How to save money fast: 5 ideas!

This is a light-hearted sample piece that gives the reader a few ideas on how to save money other than just putting money aside every month.

The economy is in a downward spiral and it's easy to see how even the wealthy are feeling the pinch. Are you looking for ways to save money beyond putting money aside every month? If you are, here are 5 ideas on how to save money fast:

No, I am not telling you to cut down on food - food is life. I am just telling you to get a little more creative with the way you spend money on food. Here are some of the ways that you can save on groceries:

Figure out which stores have discounts and sales

Plan your meals ahead

Stick to the list (pro tip: eat before you go! Your stomach will make it very hard for you to resist the temptation table)

Try to shop at the end of the day - plenty of stores clear their stock at discounted prices at the end of the day

Royalty programs - I promise, after a few shopping trips those points really do add up!

COOK FOOD AT HOME

The good thing about decluttering your space is that it declutters your mind too.

A good rule of thumb: if you haven’t used it in 6 months, it's time.

Another rule I like to use: if it can be replaced within 20 minutes for less than 20 dollars, sell it. This is a great way to not keep things “just in case."

Another method how to save money fast is to unsubscribe from unused subscriptions.

Subscriptions are sneaky - especially the really really cheap ones. Do you really need Netflix AND Disney+ AND prime video?

Choose one. Unsubscribe to the rest.

We have all seen the arm and the leg and the kidney that you have to sell JUST so that you can drive to work. It might seem obvious, but here are some tips to save money on fuel:

Do everything in one trip (maybe go to a center that has everything you need)

When it is possible, take turns driving with a colleague or a friend.

Take the shortest route (google maps is really good at showing you the shortest route to take)

Maybe consider taking the route with less traffic and/or traffic lights. If you don't have an eco-friendly car, traffic can suck your petrol tank and bank account dry.

If you like reading, chances are you are spending insane amounts of money on books.

I recommend trying out your local library. They might not have everything that your heart desires, but maybe they have half of what your heart desires. That is half the money you spend at the bookstore (you can also ask the librarian if they can get something in for you).

Tying into that: eBooks are cheaper than hardcover books, but I’m a sucker for hardcovers, so you don’t have me convinced yet.

I know that some of these methods on how to save money fast sound excruciatingly boring and unattractive. I also know that unsubscribing from Disney+ isn't going to make you rich, but every little bit counts, right?