Uncommon Ways to Save Money

I start many posts with something along the lines of “I am not an authority on this subject, but here are some ideas...” This post falls into that category. I’ve said before nutrition is a very controversial topic and the subject of money is no different. While I am by no means interested in telling anyone how to spend (or not spend) their money, I do have some experience when it comes to finding ways to save. All of that to say, one can get creative when it comes to pinching pennies. It’s always interesting to hear others’ tips and tricks, so I thought I would share some of my own ideas that may not be quite as common (or popular haha!). Use this as inspiration, not as a list of do’s and don'ts, and get creative!

Saving money around the house…

A long time ago, my husband and I asked for a hair cutting set on our wedding registry. Though it sounds odd, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - that was the best registry item we received! It has saved us hundreds of dollars (and is still going strong eight years later!). Unless you have someone in the family needing a super fancy cut, I highly recommend you learn how to cut your guys’ hair. Yes, it takes a little time to learn, but it is well worth the investment.

Oil changes. I realize not everyone has a husband as mechanic; however, I also know changing the oil in a vehicle does not require a mechanic. This is a simple way to avoid a shop bill and I’m sure there are plenty of YouTube videos out there that can walk you through it. Of course, this is all easy for me to say since the husband does all the vehicle “stuff.” But still, it’s an idea!

This may be the touchiest subject yet - the temperature of your home. Every time I mention in a conversation how warm we keep our house in the summer months, I get quite the reaction. But here’s the thing - it’s still cooler inside than it is outside. You would be surprised how one can become acclimated to slightly warmer or cooler temperatures after a while. You might be even more surprised to hear the difference in our energy bill compared to others’. Even adjusting the thermostat one or two degrees - it can make a difference. I dare you to try it…without complaining:)

Saving money in the pantry…

Before we begin, please note I have an entire blog post dedicated to the topic of saving money at the grocery store. It goes into more detail about how to break down your food budget for your family. Interested? Click here to learn more.

I’m about to step on more toes…We drink water at the house. Gasp. I know. It makes us terrible hosts, because I never think to make sweet tea or grab our guests’ preferred soda when they come over for dinner. Our water only policy at the house saves us money and is better for our health. Every once and a while we’ll get a fancy coffee when we’re in town, but I’ve even started experimenting at home if we’re wanting something special.

We don’t buy snacks. Now, don’t get me wrong - we do snack. But we don’t buy pre-packaged snacks. The main reason is health-related, but also because they can be so stinkin’ expensive. Especially if you want to get the “healthy” kind. Instead of granola bars or chips, we like to make our own trail mix, have breakfast bites on hand, or grab a slice of cheese. There is also always fruit on hand. All that said, I am a really cool mom when I buy a packaged snack at the grocery store (on clearance, of course;).

Saving money outside the home

I’ve added on over the years, but this is all I had when I first started.

Working out. We all know it’s good for us, but I think the assumption is you have to “go to the gym” in order to get in a good workout. As someone who has been working out at home for years now (and in better overall shape than in my college years), I can confidently say you do not need a fully outfitted training center to get fit. Start with a couple sets of dumbbells at home, plus a mat, and maybe a resistance band. Find a program online that suits your needs and get started! I have trained under Lindsey Bomgren at Nourish Move Love for years now and absolutely love it. Everyone’s needs, abilities, and preferences differ, so find the right fit for you - there are plenty of options out there!

Now, I do not want to discourage anyone from supporting their local gym. If you have a found a place that is part of your community and provides you with a support system, that’s great! This home gym message is for those who are paying each month for a few visits without much gain. This is definitely one of those expenses that can be totally worth it or just another payment depending on the circumstances.

Bartering. I love this one. You don’t have to spend money in order to make a transaction. Trading goods or services with an individual is fantastic way to use what you have to the maximum. Maybe you bake amazing cinnamon rolls and trade some with a neighbor for their farm fresh eggs. Offer to mow your neighbor’s yard in exchange for them teaching your child piano. There are no limits when it comes to bartering. Think of something you have to offer, be it a skill or product, and use that as currency. You’ll be amazed at the opportunites out there!

Subscriptions. I’ll admit, this is a pretty easy one for our family since we’re not big TV or music people. And watching sports is not a thing for us either. Wow, we sound boring. Really though, subscriptions can be sneaky. An interruption of a few ads isn’t the end of the world (remember the days of commercials on TV?). This is just a reminder to evaluate what you are paying for each month. Is it serving its purpose or just an added expense without much benefit? If you are looking for free resources, your local library is a great one! The app offers audiobooks, ebooks, movies - you might be surprised just how much they have to offer!

Priorities vs. Payments

Everyone’s situation is different. What we value and how we spend our money will also look different. You might have to get creative (and maybe slightly uncomfortable) but re-evaluating your budget and making a few small changes can make a big difference.