After receiving many requests, we’re back with more practical tips for keeping money in your wallet. We shared a bunch of money-saving ideas previously and also wrote about simplifying life to protect your bank balance. Since we still try to hold on to our pennies (and nervously open our Target bill), here are several additional strategies that consistently help us save. Read on for simple, realistic ways to cut everyday costs.
Cheapola Tip #1 – Dollar Dinners. We cook at home most nights, but groceries and checkout habits can always be improved. I remembered how inexpensive meals were in my college days—basic, filling, and low-cost—and adapted that idea into what I call “dollar dinners.” Once a week we prepare a super-simple meal that costs about a dollar per serving. Our go-to is spaghetti with angel hair and basic pasta sauce. No sides, no fancy toppings, just the essentials. Since it’s only once a week, it doesn’t feel like deprivation; instead it’s a light, comforting routine that stretches our budget. Doing this regularly means we use less shrimp and less prepared meat at other meals. For extra savings we sometimes add a frozen vegetable and brown rice night—simple ingredients, big savings over time.
Cheapola Tip #2 – Post Your Goals. A small reminder can change spending habits. I keep a note in my wallet over the slots that hold my payment cards so I read it before I reach for them. Writing goals like “pay off the house in ten years” or “save for an organic mattress” helps keep purchases in perspective and stops impulse buys before they happen. Visible goals are a constant, low-effort nudge toward smarter financial choices.
Cheapola Tip #3 – Go For Four. We try to have four no-spend days each week—usually Monday through Thursday. The idea is to go without buying anything on those days: no coffee shop runs, no newspapers, no impulse purchases. Many errands and discretionary trips are reserved for the weekend, which makes avoiding spending during the week realistic. Small changes help: taking toll-free routes, reading news online instead of buying a paper, and preparing homemade breakfasts and lunches. On occasion we allow ourselves a modest weekend treat to stay motivated, like a small box of tea to brew at home all week.
Cheapola Tip #4 – DIY One Thing. Pick one service you normally pay for and do it yourself. It can be as simple as making your own tea, painting your nails, or washing the car. Other DIY ideas include making face masks from kitchen ingredients, borrowing books and movies from the library instead of buying them, or creating homemade cleaning products. Taking on just one DIY task saves money and often becomes an enjoyable routine.
Cheapola Tip #5 – Save The Date. The best date nights don’t have to cost money. Plan one free date each week to connect with your partner while keeping cash in your account. Free dates can include long walks, hikes, bike rides, visiting free museums or galleries, browsing garage sales for fun, or spending an afternoon reading together at a bookstore. You can also have a staycation in your own guest room and treat it like a mini getaway. These activities reinforce your relationship while cutting entertainment costs.
Cheapola Tip #6 – Break Out The Magnifying Glass. Review every recurring expense and ask whether you truly use or need it. Some subscriptions or services may no longer provide value: perhaps you rarely watch movies on a streaming service, or you no longer need a landline because you mainly use your mobile phone. Consolidating phone plans, negotiating with providers, or cancelling unused subscriptions can lead to meaningful savings over time. Regularly auditing your bills helps keep your spending aligned with your priorities.
Cheapola Tip #7 – Grow Your Own. Gardening is an economical way to enjoy fresh herbs, vegetables, and flowers. Starting plants from seed yields more produce and more blooms for far less than buying individual supermarket portions or bouquets. Even a small windowsill herb garden can provide basil, parsley, or chives for many meals, delivering ongoing value for a modest upfront investment.
Now it’s your turn. We’d love to hear your penny-pinching tips and tricks—share what works for you so others can benefit.
For another practical budgeting approach, consider exploring envelope budgeting techniques and other simple systems for tracking cash flow.