Do you want to learn how to spend less and save more money? In this article, I'll share ways you can trick yourself into saving money by being frugal.
Everyone wants to make extra money or spend less money a month, but it can be difficult to know where to start.
The best part about this article?
A lot of these money hacks to spend less require no effort at all.
I get it. Life happens.
Sometimes you need to spend less money on groceries and save more. You don’t want to fall behind on your savings goals and are wondering how to save money fast. Sure, another 200 dollars in your savings account each month sounds great.
We’ve all been there, but what do you usually do when that happens?
This is an exhaustive list of things that anyone can do, today, in order to save money by being more frugal.
Frugal living refers to a way of life that is designed to keep you out of debt and living below your means.
It is a way of life that enables you to spend as little as possible and use the extra cash to pay down debt, take a vacation that you always wanted, or use your free time to spend quality time with your loved ones.
If you're strapped for time, I'll go ahead and share some examples of some major changes you can make to your life in order to adopt a more frugal living lifestyle.
How Does Spending Less Money Work?
Spending less money works when you end up spending less money than you earn and you save, and ideally invest the difference. You really do have more options open to you when living a more frugal lifestyle. There are many ways that you can find ways to save even if you are suffering from cripping debt.
How to Save More and Spend Less
Becoming frugal stems from simple lifestyle changes such as not cutting the gym membership and exercising at home or bigger commitments such as cutting down to one car for a single household.
In today's economy when wages are falling and product prices rising, what will a frugal person dо?
Try to save for the future, of course.
I'm sharing examples of some changes you can make in your spending life in order to save more and spend less.
Actionable Steps to Take to Spend Less Money
Not feeling so fiscally smart lately? Even if you have some bad spending habits, by reading this list you can set yourself up for success. Start today, not tomorrow in order to get a financial cleanse.
Who knows – you may be able to put that saved money towards that dream vacation at the end of the season, pay off looming debt or save up for an emergency fund. Below are six steps on how to go about it.
1. Track your spending.
While it may sound tedious, start by monitoring your spending. This will help you see where your money is going and pinpoint any “money pits,” areas in your budget where you’re spending too much and finding ways to save.
These days, there are plenty of great budgeting apps such as Empower, which is at your disposal to make it easy. While tracking your spending gives you information on your spending woes and saving wins, it’s putting the work into changing your habits so you become a successful saver that makes the ultimate difference.
- Plan smarter, retire sooner—Empower helps you optimize your investments for free.
- Maximize your retirement with tools like Monte Carlo simulations and portfolio tracking.
- Take control of your future—get personalized insights to grow your savings.
2. Take inventory of what you have.
While taking inventory of your possessions, use it as an opportunity to do some decluttering. It’s a great way to see firsthand how much stuff you end up not using and can stop you from buying stuff you don’t need.
To start your purge, you can apply Marie Kondo’s ever-popular KonMari Method. Make sure you get rid of stuff shortly after you’ve decided to toss or donate it. Otherwise, you may find yourself having second thoughts.
3. Go on a digital cleanse.
The Internet can be a huge gateway to impulse shopping. Sometimes all it takes is an email notification to pop up about a flash sale to trigger an impulse buy. To curb buying things you don’t need, Flanders suggests unsubscribing from your favorite stores’ email newsletters and unfollowing them on social media.
Be sure to also unsubscribe from lifestyle blogs, as they can also create unnecessary material wants. “Don’t feel bad about it—even if you know the store owner,” says Flanders. “You need to remove all temptations.”
4. Keep a list of your spending regrets.
We’ve all experienced buyer’s remorse at one time or another. We would suggest creating a list of recent purchases you regret. Keeping this list in your wallet or on your phone to serve as a reminder will help you from continuing the same habits.
It’ll also help give some insight into when you made emotional purchases and impulse buys. Were there certain times during the past year where you were going through a difficult time in your life, such as stress on the job or a bad breakup, and splurged to boost your mood? Or maybe you tend to fall prey to super sales? By pinpointing circumstances that caused you to make these purchases, you may think twice the next time.
5. Go on a fiscal fast.
To help you change your bad money habits, you can go on a “fiscal fast,” which is when you stop spending money for a week. This forces you to make do with items you already have in your home. You can turn it into a group event, where you do it with your family, friends, or co-workers.
Once you’ve completed your fiscal fast, you may find out that there’s a lot you can do without. It can also help you realize that a lot of the time we may spend out of habit and not from necessity. You can do this once or twice a year for a week or commit to a longer amount of time.
6. Stay accountable.
During your financial cleanse, you may find it difficult at times to stay on track. If you’re determined to stick to your financial cleanse, stay accountable by partnering with a friend or making an agreement with someone. Besides support, your friend can also offer you financial tips. If you fall off the bandwagon and relapse into a bad habit, don’t be too hard on yourself. It happens to the best of us. Just recommit to your goals create checkpoints to help you along.
Going on a financial cleanse will help you develop a better relationship with your money and develop saving habits. By going through a cleanse, it will put you back the driver’s seat so you can take control of your finances.
7. Move into a smaller home.
Just because you can afford to live in a larger home doesn't mean that you should.
Many of us think that we need the added space that a larger home brings us. In fact, if we got rid of useless clutter and things we don't use, then a smaller home would be more suitable. You always would save money in the long run because a smaller home will cost you less, saving you money.
You don't have to move into a tiny home, but if you are a family household of three, then living in a 6000 square foot home doesn't really make sense.
8. Try renting instead of buying.
This is a split opinion amongst most as many people believe that buying a home is a better investment than renting. However, if you calculate the interest that you are paying on a mortgage as well of the costs of insurance and maintenance, it works out to be a lot more expensive in the long run. You can see for yourself in this renting vs buying calculator.
9. Cancel cable subscriptions.
Do you actually use all the stations that come in your cable package? Odds are that you don't and you are wasting money. By getting rid of cable subscriptions you can save a to over the years.
In a practical ѕеnѕе mаnу оf uѕ are nоt in a position to fully cut the cord but you can always find cable alternatives or even try and get free cable TV.
10. Look around before buying.
Before you make any big purchases consider asking friends or family members if they have the item and aren't using it before you buy a new one. Next, you can even check consignment shops or use local selling apps to see if anyone is selling a used one. Every penny counts when you are trying to live frugally.
11. Eat out less.
Restaurants and even food delivery services аrе еxреnѕіvе and mаnу of us dоn't realize hоw muсh wе are spending each year on this expense. Consider meal prepping for the week or even learn how you can get cheaper or free food.
12. Quick smoking/drink in moderation.
This sounds like an extremely challenging change but just think about the money you would be saving over the years by quitting. In fact, SmokeFree.gov has added a calculator to its website that shows smokers how much money they can save if they kick the habit. You can save $1,934.50 a year based on smoking 20 cigarettes a day, or one pack, at the national average price of $5.31 per pack.
13. Stop impulse purchases.
Look for easy ways to stop impulse buys. Before making an impulse purchase, think to yourself, is this something I actually need? If it is, take your time doing research to see if you can find the item at a discount. For online shopping, consider using cash backs apps like the Rakuten app which can help you find deals and discounts.
14. Trim your car expenses.
According to a recent study, the average vehicle costs $9,576 per year to own and operate. Choosing to be frugal means finding ways to save in every aspect of your life, your car included. You probably are already very thrifty with expenses but you can still use gas rebate apps or get free air for your tires because every penny adds up.
If you want to take control of your financial life and be more frugal then be mindful of your car expenses.
15. Leave the credit card at home.
Another trick (and probably the most obvious) is to just leave that credit card at home. This can help you by no longer adding more debt on your card, instead, you can work towards paying it off. You'll be surprised at how much weight is lifted off your shoulders each time you make payment. It actually feels better than shopping does (You won't believe it until you do it!). If it helps, you can even consider cutting up your credit cards to prevent yourself from overspending.
16. Remove yourself from unhealthy situations.
Lastly, you can remove yourself from any situation which is unhealthy for your bank account. Whether it’s the company you keep, the job you hold, or the lifestyle you are living, there are often changes you can make to reduce your spending and live more frugally.
How to Use Tricks to Save Money
Here are some nifty money hacks that you can use to help you save even more money. Some of them even allow you earn free cash (not kidding!).
Investing in fractional shares lets you start small and diversify your investments without needing a lot of money upfront. This approach allows you to own pieces of expensive stocks with just a few dollars, helping you spread your risk across different companies.
By investing in a variety of stocks, even in small amounts, you can potentially grow your money over time as these companies grow, making it an effective way to save and invest even with limited funds. If you want to get started, you can check the best fractional share brokerages.
18. Start saving — without much effort.
Rocket Money is the ultimate tool for managing your money effortlessly. From tracking your spending to canceling unwanted subscriptions, Rocket Money helps you save money, stay organized, and reach your financial goals—all in one easy-to-use app.
Here’s why Rocket Money is a game-changer:
- Find Hidden Savings: Identify subscriptions you don’t use and cancel them with one tap.
- Automatic Budgeting: Track your spending and create budgets that actually work for you.
- Lower Your Bills: Let Rocket Money negotiate better rates on your internet, cable, and more.
Most users save hundreds in their first few months—and all it takes is a quick setup. Imagine having a financial assistant in your pocket that makes saving money and staying on track completely effortless.
Sign up for Rocket Money today and start saving instantly.
- Helps lower your internet, phone, and cable bills automatically
- Trusted by over 5 million users to cut monthly expenses
- Contacts providers to find discounts and hidden savings
- Saves users an average of $300 per year
- Charges no upfront fees — you only pay if they save you money (40% of the savings)
- Tracks and cancels unused subscriptions effortlessly
19. Get paid to start investing — with a $20 bonus.
With Acorns, you can start investing automatically. CNBC calls it “the new millennial investing strategy,” and it’s easy to see why. Once you connect the app to your debit or credit card, it rounds up your purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the spare change into a diversified portfolio.
Here’s why this app is a game-changer: Let’s say you invest just $100 a month. Over 30 years, that could grow to $150,029 with an 8% average annual return. Your money doesn’t just sit there—it grows.
Acorns makes it simple to build wealth, even if you’re starting small. I gave it a try, and in just a year, I had over $1,394 in my account—all from spare change and small deposits.
Sign up today and get a $20 bonus to kickstart your journey. The sooner you start, the sooner your money starts working for you.
Don’t wait—join millions already growing their wealth with Acorns. It’s hands-free, stress-free investing that actually works.
- Get a $20 bonus when you start investing with Acorns today!
- Grow your wealth effortlessly—Acorns invests your spare change automatically.
- Build your portfolio with dividend-earning investments made simple.
20. Get paid to take surveys.
Survey Junkie is one of the easiest and most trusted platforms to earn real money online. By sharing your thoughts on products, services, and experiences, you’ll earn rewards you can cash out via PayPal, gift cards, or direct deposits.
Here’s why Survey Junkie is a favorite:
- Quick Payments: Cash out as soon as you hit $5.
- Real Money, Fast: Earn up to $3 per survey with straightforward tasks.
- Flexible Schedule: Complete surveys anytime, anywhere—it’s perfect for your downtime.
Survey Junkie is the simple way to turn your free time into extra cash, whether you're waiting in line, on a lunch break, or just relaxing at home.
Sign up for Survey Junkie today and start earning instantly!
Survey Junkie is one of the highest-paying survey sites available. Complete three or more surveys a day, and you can earn as much as $100 monthly. With $76 Million paid out to date, Survey Junkie is one of the best survey sites available.
21. Earn free gift cards while watching tv.
Swagbucks is one of the easiest ways to make extra money online by doing everyday activities. From taking surveys to watching videos, shopping online, and playing games, Swagbucks rewards you for the things you’re already doing.
Here’s why Swagbucks is a favorite:
- Generous Rewards: Earn points (called SB) that you can redeem for PayPal cash or gift cards to top brands like Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
- Easy to Start: Get a $10 welcome bonus just for signing up and making your first purchase.
- Flexible Earning: Take surveys, search the web, shop online, or even discover new apps—all on your schedule.
With millions of dollars paid out to users, Swagbucks is a legit way to earn real money. Most members cash out their first reward within days of joining!
Sign up today and claim your $10 bonus.
- Earn points by taking surveys, playing games, and shopping online
- Redeem rewards like PayPal cash or gift cards to top brands
- Join millions who’ve earned over $800 million with Swagbucks
22. Get paid to watch videos & collect your $5 right now.
InboxDollars rewards you with real cash for completing simple, everyday activities like taking surveys, watching videos, reading emails, and even playing games. It’s one of the most popular platforms for earning money online, and it’s super easy to use.
Here’s why InboxDollars stands out:
- Real Cash Rewards: No points or tokens—your earnings are in dollars.
- Variety of Activities: Choose how you want to earn—surveys, videos, shopping, and more.
- $5 Welcome Bonus: Get rewarded just for signing up!
Imagine earning extra cash in your spare time while doing things you already enjoy. InboxDollars has paid out millions to its members, and you could be next.
Sign up today and claim your $5 bonus.
- Earn real cash by taking surveys, playing games, and watching videos
- Get paid directly via PayPal or gift cards for your activities
- Join millions of users turning their free time into extra money
24. Let Nielsen learn about your internet usage.
Nielsen Mobile Panel makes earning extra cash effortless. Simply install the app on your phone, and Nielsen will pay you for sharing anonymous data about how you use the internet. No surveys, no tasks—just passive income while you go about your day.
Here’s why Nielsen Mobile Panel is a must-try:
- Hands-Free Earnings: Once the app is installed, you earn without lifting a finger.
- Completely Secure: Your data is anonymized, ensuring your privacy is protected.
- Guaranteed Rewards: Earn points that can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.
By simply keeping the app running, you can start earning passive income effortlessly. It’s one of the easiest ways to make money with zero effort!
Sign up today and start earning with Nielsen Mobile Panel.
This company will pay you $60 a year to keep their app on your favorite internet browsing device and they also give away $10,000 each month. You don’t have to do anything other than initially registering your computer or phone.
25. Collect $1 from Branded Surveys
Branded Surveys is one of the easiest and most trusted ways to earn extra cash online. By taking simple surveys about products, services, and experiences, you can earn points that turn into real money. It’s free to join, and your input actually makes a difference.
Here’s why people love Branded Surveys:
- Quick Cashouts: Redeem points for PayPal cash, gift cards, or direct deposits.
- Generous Rewards: Earn up to $5 per survey and bonus points for consistent participation.
- Work on Your Schedule: Take surveys anytime, anywhere—perfect for your downtime.
Most users cash out their first $10 in just a few days! Imagine earning extra money while watching TV or sipping your morning coffee.
Sign up for Branded Surveys today
Branded Surveys is quickly becoming one of the top survey sites. At up to $5-10 a pop for some surveys and a free 100 points for signing up, it pays to check in daily to see which ones are available to you.
26. Invest in apartments and commercial real estate for as little as $10.
With Fundrise, you can start investing in real estate for as little as $10. Fundrise lets you access a diversified portfolio of high-performing properties—think apartment complexes, commercial buildings, and more—without the hassle of being a landlord.
Here’s why Fundrise is a game-changer:
- Low Barrier to Entry: Start with just $10.
- Steady Returns: Fundrise investors have seen average annual returns between 5-8%.
- Hands-Off Investing: Fundrise does all the work while you sit back and watch your money grow.
Imagine investing consistently over time—your portfolio could grow into something truly life-changing. Fundrise makes it easy to build wealth passively while owning a stake in properties across the U.S.
Sign up today and start building your real estate empire.
- Invest in real estate for as little as $10—no hassle, no huge upfront costs.
- Potential returns of 8-11% annually, backed by a platform with over 2 million investors.
- Build wealth over time by investing in commercial real estate and apartments.
27. Download a money app that gives you $2.
Fetch makes earning rewards effortless. Simply snap a photo of your receipts from any store or restaurant, and Fetch turns them into points you can redeem for gift cards to your favorite brands like Amazon, Target, and Starbucks.
Here’s why Fetch is a no-brainer:
- It works with ANY receipt—no need to chase specific deals or clip coupons.
- It’s fast—just scan, earn, and redeem.
- It adds up—every receipt gets you closer to free rewards.
Imagine scanning a few receipts a week and earning enough points to treat yourself to a free dinner or new gadget. It’s that easy to make your everyday spending work for you!
Sign up for Fetch now and start earning instantly.
- Snap receipts to earn points for every purchase
- Redeem points for gift cards to top stores like Amazon
- Get a $2 bonus with promo code C1JAV
28. Earn money in your downtime.
With Freecash, you can start earning cash fast by completing simple tasks, surveys, and offers—all from the comfort of your phone or computer. It’s one of the highest-rated platforms for making extra money online, and users have already cashed out millions.
Here’s what makes Freecash different: it’s quick, reliable, and rewarding. You can earn points for tasks and redeem them instantly for PayPal cash, gift cards, or even cryptocurrency. Most users report their first payout within minutes of signing up!
Imagine earning just $10 a day with Freecash. Over time, that extra cash could make a huge difference—and the best part is, you’re making money in your spare time, on your own terms.
Sign up today and start earning instantly. With Freecash, it’s never been easier to turn small tasks into big rewards. Don’t miss out—join the thousands already making money every day!
- Earn real money by completing surveys, offers, and testing apps
- Access a constantly updated list of cash-earning opportunities
- Join for free and see why some users earn $100 or more monthly
How to Spend Less, Save More Summary
How you chose to be extremely frugal is up to you and the above tips are merely ideas to help you along the way. There are so many other ways you can start living frugally.
Start living frugally now and you'll end up saving more money, what's not to love?
