How to save money by spending less than $70 a day

It feels like a constant struggle to make ends meet, no matter how hard you work or how much you save. If you’re trying to reduce your expenses while still maintaining a decent standard of living, the best way to do that is by cutting down on unnecessary expenses and finding cheaper alternatives for things that cost more than they should.

But where do you begin? There are so many little costs that add up quickly, and as such there isn’t one single place where you can make big savings. Instead, it’s about identifying your biggest expenditure in each category and seeing what you can do to bring those costs down.

Transportation

One of the easiest ways to save money is by getting a better transportation deal. If you’re currently driving, you’re probably familiar with how expensive this can be. One way to save money is by carpooling. You can find carpooling groups through sites like Zimride or GoCarShare. Alternatively, you can look for a cheaper car to drive or switch to a cheaper method of transportation.

For example, if you live in a city where cabs are common, it may be cheaper to use those than to keep up with the maintenance on your car. If you live in a place where public transportation is an option, that’s also a good way to save money while reducing your carbon footprint at the same time.

In some areas, scooters and other types of personal transportation like bicycles are becoming increasingly popular. If you live somewhere where these are viable options, it’s definitely worth looking into.

Groceries

It’s easy to get into a routine where you go to the same grocery store and buy the same things every time. If you’d like to make your grocery budget go further, try changing things up a bit. Shop at off-peak times. Many grocery stores have peak hours, so if you can shop outside of that time, you’ll avoid the crowds and save on your grocery bill.

If you have a membership at a wholesale store like Costco, you can also save a lot of money on your groceries. Try switching to generic brand products. Many companies now make their generic products in the same facilities that produce their name brand counterparts. Use coupons. You can find lots of coupons online, at the grocery store itself, or even in the newspaper.

Utilities

What are the biggest utilities in your household? If you live in a warm climate, air conditioning is likely one of them. If you’re trying to cut down on your AC bill, try some of these suggestions: Close the curtains on windows that receive direct sunlight. Open the windows for ventilation. Let the AC run for just a few hours a day. Only use it when you really need it.

Close the vents in rooms that aren’t in use. Avoid using the fan on a hot day. If you don’t need it, turn it off. Close doors to other rooms. It’s amazing how much AC costs can be reduced just by closing the doors. Turn the thermostat up in the summer and down in the winter. To keep your thermostat at a reasonable level while paying the least amount possible, use a programmable thermostat.

Water is another utility that can be very costly. If you have a water bill that’s much higher than normal, you may have a leak somewhere in your house. Try shutting off all the water in your home and then checking to see if the bill drops. If it doesn’t, you might have a leak.

Housing

If you’re currently renting a home, the best way to save money is to become a better negotiator when it comes to your rent. If you’re currently looking for a place to live, try to find a landlord who isn’t actively looking for tenants. If you’re willing to take over a lease from someone who is moving out, you may be able to strike a better bargain.

If you own a home, see if you qualify for any government programs that can help you save money on your utility bills or make repairs to your home. You may also be able to get a reduction in your insurance rates by making some small changes to your home.

Communication

If you’re a member of a cell phone plan, check to see if you qualify for a family plan. Many cell phone companies offer special rates for families. If you have a family plan, you might be able to save even more money by switching to a family plan at another company.

If you’re currently paying for cable, look into other options like streaming services. Many people only use cable to watch sports, but there are plenty of ways to watch sports online for free. If you have a home phone, see if you can cut back on the number of minutes you’re using. You can also look for cheaper rates by switching to a different provider.

Entertainment

Find out what events are happening in your city and see if you can get in for free. Many museums and concert halls offer free or discounted tickets on certain days. If you have kids you like to keep entertained, try doing things that are free or inexpensive. Go on a nature walk. Visit a park.

Visit a library and read books. Plant a garden. Go to a community event. Do something creative. Try writing, painting, or another form of art.

Shopping

Find out when stores are having sales and shop during those times. Many stores have frequent sales, but you have to know when they are in order to take advantage of them. Look for online coupons before you shop online. Many online stores like Amazon offer coupons and other deals.

Shop during off-peak shopping hours. The absolute worst times to shop are on the weekends and near holidays. If you can, shop during the week when there aren’t as many people out and about.

The best way to save money is to be aware of what you’re spending. Create a budget and don’t deviate from it. Know where your money goes and the best way to save money is to see where you can cut back. There is always a way to save money, no matter how little you have.