🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 64 (from laksa034)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa064.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://bemorewithless.com/how-to-spend-less-money/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://bemorewithless.com/how-to-spend-less-money/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/how-to-spend-less-money\/","crawl_time":1775504721,"first_indexed_time":1678831340,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,bemorewithless!\/how-to-spend-less-money\/ s443","src_root_hash":"9157524232626282064","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"How To Spend Less Money (25 simple tips) - Be More with Less","meta_descriptions":["If you are wondering how to spend less money these 25 tips will help you start small and even have fun along the way."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"A few weeks ago, I had coffee with friends and we talked about how to spend less money. Our conversation was wide ranging and interesting. I noticed that my friends want to spend less money for reasons like:\ninflationary pressures\npaying off debt\nover-consumption \nrecently laid off\nretirement or travel plans\ngrow their savings account\nand more\nCan you relate to some of the points above? I certainly can! For example, before I simplified my life, I shopped for happiness, lived paycheck to paycheck, and had a mountain of student loan debt. \nMy husband and I changed our habits and paid off our debt. Over the years, we gave away our belongings, learned how to spend less money, and I wrote\na book\nabout our journey too!\nHow To Spend Less Money: 25 simple (and sometimes fun tips)\nBelow you’ll find 25 tips that are focused on spending less money. These tips are based on my life experiences, and resources that have inspired me. I’m not a licensed financial advisor, so keep that in mind as you read this article. I hope you’ll try a few of the tips below, and have fun with the process! \nWith that, let’s talk about ways to spend less money:  \n1.) Understand the why\n.\nJournaling about why I wanted to save money helped change my habits. I wanted money to be a fun and interesting topic of conversation in my life, not a source of shame or guilt. Also, I wanted the freedom and flexibility to do work I loved. Getting clear on my goals helped me pay off debt, save money, and stay on track.\n2.) Read\nYOUR MONEY OR YOUR LIFE\n.  \nReading\nYour Money or Your Life\nby Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez changed my life! I am a voracious reader, so I don’t say this lightly. The author’s 9-step plan enabled me to simplify my life and pay off my debt. Recently, I read the revised and updated edition, and I’m doing the program again! Read\nYour Money or Your Life\nand try the program. \n3.) Track your spending and income\n.\nMy husband and I track our spending and income in a simple Excel spreadsheet. This practice helps us identify areas – like dining and transportation – where we can spend less and save more. \n4.) Go car-free or car-lite\n.\nIf you can, consider going car-free or car-lite. For instance, we recently sold our\ncar\n. We no longer had a car payment, but our car cost roughly $300 per month. Expenses like insurance, gas, depreciation, and parking fees add up fast. \n5.) Start planning your meals.\nI resisted meal planning for years. I wish that wasn’t true because meal-planning is fun. Plus, I’m saving money and time. For example, I’m not going to the grocery store three times a week and my fridge is stocked with ingredients for the recipes I have in mind for the week. I’m also less likely to order Chipotle when I have taco making supplies in my refrigerator. Use a shopping list to avoid impulse purchases.\n6.) Buy in bulk.\nBuying food in bulk reduced our weekly grocery bill. At the store, I put nuts, dried fruit, beans, flour, and other consumables into reusable bags. At home, we store our bulk goods in mason jars. It’s a great money saving system. And as a bonus, our pantry looks beautiful! \n7.) Try a shopping ban\n.\nIf you want to try a shopping ban, listen to Courtney and Bailey on the\nSoul and Wit\npodcast. They share their “best tips on how to create your own shopping ban or spending freeze. You may decide to call off all non-essential purchases or focus on some of the places where you struggle with spending. For instance, try a month of no online shopping, or no Amazon shopping. These small changes will make a big difference. Plus, Courtney shares all the things she thought about purchasing during her\nNo Buy July\n.”\n8.) Join the library.\nBefore I joined the library, I spent roughly $150 on books each month. Joining the library has saved me a lot of money and has provided me with quality entertainment! I still buy books; just less often. Also, I like\ndonating used books\nand money to my local library. \n9.) Shop secondhand\n.\nI enjoy shopping at thrift stores for household items. For example, baking cakes is one of my new hobbies. I was happy to find a new (to me) cake dome at Goodwill for $1.50! Purchasing stuff\nsecondhand\nis one way to save money and support local businesses. \n10.) Evaluate your housing costs\n.\nStruggling to pay your rent or mortgage? Consider getting a roommate or\ndownsizing\ninto a smaller home. Think about the overall out of pocket costs in addition to your monthly payment. For homeowners, consider your interest rate, heating \/ air conditioning costs and repairs too.\n11.) Cultivate friendships without spending money\n.\nI loved Ellie Hughes’ recent article –\nHow To Cultivate Friendships Without Spending Money To Go Out\n. Hughes wrote about free ways to gather with friends like, “Go grocery shopping for one or both of you, take your dog(s) to the dog park together, and ask them to join in your errands and chat as you head to the dry cleaner, bank,” and more.\n12.) Cut needless subscriptions\n.\nAt the end of the month, I ask myself:\nAre you still using – and loving – your subscriptions?\nAsking myself this question, and having a list of my subscriptions in one place is helpful. Start with TV looking at your costs for cable, Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services. Is there a low-cost option or way to consolidate?\n13.) Curate your social media feeds. \nIf brands or influencers tempt you to spend money, unfollow them on social media. Instead, follow authors, brands, and influencers that support your money saving journey.  \nTaking a break\nfrom social media is an option, too!\n14.) Invest in your future\n.\nInvestments that bring me a thrill include saving for travel, my old age fund, and emergencies. Each savings bucket is an investment in my future self. Also, having saving accounts reduces my stress and brings me joy. \n15.) Declutter, declutter, declutter\n.\nDeclutter your home\n, sell what you no longer need, and save the proceeds!\n16.) Look for inspiring stories by fellow savers\n.\nConsume books, podcasts, and articles about fellow savers. Stories are a great source of inspiration and motivation! Scroll to the bottom of this post for a list of helpful resources. \n17.) Wait and see.\nIf you want to buy something, “\nwait and see\n.” As Courtney said, “That thing you want to buy now will very likely still be available next month. Wait 30 days for any purchase and see if it is still as necessary or appealing. Spoiler alert: it rarely is.”\n18.) Establish new coping tools.\nIn my early twenties, I shopped for happiness to deal with stress. Since then, I’ve developed new coping tools. My coping tools, like bike rides with friends, cost little to no money. Plus, a bike ride is better for my mental health. \n19.) Pause or cancel your gym membership\n.\nRecently, I canceled my gym membership to save money. I also wanted to spend more time outside. Now, I’m making use of my community’s walking paths and bike lanes. When I want to lift weights, I use the small gym in my apartment complex. As a bonus, it’s been a great way to meet my neighbors!\n20.) Evaluate your technology\nneeds\n.\nSometimes I’m tempted to buy new gadgets like an iPhone, computer, or a camera. Before I buy new technology tools, I evaluate my needs. Also, I’m committed to buying technology secondhand because it’s less expensive. I enjoy using technology for creative projects, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.\n21.) Try Project 333\n.\nI’m a fan of Courtney’s minimalist fashion challenge,\nProject 333\n. I’ve done the challenge a few times, and it’s been a blast! If you want to downsize your wardrobe, and save money, try this challenge.\n22.) Quit drinking alcohol, or drink sparingly\n.\nOver three years ago, I\nquit drinking alcohol\n. I love being sober because I’m happier and healthier. An unexpected benefit of not drinking: saving money. My monthly wine budget was costly! I diverted my “wine money” to a “travel adventure fund,” and that delights me.\n23.) Look for discounts on insurance\n.\nThere are many types of insurance to purchase, like home, rental, health, and car insurance. Do some comparison shopping. If you find a better deal, change plans. I’ve done that in the past. I’ve also called my provider and asked about discounted offerings, too.\n24.) Give differently. \nAsk for purposeful gifts and give purposeful gifts. For example, instead of giving our younger family members traditional gifts on holidays, we donate money to their education fund.\n25.) Find support\n.\nHumans are social creatures, so cultivating and maintaining community is essential. Find ways to connect with like-minded people and talk about money goals. You could meet-up once a month or more often. When I talk about money with friends and family, I feel less alone.\nBonus Tip\nIf you are happy with your financial situation and aren’t worried about how to spend less money, consider donating to your favorite causes and organizations.\nChange your spending habits with less guilt\nIn the list above, I mentioned one of my favorite books —\nYour Money or Your Life\nby Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez\n.\nI’m mentioning the book again because it deeply impacted my life. \nFor example, I use Robin’s mantra — “No shame. No blame” — regularly. I love this sentiment because it’s helped me let go of\njudgment\n, stay on track, and practice gratitude. I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep simplifying my life and saving money.\nHow to Spend Less Money with a Simplicity Challenge\nSimplifying my life gave me the time and space to assess my needs, wants, and my relationship with money. For me, untangling my relationship with money will be a lifelong process. I don’t think that’s a bad thing, though. I’ve learned to have fun with the process, and seek support from my community along the way. \nIf you’re still not sure where to start, that’s okay! Start small and try a “\nDecluttering Burst\n.” The number of things you can let go of in less than an hour will surprise you. Plus, you might be able to sell some of your stuff, too. Don’t forget to save the proceeds! \nMore Money Resources\non How To Spend Less Money\nLooking for more money resources? Here’s a list to aid your saving efforts:\nRead the updated edition of\nYour Money or Your Life\nby Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez. \nMore good reads include:\nFinancial Feminist\nby Tori Dunlap,\nSecondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale\nby Adam Minter, and\nYou Can Buy Happiness (and it’s Cheap)\nby Tammy Strobel.\nListen to\nThe Pop-up Pod, Season Two\n. Nicole Antoinette and her guests explore the question: How much money is enough? \nTwo Cents published an informative video about cars and money. It’s called\nHow Cars Keep You POOR\n! Also,\nHow to go car-free — or car-light — in Middle America\nby Angie Schmitt is a helpful article; especially if you live in the U.S. \nWatch\n9 Stupid Money Mistakes To Avoid\nby Mariana Vieira.\nEllevest\noffers webinars and workshops.","attrs_markdown":"![](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tr?id=409164536102557&ev=PageView&noscript=1)\n\nGet your **FREE** copy of *The Simplicity Quick Start Guide: 25 Ways to Simplify Your Life in 10 Minutes or Less.* [Download Now](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/free-simplicity-guide\/)\n\n✕\n\n- [Skip to primary navigation](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/how-to-spend-less-money\/#genesis-nav-primary)\n- [Skip to main content](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/how-to-spend-less-money\/#genesis-content)\n- [Skip to primary sidebar](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/how-to-spend-less-money\/#genesis-sidebar-primary)\n\n[![Be More with Less](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/be-more-with-less-logo.png)](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/)\n\nBe More with Less\n\nSimplify your life. Declutter your mind. Connect with your heart.\n\nSearch\n\nMenu\n\n- [Start Here](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/about\/)\n- [Articles](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/archives\/)\n  Sub Menu\n  - [Capsule Wardrobe](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/category\/capsule-wardrobe\/)\n  - [Declutter](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/category\/declutter\/)\n  - [Simple Pleasures](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/category\/simple-pleasures\/)\n  - [Simplify Your Life](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/category\/simplify-your-life\/)\n  - [Slow Living](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/category\/slow-living\/)\n  - [Weekend Favorites](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/category\/weekend-favorites\/)\n  - [Wellness](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/category\/wellness\/)\n  - [All Articles](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/archives\/)\n- [Books](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/books\/)\n  Sub Menu\n  - [Gentle (NEW!)](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/books\/gentle\/)\n  - [Soulful Simplicity](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/books\/soulful-simplicity\/)\n  - [Project 333](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/books\/project-333\/)\n- [Project 333](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/project-333\/)\n- [Membership](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/membership\/)\n- [Courses](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/courses\/)\n\n[Simplify Your Life](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/category\/simplify-your-life\/)\n\n# How To Spend Less Money (25 simple tips)\n[![Tammy Strobel](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/tammy-strobel-72x72.jpg)](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/about\/ \"About the author\")by Tammy Strobel\n\nA few weeks ago, I had coffee with friends and we talked about how to spend less money. Our conversation was wide ranging and interesting. I noticed that my friends want to spend less money for reasons like:\n\n- inflationary pressures\n- [paying off debt](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/debt-free\/)\n- over-consumption\n- recently laid off\n- retirement or travel plans\n- grow their savings account\n- and more\n\nCan you relate to some of the points above? I certainly can! For example, before I simplified my life, I shopped for happiness, lived paycheck to paycheck, and had a mountain of student loan debt.\n\nMy husband and I changed our habits and paid off our debt. Over the years, we gave away our belongings, learned how to spend less money, and I wrote [a book](https:\/\/www.newworldlibrary.com\/Activism\/YOU-CAN-BUY-HAPPINESS-AND-ITS-CHEAP) about our journey too\\!\n\n## **How To Spend Less Money: 25 simple (and sometimes fun tips)**\nBelow you’ll find 25 tips that are focused on spending less money. These tips are based on my life experiences, and resources that have inspired me. I’m not a licensed financial advisor, so keep that in mind as you read this article. I hope you’ll try a few of the tips below, and have fun with the process\\!\n\n[![](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HOW-TO-SPEND-LESS-MONEY-512x1024.jpg)![](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HOW-TO-SPEND-LESS-MONEY-512x1024.jpg)](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HOW-TO-SPEND-LESS-MONEY.jpg)\n\nWith that, let’s talk about ways to spend less money:\n\n### **1\\.) Understand the why**.\nJournaling about why I wanted to save money helped change my habits. I wanted money to be a fun and interesting topic of conversation in my life, not a source of shame or guilt. Also, I wanted the freedom and flexibility to do work I loved. Getting clear on my goals helped me pay off debt, save money, and stay on track.\n\n### **2\\.) Read** ***YOUR MONEY OR YOUR LIFE***.\nReading [*Your Money or Your Life*](https:\/\/yourmoneyoryourlife.com\/book\/) by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez changed my life! I am a voracious reader, so I don’t say this lightly. The author’s 9-step plan enabled me to simplify my life and pay off my debt. Recently, I read the revised and updated edition, and I’m doing the program again! Read *Your Money or Your Life* and try the program.\n\n### **3\\.) Track your spending and income**.\nMy husband and I track our spending and income in a simple Excel spreadsheet. This practice helps us identify areas – like dining and transportation – where we can spend less and save more.\n\n### **4\\.) Go car-free or car-lite**.\nIf you can, consider going car-free or car-lite. For instance, we recently sold our [car](https:\/\/tammystrobel.substack.com\/p\/were-car-free-again). We no longer had a car payment, but our car cost roughly \\$300 per month. Expenses like insurance, gas, depreciation, and parking fees add up fast.\n\n[![](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/meal-plan-to-spend-less-money-1-1024x683.jpg)![](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/meal-plan-to-spend-less-money-1-1024x683.jpg)](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/meal-plan-to-spend-less-money-1-scaled.jpg)\n\n### **5\\.) Start planning your meals.**\nI resisted meal planning for years. I wish that wasn’t true because meal-planning is fun. Plus, I’m saving money and time. For example, I’m not going to the grocery store three times a week and my fridge is stocked with ingredients for the recipes I have in mind for the week. I’m also less likely to order Chipotle when I have taco making supplies in my refrigerator. Use a shopping list to avoid impulse purchases.\n\n### **6\\.) Buy in bulk.**\nBuying food in bulk reduced our weekly grocery bill. At the store, I put nuts, dried fruit, beans, flour, and other consumables into reusable bags. At home, we store our bulk goods in mason jars. It’s a great money saving system. And as a bonus, our pantry looks beautiful\\!\n\n### **7\\.) Try a shopping ban**.\nIf you want to try a shopping ban, listen to Courtney and Bailey on the [Soul and Wit](https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/126-no-buy-july-and-creating-your-own-shopping-ban\/id1489742667?i=1000575349448) podcast. They share their “best tips on how to create your own shopping ban or spending freeze. You may decide to call off all non-essential purchases or focus on some of the places where you struggle with spending. For instance, try a month of no online shopping, or no Amazon shopping. These small changes will make a big difference. Plus, Courtney shares all the things she thought about purchasing during her *No Buy July*.”\n\n### **8\\.) Join the library.**\nBefore I joined the library, I spent roughly \\$150 on books each month. Joining the library has saved me a lot of money and has provided me with quality entertainment! I still buy books; just less often. Also, I like [donating used books](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/places-to-donate-books\/) and money to my local library.\n\n### **9\\.) Shop secondhand**.\nI enjoy shopping at thrift stores for household items. For example, baking cakes is one of my new hobbies. I was happy to find a new (to me) cake dome at Goodwill for \\$1.50! Purchasing stuff [secondhand](https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2019\/12\/04\/784702588\/the-best-thing-you-can-do-is-not-buy-more-stuff-says-secondhand-expert) is one way to save money and support local businesses.\n\n### **10\\.) Evaluate your housing costs**.\nStruggling to pay your rent or mortgage? Consider getting a roommate or [downsizing](https:\/\/www.flowmagazine.com\/flow-magazine\/tammy-strobel-on-letting-go-of-her-tiny-house.html) into a smaller home. Think about the overall out of pocket costs in addition to your monthly payment. For homeowners, consider your interest rate, heating \/ air conditioning costs and repairs too.\n\n### **11\\.) Cultivate friendships without spending money**.\nI loved Ellie Hughes’ recent article – [How To Cultivate Friendships Without Spending Money To Go Out](https:\/\/www.thegoodtrade.com\/features\/things-to-do-with-friends\/). Hughes wrote about free ways to gather with friends like, “Go grocery shopping for one or both of you, take your dog(s) to the dog park together, and ask them to join in your errands and chat as you head to the dry cleaner, bank,” and more.\n\n### **12\\.) Cut needless subscriptions**.\nAt the end of the month, I ask myself: *Are you still using – and loving – your subscriptions?* Asking myself this question, and having a list of my subscriptions in one place is helpful. Start with TV looking at your costs for cable, Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services. Is there a low-cost option or way to consolidate?\n\n### **13\\.) Curate your social media feeds.**\nIf brands or influencers tempt you to spend money, unfollow them on social media. Instead, follow authors, brands, and influencers that support your money saving journey. [Taking a break](https:\/\/pop-up-pod.castos.com\/episodes\/sarah-von-bargen-34don39t-confuse-buying-with-taking-action-buying-tennis-shoes-is-not-the-same-as-training-for-a-marathon34) from social media is an option, too\\!\n\n### **14\\.) Invest in your future**.\nInvestments that bring me a thrill include saving for travel, my old age fund, and emergencies. Each savings bucket is an investment in my future self. Also, having saving accounts reduces my stress and brings me joy.\n\n### **15\\.) Declutter, declutter, declutter**.\n[Declutter your home](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/declutter-your-home\/), sell what you no longer need, and save the proceeds\\!\n\n### **16\\.) Look for inspiring stories by fellow savers**.\nConsume books, podcasts, and articles about fellow savers. Stories are a great source of inspiration and motivation! Scroll to the bottom of this post for a list of helpful resources.\n\n### **17\\.) Wait and see.**\nIf you want to buy something, “[wait and see](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/shopping-habits\/).” As Courtney said, “That thing you want to buy now will very likely still be available next month. Wait 30 days for any purchase and see if it is still as necessary or appealing. Spoiler alert: it rarely is.”\n\n### **18\\.) Establish new coping tools.**\nIn my early twenties, I shopped for happiness to deal with stress. Since then, I’ve developed new coping tools. My coping tools, like bike rides with friends, cost little to no money. Plus, a bike ride is better for my mental health.\n\n[![](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/go-for-a-bike-ride-1-1024x587.jpg)![](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/go-for-a-bike-ride-1-1024x587.jpg)](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/go-for-a-bike-ride-1-scaled.jpg)\n\n### **19\\.) Pause or cancel your gym membership**.\nRecently, I canceled my gym membership to save money. I also wanted to spend more time outside. Now, I’m making use of my community’s walking paths and bike lanes. When I want to lift weights, I use the small gym in my apartment complex. As a bonus, it’s been a great way to meet my neighbors\\!\n\n### **20\\.) Evaluate your technology** **needs**.\nSometimes I’m tempted to buy new gadgets like an iPhone, computer, or a camera. Before I buy new technology tools, I evaluate my needs. Also, I’m committed to buying technology secondhand because it’s less expensive. I enjoy using technology for creative projects, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.\n\n### **21\\.) Try Project 333**.\nI’m a fan of Courtney’s minimalist fashion challenge, [Project 333](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/project-333\/). I’ve done the challenge a few times, and it’s been a blast! If you want to downsize your wardrobe, and save money, try this challenge.\n\n### **22\\.) Quit drinking alcohol, or drink sparingly**.\nOver three years ago, I [quit drinking alcohol](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/how-to-stop-drinking-alcohol\/). I love being sober because I’m happier and healthier. An unexpected benefit of not drinking: saving money. My monthly wine budget was costly! I diverted my “wine money” to a “travel adventure fund,” and that delights me.\n\n### **23\\.) Look for discounts on insurance**.\nThere are many types of insurance to purchase, like home, rental, health, and car insurance. Do some comparison shopping. If you find a better deal, change plans. I’ve done that in the past. I’ve also called my provider and asked about discounted offerings, too.\n\n### **24\\.) Give differently.**\nAsk for purposeful gifts and give purposeful gifts. For example, instead of giving our younger family members traditional gifts on holidays, we donate money to their education fund.\n\n### **25\\.) Find support**.\nHumans are social creatures, so cultivating and maintaining community is essential. Find ways to connect with like-minded people and talk about money goals. You could meet-up once a month or more often. When I talk about money with friends and family, I feel less alone.\n\n### **Bonus Tip**\nIf you are happy with your financial situation and aren’t worried about how to spend less money, consider donating to your favorite causes and organizations.\n\n## **Change your spending habits with less guilt**\nIn the list above, I mentioned one of my favorite books — *[Your Money or Your Life](https:\/\/amzn.to\/3LmsGBw)* by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez*.* I’m mentioning the book again because it deeply impacted my life.\n\nFor example, I use Robin’s mantra — “No shame. No blame” — regularly. I love this sentiment because it’s helped me let go of [judgment](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/shopping-habits\/), stay on track, and practice gratitude. I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep simplifying my life and saving money.\n\n## **How to Spend Less Money with a Simplicity Challenge**\nSimplifying my life gave me the time and space to assess my needs, wants, and my relationship with money. For me, untangling my relationship with money will be a lifelong process. I don’t think that’s a bad thing, though. I’ve learned to have fun with the process, and seek support from my community along the way.\n\nIf you’re still not sure where to start, that’s okay! Start small and try a “[Decluttering Burst](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/decluttering-burst\/).” The number of things you can let go of in less than an hour will surprise you. Plus, you might be able to sell some of your stuff, too. Don’t forget to save the proceeds\\!\n\n## **More Money Resources** on How To Spend Less Money\nLooking for more money resources? Here’s a list to aid your saving efforts:\n\n- Read the updated edition of *Your Money or Your Life* by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez.\n\n- More good reads include: *Financial Feminist* by Tori Dunlap, *Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale* by Adam Minter, and *You Can Buy Happiness (and it’s Cheap)* by Tammy Strobel.\n\n- Listen to [The Pop-up Pod, Season Two](https:\/\/pop-up-pod.castos.com\/). Nicole Antoinette and her guests explore the question: How much money is enough?\n\n- Two Cents published an informative video about cars and money. It’s called [How Cars Keep You POOR](https:\/\/youtu.be\/TtJXl6pk0Z4)! Also, [How to go car-free — or car-light — in Middle America](https:\/\/www.vox.com\/future-perfect\/23578481\/how-to-live-without-a-car) by Angie Schmitt is a helpful article; especially if you live in the U.S.\n\n- Watch [9 Stupid Money Mistakes To Avoid](https:\/\/youtu.be\/Crv6l7HV1j0) by Mariana Vieira.\n\n- [Ellevest](https:\/\/www.ellevest.com\/) offers webinars and workshops.\n\nFollow For Updates\n\n- [Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/bemorewithless\/)\n- [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/bemorewithlessdotcom\/)\n- [Pinterest](https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/bemorewithless\/)\n- [Mail](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/free-simplicity-guide\/)\n\n### You Might Also Like\n[![](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/decluttering-advice-image-600x315.jpg)![](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/decluttering-advice-image-600x315.jpg)](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/decluttering-advice-you-might-not-want-to-hear\/)\n\n[Honest 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Anything](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/how-to-simplify-anything\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/stop-buying-things-image-600x315.jpg)![](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/stop-buying-things-image-600x315.jpg)](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/stop-buying-things\/)\n\n[10 Little Notes to Stop Buying Things You Don’t Need](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/stop-buying-things\/)\n\n## Primary Sidebar\n#### Popular Articles\n- [![](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/wordpress-popular-posts\/118010-featured-300x158.jpg)![](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/wordpress-popular-posts\/118010-featured-300x158.jpg)](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/please-stop-wearing-this\/)\n  [Please Stop Wearing These 3 Things (at any age)](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/please-stop-wearing-this\/)\n- 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[![](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/wordpress-popular-posts\/124659-featured-600x315.jpg)![](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/wordpress-popular-posts\/124659-featured-600x315.jpg)](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/simple-rituals\/)\n  [7 Daily Rituals to Release Stress and Worry](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/simple-rituals\/)\n\n[![Be More with Less](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/be-more-with-less-logo.png)](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/)\n\nSimplicity is the way back to love. If you are looking for inspiration to simplify your life and infuse it with love, welcome home. New? [Start here.](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/about\/) questions, ideas, or feedback? [Contact me](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/contact\/).\n\n- [Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/bemorewithless\/)\n- [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/bemorewithlessdotcom\/)\n- [Pinterest](https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/bemorewithless\/)\n- [Mail](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/free-simplicity-guide\/)\n\nArticles by Topic\n\n- [Capsule Wardrobe](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/category\/capsule-wardrobe\/)\n- [Declutter](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/category\/declutter\/)\n- [Simple Pleasures](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/category\/simple-pleasures\/)\n- [Simplify Your Life](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/category\/simplify-your-life\/)\n- [Slow Living](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/category\/slow-living\/)\n- [Weekend Favorites](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/category\/weekend-favorites\/)\n- [Wellness](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/category\/wellness\/)\n- [All Articles](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/archives\/)\n\nFree Guide\n\nJoin thousands of subscribers and get your free **Simplicity Guide:** ***25 Ways To Simplify Your Life in 10 Minutes or Less***\n\n[Download Now](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/free-simplicity-guide\/)\n\n© 2026 · [Be More with Less](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/) · [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/privacy-policy\/) · [Accessibility](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/accessibility-statement\/)","attrs_readable_markdown":"A few weeks ago, I had coffee with friends and we talked about how to spend less money. Our conversation was wide ranging and interesting. I noticed that my friends want to spend less money for reasons like:\n\n- inflationary pressures\n- [paying off debt](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/debt-free\/)\n- over-consumption\n- recently laid off\n- retirement or travel plans\n- grow their savings account\n- and more\n\nCan you relate to some of the points above? I certainly can! For example, before I simplified my life, I shopped for happiness, lived paycheck to paycheck, and had a mountain of student loan debt.\n\nMy husband and I changed our habits and paid off our debt. Over the years, we gave away our belongings, learned how to spend less money, and I wrote [a book](https:\/\/www.newworldlibrary.com\/Activism\/YOU-CAN-BUY-HAPPINESS-AND-ITS-CHEAP) about our journey too\\!\n\n## **How To Spend Less Money: 25 simple (and sometimes fun tips)**\nBelow you’ll find 25 tips that are focused on spending less money. These tips are based on my life experiences, and resources that have inspired me. I’m not a licensed financial advisor, so keep that in mind as you read this article. I hope you’ll try a few of the tips below, and have fun with the process\\!\n\n[![](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HOW-TO-SPEND-LESS-MONEY-512x1024.jpg)](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/HOW-TO-SPEND-LESS-MONEY.jpg)\n\nWith that, let’s talk about ways to spend less money:\n\n### **1\\.) Understand the why**.\nJournaling about why I wanted to save money helped change my habits. I wanted money to be a fun and interesting topic of conversation in my life, not a source of shame or guilt. Also, I wanted the freedom and flexibility to do work I loved. Getting clear on my goals helped me pay off debt, save money, and stay on track.\n\n### **2\\.) Read** ***YOUR MONEY OR YOUR LIFE***.\nReading [*Your Money or Your Life*](https:\/\/yourmoneyoryourlife.com\/book\/) by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez changed my life! I am a voracious reader, so I don’t say this lightly. The author’s 9-step plan enabled me to simplify my life and pay off my debt. Recently, I read the revised and updated edition, and I’m doing the program again! Read *Your Money or Your Life* and try the program.\n\n### **3\\.) Track your spending and income**.\nMy husband and I track our spending and income in a simple Excel spreadsheet. This practice helps us identify areas – like dining and transportation – where we can spend less and save more.\n\n### **4\\.) Go car-free or car-lite**.\nIf you can, consider going car-free or car-lite. For instance, we recently sold our [car](https:\/\/tammystrobel.substack.com\/p\/were-car-free-again). We no longer had a car payment, but our car cost roughly \\$300 per month. Expenses like insurance, gas, depreciation, and parking fees add up fast.\n\n[![](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/meal-plan-to-spend-less-money-1-1024x683.jpg)](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/meal-plan-to-spend-less-money-1-scaled.jpg)\n\n### **5\\.) Start planning your meals.**\nI resisted meal planning for years. I wish that wasn’t true because meal-planning is fun. Plus, I’m saving money and time. For example, I’m not going to the grocery store three times a week and my fridge is stocked with ingredients for the recipes I have in mind for the week. I’m also less likely to order Chipotle when I have taco making supplies in my refrigerator. Use a shopping list to avoid impulse purchases.\n\n### **6\\.) Buy in bulk.**\nBuying food in bulk reduced our weekly grocery bill. At the store, I put nuts, dried fruit, beans, flour, and other consumables into reusable bags. At home, we store our bulk goods in mason jars. It’s a great money saving system. And as a bonus, our pantry looks beautiful\\!\n\n### **7\\.) Try a shopping ban**.\nIf you want to try a shopping ban, listen to Courtney and Bailey on the [Soul and Wit](https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/126-no-buy-july-and-creating-your-own-shopping-ban\/id1489742667?i=1000575349448) podcast. They share their “best tips on how to create your own shopping ban or spending freeze. You may decide to call off all non-essential purchases or focus on some of the places where you struggle with spending. For instance, try a month of no online shopping, or no Amazon shopping. These small changes will make a big difference. Plus, Courtney shares all the things she thought about purchasing during her *No Buy July*.”\n\n### **8\\.) Join the library.**\nBefore I joined the library, I spent roughly \\$150 on books each month. Joining the library has saved me a lot of money and has provided me with quality entertainment! I still buy books; just less often. Also, I like [donating used books](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/places-to-donate-books\/) and money to my local library.\n\n### **9\\.) Shop secondhand**.\nI enjoy shopping at thrift stores for household items. For example, baking cakes is one of my new hobbies. I was happy to find a new (to me) cake dome at Goodwill for \\$1.50! Purchasing stuff [secondhand](https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2019\/12\/04\/784702588\/the-best-thing-you-can-do-is-not-buy-more-stuff-says-secondhand-expert) is one way to save money and support local businesses.\n\n### **10\\.) Evaluate your housing costs**.\nStruggling to pay your rent or mortgage? Consider getting a roommate or [downsizing](https:\/\/www.flowmagazine.com\/flow-magazine\/tammy-strobel-on-letting-go-of-her-tiny-house.html) into a smaller home. Think about the overall out of pocket costs in addition to your monthly payment. For homeowners, consider your interest rate, heating \/ air conditioning costs and repairs too.\n\n### **11\\.) Cultivate friendships without spending money**.\nI loved Ellie Hughes’ recent article – [How To Cultivate Friendships Without Spending Money To Go Out](https:\/\/www.thegoodtrade.com\/features\/things-to-do-with-friends\/). Hughes wrote about free ways to gather with friends like, “Go grocery shopping for one or both of you, take your dog(s) to the dog park together, and ask them to join in your errands and chat as you head to the dry cleaner, bank,” and more.\n\n### **12\\.) Cut needless subscriptions**.\nAt the end of the month, I ask myself: *Are you still using – and loving – your subscriptions?* Asking myself this question, and having a list of my subscriptions in one place is helpful. Start with TV looking at your costs for cable, Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services. Is there a low-cost option or way to consolidate?\n\n### **13\\.) Curate your social media feeds.**\nIf brands or influencers tempt you to spend money, unfollow them on social media. Instead, follow authors, brands, and influencers that support your money saving journey. [Taking a break](https:\/\/pop-up-pod.castos.com\/episodes\/sarah-von-bargen-34don39t-confuse-buying-with-taking-action-buying-tennis-shoes-is-not-the-same-as-training-for-a-marathon34) from social media is an option, too\\!\n\n### **14\\.) Invest in your future**.\nInvestments that bring me a thrill include saving for travel, my old age fund, and emergencies. Each savings bucket is an investment in my future self. Also, having saving accounts reduces my stress and brings me joy.\n\n### **15\\.) Declutter, declutter, declutter**.\n[Declutter your home](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/declutter-your-home\/), sell what you no longer need, and save the proceeds\\!\n\n### **16\\.) Look for inspiring stories by fellow savers**.\nConsume books, podcasts, and articles about fellow savers. Stories are a great source of inspiration and motivation! Scroll to the bottom of this post for a list of helpful resources.\n\n### **17\\.) Wait and see.**\nIf you want to buy something, “[wait and see](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/shopping-habits\/).” As Courtney said, “That thing you want to buy now will very likely still be available next month. Wait 30 days for any purchase and see if it is still as necessary or appealing. Spoiler alert: it rarely is.”\n\n### **18\\.) Establish new coping tools.**\nIn my early twenties, I shopped for happiness to deal with stress. Since then, I’ve developed new coping tools. My coping tools, like bike rides with friends, cost little to no money. Plus, a bike ride is better for my mental health.\n\n[![](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/go-for-a-bike-ride-1-1024x587.jpg)](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/go-for-a-bike-ride-1-scaled.jpg)\n\n### **19\\.) Pause or cancel your gym membership**.\nRecently, I canceled my gym membership to save money. I also wanted to spend more time outside. Now, I’m making use of my community’s walking paths and bike lanes. When I want to lift weights, I use the small gym in my apartment complex. As a bonus, it’s been a great way to meet my neighbors\\!\n\n### **20\\.) Evaluate your technology** **needs**.\nSometimes I’m tempted to buy new gadgets like an iPhone, computer, or a camera. Before I buy new technology tools, I evaluate my needs. Also, I’m committed to buying technology secondhand because it’s less expensive. I enjoy using technology for creative projects, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.\n\n### **21\\.) Try Project 333**.\nI’m a fan of Courtney’s minimalist fashion challenge, [Project 333](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/project-333\/). I’ve done the challenge a few times, and it’s been a blast! If you want to downsize your wardrobe, and save money, try this challenge.\n\n### **22\\.) Quit drinking alcohol, or drink sparingly**.\nOver three years ago, I [quit drinking alcohol](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/how-to-stop-drinking-alcohol\/). I love being sober because I’m happier and healthier. An unexpected benefit of not drinking: saving money. My monthly wine budget was costly! I diverted my “wine money” to a “travel adventure fund,” and that delights me.\n\n### **23\\.) Look for discounts on insurance**.\nThere are many types of insurance to purchase, like home, rental, health, and car insurance. Do some comparison shopping. If you find a better deal, change plans. I’ve done that in the past. I’ve also called my provider and asked about discounted offerings, too.\n\n### **24\\.) Give differently.**\nAsk for purposeful gifts and give purposeful gifts. For example, instead of giving our younger family members traditional gifts on holidays, we donate money to their education fund.\n\n### **25\\.) Find support**.\nHumans are social creatures, so cultivating and maintaining community is essential. Find ways to connect with like-minded people and talk about money goals. You could meet-up once a month or more often. When I talk about money with friends and family, I feel less alone.\n\n### **Bonus Tip**\nIf you are happy with your financial situation and aren’t worried about how to spend less money, consider donating to your favorite causes and organizations.\n\n## **Change your spending habits with less guilt**\nIn the list above, I mentioned one of my favorite books — *[Your Money or Your Life](https:\/\/amzn.to\/3LmsGBw)* by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez*.* I’m mentioning the book again because it deeply impacted my life.\n\nFor example, I use Robin’s mantra — “No shame. No blame” — regularly. I love this sentiment because it’s helped me let go of [judgment](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/shopping-habits\/), stay on track, and practice gratitude. I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep simplifying my life and saving money.\n\n## **How to Spend Less Money with a Simplicity Challenge**\nSimplifying my life gave me the time and space to assess my needs, wants, and my relationship with money. For me, untangling my relationship with money will be a lifelong process. I don’t think that’s a bad thing, though. I’ve learned to have fun with the process, and seek support from my community along the way.\n\nIf you’re still not sure where to start, that’s okay! Start small and try a “[Decluttering Burst](https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/decluttering-burst\/).” The number of things you can let go of in less than an hour will surprise you. Plus, you might be able to sell some of your stuff, too. Don’t forget to save the proceeds\\!\n\n## **More Money Resources** on How To Spend Less Money\nLooking for more money resources? Here’s a list to aid your saving efforts:\n\n- Read the updated edition of *Your Money or Your Life* by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez.\n\n- More good reads include: *Financial Feminist* by Tori Dunlap, *Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale* by Adam Minter, and *You Can Buy Happiness (and it’s Cheap)* by Tammy Strobel.\n\n- Listen to [The Pop-up Pod, Season Two](https:\/\/pop-up-pod.castos.com\/). Nicole Antoinette and her guests explore the question: How much money is enough?\n\n- Two Cents published an informative video about cars and money. It’s called [How Cars Keep You POOR](https:\/\/youtu.be\/TtJXl6pk0Z4)! Also, [How to go car-free — or car-light — in Middle America](https:\/\/www.vox.com\/future-perfect\/23578481\/how-to-live-without-a-car) by Angie Schmitt is a helpful article; especially if you live in the U.S.\n\n- Watch [9 Stupid Money Mistakes To Avoid](https:\/\/youtu.be\/Crv6l7HV1j0) by Mariana Vieira.\n\n- [Ellevest](https:\/\/www.ellevest.com\/) offers webinars and workshops.","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	A few weeks ago, I had coffee with friends and we talked about how to spend less money. Our conversation was wide ranging and interesting. I noticed that my friends want to spend less money for reasons like: inflationary pressures paying off debt over-consumption recently laid off retirement or travel plans grow their savings account and more Can you relate to some of the points above? I certainly can! For example, before I simplified my life, I shopped for happiness, lived paycheck to paycheck, and had a mountain of student loan debt. My husband and I changed our habits and paid off our debt. Over the years, we gave away our belongings, learned how to spend less money, and I wrote a book about our journey too! How To Spend Less Money: 25 simple (and sometimes fun tips) Below you’ll find 25 tips that are focused on spending less money. These tips are based on my life experiences, and resources that have inspired me. I’m not a licensed financial advisor, so keep that in mind as you read this article. I hope you’ll try a few of the tips below, and have fun with the process! With that, let’s talk about ways to spend less money: 1.) Understand the why . Journaling about why I wanted to save money helped change my habits. I wanted money to be a fun and interesting topic of conversation in my life, not a source of shame or guilt. Also, I wanted the freedom and flexibility to do work I loved. Getting clear on my goals helped me pay off debt, save money, and stay on track. 2.) Read YOUR MONEY OR YOUR LIFE . Reading Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez changed my life! I am a voracious reader, so I don’t say this lightly. The author’s 9-step plan enabled me to simplify my life and pay off my debt. Recently, I read the revised and updated edition, and I’m doing the program again! Read Your Money or Your Life and try the program. 3.) Track your spending and income . My husband and I track our spending and income in a simple Excel spreadsheet. This practice helps us identify areas – like dining and transportation – where we can spend less and save more. 4.) Go car-free or car-lite . If you can, consider going car-free or car-lite. For instance, we recently sold our car . We no longer had a car payment, but our car cost roughly $300 per month. Expenses like insurance, gas, depreciation, and parking fees add up fast. 5.) Start planning your meals. I resisted meal planning for years. I wish that wasn’t true because meal-planning is fun. Plus, I’m saving money and time. For example, I’m not going to the grocery store three times a week and my fridge is stocked with ingredients for the recipes I have in mind for the week. I’m also less likely to order Chipotle when I have taco making supplies in my refrigerator. Use a shopping list to avoid impulse purchases. 6.) Buy in bulk. Buying food in bulk reduced our weekly grocery bill. At the store, I put nuts, dried fruit, beans, flour, and other consumables into reusable bags. At home, we store our bulk goods in mason jars. It’s a great money saving system. And as a bonus, our pantry looks beautiful! 7.) Try a shopping ban . If you want to try a shopping ban, listen to Courtney and Bailey on the Soul and Wit podcast. They share their “best tips on how to create your own shopping ban or spending freeze. You may decide to call off all non-essential purchases or focus on some of the places where you struggle with spending. For instance, try a month of no online shopping, or no Amazon shopping. These small changes will make a big difference. Plus, Courtney shares all the things she thought about purchasing during her No Buy July .” 8.) Join the library. Before I joined the library, I spent roughly $150 on books each month. Joining the library has saved me a lot of money and has provided me with quality entertainment! I still buy books; just less often. Also, I like donating used books and money to my local library. 9.) Shop secondhand . I enjoy shopping at thrift stores for household items. For example, baking cakes is one of my new hobbies. I was happy to find a new (to me) cake dome at Goodwill for $1.50! Purchasing stuff secondhand is one way to save money and support local businesses. 10.) Evaluate your housing costs . Struggling to pay your rent or mortgage? Consider getting a roommate or downsizing into a smaller home. Think about the overall out of pocket costs in addition to your monthly payment. For homeowners, consider your interest rate, heating / air conditioning costs and repairs too. 11.) Cultivate friendships without spending money . I loved Ellie Hughes’ recent article – How To Cultivate Friendships Without Spending Money To Go Out . Hughes wrote about free ways to gather with friends like, “Go grocery shopping for one or both of you, take your dog(s) to the dog park together, and ask them to join in your errands and chat as you head to the dry cleaner, bank,” and more. 12.) Cut needless subscriptions . At the end of the month, I ask myself: Are you still using – and loving – your subscriptions? Asking myself this question, and having a list of my subscriptions in one place is helpful. Start with TV looking at your costs for cable, Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services. Is there a low-cost option or way to consolidate? 13.) Curate your social media feeds. If brands or influencers tempt you to spend money, unfollow them on social media. Instead, follow authors, brands, and influencers that support your money saving journey. Taking a break from social media is an option, too! 14.) Invest in your future . Investments that bring me a thrill include saving for travel, my old age fund, and emergencies. Each savings bucket is an investment in my future self. Also, having saving accounts reduces my stress and brings me joy. 15.) Declutter, declutter, declutter . Declutter your home , sell what you no longer need, and save the proceeds! 16.) Look for inspiring stories by fellow savers . Consume books, podcasts, and articles about fellow savers. Stories are a great source of inspiration and motivation! Scroll to the bottom of this post for a list of helpful resources. 17.) Wait and see. If you want to buy something, “ wait and see .” As Courtney said, “That thing you want to buy now will very likely still be available next month. Wait 30 days for any purchase and see if it is still as necessary or appealing. Spoiler alert: it rarely is.” 18.) Establish new coping tools. In my early twenties, I shopped for happiness to deal with stress. Since then, I’ve developed new coping tools. My coping tools, like bike rides with friends, cost little to no money. Plus, a bike ride is better for my mental health. 19.) Pause or cancel your gym membership . Recently, I canceled my gym membership to save money. I also wanted to spend more time outside. Now, I’m making use of my community’s walking paths and bike lanes. When I want to lift weights, I use the small gym in my apartment complex. As a bonus, it’s been a great way to meet my neighbors! 20.) Evaluate your technology needs . Sometimes I’m tempted to buy new gadgets like an iPhone, computer, or a camera. Before I buy new technology tools, I evaluate my needs. Also, I’m committed to buying technology secondhand because it’s less expensive. I enjoy using technology for creative projects, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. 21.) Try Project 333 . I’m a fan of Courtney’s minimalist fashion challenge, Project 333 . I’ve done the challenge a few times, and it’s been a blast! If you want to downsize your wardrobe, and save money, try this challenge. 22.) Quit drinking alcohol, or drink sparingly . Over three years ago, I quit drinking alcohol . I love being sober because I’m happier and healthier. An unexpected benefit of not drinking: saving money. My monthly wine budget was costly! I diverted my “wine money” to a “travel adventure fund,” and that delights me. 23.) Look for discounts on insurance . There are many types of insurance to purchase, like home, rental, health, and car insurance. Do some comparison shopping. If you find a better deal, change plans. I’ve done that in the past. I’ve also called my provider and asked about discounted offerings, too. 24.) Give differently. Ask for purposeful gifts and give purposeful gifts. For example, instead of giving our younger family members traditional gifts on holidays, we donate money to their education fund. 25.) Find support . Humans are social creatures, so cultivating and maintaining community is essential. Find ways to connect with like-minded people and talk about money goals. You could meet-up once a month or more often. When I talk about money with friends and family, I feel less alone. Bonus Tip If you are happy with your financial situation and aren’t worried about how to spend less money, consider donating to your favorite causes and organizations. Change your spending habits with less guilt In the list above, I mentioned one of my favorite books — Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez . I’m mentioning the book again because it deeply impacted my life. For example, I use Robin’s mantra — “No shame. No blame” — regularly. I love this sentiment because it’s helped me let go of judgment , stay on track, and practice gratitude. I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep simplifying my life and saving money. How to Spend Less Money with a Simplicity Challenge Simplifying my life gave me the time and space to assess my needs, wants, and my relationship with money. For me, untangling my relationship with money will be a lifelong process. I don’t think that’s a bad thing, though. I’ve learned to have fun with the process, and seek support from my community along the way. If you’re still not sure where to start, that’s okay! Start small and try a “ Decluttering Burst .” The number of things you can let go of in less than an hour will surprise you. Plus, you might be able to sell some of your stuff, too. Don’t forget to save the proceeds! More Money Resources on How To Spend Less Money Looking for more money resources? Here’s a list to aid your saving efforts: Read the updated edition of Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez. More good reads include: Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap, Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale by Adam Minter, and You Can Buy Happiness (and it’s Cheap) by Tammy Strobel. Listen to The Pop-up Pod, Season Two . Nicole Antoinette and her guests explore the question: How much money is enough? Two Cents published an informative video about cars and money. It’s called How Cars Keep You POOR ! Also, How to go car-free — or car-light — in Middle America by Angie Schmitt is a helpful article; especially if you live in the U.S. Watch 9 Stupid Money Mistakes To Avoid by Mariana Vieira. Ellevest offers webinars and workshops.
Markdown	![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=409164536102557&ev=PageView&noscript=1) Get your FREE copy of The Simplicity Quick Start Guide: 25 Ways to Simplify Your Life in 10 Minutes or Less. [Download Now](https://bemorewithless.com/free-simplicity-guide/) ✕ - [Skip to primary navigation](https://bemorewithless.com/how-to-spend-less-money/#genesis-nav-primary) - [Skip to main content](https://bemorewithless.com/how-to-spend-less-money/#genesis-content) - [Skip to primary sidebar](https://bemorewithless.com/how-to-spend-less-money/#genesis-sidebar-primary) [![Be More with Less](https://bemorewithless.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/be-more-with-less-logo.png)](https://bemorewithless.com/) Be More with Less Simplify your life. Declutter your mind. Connect with your heart. Search Menu - [Start Here](https://bemorewithless.com/about/) - [Articles](https://bemorewithless.com/archives/) Sub Menu - [Capsule Wardrobe](https://bemorewithless.com/category/capsule-wardrobe/) - [Declutter](https://bemorewithless.com/category/declutter/) - [Simple Pleasures](https://bemorewithless.com/category/simple-pleasures/) - [Simplify Your Life](https://bemorewithless.com/category/simplify-your-life/) - [Slow Living](https://bemorewithless.com/category/slow-living/) - [Weekend Favorites](https://bemorewithless.com/category/weekend-favorites/) - [Wellness](https://bemorewithless.com/category/wellness/) - [All Articles](https://bemorewithless.com/archives/) - [Books](https://bemorewithless.com/books/) Sub Menu - [Gentle (NEW!)](https://bemorewithless.com/books/gentle/) - [Soulful Simplicity](https://bemorewithless.com/books/soulful-simplicity/) - [Project 333](https://bemorewithless.com/books/project-333/) - [Project 333](https://bemorewithless.com/project-333/) - [Membership](https://bemorewithless.com/membership/) - [Courses](https://bemorewithless.com/courses/) [Simplify Your Life](https://bemorewithless.com/category/simplify-your-life/) # How To Spend Less Money (25 simple tips) [![Tammy Strobel](https://bemorewithless.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/tammy-strobel-72x72.jpg)](https://bemorewithless.com/about/ "About the author")by Tammy Strobel A few weeks ago, I had coffee with friends and we talked about how to spend less money. Our conversation was wide ranging and interesting. I noticed that my friends want to spend less money for reasons like: - inflationary pressures - [paying off debt](https://bemorewithless.com/debt-free/) - over-consumption - recently laid off - retirement or travel plans - grow their savings account - and more Can you relate to some of the points above? I certainly can! For example, before I simplified my life, I shopped for happiness, lived paycheck to paycheck, and had a mountain of student loan debt. My husband and I changed our habits and paid off our debt. Over the years, we gave away our belongings, learned how to spend less money, and I wrote [a book](https://www.newworldlibrary.com/Activism/YOU-CAN-BUY-HAPPINESS-AND-ITS-CHEAP) about our journey too\! ## How To Spend Less Money: 25 simple (and sometimes fun tips) Below you’ll find 25 tips that are focused on spending less money. These tips are based on my life experiences, and resources that have inspired me. I’m not a licensed financial advisor, so keep that in mind as you read this article. I hope you’ll try a few of the tips below, and have fun with the process\! [![](https://bemorewithless.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HOW-TO-SPEND-LESS-MONEY-512x1024.jpg)![](https://bemorewithless.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HOW-TO-SPEND-LESS-MONEY-512x1024.jpg)](https://bemorewithless.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HOW-TO-SPEND-LESS-MONEY.jpg) With that, let’s talk about ways to spend less money: ### 1\.) Understand the why. Journaling about why I wanted to save money helped change my habits. I wanted money to be a fun and interesting topic of conversation in my life, not a source of shame or guilt. Also, I wanted the freedom and flexibility to do work I loved. Getting clear on my goals helped me pay off debt, save money, and stay on track. ### 2\.) Read *YOUR MONEY OR YOUR LIFE. Reading [Your Money or Your Life](https://yourmoneyoryourlife.com/book/) by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez changed my life! I am a voracious reader, so I don’t say this lightly. The author’s 9-step plan enabled me to simplify my life and pay off my debt. Recently, I read the revised and updated edition, and I’m doing the program again! Read Your Money or Your Life* and try the program. ### 3\.) Track your spending and income. My husband and I track our spending and income in a simple Excel spreadsheet. This practice helps us identify areas – like dining and transportation – where we can spend less and save more. ### 4\.) Go car-free or car-lite. If you can, consider going car-free or car-lite. For instance, we recently sold our [car](https://tammystrobel.substack.com/p/were-car-free-again). We no longer had a car payment, but our car cost roughly \$300 per month. Expenses like insurance, gas, depreciation, and parking fees add up fast. [![](https://bemorewithless.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/meal-plan-to-spend-less-money-1-1024x683.jpg)![](https://bemorewithless.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/meal-plan-to-spend-less-money-1-1024x683.jpg)](https://bemorewithless.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/meal-plan-to-spend-less-money-1-scaled.jpg) ### 5\.) Start planning your meals. I resisted meal planning for years. I wish that wasn’t true because meal-planning is fun. Plus, I’m saving money and time. For example, I’m not going to the grocery store three times a week and my fridge is stocked with ingredients for the recipes I have in mind for the week. I’m also less likely to order Chipotle when I have taco making supplies in my refrigerator. Use a shopping list to avoid impulse purchases. ### 6\.) Buy in bulk. Buying food in bulk reduced our weekly grocery bill. At the store, I put nuts, dried fruit, beans, flour, and other consumables into reusable bags. At home, we store our bulk goods in mason jars. It’s a great money saving system. And as a bonus, our pantry looks beautiful\! ### 7\.) Try a shopping ban. If you want to try a shopping ban, listen to Courtney and Bailey on the [Soul and Wit](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/126-no-buy-july-and-creating-your-own-shopping-ban/id1489742667?i=1000575349448) podcast. They share their “best tips on how to create your own shopping ban or spending freeze. You may decide to call off all non-essential purchases or focus on some of the places where you struggle with spending. For instance, try a month of no online shopping, or no Amazon shopping. These small changes will make a big difference. Plus, Courtney shares all the things she thought about purchasing during her No Buy July.” ### 8\.) Join the library. Before I joined the library, I spent roughly \$150 on books each month. Joining the library has saved me a lot of money and has provided me with quality entertainment! I still buy books; just less often. Also, I like [donating used books](https://bemorewithless.com/places-to-donate-books/) and money to my local library. ### 9\.) Shop secondhand. I enjoy shopping at thrift stores for household items. For example, baking cakes is one of my new hobbies. I was happy to find a new (to me) cake dome at Goodwill for \$1.50! Purchasing stuff [secondhand](https://www.npr.org/2019/12/04/784702588/the-best-thing-you-can-do-is-not-buy-more-stuff-says-secondhand-expert) is one way to save money and support local businesses. ### 10\.) Evaluate your housing costs. Struggling to pay your rent or mortgage? Consider getting a roommate or [downsizing](https://www.flowmagazine.com/flow-magazine/tammy-strobel-on-letting-go-of-her-tiny-house.html) into a smaller home. Think about the overall out of pocket costs in addition to your monthly payment. For homeowners, consider your interest rate, heating / air conditioning costs and repairs too. ### 11\.) Cultivate friendships without spending money. I loved Ellie Hughes’ recent article – [How To Cultivate Friendships Without Spending Money To Go Out](https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/things-to-do-with-friends/). Hughes wrote about free ways to gather with friends like, “Go grocery shopping for one or both of you, take your dog(s) to the dog park together, and ask them to join in your errands and chat as you head to the dry cleaner, bank,” and more. ### 12\.) Cut needless subscriptions. At the end of the month, I ask myself: Are you still using – and loving – your subscriptions? Asking myself this question, and having a list of my subscriptions in one place is helpful. Start with TV looking at your costs for cable, Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services. Is there a low-cost option or way to consolidate? ### 13\.) Curate your social media feeds. If brands or influencers tempt you to spend money, unfollow them on social media. Instead, follow authors, brands, and influencers that support your money saving journey. [Taking a break](https://pop-up-pod.castos.com/episodes/sarah-von-bargen-34don39t-confuse-buying-with-taking-action-buying-tennis-shoes-is-not-the-same-as-training-for-a-marathon34) from social media is an option, too\! ### 14\.) Invest in your future. Investments that bring me a thrill include saving for travel, my old age fund, and emergencies. Each savings bucket is an investment in my future self. Also, having saving accounts reduces my stress and brings me joy. ### 15\.) Declutter, declutter, declutter. [Declutter your home](https://bemorewithless.com/declutter-your-home/), sell what you no longer need, and save the proceeds\! ### 16\.) Look for inspiring stories by fellow savers. Consume books, podcasts, and articles about fellow savers. Stories are a great source of inspiration and motivation! Scroll to the bottom of this post for a list of helpful resources. ### 17\.) Wait and see. If you want to buy something, “[wait and see](https://bemorewithless.com/shopping-habits/).” As Courtney said, “That thing you want to buy now will very likely still be available next month. Wait 30 days for any purchase and see if it is still as necessary or appealing. Spoiler alert: it rarely is.” ### 18\.) Establish new coping tools. In my early twenties, I shopped for happiness to deal with stress. Since then, I’ve developed new coping tools. My coping tools, like bike rides with friends, cost little to no money. Plus, a bike ride is better for my mental health. [![](https://bemorewithless.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/go-for-a-bike-ride-1-1024x587.jpg)![](https://bemorewithless.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/go-for-a-bike-ride-1-1024x587.jpg)](https://bemorewithless.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/go-for-a-bike-ride-1-scaled.jpg) ### 19\.) Pause or cancel your gym membership. Recently, I canceled my gym membership to save money. I also wanted to spend more time outside. Now, I’m making use of my community’s walking paths and bike lanes. When I want to lift weights, I use the small gym in my apartment complex. As a bonus, it’s been a great way to meet my neighbors\! ### 20\.) Evaluate your technology needs. Sometimes I’m tempted to buy new gadgets like an iPhone, computer, or a camera. Before I buy new technology tools, I evaluate my needs. Also, I’m committed to buying technology secondhand because it’s less expensive. I enjoy using technology for creative projects, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. ### 21\.) Try Project 333. I’m a fan of Courtney’s minimalist fashion challenge, [Project 333](https://bemorewithless.com/project-333/). I’ve done the challenge a few times, and it’s been a blast! If you want to downsize your wardrobe, and save money, try this challenge. ### 22\.) Quit drinking alcohol, or drink sparingly. Over three years ago, I [quit drinking alcohol](https://bemorewithless.com/how-to-stop-drinking-alcohol/). I love being sober because I’m happier and healthier. An unexpected benefit of not drinking: saving money. My monthly wine budget was costly! I diverted my “wine money” to a “travel adventure fund,” and that delights me. ### 23\.) Look for discounts on insurance. There are many types of insurance to purchase, like home, rental, health, and car insurance. Do some comparison shopping. If you find a better deal, change plans. I’ve done that in the past. I’ve also called my provider and asked about discounted offerings, too. ### 24\.) Give differently. Ask for purposeful gifts and give purposeful gifts. For example, instead of giving our younger family members traditional gifts on holidays, we donate money to their education fund. ### 25\.) Find support. Humans are social creatures, so cultivating and maintaining community is essential. Find ways to connect with like-minded people and talk about money goals. You could meet-up once a month or more often. When I talk about money with friends and family, I feel less alone. ### Bonus Tip If you are happy with your financial situation and aren’t worried about how to spend less money, consider donating to your favorite causes and organizations. ## Change your spending habits with less guilt In the list above, I mentioned one of my favorite books — [Your Money or Your Life](https://amzn.to/3LmsGBw) by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez. I’m mentioning the book again because it deeply impacted my life. For example, I use Robin’s mantra — “No shame. No blame” — regularly. I love this sentiment because it’s helped me let go of [judgment](https://bemorewithless.com/shopping-habits/), stay on track, and practice gratitude. I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep simplifying my life and saving money. ## How to Spend Less Money with a Simplicity Challenge Simplifying my life gave me the time and space to assess my needs, wants, and my relationship with money. For me, untangling my relationship with money will be a lifelong process. I don’t think that’s a bad thing, though. I’ve learned to have fun with the process, and seek support from my community along the way. If you’re still not sure where to start, that’s okay! Start small and try a “[Decluttering Burst](https://bemorewithless.com/decluttering-burst/).” The number of things you can let go of in less than an hour will surprise you. Plus, you might be able to sell some of your stuff, too. Don’t forget to save the proceeds\! ## More Money Resources on How To Spend Less Money Looking for more money resources? Here’s a list to aid your saving efforts: - Read the updated edition of Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez. - More good reads include: Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap, Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale by Adam Minter, and You Can Buy Happiness (and it’s Cheap) by Tammy Strobel. - Listen to [The Pop-up Pod, Season Two](https://pop-up-pod.castos.com/). Nicole Antoinette and her guests explore the question: How much money is enough? - Two Cents published an informative video about cars and money. It’s called [How Cars Keep You POOR](https://youtu.be/TtJXl6pk0Z4)! Also, [How to go car-free — or car-light — in Middle America](https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/23578481/how-to-live-without-a-car) by Angie Schmitt is a helpful article; especially if you live in the U.S. - Watch [9 Stupid Money Mistakes To Avoid](https://youtu.be/Crv6l7HV1j0) by Mariana Vieira. - [Ellevest](https://www.ellevest.com/) offers webinars and workshops. Follow For Updates - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/bemorewithless/) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/bemorewithlessdotcom/) - [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/bemorewithless/) - [Mail](https://bemorewithless.com/free-simplicity-guide/) ### You Might Also Like [![](https://bemorewithless.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/decluttering-advice-image-600x315.jpg)![](https://bemorewithless.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/decluttering-advice-image-600x315.jpg)](https://bemorewithless.com/decluttering-advice-you-might-not-want-to-hear/) [Honest Decluttering Advice You Might Not Want to Hear](https://bemorewithless.com/decluttering-advice-you-might-not-want-to-hear/) [![Woman scrolling on phone.](https://bemorewithless.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/reducing-screen-time-2-1-600x315.jpg)![Woman scrolling on phone.](https://bemorewithless.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/reducing-screen-time-2-1-600x315.jpg)](https://bemorewithless.com/reducing-screen-time/) [The Real Secret to Reducing Screen Time](https://bemorewithless.com/reducing-screen-time/) [![](https://bemorewithless.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HOW-TO-SIMPLIFY-IMAGE-600x315.jpg)![](https://bemorewithless.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/HOW-TO-SIMPLIFY-IMAGE-600x315.jpg)](https://bemorewithless.com/how-to-simplify-anything/) [How To Simplify Anything](https://bemorewithless.com/how-to-simplify-anything/) [![](https://bemorewithless.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/stop-buying-things-image-600x315.jpg)![](https://bemorewithless.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/stop-buying-things-image-600x315.jpg)](https://bemorewithless.com/stop-buying-things/) [10 Little Notes to Stop Buying Things You Don’t Need](https://bemorewithless.com/stop-buying-things/) ## Primary Sidebar #### Popular Articles - 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Readable Markdown	A few weeks ago, I had coffee with friends and we talked about how to spend less money. Our conversation was wide ranging and interesting. I noticed that my friends want to spend less money for reasons like: - inflationary pressures - [paying off debt](https://bemorewithless.com/debt-free/) - over-consumption - recently laid off - retirement or travel plans - grow their savings account - and more Can you relate to some of the points above? I certainly can! For example, before I simplified my life, I shopped for happiness, lived paycheck to paycheck, and had a mountain of student loan debt. My husband and I changed our habits and paid off our debt. Over the years, we gave away our belongings, learned how to spend less money, and I wrote [a book](https://www.newworldlibrary.com/Activism/YOU-CAN-BUY-HAPPINESS-AND-ITS-CHEAP) about our journey too\! ## How To Spend Less Money: 25 simple (and sometimes fun tips) Below you’ll find 25 tips that are focused on spending less money. These tips are based on my life experiences, and resources that have inspired me. I’m not a licensed financial advisor, so keep that in mind as you read this article. I hope you’ll try a few of the tips below, and have fun with the process\! [![](https://bemorewithless.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HOW-TO-SPEND-LESS-MONEY-512x1024.jpg)](https://bemorewithless.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HOW-TO-SPEND-LESS-MONEY.jpg) With that, let’s talk about ways to spend less money: ### 1\.) Understand the why. Journaling about why I wanted to save money helped change my habits. I wanted money to be a fun and interesting topic of conversation in my life, not a source of shame or guilt. Also, I wanted the freedom and flexibility to do work I loved. Getting clear on my goals helped me pay off debt, save money, and stay on track. ### 2\.) Read *YOUR MONEY OR YOUR LIFE. Reading [Your Money or Your Life](https://yourmoneyoryourlife.com/book/) by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez changed my life! I am a voracious reader, so I don’t say this lightly. The author’s 9-step plan enabled me to simplify my life and pay off my debt. Recently, I read the revised and updated edition, and I’m doing the program again! Read Your Money or Your Life* and try the program. ### 3\.) Track your spending and income. My husband and I track our spending and income in a simple Excel spreadsheet. This practice helps us identify areas – like dining and transportation – where we can spend less and save more. ### 4\.) Go car-free or car-lite. If you can, consider going car-free or car-lite. For instance, we recently sold our [car](https://tammystrobel.substack.com/p/were-car-free-again). We no longer had a car payment, but our car cost roughly \$300 per month. Expenses like insurance, gas, depreciation, and parking fees add up fast. [![](https://bemorewithless.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/meal-plan-to-spend-less-money-1-1024x683.jpg)](https://bemorewithless.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/meal-plan-to-spend-less-money-1-scaled.jpg) ### 5\.) Start planning your meals. I resisted meal planning for years. I wish that wasn’t true because meal-planning is fun. Plus, I’m saving money and time. For example, I’m not going to the grocery store three times a week and my fridge is stocked with ingredients for the recipes I have in mind for the week. I’m also less likely to order Chipotle when I have taco making supplies in my refrigerator. Use a shopping list to avoid impulse purchases. ### 6\.) Buy in bulk. Buying food in bulk reduced our weekly grocery bill. At the store, I put nuts, dried fruit, beans, flour, and other consumables into reusable bags. At home, we store our bulk goods in mason jars. It’s a great money saving system. And as a bonus, our pantry looks beautiful\! ### 7\.) Try a shopping ban. If you want to try a shopping ban, listen to Courtney and Bailey on the [Soul and Wit](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/126-no-buy-july-and-creating-your-own-shopping-ban/id1489742667?i=1000575349448) podcast. They share their “best tips on how to create your own shopping ban or spending freeze. You may decide to call off all non-essential purchases or focus on some of the places where you struggle with spending. For instance, try a month of no online shopping, or no Amazon shopping. These small changes will make a big difference. Plus, Courtney shares all the things she thought about purchasing during her No Buy July.” ### 8\.) Join the library. Before I joined the library, I spent roughly \$150 on books each month. Joining the library has saved me a lot of money and has provided me with quality entertainment! I still buy books; just less often. Also, I like [donating used books](https://bemorewithless.com/places-to-donate-books/) and money to my local library. ### 9\.) Shop secondhand. I enjoy shopping at thrift stores for household items. For example, baking cakes is one of my new hobbies. I was happy to find a new (to me) cake dome at Goodwill for \$1.50! Purchasing stuff [secondhand](https://www.npr.org/2019/12/04/784702588/the-best-thing-you-can-do-is-not-buy-more-stuff-says-secondhand-expert) is one way to save money and support local businesses. ### 10\.) Evaluate your housing costs. Struggling to pay your rent or mortgage? Consider getting a roommate or [downsizing](https://www.flowmagazine.com/flow-magazine/tammy-strobel-on-letting-go-of-her-tiny-house.html) into a smaller home. Think about the overall out of pocket costs in addition to your monthly payment. For homeowners, consider your interest rate, heating / air conditioning costs and repairs too. ### 11\.) Cultivate friendships without spending money. I loved Ellie Hughes’ recent article – [How To Cultivate Friendships Without Spending Money To Go Out](https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/things-to-do-with-friends/). Hughes wrote about free ways to gather with friends like, “Go grocery shopping for one or both of you, take your dog(s) to the dog park together, and ask them to join in your errands and chat as you head to the dry cleaner, bank,” and more. ### 12\.) Cut needless subscriptions. At the end of the month, I ask myself: Are you still using – and loving – your subscriptions? Asking myself this question, and having a list of my subscriptions in one place is helpful. Start with TV looking at your costs for cable, Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services. Is there a low-cost option or way to consolidate? ### 13\.) Curate your social media feeds. If brands or influencers tempt you to spend money, unfollow them on social media. Instead, follow authors, brands, and influencers that support your money saving journey. [Taking a break](https://pop-up-pod.castos.com/episodes/sarah-von-bargen-34don39t-confuse-buying-with-taking-action-buying-tennis-shoes-is-not-the-same-as-training-for-a-marathon34) from social media is an option, too\! ### 14\.) Invest in your future. Investments that bring me a thrill include saving for travel, my old age fund, and emergencies. Each savings bucket is an investment in my future self. Also, having saving accounts reduces my stress and brings me joy. ### 15\.) Declutter, declutter, declutter. [Declutter your home](https://bemorewithless.com/declutter-your-home/), sell what you no longer need, and save the proceeds\! ### 16\.) Look for inspiring stories by fellow savers. Consume books, podcasts, and articles about fellow savers. Stories are a great source of inspiration and motivation! Scroll to the bottom of this post for a list of helpful resources. ### 17\.) Wait and see. If you want to buy something, “[wait and see](https://bemorewithless.com/shopping-habits/).” As Courtney said, “That thing you want to buy now will very likely still be available next month. Wait 30 days for any purchase and see if it is still as necessary or appealing. Spoiler alert: it rarely is.” ### 18\.) Establish new coping tools. In my early twenties, I shopped for happiness to deal with stress. Since then, I’ve developed new coping tools. My coping tools, like bike rides with friends, cost little to no money. Plus, a bike ride is better for my mental health. [![](https://bemorewithless.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/go-for-a-bike-ride-1-1024x587.jpg)](https://bemorewithless.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/go-for-a-bike-ride-1-scaled.jpg) ### 19\.) Pause or cancel your gym membership. Recently, I canceled my gym membership to save money. I also wanted to spend more time outside. Now, I’m making use of my community’s walking paths and bike lanes. When I want to lift weights, I use the small gym in my apartment complex. As a bonus, it’s been a great way to meet my neighbors\! ### 20\.) Evaluate your technology needs. Sometimes I’m tempted to buy new gadgets like an iPhone, computer, or a camera. Before I buy new technology tools, I evaluate my needs. Also, I’m committed to buying technology secondhand because it’s less expensive. I enjoy using technology for creative projects, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. ### 21\.) Try Project 333. I’m a fan of Courtney’s minimalist fashion challenge, [Project 333](https://bemorewithless.com/project-333/). I’ve done the challenge a few times, and it’s been a blast! If you want to downsize your wardrobe, and save money, try this challenge. ### 22\.) Quit drinking alcohol, or drink sparingly. Over three years ago, I [quit drinking alcohol](https://bemorewithless.com/how-to-stop-drinking-alcohol/). I love being sober because I’m happier and healthier. An unexpected benefit of not drinking: saving money. My monthly wine budget was costly! I diverted my “wine money” to a “travel adventure fund,” and that delights me. ### 23\.) Look for discounts on insurance. There are many types of insurance to purchase, like home, rental, health, and car insurance. Do some comparison shopping. If you find a better deal, change plans. I’ve done that in the past. I’ve also called my provider and asked about discounted offerings, too. ### 24\.) Give differently. Ask for purposeful gifts and give purposeful gifts. For example, instead of giving our younger family members traditional gifts on holidays, we donate money to their education fund. ### 25\.) Find support. Humans are social creatures, so cultivating and maintaining community is essential. Find ways to connect with like-minded people and talk about money goals. You could meet-up once a month or more often. When I talk about money with friends and family, I feel less alone. ### Bonus Tip If you are happy with your financial situation and aren’t worried about how to spend less money, consider donating to your favorite causes and organizations. ## Change your spending habits with less guilt In the list above, I mentioned one of my favorite books — [Your Money or Your Life](https://amzn.to/3LmsGBw) by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez. I’m mentioning the book again because it deeply impacted my life. For example, I use Robin’s mantra — “No shame. No blame” — regularly. I love this sentiment because it’s helped me let go of [judgment](https://bemorewithless.com/shopping-habits/), stay on track, and practice gratitude. I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep simplifying my life and saving money. ## How to Spend Less Money with a Simplicity Challenge Simplifying my life gave me the time and space to assess my needs, wants, and my relationship with money. For me, untangling my relationship with money will be a lifelong process. I don’t think that’s a bad thing, though. I’ve learned to have fun with the process, and seek support from my community along the way. If you’re still not sure where to start, that’s okay! Start small and try a “[Decluttering Burst](https://bemorewithless.com/decluttering-burst/).” The number of things you can let go of in less than an hour will surprise you. Plus, you might be able to sell some of your stuff, too. Don’t forget to save the proceeds\! ## More Money Resources on How To Spend Less Money Looking for more money resources? Here’s a list to aid your saving efforts: - Read the updated edition of Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez. - More good reads include: Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap, Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale by Adam Minter, and You Can Buy Happiness (and it’s Cheap) by Tammy Strobel. - Listen to [The Pop-up Pod, Season Two](https://pop-up-pod.castos.com/). Nicole Antoinette and her guests explore the question: How much money is enough? - Two Cents published an informative video about cars and money. It’s called [How Cars Keep You POOR](https://youtu.be/TtJXl6pk0Z4)! Also, [How to go car-free — or car-light — in Middle America](https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/23578481/how-to-live-without-a-car) by Angie Schmitt is a helpful article; especially if you live in the U.S. - Watch [9 Stupid Money Mistakes To Avoid](https://youtu.be/Crv6l7HV1j0) by Mariana Vieira. - [Ellevest](https://www.ellevest.com/) offers webinars and workshops.
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