21 Ways You Can Save Money Today - Project Hot Mess (2024)

Want to save money but you’re not sure where to start? Almost everyone can find some way to save a little extra money if they’re creative enough and determined enough.

Here’s some inspiration for ways you can save money today to help you achieve your financial goals.

1 – Shop Around

This is one of the simplest and easiest ways to save money. Instead of just buying what you need on the spot, do a quick Google search and see if you can find it cheaper online or in another store.

2 – Use a Cash Back Site

I have to admit, I was the most skeptical person when it came to cash back sites. I never thought they were legit. And then I saw them recommended by someone I followed (and respect) so I signed up.

I can’t even tell you how much money I’ve saved over the last few years but it’s been a lot! I actually take my cash back and reinvest it into stocks (it’s up and down but it’s a long term investment).

My sister in law uses her cash back as ‘savings’ for Christmas. It takes a few extra seconds when you’re shopping and can put a ton of money back into your hands.

Remember to install the Rakuten browser extension when shopping online or use the Rakuten App to shop on your phone to make sure you get your Cashback! I had over $1000 in Cashback last year just by clicking the button. When you join using this link, you get $30 cashback as soon as you spend $30 in the app!

3 – Buy Things Second Hand

A lot of items don’t need to be purchased brand new and you can save a small fortune by buying what you need second hand. Things like electronic devices and even furniture can be a fraction of the price. You could even have a go at upcycling old furniture to give it a new twist.

4 – Switch Banks

Still paying account keeping fees with your bank? That’s so old school! Switch to a bank that offers accounts with zero account keeping fees and low to no fees in areas where you use your accounts the most.

5 – Negotiate Better Interest Rates

While switching banks, speak with your lenders to negotiate better interest rates. Switch your credit card to a zero interest rate card so you can pay it off (you should never be paying interest on your credit card) and negotiate your mortgage rate lower too.

6 – Compare Your Insurance Policies

A simple check of your policy can save you a small fortune. Whether it’s house insurance, health insurance or holiday insurance, make sure you’re covered for what you need and you aren’t paying for anything unnecessary. You can even negotiate different co-payments or excess amounts to reduce your yearly premiums.

7 – Create A Budget

You can’t expect to save money if you’re not even tracking your money! Use a budget to keep track of what money is coming in and going out as well as how you are progressing towards achieving your financial goals.

Budgeting should only take a few minutes each pay cycle and isn’t as complicated as you may think.

8 – Declutter and Sell

Decluttering can make you money and save you money. By selling your unwanted items you can boost up your cash on hand and once decluttered, you’re less likely to spend money on things that will reclutter your home. It’s a win-win situation.

I made over $2000 in one month just from decluttering, it’s not as difficult as it seems and it can add some serious money to your bank account.

9 – Be Mindful Of Electricity Use

Switch your lights off, turn your TV off at the wall and unplug any appliances that aren’t being used. Simple little tweaks can save you a fortune over a year.

Also be sure to air dry your clothes rather than use a clothes dry when the weather permits. It’s better for your clothes, it’s better for the environment and it’s better for your back pocket.

10 – Meal Plan

Meal planning can save you so much money and only takes a few minutes each week. Simply plan out what meals you want to have then shop for the ingredients you need.

This way you’re not heading to the grocery store every other day and buying half of aisle 5 while you’re there.

11 – Use A Grocery List When Shopping

Create a grocery list for your shopping and stick with it! This way you only buy what you need and you don’t just ‘wing it’ and end up buying what you already have at home.

12 – Buy Groceries Online

The best way to stick to your grocery list is to shop online. You can do all of your grocery shopping online and either have it delivered or pick it up in store.

This removes any temptation to buy extras or wander the store buying things you don’t need.

13 – Shop Your Cupboard

Before you meal prep and go shopping for the week, check to see what you have in your pantry and create a meal plan based on what is already available. This can drastically reduce your grocery bill!

14 – Have A Clothes Swap Party

You don’t have to go on a spending spree to spruce up your wardrobe. Instead, have a clothes swap party! Get together with a bunch of friends, all bring clothes you no longer want/need and start swapping.

This can be such a great way to revamp your wardrobe and clear out your closet at the same time!

15 – Do An Expenses Audit

When was the last time you checked all your expenses coming out of your accounts? Sometimes it’s easy to lose track of what little payments are coming out from where.

The Netflix bill, cloud storage account, recurring app subscriptions… a few dollars here and there can add up when there’s a lot of them coming out. Do an expenses audit and cull anything that doesn’t need to be there.

16 – Create A Bills Account To Pay Your Bills On Time

Save money on late payment fees by creating a separate bills account that all of your bill payments are direct debited from.

Work out how much money you need to put in there each paycheck to cover all of your payments, then add a buffer too so you’re always in the clear. Then set everything up to come out of the one account.

This way your account won’t ever be overdrawn and your bills will always be paid on time.

17 – Walk, Don’t Drive

Save money on vehicle costs by walking to where you need to go instead of driving. If you live in a smaller town, most places are within walking distance anyway, and if you live in a city, walk to public transport instead of driving.

You’ll save costs on fuel, car maintenance and sometimes even insurance costs are less if you leave your car at home.

18 – Be Savvy With Your Social Life

Love catching up with friends but hate how expensive your social life can be? Be savvy with it instead! Rather than catching up for one on one time with your friends, do a group catch up so you can see more people and only have to pay for one social outing.

You could also choose to have dinner parties at home instead of paying to go out for dinner all the time too.

19 – Make Your Coffee At Home

Buy yourself a good coffee machine and a fancy take away coffee cup and start making your coffee at home instead of grabbing a takeaway latte on the way to work.

You can choose your own coffee beans and a homemade coffee often tastes better anyway. Plus, even after the initial outlay for the coffee machine, you’ll still save a small fortune.

20 – Check Your Phone Plans

Have you been on the same phone plan for the last year or so? Check out what new plans are available and even if upgrading your plan could mean you could cut out your home internet bill.

Often new plans are released with better features and sometimes they are the same or even less money. Check out what your telco is offering now.

21 – Give Yourself Enough Spending Money

Wait… what? More spending money means saving more money? How?

It’s simple really… when you create a budget and give yourself a less than adequate amount of spending money, you’re more likely to dip into your savings to make up for it, or put more expenses on your credit card – both of which cost you money.

But, if you give yourself a realistic amount of spending money that allows you to enjoy yourself and still motivates you to stick to your budget, then you’ll end up saving money in the long run.

Saving money doesn’t have to be complicated and it doesn’t mean you have to miss out. A little savvy thinking and creativity and you can save yourself money starting today.