Apps & Digital Services
- Cancel apps you no longer use.
- Pre-load apps as part of your budget.
- Delete online shopping apps (i.e., Target, Amazon) to avoid the temptation.
- Cut back on streaming services.
Shopping
- Instead of buying things in the moment, use the store's app or website to allow you to think before buying.
- Eliminate “Convenience Spending” by committing to not use certain services for a period of time (i.e., Door Dash, Insta Cart).
- Buy One, Lose One: Sell items before buying new ones.
- Involve children early in shopping and costs.
- Sleep on large purchases and if married, set a $ limit not to exceed before spending.
- If married, discuss and agree on values and what to spend on (i.e., hair).
- Break-even mentality: Not spending all.
- Use brand-affiliated credit cards (for benefits, discounts, rewards – but pay them off).
Meals
- Eliminate food waste by using old veggies in soup or a stir-fry.
- Have a special night to go out and go “all out”, then cook at home the rest of the week.
Financial Accounts
- Start paying a “car” payment into an account and buy the car with cash saved vs. financing. The side benefit is that the account can serve as an emergency fund.
- Invest $ into your retirement account, especially if your employer provides a match.
- Set up a joint account for balancing frugal fatigue.
- If married and you have separate bank accounts, allocate a portion to a joint savings account on a regular basis.
Other
- Use mail envelopes that have no writing on them for scratch paper.
- Use both sides of printer paper.