With costs skyrocketing with no end in sight, and monumental changes to healthcare and everyday life in recent weeks and months, most of us are doing what we can to cut back on our spending. For many households, the budget is already stretched thin, but what can you do when needs start to feel like luxury items? Here are some ideas to help you scale back and cut back on necessities while still feeling like you’re living your best life.
Tips for Stretching Your Grocery Budget
One of the easiest ways to save money is to cut back spending on your grocery bill, and there are numerous ways to do so. Of course meal planning can help, but consider planning your meals only around sale items. Check out your favorite grocery stores’ weekly flyer and choose items that are on sale, then create your weekly menu from those groceries.
Tip: If you haven’t already and they’re in your area, give LIDL and ALDI a try. Shopping at discounted stores are a great way to stretch your dollar, and if this applies, lay off the Instacart; you’re just wasting money!
A great way to stretch your budget is to create meals that focus on grains, lentils and rice rather than proteins; use meats as a side item with the vegetables and starches taking center stage. Trying to cut back on necessities while opting for the most expensive cuts of meat every time, isn’t going to work.
By creating big batches of your family’s favorites, like chili, you can use the leftovers as a base throughout the week. Sunday’s chili leftovers become toppings for hot dogs on Tuesday and an addition to your mac and cheese for chili-mac on Thursday. You could even get away with using the chili as a base for nachos for a work lunch one day! And, if you’re able, consider cooking in larger batches and freezing several portions for future lunches or family dinners, depending on how much you prepare.
Audit Everyday Expenses and Cut Back When Necessary
Many of us are paying for subscriptions that we didn’t even know we had. It’s easy to sign up for a service and then forget about it. Regularly check your accounts to make sure you’re not being billed for a service that you no longer use or enjoy. If you want to get serious, consider cancelling all subscription services until you have a little extra wiggle room in your budget. Another great way to save money is to switch to generic brands of some of your favorite products. This works well for some cleaning products and personal care items, but be sure to double-check the quantities and measurements. Often, items purchased at dollar stores are less expensive because there’s less of the product or fewer quantities in the packaging.
If you’re trying to reduce your utility bills, of course, you can always unplug some appliances when not in use, but also consider purchasing energy-efficient faucets, showerheads, lightbulbs, and toilet parts. If you have an automatic sprinkler system installed in your home, consider shutting it off when the forecast calls for extended rainfall. And, consider investing in a folding clothes drying rack rather than using the dryer during the warmer months.
If you can’t give up your daily cup of coffee, think about taking a few DoorDash or Instacart shifts to make up the money. Another way to earn gas or coffee money is by signing up for cash-back programs and loyalty rewards like Ibotta or Rakuten. Your bank account may even have a rewards program that pays you a percentage back when you shop at certain stores.
Cut Back on Necessities Without Giving Things Up
Planning for the holidays or a special photoshoot? Worried about the cost? Don’t be, there are plenty of ways to make it work. Talented, affordable photographers are likely available right in your area. If you’re in Atlanta or the Lowcountry, I offer quality photography services for all occasions at a price that fits your budget.
Whether you’re a content creator, a small business owner, or celebrating a big moment like a graduation, wedding, or new addition to the family, you have options. Photographers like me are ready to help you capture those memories without breaking the bank.
Are you hosting an event and need a low-cost venue, DJ, or caterer? Start by checking your local Facebook groups. You’ll often find reliable, budget-friendly vendors through word of mouth in your community.
How to Make Clothing Last Longer
While fast fashion is all the rage lately, with sites like Temu and Wish offering deeply discounted clothing, opting for inexpensive clothing can come at a huge cost. Many times, the quality just isn’t there. If you do happen to find something that is sized correctly and looks good, it rips or tears after the first wash. The best way to combat this is to purchase quality products once. This way you won’t have to buy them again and again when they inevitably get ruined. Yes, it will cost more up-front, but you’ll spend less in the long run when you invest in quality items.
Spend more on essential, closet staple items like jackets, jeans, and shoes; these will hold up over the years. And to make your underwear and intimates last longer, invest in garment bags when you wash them. This is especially true for undergarments with elastic or lace; the garment bags will keep them from fraying in the wash. And, air-dry when possible to extend the life of your items. Take a home-ec refresher and learn to mend items that need repair. Rather than tossing items, sew buttons yourself and save a little money.
Kids’ clothing can be difficult because they grow out of things so quickly, and are often rough on their items. Consider creating a capsule wardrobe for your kids with pieces that mix and match so you’ll spend less money and allow them to get dressed faster on those busy mornings.
When you cut back on necessities, it doesn’t mean you’re going without; it just means getting smarter with your spending. Small adjustments to your budget and habits can add up to major savings.
