10 Ways To Save Money Without Feeling Deprived
We get it, times are tough. And while saving money is important, that doesn’t mean we have to cut out everything we love. After all, no one wants to feel like they’re pinching pennies so hard that life begins to lose its spark. The key isn’t deprivation; it’s making smarter choices so you can still enjoy what you love without wrecking your budget.
With a few smart tweaks, you can keep more cash in your pocket without feeling like you’re missing out. Here are 10 easy ways to save while still enjoying life.
1. Cook at Home More
Eating out drains your wallet fast, but that doesn’t mean you have to be stuck with bland or unhealthy meals. To avoid getting stuck in a rut, consider trying out new recipes or recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home. Meal prepping saves time and money, and you’ll likely eat healthier, too. Plus, turning cooking into a fun activity can make it feel less like a chore.
2. Shop Secondhand First
Before buying new, check thrift stores, resale sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, or estate and garage sales for more affordable, eco-friendly options. You’d be surprised at the barely-used clothes, furniture, and electronics you can find for a fraction of the price. And let’s be honest, is there anything more satisfying than not having to pay full retail?
3. Cancel Unused Subscriptions
That gym membership you haven’t used in months? The streaming service you forgot about but are continuing to pay for each month? They’re all adding up. To identify the pesky merchants leeching off you (you may have even forgotten about many of them), go through your bank statements and cut out what you don’t actually need. You can always resubscribe later if you miss it, but chances are, you won’t even notice it’s gone.
4. Maximize Cashback Apps & Rewards
Apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, or even your credit card’s rewards program can give you money back or coupons for things you’re already buying. It takes seconds to activate and use, and those small rewards certainly add up over time. Just make sure you’re not buying random things just to earn rewards, and stick to your normal purchases to avoid overspending.
5. Rent Instead of Buy
Whenever possible, another clever way to save money is to rent or borrow instead of buying. In need a tool for a one-time project? Or perhaps a tux for a black-tie event? Ask friends, scour subscription sites like Rent the Runway or check your local library for listings. This way, you’ll save money and avoid clutter while having a great excuse to connect and meet new people.
6. Automate Your Savings
Another way to force yourself to save money is by setting up a small, automatic transfer to your savings account right after payday. Even $20 a week can add up over time, and the key here is that you won’t miss what you don’t see. Think of it as paying your future self first. Before long, you’ll have a nice cushion set up without feeling like you’ve sacrificed anything.
7. Find Free Entertainment
Hikes, picnics, free museum days, or game nights at home cost little to nothing, but can be just as fun as pricey outings. To find wholesome activities near you, consider checking local event listings on platforms like Eventbrite and Facebook Events — chances are there’s always something fun going on if you look. Plus, impromptu events that involve an activity can be far more memorable (and rewarding) than just another night out of mindless spending. Those $20 cocktails add up!
8. Wait Before You Buy
When it comes to sticking to a budget, impulse buys are the worst culprits. To avoid spending your monthly shopping budget in a matter of days, try this 24-hour rule: If you want something non-essential, wait a day. More often than not, the urge passes, and you’ll realize you didn’t actually need said item. If you still want it after the day passes, then you’ll know it’s worth buying.
9. DIY What You Can
From simple home repairs to homemade gifts, doing it yourself can save you a ton of money on both labor and materials. YouTube tutorials can teach us how to fix just about anything. Even if it’s not perfect, the pride (and savings) are worth it. Plus, what starts as a money-saving project can grow into a fulfilling hobby. And who knows? That side hustle making custom furniture or selling vintage collectibles could turn into your next lucrative venture.
10. Focus on Quality Over Quantity
Products that break or wear out after just a few uses are a waste of money. Instead of getting trapped in the endless cycle of constantly replacing cheap stuff, invest in quality items that actually last. Yes, they’ll cost more upfront, but you’ll save money (and frustration) in the long run.