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last updated 1/21/2021

Do you want to make lifestyle changes to save money this year?  Money, money, money. How come there’s never enough?  Some days it seems like I’m barely keeping my head above water and other days it feels like I’m rich (on payday!).  Seriously, I’d always gladly take more money.  But, if I stop & think about it, I probably do have enough money mostly – if I’m smart about it and THINK before I spend.  Probably similar to your situation, amiright?  The good news is that if you are feeling short on money, you can make lifestyle changes to save money!  And, it doesn’t have to be painful!

Even though I’ve managed my finances pretty well to this point:  (No college loans or debt for me or my kids.  We paid off our mortgage.    Almost ** No credit card debt (less than $750 which will be paid by end of January… October – unexpected sh*t happens to us all!  Anyway, it will still be worth a gigantic WOO-HOO!! This one is the hardest).  I still have money goals.  Like beefing up my 401k balance.  And quitting my job so I can work part-time doing something meaningful.  And, continue working on this blog of mine, of course!

Overall, I really make an effort to NOT spend money on stupid stuff.  It’s that simple.  I try to buy used whenever I can.  I practice delayed gratification.  I live beneath my means.  My main money weakness is probably going out to eat.   Especially when I take out my guys.  The guys can put away some food and I really like to go to restaurants.   We never go to fancy restaurants, but still.  It’s usually $75 or more for the four of us to go out.  And that’s if no alcohol is involved.   Just tonight I took the guys out for a great big yummy dinner at one of my local favorites, Cascio’s.   It was super good.  But, with tip & tax, I was looking at a $75 bill.  That’s my weakness.  This is where the lifestyle changes come in for me.  How about you?  What’s your budgeting weakness?

In fact, I’m of a 2021 starting the cash envelope system!  I want to see if I really spend less with cash.  I’m betting I will.  I  have a restaurant/food budget right now for $250 every two weeks.  That seems like a LOT!  But is it?  For all food and restaurants??  We shall see.

Also, as you probably figured out from my blog, I like to travel and so far have quite a few trips planned out for 2021 HOPEFULLY!!!.  I’m not making a lifestyle change to save money in the travel category.  I’ll just go as cheap as I can as often as I can!   Sure, travel is unnecessary and some may say frivolous. But, I say it’s one of the most super-duper fun ways to experience life and one of my favorite ways to spend the money that I save on other things like food and housing.  And, I always make sure I save on my travel experiences, too. You can go more often if you know how to save on everything!

2021 Savings Road Map

As well roll into 2021, I’ve decided I’d do a round-up of my favorite money saving tips to reset for 2020.  I’ve used ALL these tips to save and help me live a healthy financial life.

Use my tips to save money on housing & at the grocery store then, plan your travel with my money saving travel tips.  I think saving is addictive.  Before you know it, you’ll get the fever to save, save, save and will be challenging yourself to save on everything.

Lifestyle Changes to Save Money:  Easy Ways to Save on Housing

• Buy Less House than you can Afford. See my post here to read more about this one.
• Buy a Fixer Upper & DIY the heck out of it.
• Buy in an up & coming neighborhood.
• Buy a house at an auction.
• Get a roommate. Or get two roommates.
• Rent out a room in your home.
• Use an experienced realtor. They’ll save you money in the long run by selling your house quick and finding your dream home.
• Negotiate on realtor fees.
• Shop around for best mortgage rates.
• Get pre-approved so you’re ready to go when the perfect deal comes up.

Lifestyle Changes To Save Money:  Easy Ways to Save on Food

• Plan your meals.
• Take your lunch to work every day. Or most days.  I like this tote for everyday lunch toting.
• Use up the groceries you have before you buy more.
• Establish a weekly grocery budget.
• Establish a weekly restaurant budget.
• Don’t waste your money on fast food.
• Go out to lunch vs. dinner.
• Go to happy hour for drinks.
• Don’t buy soda or coffee. If you must, do it on rare occasions.
• Do a “No Eating Out Month”
• Shop at Aldi.
• Buy in Bulk at Amazon Prime.
• Go vegetarian once a week.
• Use your Crock Pot.
• Don’t go grocery shopping when you’re hungry.
• Plan your weekly menu based on what’s on sale. Not the other way around.
• Use your Instapot.
• Only go to the store once per week.  No exceptions.
• Use coupons for restaurants. Only go if you have a coupon.
• If your community college has a restaurant, go there for a cheap gourmet dinner.
• Grow a container garden for fresh herbs & lettuce.  This is a perfect starter kit.
• Don’t make most meals a big deal.  Cook simply with good, basic ingredients.  I just made this super good & healthy broccoli soup.
• It turned out perfect and was so easy.  I can’t wait to try more healthy recipes from pickyeaterblog.com.  This guacamole is next on the list!

Lifestyle Changes to Save Money:  Easy Ways to Save on Travel

• Use incognito browser mode when shopping for flights & hotels
• Travel hack so you can have points & miles to spend on travel.
• Use booking.com to book hotel stays. They price match.
• Book direct on hotel websites like Marriott.com & Hyatt.com. They also price match.
• After booking your hotel, check back often to make sure you’re still getting the best price.
• Use Autoslash to get best deals on car rentals.
• Subscribe to Scott’s Cheap Flights for flight deals.
• Use google flights & Skyscanner for good flight deals.
• Get a credit card that gives a free companion pass like American Express Delta Platinum.
• Always book a hotel room where breakfast is included.
• Book one way airline tickets vs roundtrip.
• Stay close to where you’re going to be exploring so you can uber & avoid car rental.
• Go to Groupon.com for your destination city to score coupon deals during your stay.
• Get a ride to your home airport & leave your car at home to save money on airport parking.
• Go on a picnic instead of out to lunch.  I have a picnic basket that I was given years ago.  It’s awesome & just like this one.    Inspired by Wizard of Oz, this one, is also super cute.  I also recommend a nice comfy blanket so you can spread out.  This would work really well.
• Eat your hotel free breakfast as late as possible so you’re only paying for 1 meal per day.
• Fly mid-week.  Flights are usually less.
• Skip going out to dinner & go to happy hour instead for drinks & apps.
• Book a room that has a microwave & refrigerator so you can heat up leftovers from restaurant meals.
• Pack food from home & make quick meals in your hotel room.
• Be flexible on travel dates.
• Check for discounts:  senior, student, teacher, military, etc.
• Check for AARP discounts/military discounts
• Stay in a walk-able part of town so you can easily walk to attractions vs getting an Uber
• Research freebies in your destination city

Wrap Up

So there you go, awesome money saving tips that will help you save tons of money in 2020!  What are some of your favorite money saving tips?  I’d love to see your comment below!

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