Saving money each month requires taking action, but those actions don't have to be
difficult. Try these 10 achievable mini-challenges to keep more cash in your pocket while staying on top of your finances.
1. Plan Your Meals. Invest 15 minutes planning out meals for the week. Create a shopping list based on what you already have at home. Avoid impulse buys and food waste by sticking to your list.
Bonus: Cook extra and turn leftovers into lunch or a ready-made dinner for next week.
2. Shop Your Pantry First. Before heading to the store, turn pantry diving into a treasure hunt. Challenge yourself to create meals with what you already
have in your pantry, fridge, and freezer. You might be surprised by the creative dishes you can whip up.
3. Automate Savings. Turn saving money into a set-it-and-forget-it game. Set up an automatic transfer of $25 each week from your checking to your savings account. Watch your savings grow
effortlessly.
Can't do $25 a week? That's OK. Save $5 a week. It helps you get into the practice of saving and you could always increase later.
4. Declutter and Sell Unused Items. Explore closets, drawers, and shelves for items you no longer use—clothing, gadgets, or decor. Sell them on Facebook Marketplace or eBay.
5. Cancel Unused Subscriptions. Scan your bank statement for
recurring charges. Cut out unused services. A few weeks ago, when I received my cable bill in the mail, I decided to call them to see what they could do to reduce my bill. They were able to do so easily, without reducing any of my current services. Call the cable company, cell phone carrier, streaming radio service, etc. and see if they can offer you a reduced rate.
6. No Eat Out Days (Including Coffee) Challenge yourself to avoid dining out or grabbing coffee on the go for a month. Eat homemade meals and drinks from home instead. This one simple habit could save you $100—or even more—all by itself!
My daughter bought me a Nespresso this past Christmas. I love it and haven't purchased one single coffee out
since. 7. Switch to Generic Brands. Try store brands instead of name brands. The quality is often the same, but the savings can really stack up—sometimes cutting your bill by 20% or more.
8. DIY Cleaning Supplies: Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice can be transformed into DIY cleaning products that work wonders. You'll slash your cleaning budget while keeping things sparkling.
9. Track Your Spending for Awareness. Get a clear picture of where
your money is going. Keep a small notebook or use a budgeting app to record every purchase for a week. Seeing your spending habits laid out can be eye-opening and help you identify areas where you can cut back. Set aside the money you might have saved for a future goal.
10. Adjust Your Thermostat. Challenge yourself to tweak your thermostat just a few degrees. Small changes can bring big results on your energy bill,
By taking on these tiny, achievable challenges, saving $100 this
month can be a fun and rewarding experience. Pick a few from this list and start today—your wallet (and your sense of accomplishment) will thank you!
