9 "Boring" Ways to Save Serious Cash

If you listen to wealth managers, you'll think that growing your net worth is exciting.  I don't think money is exciting.  But saving money can be comforting, satisfying, and freeing.

There are several unsexy ways to save money.  They won't rev your heart rate, but they can make life simpler and more secure.  Let's learn how they work.

9 savings strategies

1.  Eat the same meals every week.

This habit makes your grocery shopping faster and easier, makes the cost more predictable, and it simplifies your kitchen chores! 

Simply choose a couple of breakfasts, two or three lunches, and a half-dozen dinner options that you can rotate.  You'll never wonder what to fix, you'll save a ton of money over eating out or ordering in, and you'll waste less food.  (Wasted food is wasted money!)  Plus, if you're trying to follow any kind of special diet, keeping track of your carbs, calories, fat, or whatever becomes much simpler.

Before you knock it, try it for a month.  Call it an experiment so that the whole family commits.

2.  Reconsider your coffee routine.

Now, I love my special coffee drinks.  But not only can they get super-expensive, buying them can become an unconsidered routine every morning on the way to work or whenever I'm out running errands.  By reserving lattes for when I'm socializing at the café, I make them an experience to savor.

This isn't really about coffee or saving $6.  This applies to anything you buy on impulse or merely by habit.  Operating on auto-pilot can kill your finances.

To meet my daily caffeine needs, I brew tea or coffee at home.  (I like this compact Keurig – it's fast and easy for one serving of coffee.*)

* This blog is supported by readers, not ads.  If you buy through my links, I may earn a small commission.

3.  Stop shopping when you're bored (or sad).

For many years, shopping was "me time."  I shopped for entertainment, and finding something to buy gave me the hit of dopamine I craved.  But the truth is, the more I browse (in the store or online), the more I find to want.  This is a situation where ignorance is bliss – what you don't know about, you can't desire or buy.

One way to overcome the habit of boredom shopping is to replace it with a challenging, constructive hobby or two.  My writing takes a lot of time and keeps me happily engaged for some time every day.  Performing music takes lots of preparation and practice.  Someone else might put all of that effort into training for a half-marathon.  Learning a new language or a new craft can be enjoyable, relaxing, and maybe even increase your social life.  Book clubs or a community softball team are great for that too.

With Americans spending an average $18,000 a year per person on nonessential items, you can save a ton by placing boundaries on your recreational shopping.  This might seem boring at first, but incorporating some new hobbies can make you feel productive, competent, creative, and maybe even healthier.

Related article:  17 Minimalist Hobbies to Try That Don't Require a Lot of Supplies

4.  Limit social media.

Yeah, yeah, I know you hear this everywhere.  But not comparing yourself to what everyone else is buying, where they're going on vacation, or how they're remodeling their houses can save you a lot of money.  What you don't know can't make you jealous or inspire the fear of missing out.

For me, 30 minutes or less daily lets me keep up with friends and family, but doesn't give me time to scroll, click, and stoke desire.  (See what I mean about these methods being unsexy?)

5.  Reduce your skincare and makeup routine.

It's amazing how much you can spend on the multi-step skincare programs all over the internet, and the latest age-defying makeup and 50-color eye shadow palettes on sale at your nearest Sephora.  The cosmetic industry is a huge profit-maker because they convince us that we need their products in order to look acceptable.

Start by removing at least 50% of the products in your bathroom.  Box them up and store them so you don't have to make the hard decision to eliminate them immediately.  Use what's left for the next two to four weeks.

Now be honest – do you even remember what's in the boxes after that time?  And do you really look "worse" without them?

I think the most important things you can do to look healthy and attractive have nothing to do with makeup, lotions, or other beauty products – and doing them will save you a lot of money.

• Drink plenty of water.
• Get adequate sleep.
• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
• Limit (but don't eliminate) sun exposure.
• If you smoke, quit.
• If you drink more than occasionally, cut back.
• Practice gratitude.
• Cultivate your relationships.

6.  Be an outfit repeater.

This is super-boring, because all it means is that you wear what's in your closet instead of buying new stuff.  One benefit of wearing fewer pieces more often is that you reduce the cost per wear.  Even a $150 cashmere sweater that you wear once or twice a week for three winters winds up costing much less than a $30 sweater of less quality that you wear a handful of times and then donate.

Additionally, the more you wear your favorite items, the more confident you become in your personal style.  You'll shop less and spend smarter because you know what works for you.

7.  Wait longer to upgrade.

We all own computers, smart phones, TVs, and other devices.  But did you know that the average user replaces his or her smart phone every 18 months?  Each additional month you're able to squeeze out of your phone (or any other device, or any appliance, or your car) is money you can save.  I'm still very happy with my 4-year-old iPhone.

8.  Make – and stick with – a budget.

I know I just lost some of you.  But for those who are still around, budgeting is a great tool that is going to give you control over your money and help you meet your goals.  Budgeting helped my husband Jon and I stop spending so much on things we didn't need, stop using credit for non-emergency purchases, save an emergency fund, and get out of debt.

Making a budget isn't very exciting, but understanding where your money goes and making smarter decisions about it is empowering.  For my take on making a budget, go here.  For my strategy to pay off debt, go here.

9.  Treat savings like a bill.

Paying bills is tedious, but necessary.  In order to sustain yourself, you have to pay for shelter, food, transportation, medical care, education, etc.  But to build wealth, you have to save.

For years, Jon and I would get a paycheck, pay our bills, and then use what was left over to go out to dinner, buy something for the house, buy toys for the kids, or whatever.  We planned to save if we could, but somehow that didn't happen.  (Surprise!)  We weren't successful at saving until we paid ourselves first.  We learned to treat savings like a bill.

Automate savings and watch it grow.  Paying your future self may seem boring.  "You only live once" is a siren call to spend.  But when you find simple, low-cost ways to enjoy yourself, you can treat your savings like a bill and still have plenty of fun.

Oops... not so dull after all!

Related article:  8 Nuggets of Wisdom I've Gained by Living Frugally

Hi there!  Do you appreciate my work?  Why not support it by buying me a coffee?