Every year things seem to get a little bit more expensive, don’t they? It seems like the cost of living is always on the rise, but our income stays relatively the same. Many people are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet each month, but there are some ways that you can cut back on your spending and still live a comfortable life.
Living on a small budget can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. In fact, with a little creativity and planning, you can live a big life without spending a lot of money. In this blog post, we will share 51 tips to help you live large for less. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to save money on groceries, housing, transportation, and more!
51 Tips And Tricks For Living Large On A Small Budget
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Living on a tight budget can be challenging. You probably find yourself wondering how you can save more money on your budget without sacrificing your quality of life. Here are 51 tips to help you live large on a small budget:
1. Start Meal Planning
Meal planning is a great way to save money when you’re on a tight budget. It allows you to make a plan for your meals for the week so that you know exactly what you’ll be eating and when. In turn, this allows you to create a precise shopping list and buy only what you need. This saves you money and reduces the potential for food waste at the same time.
2. Cook At Home More
By cooking at home more, you can save a lot of money by avoiding takeout. It may take some extra time to cook meals from scratch, but it’s worth it when you see how much money you’re saving. Not to mention, home-cooked meals are usually healthier than takeout.
3. Make A Shopping List
Make a list before you go grocery shopping and stick to it. This will help you avoid buying things that you don’t need. If you’re not sure what to make for the week, try looking up recipes online that use ingredients you already have in your pantry.
4. Focus On Cheap Foods
Certain foods are cheaper than others. Focus on incorporating these into your meals more often. Some examples of cheap foods include rice, beans, chicken, and eggs. For more ideas, check out our post on the 45 Best Frugal And Healthy Foods To Buy On A Budget.
5. Coupon!
There are many ways to save money on groceries by using coupons. These days, there are both online and paper options, so why not do some research and see how you can start couponing. A good place to start is by checking out the weekly specials at your local grocery store or searching for online coupons. Using coupons will allow you to get the best deals on certain items.
6. Buy In Bulk
A great way to save more money when you’re on a tight budget is to buy in bulk when it makes sense. This can help you get the best prices on items that you use often or that have a long shelf life. For example, buying a large container of laundry detergent may be cheaper than buying several small bottles. Just be sure to only buy what you need so that you don’t end up wasting products (and money).
7. Shop Generic
One of the best ways to save money on products that you plan to buy anyway is to consider generic brand options. Often generic products are indistinguishable from the brand-name competitors, but you can get them for a fraction of the price. Buying generic is not an all-or-nothing strategy. You don’t need to swap all of your groceries for generic, but if you can make the swap for some of the products on your grocery list this is a great way to save money.
8. Comparison Shop
Always comparison shop for big-ticket items. This means taking the time to look at different stores and websites to see where you can get the best deal on an item. For example, if you’re in the market for a new television, compare the prices at several different stores before you make your purchase. With a little bit of effort, you can save a lot of money by comparison shopping.
9. Switch To A Reusable Coffee Cup
If you’re a coffee drinker, consider making the switch to a reusable coffee cup. This will help you save money in the long run because you won’t have to keep buying coffee cups every time you want a coffee. Not to mention, it’s better for the environment. If you’re interested in making the switch, check out our post on the 11 Best Eco Friendly Coffee Cups That Will Help You Save Money (And The Environment).
10. Track Your Spending
The first step to saving money and reaching your financial goals is to track your spending. This will help you become more aware of where your money is going and where you can cut back. There are many different ways to track your spending, so find a method that works for you. You can use a budgeting app, a spreadsheet, or even just a pen and paper. The important thing is to find a system that works for you and that you will actually use.
11. Create A Budget That Works For You
Once you’ve started tracking your spending, it’s time to create a monthly budget. This will help you make sure that you’re not spending more money than you have. Creating a budget can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Start by looking at your spending for the past month and then creating a budget based on that. Make sure to include all of your necessary expenses, such as rent, food, and transportation. Once you have your budget, be sure to stick to it as close as possible. You should review your budget at the end of each month to see where you can make improvements and adjustments for the following month.
12. Pay Yourself First
One of the best pieces of advice for saving money is to pay yourself first. This means setting aside money each month to put into your savings account before you pay any of your other bills. This can be a challenge if you’re on a tight budget, but it’s important to try to do as much as you can. Even setting aside $50 each month can add up over time. And if you’re able to do more, even better!
13. Use Gift Cards
If you’re looking for ways to save money, you may be surprised to learn that gift cards can be a great help. You can often buy gift cards at a small discount, which means you can save money on your purchase. For example, if you know you’ll be doing a lot of shopping at a particular store, you can buy a gift card for that store ahead of time and then use it when you make your purchase. This can help you stick to your budget and avoid overspending.
14. Leverage Credit Cards
If you use credit cards, you can actually leverage them to save money. For example, many credit cards offer cash back or rewards points that you can use to save money on your purchases. There are also many cards that offer 0% interest for a period of time, which can help you save money on interest charges. Be sure to do your research and choose a card that will work best for you and your spending habits. One word of warning here – if you choose to leverage credit cards you really need to make sure that you stick to your budget so you don’t end up with credit card debt. Don’t fall into the trap of overspending on your credit cards. Only spend what you absolutely need to and make sure you always pay off your balance in full each month to avoid high-interest charges and additional fees.
15. Focus On Frugal Date Nights
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. There are plenty of frugal date night ideas that will help you save money while still spending time with your significant other. For example, you can cook dinner at home instead of going out to eat. You can also go for a walk or hike instead of going to the movies. And if you’re really looking to save money, you can even stay in and watch a movie or TV show instead of going out. Whatever you do, just make sure you focus on spending time with each other and not on how much money you’re spending. If you’re stuck for date night ideas, check out our post on 7 Frugal Date Night Ideas That Don’t Involve Netflix.
16. Pay Off Your Debt
If you have debt, it’s important to focus on paying it off as quickly as possible. The longer you have debt, the more money you’ll end up paying in interest. There are a few different ways to pay off debt, but the best way is to focus on the debt with the highest interest rate first. This will help you save money in the long run. You can also consider consolidating your debt to get a lower interest rate. This can be a good option if you have good credit and are able to qualify for a lower interest rate.
17. Start A Side Hustle
If you’re looking for ways to make extra money, starting a side hustle can be a great option. There are many different side hustles you can start, and the best part is that you can do them on your own time. This means you can still stick to your budget and make extra money at the same time. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our post on 6 Easy Online Side Hustle Ideas You Can Start Today.
18. Adjust Your Thermostat
This may seem like a small thing, but adjusting your thermostat can actually help you save money and make life easier when you’re on a small budget. During the winter, setting your thermostat a few degrees lower can help you save money on your heating bill. And during the summer, setting your thermostat a few degrees higher can help you save money on your air conditioning bill. If you’re not sure what temperature to set your thermostat, there are a few easy ways to figure it out. For example, you can use an online calculator or look at your energy bill to see how much money you’re spending on heating and cooling.
19. Make The Switch To Natural Cleaning Products
Cleaning products can be expensive, and they’re not always good for your health. Fortunately, there are many natural cleaning products that you can use that are just as effective and much cheaper. For example, vinegar is a great natural cleaning product that you can use to clean your house. You can also use baking soda to clean your house. And if you’re looking for a natural way to clean your clothes, you can use soap nuts. Check out our post on Getting Started With Natural Household Cleaning Products to learn more.
20. Cut Your Cable
Cable TV can be expensive, and it’s not always necessary. If you’re looking to save money, you can cut the cable and switch to a cheaper streaming service. There are many different streaming services available, and you can usually find one that has the channels you want for a much lower price. You can also get a digital antenna to watch local channels for free.
21. Reduce Your Streaming Services
If you’re already using a streaming service, you may be able to save money by reducing the number of services you’re subscribed to. For example, if you’re subscribed to Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, you may be able to save money by canceling one or two of those subscriptions.
22. Shop Online With Honey
If you’re looking for ways to save money when you shop online, using Honey can be a good idea. Honey is a browser extension that automatically applies coupons and promo codes to your online orders. This can help you save money on your purchases without having to do any extra work.
23. Eat At Happy Hour
Eating out can be expensive, but you can save money by eating at happy hour. Many restaurants have specials during happy hour where you can get a discounted price on food and drinks. This is a great way to save money if you’re on a budget.
24. Shop Seasonal Sales
If you need to update your clothes, shopping seasonal sales is a great way to do it without blowing your budget. You can usually find great deals on clothes during the end of the season when stores are trying to clear out their inventory. This is a great time to stock up on clothes for next season. Another way to save money is to buy your seasonal decor at the sales that happen right after the holiday. For example, stock up on Christmas decorations early in the new year – they’ll be a fraction of the price.
25. Take Up An Outdoor Activity
If you’re looking for a way to have fun without spending a lot of money, take up an outdoor activity. There are many outdoor activities that you can do for free, such as hiking, walking, and biking. And if you’re looking for a way to meet new people, you can join a meetup group or start your own. Many meetup groups are free to join, and you can usually find one with people that are interested in the same things that you are.
26. Wait For Black Friday
If you’re looking to buy something expensive, it’s best to wait for Black Friday. This is the day when most stores have big sales, and you can usually find the item you’re looking for at a much lower price. Just be sure to do your research before you buy anything, so you can be sure that you’re getting the best deal.
27. Give Cash Envelopes A Try
If you find that you’re spending too much money each month, cash envelopes can be a great way to help you stay on track. With this system, you’ll assign a certain amount of money to each envelope for different expenses. For example, you may have an envelope for groceries, one for gas, and one for entertainment. This can help you stay within your budget and avoid overspending. Cash envelopes can also be a fun craft project – you can decorate them however you want!
28. Combine Your Commute
If you and your spouse or roommate have similar work schedules, you can save money by combining your commute. Carpool to work and you can split the cost of gas and parking. This can be a great way to save money, and it’s also good for the environment too.
29. Hack Your Housing
One great way to live well on a small budget is through house hacking. House hacking is when you rent out a room in your home or live in a property that has multiple units and rent out the other units. This can help you cover your mortgage payments or rent, and it can also give you extra income each month.
There are many different ways to hack your housing, but one popular option is to live in an apartment with a roommate and rent out the other bedroom on Airbnb. This can help you cover your rent and also give you some extra income. House hacking won’t work for everyone, but if you can make it work for you it’s a really effective way to make your budget stretch further.
30. Buy Used
Whenever possible, try to buy used items instead of new ones. You can often find great deals on things like furniture, clothes, and electronics. Buying used items is a great way to save money, and it’s also good for the environment.
There are many ways to find good deals on used items. Check out Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, or look for garage sales in your area. You can also check out thrift stores, which are a great place to find gently used items.
31. Treat Yourself With Lunch Specials
If you really want to eat out, you don’t always need to deprive yourself. However, there are ways to save money even when you’re eating out. One of the easiest ways to save money when eating out is to get a lunch special instead of buying dinner. Often, many restaurants will have a special deal for lunch, which is usually a slightly smaller portion for a lower price.
32. Swap To Reusable Menstrual Products
If you’re a woman of menstruating age, there are many ways to save money each month by using reusable menstrual products. There are many different types of reusable menstrual products to choose from, such as cups, pads, and discs. These products can save you money in the long run, and they’re also better for the environment.
If you’re not sure which type of product is right for you, there are many websites and blogs that can offer advice (for example, Period Nirvana. You can also ask your friends or family members for recommendations.
33. Make Your Coffee At Home
If you’re a coffee-lover, you can save a lot of money each month by making your coffee at home instead of buying it from a café. This doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite coffee shop – you can still treat yourself occasionally. But if you’re buying coffee every day, you can save a lot of money by making it at home.
There are many different ways to make coffee at home, and you don’t need to be a barista to make a great cup of coffee. There are many simple and affordable coffee makers available, such as drip coffee makers, French presses, and single-serve coffee makers. You can also find affordable coffee beans at many grocery stores.
34. Find Free Entertainment
One great way to save money is to find free or low-cost entertainment. There are many ways to do this, such as going for a walk in the park, checking out a museum, or going to a free concert or other free events. There are also many websites and apps that offer discounts on entertainment, such as Groupon.
35. Sell Unused Items
If you have any unused items around your house, you can sell them to earn some extra cash. There are many different ways to do this, such as having a garage sale, listing items on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, or selling items online. You can also take unused items to a consignment store.
36. Skip The Salon And Do It Yourself
If you’re looking to save money on beauty products and services, one great way to do it is to skip the salon and do it yourself. There are many beauty products and services that you can do at home, such as painting your own nails, doing your own hair, and doing your own makeup.
There are many websites and YouTube channels that offer tips and tutorials on how to do your own beauty products and services. And, of course, you can always ask your friends or family members for help. With a little bit of effort, you can easily save money each month.
37. Shop Around For Your Phone And Internet Plans
If you’re looking to save money on your phone and internet plans, it’s important to shop around and compare different providers. There are many different phone and internet providers out there, so it’s important to find the one that best suits your needs.
You can compare different providers by looking at their prices, features, and reviews. Once you’ve found the right provider, you can sign up for a plan that best suits your needs. Swapping providers is a great way to save money on your monthly expenses.
38. Have Movie Nights At Home
If you’re a movie lover, one great way to save money is to have a movie night at home instead of going to the cinema. You can either rent or purchase movies to watch at home, and you can even invite your friends over to join in on the fun. Another bonus is that you can save a lot of money by making your own snacks instead of shopping at the concession stand.
39. Consolidate Errands
If you have a lot of errands to run, you can save time and money by consolidating them into one trip. For example, if you need to go to the grocery store, the post office, and the bank, you can save time and money by doing all three errands in one trip. This is a great way to save money on gas and other transportation costs. And, of course, it’s also a great way to save time.
40. Cancel Your Unused Gym Membership
If you have a gym membership that you never use, it’s time to cancel it. There’s no point in paying for a membership that you’re not using, and you can save a lot of money each month by canceling your unused membership. There are many other ways to get exercise, such as going for a walk, running, or biking. And, of course, you can always exercise at home.
41. Move To A Cheaper Home Or Apartment
If you’re looking to save money, one great way to do it is to move to a cheaper home or apartment. This can be a great way to save money on your rent or mortgage, and it can also help you save on other expenses, such as utilities. Of course, this is a big decision, so it’s important to make sure that you’re comfortable with the change.
42. Downsize Your Car
If you have a car that’s too big for your needs, it might be time to downsize. A smaller car will save you money on gas and other expenses, and it will be easier to park and maneuver. Buying a cheaper car can also save you a lot of money each month if you have a car payment. While you’re at it, avoid buying a new car as new cars lose a ton of value as soon as you drive them off the lot.
43. Join Your Local Library
If you love to read, one great way to save money is to join your local library. You can check out books, movies, and other materials for free, and you can also attend events that the library offers. This is a great way to save money on entertainment and education. And, of course, it’s also a great way to support your local library.
44. Switch To Homemade
One of the best ways to save money is to start making homemade products. Think about what you use around the house that you can make yourself. For example, you can make your own laundry detergent, cleaning products, and beauty products. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also be able to avoid harmful chemicals.
45. Start An Emergency Fund
One of the best ways to save money is to start an emergency fund. This way, if you ever have an unexpected expense, you’ll be able to cover it without going into debt. You can start your emergency fund with just a few dollars each week, and you’ll be surprised how quickly it grows. And, of course, having an emergency fund will give you peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared for anything.
46. Up Your Mortgage Payment
If you own a home, one great way to save money is to up your mortgage payment. By doing this, you’ll be able to pay off your mortgage faster, and you’ll save a lot of money in interest. Even if it’s only a small extra payment, it can add up over the life of your mortgage.
47. Learn To DIY
If you’re looking to save money, one of the best things you can do is learn to DIY. There are many things that you can do yourself, such as painting, repairs, and even home improvement projects. By learning to do things yourself, you can save a lot of money that you would otherwise spend on hiring someone to do it for you.
48. Find A Way To Increase Your Income
If you’re looking to save money, one of the best things you can do is find a way to increase your income – especially if you’re on a low income. This can be done by getting a better-paying job, starting a side hustle, or even investing in real estate. By increasing your income, you’ll be able to save more money each month, and you’ll be on your way to financial freedom.
49. Start A Capsule Wardrobe
If you’re looking to save money, one great way to do it is to start a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of clothing that you can mix and match to create a variety of looks. This is a great way to save money on clothing because you won’t need to buy as many items. It’s also a great way to simplify your life as you’ll have less clutter in your closet.
50. Prioritize The Important Things (And Cut The Rest)
When you’re trying to save money, it’s important to prioritize the things that are most important to you. For example, if you want to travel, you might need to cut back on other expenses in order to save for your trip. Or, if you have a family, you might need to prioritize your budget so that you can provide for your family. Whatever you do, make sure you’re clear about your priorities so that you can save money effectively.
One of the best ways to save money is to live below your means. This means spending less than you earn each month. When you do this, you’ll be able to put more money into savings or investments, and you’ll be on your way to financial freedom.
51. Take A Staycation
If you’re looking to save money, one great way to do it is to take a staycation. This is where you stay home and enjoy your local area. This is a great way to save money on travel and accommodation costs. And, it’s also a great way to enjoy some quality time with your family and friends.
Final Thoughts
Living on a small budget doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, there are many ways that you can live big for less. By following the tips and tricks in this post, you’ll be on your way to saving money and living the life you want.