hang your clothes to dry and don’t use energy in the high times.

Every dollar counts right?

6. Cut Down your Cable/Internet/Phone Services

The thought of my old monthly Rogers bill still causes slight hyperventilation, consistently over $400 per month!

This needed to change and fast.

I phoned Rogers (our cable provider) and began chopping away at services.

We said goodbye to HD boxes, premium cable and reduced our internet.

Shave off more dollars still by purchasing a TV/movie online subscription such as Netflix and cancel your cable altogether. And those $6 movies add up, with Netflix you have access to tons of free movies. You can also discuss bundling your current package at a reduced rate.

If you want to get really brave, cancel the cell phones, or switch to a pay as you go plan. But if you’re anything like me and not willing to part with your trusty sidekick then consider canceling the home phone.

---

Enough said.

I’m sorry Tim Horton’s coffee addicts but bring a thermos. At $1.50 per day that adds up to $45 per month or $540 per year.

Take a list when grocery shopping to avoid impulse spending, and consider switching grocery stores.

If you want to spice up your kiddo’s lunches, see our epic guide The Best of the Best Lunch Box Supplies and Boxes for Kids

Don’t Eat Out.

Along with packing lunch, avoid restaurants. When you do splurge and go out for dinner it will feel extra special and you’ll likely appreciate the experience much more.

8. Get a Library Card

This might not be a make it or break it for most people, but my Amazon bill was starting to add up. I now love the sophisticated feeling of browsing through the local library.

There are also lots of fun programs for kids too. There is always something going on at our local library.

9. Cut the Gym Membership & Make Changes to Your Hobbies

If your hobbies involve going shopping, golfing, or passions that require obscene amounts of money, consider hiking, picnicking, running or reading (with your new library card), these are all free. Get creative.

Consider cutting the gym membership, there are so many apps you can use at home for next to nothing.

Another quick tip is to make your birthday or holiday cards and/or gifts. Homemade is from the heart, after all.

10. Create a Budget

Check out this awesome article from Nerd Wallet to use the 50/30/20 rule to create a budget.

Now that you’ve made all the positive changes above, here’s what you can do next:

Write down your total monthly income followed by your new total fixed expenses. Next, determine how much is left over for extra’s (spending and miscellaneous).

Create two jars- Spending (entertainment and hobbies) and miscellaneous. Fill your jars with the allotted monthly cash flow you designated per your budget. See till debt do us part to help create your budget. When the cash is gone, the spending spree is over till next month.

Of all the changes we made, this one was most significant. After using the jar system we reduced our miscellaneous spending from over $1,500 per month to $200. We now have complete control over all our non-fixed expenses. I can breathe again.

Since being stripped of my previous lifestyle a refreshing realization has fallen on me. What a nice house I live in, why did I feel such an urgency to move into a nicer house? I began to feel a newfound sense of appreciation and gratitude that I had long forgotten. It was an A HA moment for me. This was a lesson more valuable than anything I could have ever bought.

Regardless of your circumstances, income, education or social status, you CAN get there. We all have the ability to put these simple practices in motion. Take control of your life your piggy bank will thank you.

“Money, if it does not bring you happiness, will at least help you be miserable in comfort.” ~ Helen Gurley Brown