Life is expensive these days. North Americans are paying more than ever before for everyday essentials, including everything from groceries to data plans. If you’ve been feeling the financial squeeze this year, we’ve collected nine money-saving hacks that will help you get your spending under control and start saving.
01
Do a subscription audit
Chances are, you’re currently paying for online subscriptions that you don’t use. A recent survey found that 42 percent of consumers were being charged for subscription services they had forgotten about. Between games, apps, and streaming services, those auto-renew payments can stack up quickly. You can review your subscriptions on your phone, but if you want to be really thorough, download your credit card statements and check for any monthly recurring fees.
02
Switch up your grocery list
There are still ways to create delicious, healthy meals without breaking the bank, but you might need to rethink the way you stock your fridge. Rather than sticking to your list, see what’s on sale and build your meal plan around that. Buy more economical plant-based proteins like lentils or beans, and get creative with your weekly menu. Apps like Flipp can also help you determine what’s on sale at stores near you.
03
Get it for free
Spending less is good, but spending nothing is even better. Join your local buy-nothing group to connect with people in your neighborhood giving away their used furniture, electronics, or even extra groceries. The free section on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are also good places to look, especially near the end of the month when people are getting ready to move.
04
Downgrade your phone and internet plan
When it comes to data, waste not, want not. Gigs go for a premium and most phone and internet service providers will try to convince you to pay for more than you actually need. Monitor your data usage over the next month and see how much you really use. You can probably downgrade to a less expensive plan without feeling any hit to your bandwidth.
05
Cut back on gas
With the price of gasoline in constant flux, a trip to the pumps on the wrong day could cost you a small fortune. You can make every gallon go a little further by optimizing your fuel efficiency. Small things like maintaining the right tire pressure, removing unnecessary weight from your trunk, and turning off your AC all make a difference. For shorter trips, consider walking or riding a bike—you’ll save money and get more exercise.
06
Shop savvy online
Shopping online can actually save you money if you’re willing to be patient. Look for ways to get a discount like signing up for a newsletter or abandoning your cart before completing your purchase—many sites will send you an email offer to try and lure you back. There are also third-party apps that can automatically test coupon codes or monitor specific products and alert you when the price comes down.
08
Be flexible with your travel plans
Last-minute deals are the key to a cheap vacation. If you can be flexible with your dates and destination, you can snag cheap flights, hotels, and rental cars. It also never hurts to ask for a free upgrade once you arrive. If you’re not sure where to start, make a list of countries where the currency exchange is in your favor. Check out this alive.com article for more tips on how to plan a budget-friendly vacation.
09
Rethink your fitness routine
If you’re planning on joining a gym, remember that membership fees are not set in stone. Most gyms have sales quotas, and you can negotiate a discount by signing up on the last few days of the month or by offering to prepay for several months in advance. You can also skip the fees entirely by working out from home. There are plenty of apps and YouTube channels that offer free guided workouts. If you don’t have any equipment, reach out to local fitness wholesale companies and ask if they have any demo models they’re willing to sell at a discounted price.
