16 Ways to Save Money Around Your Home and Local Area

In the face of the cost of living crisis, many of us are looking for ways to tighten our belts and save money. But what if I told you that saving money doesn’t necessarily mean giving up on the good things in life? Quite the contrary, it often leads to a deeper appreciation for the simple things. Several years ago, in our home, we faced the need to pay off considerable debts. This required us to reassess our spending habits and adopt a simpler lifestyle. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise, providing a fresh perspective on how to prioritise not only our money but also our time and energy. I would like to share 16 ways you can save money around your home and local area, and in the process, you might too discover that less really can be more.

16 Ways to Save Money Around Your Home and Local Area

At Home

1. Prepare meals at home instead of ordering takeout or eating out.

One of the most effective ways to save money is by cooking meals at home, making use of ingredients you already have in your pantry or fridge. This not only reduces waste but also allows you to enjoy your favourite dishes at a fraction of the cost.

To resist the temptation of ordering takeout or eating out, compile a list of your favourite easy-to-make meals that you might typically order when dining out. Plan to prepare one of these favourites once a week, such as on a Saturday.

For instance, if you’re a fan of Italian food, why not try making a homemade spaghetti carbonara or a Margherita pizza? These dishes are simple to prepare and require basic ingredients that you’re likely to have on hand.

Perhaps you’re a lover of Asian cuisine? Instead of ordering a takeaway, why not try your hand at making a stir-fry or a comforting bowl of ramen? With a few staple ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, you can whip up a tasty, restaurant-quality dish.

By taking the time to prepare your meals at home, you can customise the dish to your liking, control the portion sizes, and save a significant amount of money. By drastically reducing takeaways and dining out from our budget, we’ve literally saved hundreds if not thousands of pounds.

2. Grow your own garden.

By dedicating a small patch of land or even a container to growing your own produce, you not only save on grocery bills but also engage in a fulfilling activity. Starting is as simple as choosing your favourite plants, giving them the water they need, and watching them grow. This rewarding process leads to delicious, homegrown produce and also helps you save money in the long run. Even if you have a small yard or live in an flat or apartment, don’t let limited space deter you. You can start a mini garden right on your balcony or windowsill. It’s not just about saving money, it’s also about the joy of tending to your plants and the satisfaction of harvesting your own vegetables. This simple act of ‘plant, water, grow’ can lead to significant savings over time, making it a simple step towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

3. Make your own cleaning supplies.

Cleaning supplies can be expensive and buying specialised products for each task can result in a cluttered cupboard and complicated decisions. To simplify and save money, consider DIY cleaning products made with vinegar, bicarbonate, castile soap and essential oils. Limit the number of items used by creating a multipurpose cleaner for use throughout the house.

4. Use up what you have before buying anything new.

Have you ever seen a product that you just had to have? I know I have. I buy the item and start using it immediately. Often, it doesn’t turn out to be as magical as I had hoped. Consequently, my older products get neglected, leaving my bathroom full of half-used items. I never get around to using them because the next new product has arrived! Can you relate? Here’s a rule to consider: don’t buy a new product until you’ve used up the old one. This strategy can save you time searching for things and prevent the waste of products (and money).

5. Use energy-efficient light bulbs and rechargeable batteries.

Here’s a tip that can kickstart your money-saving right away: switch to energy-efficient light bulbs and invest in rechargeable batteries. You’d be surprised at how these small changes can add up to significant savings over time.

When it comes to saving money, every little bit counts. Energy-efficient bulbs may cost a little more upfront, but they last longer and use far less electricity, which means lower utility bills in the long run. Similarly, though rechargeable batteries require an initial investment, they can be reused hundreds of times, saving you the cost of constantly buying disposable ones.

So why not make the switch? Not only will you be saving your hard-earned cash, but you’ll also be doing a little bit of good for our planet. Now that’s what I call a win-win!

6. Reuse and repurpose items.

Before heading to the shop for a new purchase, consider exploring your own home first. It’s surprising how often we overlook items that we already own that could fulfil our needs. By reusing items from your home, you not only save money but also maximise the use of what you already have. If you need to buy something, choose versatile and neutral items. These can be repurposed when they’re no longer needed in their original space. By getting creative with what you already own, you’ll find that you can save money and reduce waste.

7. Sell unwanted items online.

Consider selling items you no longer need on platforms like Vinted or Facebook Marketplace. It’s surprising how your unused items can be a treasure to someone else. Not only does this clear clutter from your home, but it also provides you with some extra cash and benefits someone else.

8. Utilise free online resources for entertainment and learning.

Tapping into the abundance of free online resources not only broadens your knowledge and skills but also leads to significant savings. Here are some examples:

1. Online Education Platforms: Platforms such as Coursera, Khan Academy, and edX offer a wealth of knowledge with their free courses on various subjects. You can learn at your own pace, saving money on further education or skill enhancement.
2. E-books and Audiobooks: You don’t have to purchase books to satisfy your reading habit. Libraries often have digital lending programs, and sites like Project Gutenberg provide numerous free e-books in the public domain. This is a cost-effective way to maintain your love for reading.
3. Streaming Platforms: YouTube is a goldmine of free videos, tutorials, and educational content. Whether you’re looking to learn a new recipe, find a workout routine, or understand a complex concept, YouTube can help, saving you money on classes or subscriptions.
4. Digital Art Galleries and Museums: Art enthusiasts or history buffs can enjoy virtual tours and online exhibits offered by many museums, saving money on travel and tickets while indulging in culture.
5. Podcasts: If you prefer learning on the go, podcasts are an excellent source of free entertainment and information. They cover a wide range of topics and are available on various platforms, saving you money on books, courses, or seminars.
6. Online Fitness Classes: Maintain your fitness without the need for a gym membership! Many fitness professionals offer free workout videos or live classes on social media platforms, which is a cost-effective way to stay in shape.

While these resources are beneficial, be mindful of the time you spend online.

9. Forage for edibles.

One of the ways I save money during the summer is by berry picking. It’s a delightful activity that provides an abundance of delicious berries. While shop-bought berries can be quite costly, nature offers them for free in many local parks or walking trails. My daughter and I particularly enjoy this activity – it’s not just about the savings, but also about spending quality time together in the great outdoors. We usually stick to brambles and raspberries, as we can easily identify them. While we haven’t expanded our foraging skills beyond these, there are plenty of resources available for learning about other safe-to-eat plants. Maybe we’ll venture further into this in the future. So far, our berry picking adventures have led to homemade fruit crumbles, smoothies, and jams. We consume what we can fresh, and then freeze the rest for later use. This way, we can enjoy the fruits of our labour throughout the year, making it a cost-effective and enjoyable way to save money.

Buy vs Borrow

10. Look at your local library.

Use your local library as it offers a variety of services, not just book lending. You can borrow books, movies, and other media instead of purchasing them. Moreover, many libraries also provide online and audio selections of books through apps such as BorrowBox and Libby. Additional services may be available at your local library as well. For instance, our library offers free food waste bags, toothpaste, and toothbrushes for children. It serves as a community hub, even providing vegetable seed packets to help start your garden. It’s worth exploring what your local library can offer you, the can save you some money.

11. Buy pre-loved.

Consider platforms like Facebook Marketplace to find items that others no longer need. Think of Facebook Marketplace as a library for items. If you only need something temporarily, you can buy it there and resell it once you’re finished using it. Generally, you can resell the item for the same price, since an item remains second-hand regardless of further use. Don’t shy away from taking something that is advertised as free. If it’s something you need, you’re helping the owner by removing an unneeded item.

Although I appreciate charity shops, I seldom visit them now due to the time it takes to get to them. Then, often I don’t find what I need, making the journey seem wasteful. Instead, I prefer online platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Vinted, reserving browsing in charity shops as a leisure activity.

Outings

12. Utilise Local Parks and Recreational Areas

Taking advantage of local parks and recreation areas is a great way to engage in activities without incurring high costs. These places often feature amenities like walking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports courts. You can enjoy a family picnic, play frisbee, or take a relaxing walk while appreciating the beauty of nature.

Local hiking or biking trails are a cost-effective substitute for the gym, offering a way to stay fit while immersing yourself in the outdoors. Rather than purchasing a gym membership, consider using these trails for your workouts. This not only saves money, but also enhances mental well-being along with physical health. From personal experience, we can attest to its benefits.

We started hiking when we embarked on our journey to become debt-free and found it incredibly beneficial. The only cost was a small amount of fuel to get to the trailhead. We’d pack a picnic, inhale the fresh air, get some exercise, and sometimes bask in the sun (although that is rare in Scotland).

13. Attending community events for entertainment.

Attending free or low-cost community events is a great way to save money while still enjoying yourself. Many cities and towns host a range of public events such as concerts, outdoor movie nights, art exhibits, festivals, and farmers’ markets. These events are typically less costly than a night out at a restaurant or movie theatre, and they offer a unique and memorable experience.

Local museums are another cost-effective entertainment option. Many offer discounted or free admission on certain days or at specific times. Utilise these opportunities to learn about art, history, science, or any other topic that piques your interest. It’s not just a fun outing; it’s also educational.

Saving money doesn’t necessitate sacrificing fun and enjoyment. By exploring what your local community provides, you can find affordable entertainment options for yourself and your family.

Transport

14. Walk or Bike.

Apart from being a great form of exercise, choosing to walk or bike for short trips is a fantastic way to save money. In our family, we try to make the most of these alternative modes of transportation as much as possible. Not only does it get us outdoors and in touch with our surroundings, but it also helps us save significantly on fuel costs.

Walking or biking is not just about savings; it’s about embracing a healthier lifestyle. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get some sun, breathe fresh air, and even spend quality time with family if you can get everyone involved.

By choosing to walk or bike, we have found that we only need one car in our family. This decision not only saves us money on fuel but also reduces the costs associated with owning and maintaining an additional car.

15. Use public transport or carshare.

Instead of constantly using personal vehicles, why not consider the more wallet-friendly options of public transport or carsharing? Public transport is often a handy and economical choice, especially in bustling city areas.

Carsharing is another fantastic way to pool resources and chop down those travel costs. It’s as simple as aligning your travel plans with colleagues, friends, or neighbours. Not only can you save considerably on things like fuel, tolls, and parking, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity to socialise and strengthen bonds.

Look out for special promotions or free services. For instance, our local bus company made all journeys in the city free every weekend in January. It’s always a bonus to take advantage of these offers when they pop up. It’s a small but effective step towards a more budget-friendly lifestyle, and it’s fun too!

Saving money doesn’t always mean cutting corners or compromising on quality of life. In fact, it can bring about a more meaningful and sustainable lifestyle. The 16 strategies we’ve shared are some of the ways we’ve found to save money in our own home without feeling deprived. Instead, these practices have allowed us to make the most of what we have, appreciate the simple joys, and even become more environmentally friendly. We hope you find these tips helpful and that they inspire you to explore your own unique ways to save. Remember, the goal is not just to save money, but also to enjoy the process and the newfound mindfulness it brings.

Please share in the comments how you save money around your home and local area. I would love to hear from you 🤍