Was saving money one of your resolutions this year? Small changes to your daily routine can lead to major savings over time. By making mindful choices in areas like food, transportation, and entertainment, you could save anywhere up to $1,679 per month, or $20,148 per year.
Whether it’s cutting back on impulse purchases, swapping out your daily coffee run for a homemade brew, or finding ways to reduce your energy bill, here are some practical tips from the consumer experts at www.coupons.com to help you save money starting today.
Swap your daily takeaway coffee for homemade brews
A typical takeaway coffee at your local coffee shop is around $3-$5. If you made your own coffee at home, the cost could drop to $0.50-$1. By making the switch, you could save up to $4.50 per day or $135 per month.
Pack your own lunch for work instead of eating out
Eating out for lunch during the workday can cost you $7-$15 per meal. Packing your lunch at home could cost just $2-$5. By bringing your own meals, you could save up to $13 per day, or $260 for the average month.
Cancel unused subscriptions
Subscriptions for things like streaming services or gym memberships can add up to $5-$15 per month each. If you cancel just one or two of these, you could save $30 per month.
Switch to a lower-cost cell phone plan
Many cell phone plans can cost between $30-$100 per month. Switching to a lower-cost plan could save you in the region of $20 per month.
Limit impulse buys by creating a shopping list
On average, impulse buys can cost you $5-$10 per trip, especially at the grocery store or when shopping online. By sticking to a shopping list, you could save $5-$10 per day, which adds up to $150-$300 per month.
Cut back on dining out
A meal at a restaurant or a takeout can easily cost you $10-$30 per person. If you opt to cook at home instead, even just switching to one of those meals per week, you could reduce that cost to an average of $7 per meal. By cutting back, you could save $46 per meal for two, or $184 per month.
Use cashback and reward apps for everyday purchases
Cashback and reward apps can give you savings on everything from groceries to gas. Depending on your spending, you could save on average $5 per day, which adds up to $150 per month.
Take advantage of free or low-cost activities
Going to the movies once per week can cost in the region of $30 or more per outing, per person. Opting for free or low-cost activities like hiking, visiting a local park, or enjoying a free museum can save you $120 per month.
Turn off unused electronics to save on energy costs
Leaving electronics like TVs, chargers, and computers on standby can add a few extra dollars to your monthly electricity bill. By turning off unused devices, you could save as much as $3 per day, adding up to $90 per month.
Total potential savings: up to $1,679 per month
Alexander Ketter, Consumer Expert at www.coupons.com, commented: “By implementing all of these tips, you could potentially save up to $1,679 per month or $20,148 per year. Even if you choose just a few of these strategies, you’ll still see noticeable savings. It’s all about making small, consistent changes that can add up to a significant amount over time.”