One of our goals is to always have some money saved for our vacations (and for emergencies, unfortunately). But that doesn’t always come easy. Monthly fixed expenses (landline, internet, IPTV, cell, utilities), as well as usual weekly expenses (food, mostly), add up. Then there’s always the need to get some new clothes and shoes. And let’s not forget some grooming every 2-3 months (haircuts).

So, how can we save money and yet afford everything else needed?

1. Resolve to live debt-free. If you don’t have any debt, don’t create any! If you already have, then resolve to pay the loan/credit card in the shortest time possible. Back in 2011 I still had some debt but I resolved to pay by the end of the year. I actually managed to do that 3 months in advance! Needless to say, we don’t have any loans or credit cards.

2. Cut out expenses regarding subscriptions. Talk to your ISP/cell provider to change the subscription so that you save more money. It’s usually doable. I did this back in March 2012 and again in 2016 and I am pretty impressed by the results. You don’t need to pay for a gym membership either, you can run/walk in the park. We’ve taken up tango classes in 2017 and we barter for a discount (I do the marketing for the school in exchange of monthly discounts on our classes). You don’t need to buy magazines either cause most of them have sites, anyway.

3. Save on transportation. Use public transportation instead of a taxi. Walk as much as you can. Get rid of the car (gas, insurance, etc).

4. Get the most out of your house insurance. Each year negotiate the terms and try to lower the premium yet having a lot of stuff insured. So far, that’s the only insurance we have…but we need to contemplate other products, too (i.e. private pension plan).

5. Cut the electric bill. Turn off the TV when you don’t watch it. Turn off the lights when you don’t need them. Unplug everything you don’t need (i.e. MW, espresso machine, phone chargers). Try to invest in environment-friendly gadgets and electronics.

6. Cut the heating bill. Not at home over the day? Turn the heater to the minimum. Leaving town for some days: close the heater!

7. Do you really need three cameras, two tablets, and two laptops? Exactly! What you don’t need, sell. Even if you have broken stuff, sell them as replacements. Just get some money out of the dead weight.

8. Use the 30C washing cycle and use only cold water . I always use cold water to “feed” the washing machine and always use the 30C washing cycle. But then again the clothes never get too dirty!

9. Cook from scratch. Buying in bulk is awesome for this. Plus, find a good supermarket that offers savings based on membership cards and do make use of them. Coupons are a good choice, too. In season, the farmer’s market is a gem.

10. Give up junk food. It costs quite a bit and is not healthy. It does include sodas!

11. Go out to restaurants once a quarter. Or only when you travel.

12. Keep a spreadsheet of your expenses Create a budget and use a spreadsheet or an app to track it. After 3 months look at what can be adjusted. I love it that on the bank’s website, for example, I can see the expenses based on categories.

13. Vacation in the offseason. You still get to go, but for less money. And fewer crowds.

14. Go to free events. Many concerts are free, sometimes you can get in for free to see a play or a museum. Keep your eyes on the internet for this.

15. Give up smoking

16. Go vegan . Or at least, vegetarian. Red meat is not exactly healthy or cheap. Poultry is healthier and cheaper. Fish is also healthy but tends to be on the expensive side. Vegetarian dishes are cheaper and healthier than meat dishes. And the best option is veganism.

17. Pay attention to fees on your debit card. I use my online banking account to pay all bills cause I don’t have a fee for that. I also use the card to pay for shopping cause I don’t have a fee. I take out cash only for the farmer’s market and the likes (because I have a fee for using the ATM).

18. Do not go shopping for groceries on an empty stomach. And always have a list.

19. Use the 48 h rules for impulse shopping. If you want to buy something which is not planned, wait for 2 days. If you still think you’d need that, buy it.

20. Brew coffee at home. No use to pay a premium at specialized coffee shops. Leave the coffee shop trips for when you travel.

21. Pack your lunch. Healthier and cheaper.

22. Work from home. Saves on the commute, eating out when at work, work clothes, etc.

23. Get the generic version of drugs. I learned this one from a cousin who is a doctor. She told me there’s no use to pay for “premium brands” when the generic one does the same thing. Also, practice healthy habits so you don’t have to buy drugs.

24. Create a separate account and deposit all savings there. Out of sight, out of mind. Not on the usual card used for shopping…no way to touch it.

25. Grow your own herbs even if you live in an apartment. No need to buy oregano, parsley, mint again.

26. Clean the ice from the freezer . The more ice built up, the more energy it will use.

27. Consider using generic supermarket brands. I only have some things I must stick to when it comes to the brand (laundry detergent, shampoo, oil, face cream), otherwise, I buy my favorite store’s brand. Plus, most often I get discounts because I am a member.

28. Take your own shopping bags.

29. Pay the bills on time. No need to stack up late fees, too.

30. Price comparison before each major purchase. Anything which costs more than US$50, price compare before buying.

31. Don’t take vitamins. Or at least question their usefulness. Studies showed that healthy individuals tend to take vitamins and they don’t need them. Ask your doctor if you really need them and cut them out if you don’t. Opt for veggies and fruits which are in season!

32. Sell clothes you don’t need (are too big, too small). Every six months, clean the closet. Whatever is small/big and still new, get rid of them. And make some money out of it. Clothes that are too worn for public use but still fit, can be used in the house.

33. Shop when there are sales on.

34. Book the flights in advance. Opt for train or bus on shorter distances.

35. Have some sort of travel insurance. Mine comes with the bank account. Better be prepared than spend like crazy if bad things do happen when you travel.

36. Stay in budget hotels. Rent apartments. Stay further from the city center rather than paying a premium for the location. We’ve given up private rooms in hostels but, if you don’t mind then, they are an excellent way to pay less.

37. Only use carryon. No checked begs (they cost money). Backpacks are an excellent option.

38. Use public transportation to get to/from the airport.

39. Turn your hobby into money. You can sell the photos you take, write articles for money, write a book…

40. Get in the habit of saving. The smallest amounts do add up.

41. Don’t try to keep up with the friends/society. Really, don’t. You know what’s best for you.

42. Do not use roaming data when abroad. (unless you have something included in your plan already and /or travel within the European Union and your home SIM is from the European Union!) There are enough free wi-fi spots to use .

43. Use Skype for calling home. Or similar. Load up some credit on it and use it rather than the phone in roaming. Better yet, if the person you call has a skype account, you can use it free of charge over free wi-fi.

44. Freelance and save all the money you make from this activity.

45. Start a coin jar. Any spare change goes there.

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