25+ Smart Ways to Save Money Each Month

Are you wondering how to save money each month? From time to time, we all need to step back and consider how we can save money on our everyday expenses.  It’s so easy to let little items creep in and start to take over our budget.  Take a look at these money saving tips and see how you can save money each month, too.

Saving on Food

• Always shop with a grocery list.  If you don’t have a grocery list, you will add too many extra items to your cart and spend too much.
• If at all possible, don’t shop with your kids (grocery shop when they are in school, after they go to bed, have your husband babysit).  We were shopping with all 3 kids yesterday, and they were constantly asking to add more items to cart (many that we did not need, but they just wanted). It becomes hard to say “no” every time especially when the 7-year-old has cute puppy dog eyes. If they are not asking to add something, watch out they will sneak it into the cart when you are not looking.  So, just don’t take kids grocery shopping if it can be avoided.
• Plan your meals before you shop.  Use your meal planning as a guide for what you will purchase.
• When possible, use sale flyers to plan your meals.  Stock up on items you use regularly when they are the lowest price.
• Don’t forget many fresh veggies and fruit items can be frozen and saved for later use. If you have a large freezer or extra freezer, stock up when items are on sale.  I frequently buy veggies on sale and chop them at home, then freeze them for later use.
• At the end of the season for fruits and veggies, go to local U-pick farms.  Save by picking fruit and veggies yourself, freeze items when possible.  A few years ago, I heard about a local U-pick farm that was allowing you to pick buckets of tomatoes for $2 a bucket at the end of the season. After we picked the tomatoes, we saved some for to use fresh and others we froze to use in sauces and soups.

You might also like: Plan Your Meals Like a Pro (with a FREE Meal Planner)

Utility Savings

• Always review your bill each month.  Check for inconsistencies, mistakes in billings, over billings.  Contact your provider to review if something is billed incorrectly.
• Question every time you receive a letter or notice your monthly bill is increasing.  It’s hard to make changes on electric bills, but many times you can negotiate better prices for cable, internet service, and cell phone service.
• Once a year contact your cell phone provider, cable provider, internet provider and ask for the best available price.  Many times, better rates are available if you just ask.

Recommended for you: How to Save $100 a Month by Cutting Cable

How to Save Money Eating Out

• Plan to eat out on the nights/days when kids eat free.  You will save a little on the kids meals.
• Drink water.  It’s better for you and you will usually save at least $10.00 or more with a family of 4 (more if you have more in your family).
• Avoid add-ons and extras.  Every time you add an extra item, it costs a few extra dollars.  You can easily add $10.00 or more the cost of a meal with add-ons (this includes high-calorie appetizers).
• Use coupons when you find them.  If you have a few favorite restaurants, sign-up for their email list and to get coupons and specials from time to time.  Don’t forget text messages if you prefer text deals.
• Many restaurants offer a free appetizer or dessert on your birthday.  Don’t forget to sign-up for these freebies.

How to Save Money on Clothes

• Many stores have their own phone apps, download these apps for special coupons and discounts that can be used in stores.  Just a few that I like are Justice for Girls and Jo-Ann Fabrics (they have much more than just fabric).
• Use coupon sites like Retail Me Not and Groupon Coupons for deals.
• Always check clearance racks and sale items first.  You never know when you will find the perfect item.
• If you can wait, shop for the best deal. Check prices for a few weeks and buy at the lowest price. This requires self-discipline and patience to wait for the best deal.
• Check for alternative products a lower price. You may love the high end/high priced product, but start testing similar less expensive products and store brands to see if you find similar quality products for a lower price.

How to Lower Car Insurance Premiums

• The best way to save on insurance is each year when your insurance is due for renewal, check with your current insurance company and 2-3 more insurance companies to see who has the best rate.  It’s always surprising that the company with the best rate this year may not have the best rate next year.
• Some car insurance companies will offer a discount if you take a safe drivers course.  Many times the course can be taken online and the discount is available for up to 3 years.
• If possible, bundle homeowners and car insurance together.  You usually will receive a discount for bundling, but if you are not getting the best rate on both don’t do this.  It’s usually better to get the best rates.
• Be aware of add-on’s above what’s required by law in your state and above what you need. Like with all purchases, add-on’s can substantially increase your costs.

Creative Ways to Save Money

• Extended warranty on products are not usually needed unless you really believe there is a reason you will use it. Many times they expire before anything is likely to break.  Due to the many exclusions in these plans, you frequently will never get to use them or they have high deductibles.  If you purchase these plans, read the fine print and understand what you are purchasing.
• Keep an app like RetailMe Not on your phone.  Whenever you are out to eat or shopping, some stores will accept these coupons.  It’s always worth a try.
• Try not to be brand loyal.  If you see a product you use everyday but it’s not your favorite brand, be open testing new products that are not your favorite brand especially if you find them on clearance or a super low price.  This applies to small items like groceries or large items like computers or cars.
• Check bills and receipts to be sure you are not being over billed for products and services you did not purchase.  If you make changes to service or billings, be sure the changes are reflected in your billings.
• If you work, only eat out once a week as a special treat.  Take your lunch to work with you every day.  You will be surprised how much money you save every month and how many calories you save too.
• Only visit Starbucks once a week, even better once every two weeks!  Make a trip to Starbucks your special reward for reaching an important goal.  You will start to see the savings when you don’t visit Starbucks every day.

Use the money you are saving each month to payoff debts, reduce your mortgage, save for a family vacation or your children’s college funds.  Of course, don’t forget to save for your retirement.

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Your turn…

Share one of your best money saving tips.  Help us save even more money with your best money-saving tips.