10 Easy Ways To Save Money + Spend Wisely

In 2024, I was severely depressed. During that rough year, I developed a frivolous spending problem. I wasn't spending thousands a day, by any means, but I was buying many unnecessary things that I didn't really need. As I have gotten much healthier mentally, I have felt the conviction to spend smarter and to be more intentional with the blessings God has given me, including my finances! I want to prioritize self-control, smart spending, and experiences over things. Now, I do love a good outfit and coffee shop run. These things are not bad, nor will I swear them off forever. I am, however, being more self-controlled when it comes to indulging in them. So if you relate to this and want to be wiser with your finances, I hope you'll keep reading as I share some tips for saving money!

Here are 10 easy ways to save money and spend wisely!

1. Get to the bottom of why you spend in the first place. This is the most important tip because if we don't get to the root of the issue, we are only going to continue to struggle. Why do you overspend on things that you don't really need? For me, it was a way to comfort myself while dealing with difficult emotions. The ironic part? It never brought me relief. I would purchase something random, again, and immediately feel convicted because I knew I was only buying it to cope with my negative emotions instead of facing those head-on. What it really comes down to is a self-control issue, and many of us struggle with that. Your reason for spending may be different, and that is okay, but you must get to the root of it.

2. Give yourself a monthly allowance for fun spending. Take a look at your budget and see how many dollars you can take each month for "fun spends" such as a new outfit, coffee shop runs, or a pedicure, to name a few examples. Whatever your budget allows, stick to it and don't go over that amount each month.

3. Get your special treat once a week. If you're an I-need-a-little-treat-every-time-I-leave-home kinda gal like me, reserve one day a week to get your favorite coffee, soda, or sweet treat. On the other days, make your sweet treat at home! Instead of $50-$60 a week on treats, you'll only be spending around $8-$10 a week. This one day a week treat will help your brain stay on track so that you look forward to going, and not spending on the other days. There are so many "dupe" recipes for coffee, sweets, and special drinks, so you can make them at home AND they're likely healthier for you.

4. Buy quality, not quantity. This one tip has helped me tremendously when I am spending money on things we need, such as clothes, kitchen utensils, linens, etc. If we purchase cheaply made household items or clothes, they are going to wear out way faster than the quality items. When shopping for clothes, purchase items that you can wear multiple seasons and ways that are made with quality materials. When you're looking for kitchen gadgets such as pans, cutlery, and spatulas, buy quality materials that will last for years.

5. Keep a check on your subscriptions. There have been so many times when I have forgotten about a subscription that I signed up for. Keep a monthly check on your subscriptions to make sure you're not paying more than you signed up for, or cancel any that you don't need!

6. Eat at home. A huge budget buster for me is eating out. I don't love cooking. I love going to new restaurants (and I do still eat out in moderation). As a matter of fact, I would much rather decorate or clean my house. However, I have found a ton of easy recipes to use, even on the days I really don't want to cook. If you have healthy, easy-to-prep meals and snacks on hand, you won't be as tempted to grab something convenient.

7. Shop Secondhand. I can't tell you how many times I've purchased brand-new name-brand items in thrift stores. I just recently found a $100 Crown & Ivy brand quilted coat, brand-new with tags, for $30 in a thrift store. I regularly buy Crown & Ivy at Belk, so this was a fun find for me! My most treasured oil paintings and home decor pieces have almost all been thrift store, antique shop, or Facebook Marketplace finds. You will be surprised at the things people get rid of, either brand-new or like-new.

8. Keep a running list of items you're running low on. I use this tip when keeping track of my skin care, lotion, and other beauty/toiletry products that I will eventually need to repurchase. This prevents you from having to run back to the store a million times for something you didn't realize you were out of.

9. Set realistic money goals. If you want to pay off your car or another big debt item, such as a credit card, set realistic goals for yourself. Take any extra money you have at the end of the month and throw it at the large payment, or take your "fun money" for a few months and pay down your debts. Or throw any extra money from side hustles or special occasions toward the debt. Additionally, give yourself a really big "reward" at the end of the year if you reach a big money goal, such as taking a weekend trip or buying an expensive item you've wanted for a while.

10. Dream bigger. Maybe you're saving to pay off your house or take your parents on a really nice vacation. Maybe you're hoping to retire early or spend a month overseas. Perhaps you want to relocate or start your own business. God has a certain path He has you on, and that is amazing. Dream bigger, be wise with your money, and live a life that brings glory to God! All that we have is a gift from Him, so let's use our money wisely!