20 Unique Ways to Save Money

Are you inundated with debt? Do you constantly worry about your financial circumstances or stress about paying the bills? Well, you’re definitely not alone.
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Millions of people are uncertain about their finances and struggle with student loan and credit card debt. However, there is a way to overcome your financial problems. It all starts with a little positivity and creative ways of saving money. ​

The following is a list of 20 unique ways that are sure to help you save money. Now, we understand that this list is somewhat long, but that’s a good thing. You don’t have to do every item on this list. Simply read through it and choose which savings methods work best for you and your financial situation.

20 Unique Ways to Save Money

1.Have a Yard Sale
Having a yard sale isn’t really saving money, but it’s a way you can put dollars back into your pocket. Start by cleaning out your closets and collecting clothes, shoes, and accessories that you haven’t worn in a while or that no longer fit. If you don’t want the hassle of having a yard sale, then post them for sale on eBay or Craigslist.

2. Switch to LED Lighting
Yes, LED light bulbs are more expensive, but these energy-efficient wonders use considerably less electricity and can last for several years without needing to be replaced.

3. Go DIY
Thanks to YouTube and Pinterest, it’s never been easier to do things yourself. Whether it’s minor home repairs or making personalized gifts for your loved ones, doing things yourself is always cheaper than paying someone to do it for you.

4. Cancel Gym Memberships
How often do you work-out? If you rarely see the inside of your gym, it’s probably best to cancel the membership. Instead, try working out at home or at the park. It’s free and you’re still getting in a good workout.

5. Cook at Home
Cooking your meals at home is one of the easiest ways that you can save a few bucks. The costs of eating out, even if it’s cheap fast food, quickly add up. Take time over the weekend to plan your meals for the up-and-coming week. Your wallet and your waistline will thank you.

6. Cancel Subscription Services
Subscription services are new and improved. From beauty box services to video games and movies, there’s a subscription service for just about everything. If you’re like most people, you’re subscribed to several different services. To save money downsize to the services that you need or use regularly. Do you really need a subscription to Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime?

7. Take Your Lunch to Work
Going out for lunch is disastrous for a budget. To save some money, do your best to pack your lunch. At least for a few days out of the week.

8. Entertain at Home
Do you have an active social life? If so, then you know that the expenses of going out with friends add up quickly. If you’re on a budget, it’s best to entertain at home. Instead of going out, try staying home and hosting a game or movie night.

9. Lower Living Costs
Do you live in a major city? Although the glitz and glam of the big city can be alluring, if you’re struggling with debt, it may be time to consider relocating to a smaller city or even another state where you can benefit from a lower cost of living.

10. Grow Your Own Veggies
You don’t need to be a farmer to grow a few vegetables in your backyard. Tomatoes, lettuce, green beans, carrots, and spinach can easily be grown with little to no gardening experience. ​

11. Take the Bus
Utilizing public transportation is another way you can save a bit of money, especially if you work downtown and pay for parking. Taking the bus or train to work not only saves you money on parking, but you’ll save on fuel and your vehicle won’t require as much maintenance because you’re using it less.

12. Buy in Bulk
Think about how often you buy certain things for your home, such as toilet paper, paper towels, and laundry soap. You must buy these items regularly. So, why not buy them in bulk? You’ll always have a good supply on hand and buying in bulk will save you money in the long run.

13. Get Inspired
Why do you want to save money? Do you want to eliminate debt? Perhaps you want to save for retirement. Thinking about the reasons why you want to save money can inspire you to make changes in your spending habits.

14. Embrace Vegetarianism
We’re not promoting vegetarianism for ethical reasons, but eating less meat can save you a few bucks on your grocery bill. Meat is more expensive than other sources of protein such as beans and nuts. You don’t have to give up meat entirely, but simply cutting meat from your meals once or twice a week can save you hundreds.

15. Use Coupons
Couponing is popular nowadays. Extreme coupon clippers have saved thousands on groceries and household items. There are several blogs and YouTube channels dedicated to the art of couponing. Do some research and develop your own couponing method.

16. Downscale Your Cable Package
Cable companies often entice new subscribers with special offers on their premium packages. However, do you really need all those movie channels? Check with your cable or satellite company to see if there are cheaper packages available.

17. Revoke Online Account Access
Think about how many online accounts have your credit card information stored. It makes it easy to shop when you simply have to click once to make a purchase. The best way to prevent this frivolous spending is to delete your credit card information. Chances are you won’t make as many purchases if you must get up and retrieve your wallet.

18. Compare Prices
Never make a purchase without comparing prices at other stores. There’s nothing worse than making a purchase and then finding the same thing cheaper at another store or online. Prevent buyer’s remorse and save money by researching all your major purchases.

19. Stop Bad Habits
Bad habits such as smoking are disastrous for both your health and wallet. Smoking is a very expensive habit. Simply quitting smoking could put hundreds back into your pocket every month, plus it will add years to your life.

20. Learn to Sew
Have you ever thrown away clothes because of a missing button or a hole? Well, the frugal thing to do would be to mend the clothing yourself. You don’t need to know how to knit a quilt, but learning how to sew on a button or patch a pair of jeans is another way you can save a bit of money.

Do you have anything to add to this list on ways to save money?  We would love to hear from you.  Leave a comment below.