6 Lifestyle Changes that can Save You Money

Often, when we think about saving money, we think of things like clipping coupons or shopping sales. However, the way you live your life can make a difference in how much you spend on a regular basis.

Your lifestyle largely determines how much money you spend and how much you can save. Here are six lifestyle changes that you can make to help you continually spend less money:

1. Borrow, Don’t Buy

In many cases, borrowing can help you save money in the long run. Whether you borrow books from the library or borrow lawn equipment from a neighbor, you can save money by borrowing. There are a number of items out there that you buy or rent (for one-time projects), and save money over time.

2. Drink Less

You might be surprised at how much alcohol can cost you. Drink less, and you will save more. And this applies to more than just alcohol. Start drinking more water, and you will save money on soda costs and other beverage expenses. Whether you are at a restaurant or at home, what you drink matters.

Lifestyle changes like cooking at home3. Cook More

Instead of buying so much processed food or prepared food (like pre-cubed cheese or pre-cut fruit), consider cooking at home more. When you prepare more of your own food, you spend less. Plus, you’ll be healthier since you won’t be eating so much food that is high in sodium and sugar. Create a meal plan and shop with a list. Plan ahead and use slow cooker or easy-to-make recipes, and you’ll save money on your grocery bill while eating better than you imagined.

4. Be Your Own Daycare

One way to save on costs is to have someone stay home with the kids. This doesn’t mean that one of you has to give up a job. You can find out about telecommuting options. Even if you can work from home two days a week, that’s a little bit saved on paying someone else to watch your kids. Consider your options, and see if you can save money if you can be home more.

5. Learn to DIY

There are a number of projects that you can do on your own to save money. If you don’t mind sacrificing the time, it’s possible for you to do any number of things on your own. Have your partner cut your hair. Learn to fix minor problems on your own. Don’t hire someone to do something you can do yourself. Learn to do it yourself, and you will be surprised at how much you can save, and how good it feels to accomplish something on your own.

6. Improve Your Health

A healthier life is a less expensive life. You will have few expensive health problems if you work on your health. Many conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, and sometimes even cancer, can be staved off if you make an effort to be healthy. Eat better, exercise more, and get enough sleep, and you will live healthier, and likely have fewer costs. While there’s no way to guarantee that you’ll never be sick, you can improve your overall health, and reduce the chance of an expensive illness, if you take steps to live better.

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There are 7 comments to "6 Lifestyle Changes that can Save You Money".

  1. Savvy Scot says 11 December 2012 at 07:37

    Number 2 is an excellent point – drinking alcohol costs a freaking fortune!!!

  2. Save Big, Live Better! says 11 December 2012 at 10:35

    So simple, but no one ever thinks of these little things that can make a HUGE difference!
    You really have to stop and do the math and sometimes the things you would have never thought possible (ie someone staying home instead of paying for daycare) start to make more sense!
    Thanks:)

  3. Mandy @MoneyMasterMom says 11 December 2012 at 11:01

    Hey Tommy, do you have kids? I`m currently home with three kids and there is NO WAY that I`d be able to telecommute and watch them at the same time. Unless you plan on leaving your baby in the crib for the day, or letter the TV babysit your kids, I have to dispute number 4. Maybe you could be your own daycare if your boss was willing to change your shift so you could trade off with a spouse. Although this method is pretty tough on a marriage as you never see eachother 🙂

    • Tom says 12 December 2012 at 23:44

      I have two kids, and my wife stays home to care for them. It’s not easy living on one income, but the cost of daycare would have wiped out most of her pay anyways.

      At my job, we have had people switch to part time to earn some income while still being able to be with their children more often… only working 2-3 days a week instead of 5.

  4. Mandy @MoneyMasterMom says 11 December 2012 at 11:02

    Sorry I should`ve mentioned the other 5 tips are pretty awesome at saving some cash. haha Save cash with those 5 to pay for daycare 🙂

  5. David @ Alberta bankruptcy says 12 December 2012 at 17:37

    These are fundamentals that we have to live with. If we can save money by undergoing these lifestyle changes, then by all means, go with this important transformation. Nice pointers, Tom.

  6. Ross says 13 December 2012 at 18:06

    I was so surprised at how much money I saved once I quit drinking! You end up spending a ton of money when you are out at bars with your friends and get a round for your friends. This one lifestyle change has paid dividends for my health and my finances.

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