25 Ways to Spend Less to Save More

Do you know how much you spend on streaming services, groceries or eating out each month? There are many potential ways to save money once you start thinking about it. It's a matter of finding what works for you and your lifestyle.

1. Create a budget and track your spending.
2. Make coffee or specialty drinks at home. Keep in mind creamers and syrups will add costs at home, too.
3. Use what you have before buying more. How often have you thrown away that ketchup container without scraping the bottom? Over time, this can add up.
4. Change your social media habits to avoid posts that promote spending. These tend to put you in a spending mode. This will happen over time as you pay more attention to posts in other areas of your life.
5. Reuse holiday decorations instead of buying new ones each year.
6. Eat out less, reduce convenience foods and cook more meals at home. There are a lot of good recipes for simple, inexpensive and healthy meals that don't require hours in the kitchen.
7. Join buy nothing groups on social media. People post in these groups when they don't use something anymore and want it to go to a good home, often at not cost. Search "Buy Nothing" on Facebook to find one near you. Many communities also have lending groups, such as the Sioux Falls Tool Library, so you don't have to buy things you only use once in a while.
8. Wait before you buy. For smaller purchases, it's a good idea to wait at lest 24 hours. For bigger purchases, you may want to wait up to 30 days to make sure you really need it.
9. Make a list before you go shopping to help you avoid impulse purchases.
10. Pack a lunch or go home to eat. A recent study found employees spend on average $2,774 a year on fast-food work lunches.
11. Always bring snacks, especially on a road trip to help avoid impulse purchases when you get gas.
12. Find free activities for your family.
13. Look for free or discount days for entertainment venues.
14. Use the library vs. buying new books and games.
15. Take a year to stay close to home for vacation.
16. Audit your streaming services and cancel what you don't use. Bonus savings: cancel them all during the summer and challenge yourself to do something else.
17. Review automatic subscriptions and cancel the ones you forgot about.
18. Look for used things first. Refurbished technology, used appliances, furniture and clothing are a few examples.
19. Save on energy: turn the thermostat down (or up in the summer), turn off lights and invest in energy-efficient appliances.
20. Buy in bulk for things you use regularly, such as toilet paper or napkins. But stick to what you need vs. want when at the bulk store.
21. Drink filtered tap water instead of pricey specialty waters, sodas, juices and sugary energy drinks. The cost of these can really add up. Filtered water is healthier, too!
22. Do it yourself if you're able. Yard maintenance, home repairs and making clothing are a few examples of DIY things that help you save.
23. You can save on average $1,000 yearly if you vape or $4,000 yearly if you smoke one pack a day by kicking the habit.
24. Carpool, walk, bike or ride the bus. It's not always possible but if it works it's a great way to save.
25. Work toward improving your credit score. People with a higher credit score typically receive lower interest rates on loans and mortgages. Refinancing or consolidating debt can also be a money saver. However, be sure to consult with a financial expert. Fees and closing costs sometimes end up costing you more than you save.