25 Ways to Save More without Feeling Deprived
- Susan Kelly
- May 19
- 3 min read
I didn’t overhaul my finances with one big, dramatic move. It was the small stuff; simple, repeatable habits that added up over time. These are the little changes that helped me save without feeling deprived. Try a few and see what works best for you!
Food & Grocery Habits
Meal plan once a week. It keeps me sane and saves me from the “what’s for dinner?” panic that often leads to takeout. It also helps with meal prep, allowing me to watch what I eat.
Shop for groceries with a list. You need to stick to the list, though. The list helps fight against the temptation to shop in the snack aisle.
Buy in bulk (when it makes sense). This can be a trap, though. Only buy in bulk if it makes sense for your family. Buying food in bulk that you won’t end up eating will cost you more in the long run.
Cook at home more often. This doesn’t have to be fancy; it just has to be intentional. The crockpot is a great way to have your dinner ready when you get home.
Make coffee at home. I love my French press to make quality coffee at home.
Use what you already have before buying more. Dig through the freezer and try to use what you have on hand before buying more.
Limit food waste. Leftovers = tomorrow’s lunch.
Shop generic brands. Especially with the high cost of groceries, it pays to opt for generic brands when possible.
Keep snacks and meals prepped.
Do a pantry challenge. As with the freezer, use up what’s already in your cabinets before grocery shopping again.
Money Habits
Track spending. Awareness is the first step. Take the time to see where your money goes each month.
Create a flexible budget that is not punishing. Especially when starting out, don’t stress if your budget isn't overly strict. Aim to improve over time. When you see results, you will want to try to save more.
Set financial goals that excite you. A weekend getaway, going out for a nice dinner on the weekend, or saving for the long haul to buy a house. Find your purpose.
Celebrate small wins. Paid off a credit card? Nice! Celebrate the win.
Ask “Do I need this?” before every purchase. It’s a simple pause that works.
Avoid shopping when bored or stressed. Emotional spending is a real thing.
Unsubscribe from promo emails.
Wait 24 hours before making non-essential purchases. This is great for impulsive shoppers like me.
Automate savings. One less thing to think about, and it adds up fast.
Keep a visual reminder of your “why.” A beach photo on my fridge reminds me of what I’m saving for.
Prepping your meals ahead of time is an effective way to stay on budget.
Home & Utility Habits
Use less energy. Turn off lights, unplug unused devices, and run full loads in the dishwasher.
Adjust the thermostat. Just a degree or two can make a big difference.
DIY minor repairs. YouTube is a great resource for learning how to DIY minor home repairs.
Cancel subscriptions you may have forgotten. Most of us have subscribed to services and forgotten about them at some point. Track them and cancel if you don’t use them consistently.
Maintain appliances and cars. It’s cheaper than fixing or replacing them later.
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