GOBankingRates works with many financial advertisers to showcase their products and services to our audiences.
These brands compensate us to advertise their products in ads across our site.
This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site.
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information.
you might read more about oureditorial guidelinesand our products and servicesreview methodology.
Finding ways to save money helps alleviate that stress and gets you closer to achieving your financial goals.
Kaden said to use the ingredients you have at home to prepare meals before shopping for groceries again.
The average American household spends more than $1,500every yearon food that goes to waste.
Check to see if theres an outlet mall in your area.
If there is, it may be worth waiting until you need several items before shopping at that mall.
Kadens solution is to planfree date nightsinstead.
Brainstorm some ideas together so you’re free to enjoy your next date night without worrying about money.
That means most are stuck paying for gas, no matter how high prices get.
Drivers in states likeCalifornia, Washington and New Yorkspend more than the national average on each gallon of gas.
Driving less is one option to save money on gas.
Kaden offered another option using the GasBuddy app to find the lowest gas prices in your area.
GasBuddy is a free app that shows the price per gallon at all of the gas stations near you.
By checking the app, you could ensure you go to the gas station with the lowest price.
Kaden usesFetch Rewards and Receipt Hog, but there are many other cash-back apps to choose from.
Find apps that offer rewards on the things you buy most, like gas, groceries and other essentials.
The rewards may seem small initially, but they can add up quickly if you consistently redeem the offers.
In a year, that adds up to more than $1,800 in impulse spending.
Eliminating these spur-of-the-moment purchases can make a big difference for your budget.
Kaden recommended putting nonessential items in your digital cart but not completing the purchase right away.
Digital shopping makes it easy to buy something in just a few clicks without even thinking about it.
By waiting, you give yourself time to decide whether the item is something you actually need.
Pack Snacks Everywhere
Kadens nextfrugal living tipis essential for families with children but can help anyone.
She advised her audience members to pack snacks whenever they leave the house.
Buying snacks on the go like at agas station orfast food restaurant is expensive, though.
Thats when packed snacks can save the day.
Your packed snacks will save you money and probably be healthier, too.
If you send a lot of cards, those costs will add up quickly.
For $20, it’s possible for you to get 100 cards.
For half that price, you’re able to have 100 cards.
Youll save over $3 per card at those prices.
When you add birthday presents, anniversary gifts and other presents, gift giving can be expensive.
To help reduce your spending on gifts, Kaden recommended keeping a small gift closet.
Purchasing these items when theyre on sale will help you save money.
Your recipients still get gifts theyll love, and you get to save some money.
Buy Seasonal Produce
Fruits and vegetablesare vital to any healthy diet, but they can be expensive.
Kaden recommended buying seasonal produce to save money.
When produce is in season where you live, its more readily available, so its cheaper.
Youre not paying extra for the produce to travel halfway around the world to get to your supermarket.
Look up thepeak growing seasonsfor your favorite fruits and vegetables.
take a stab at buy these items when theyre in season to save money.
Check the frozen aisle for amore affordable optionif you want something that isnt in season.
Use Free Financial Tools
Setting up a budget and managing your money can be daunting.
Luckily, there are many free websites and apps available to help people manage their finances.
If zero-based budgeting doesnt work for you, try other tools until you find one that suits your needs.
Even a simple Google Sheets file can help you keep track of your expenses and income.
Embrace Minimalism
Consumers today are bombarded with ads everywhere they look, from television to social media.
All these ads tell you that you need more and more stuff to have the life you want.
Overconsumption is tempting, but it will get in the way of reaching your financial goals.
Kaden suggested embracing minimalism instead.
Buying fewer items means fewer expenses andmore disposable incometo put toward your goals.
They dont purchase items from one another or even barter all the itemsare truly free.
People havescoredgreat items from buy-nothing groups, including bookshelves, mint-condition couches and expensive shoes.
Youre saving money whenever you get something from a buy-nothing group that you would have otherwise had to purchase.
Kaden said essential expenses are the core of how I build my budget.
After you prioritize these expenses, you might adjust your budget to support your financial goals.
take a stab at avoid going into debt whenever possible.
Save up for purchases rather than putting them on your credit cards or taking out loans.
By settingstrict spending limitsacross different categories, it’s possible for you to avoid overspending.
Youll be more intentional with your money.
Use a budgeting app like Kaden or jot down your budget on paper, whichever method works for you.
Refer back to your budget throughout the month to stay on track.
Read Personal Finance Books
Theres always more to learn about managing your money.
Youll find great insights inpersonal finance books, which may even change your perspective.
Kadens favorites include The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey, The Simple Path to Wealth byJ.L.
Collinsand Rich AF by Vivian Tu.
If youre not a big reader, consider listening to the audiobook version instead.
For our full Privacy Policy,click here.
