How to Save Thousands of Dollars in Less Than a Year
I am admittedly a super frugal person. I reuse tin foil (it hardly goes bad), save old bread for homemade breadcrumbs (they're so much better freshly blended!), and literally question everything before I buy it (really helps cut down on clutter)!
Saving more money is a common resolution and something I think we all can do more of on a regular basis. It really doesn't get more complicated than -- wait for it -- NOT SPENDING IT ON STUFF YOU DON'T NEED.
Below are some of my tried and true things I do that have helped save me thousands of dollars over the past few years, or, depending on your spending habits, you could save thousands in just one year. It's all on you!
How To Save Thousands of Dollars in Less Than a Year
1. EMBRACE THRIFT SHOPPING
I realize thrift shopping isn't for everyone... but what I'd like to know is, why not?
I used to go shopping for clothes all the time. I mean all the time. I love shopping, always have and always will. But I decided to start shopping at thrift stores after reading the book "The Story of Stuff" and watching the documentary called "The True Cost" on Netflix. The fashion industry is seriously gross... environmentally, politically and socially. So I don't shop at "normal" stores anymore. Everything I buy (except for: undergarments, socks, most shoes, and bed linens/pillows) I buy at thrift stores.
I have a great wardrobe. Most of my clothes are from Anthropologie, Nordstrom, or are unique, awesome vintage pieces. My wardrobe is in impeccable shape - I don't wear clothes with stains, holes or runs. My wardrobe represents my individuality. I have procured my wardrobe entirely from thrift stores... most of my shirts and pants at $2-3 each and dresses under $10. Occasional jackets up to $15. I take it so far that I only shop at thrift stores on the 50% OFF DAYS (look on their website or call and ask a store associate when these days are).
I also buy kitchen and home goods at thrift stores. Muffin tins, pie pans, BOOKS!, unused candles, unique vases and mugs, glassware, serving plates, cake pans, serving utensils. You name it.
I have even purchased (cover your ears) GIFTS for other people at thrift stores. And I've MADE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FROM SHOPPING AT THRIFT STORES by selling expensive, name brand clothing on eBay.
I literally MAKE MONEY by shopping for myself at thrift stores.
2. FREEZE LEFTOVER FOODS
Even fresh vegetables and fruits that are about to rot! Cut them up, portion them in sandwich bags, and freeze to be added to soups or smoothies later on. I recently did this and was able to make 4 quarts of homemade chicken stock from a frozen rotisserie chicken carcass, frozen celery stalk, and a bunch of frozen zucchini pieces.
3. JOIN YOUR LOCAL "BUY NOTHING" FACEBOOK GROUP FOR FREE STUFF
I recently joined the Buffalo, NY "Buy Nothing" Facebook group. Basically, people in my community post pictures of things they no longer want and you are free to comment that you want it and then pick it up from their porch later on. You can also request things you are looking for and more often than not, people are willing to give it to you for free!
So far, in one month of using this group, I have received for free: a DVD player (needed one), vintage bar accessories for making cocktails, a $300 wireless headset, clothes, and books.
I have been able to get rid of: new horseback riding boots, halloween candy, books, clothes, and random things around my house that I no longer want collecting dust.
4. USE THE LIBRARY
I used to be an avid buyer of books. I'd buy "cheap" used books on Amazon, and they would just end up collecting dust for a few years and then get donated.
Hundreds of bucks down the drain.
Now I love checking books out of the library because you can request virtually anything you want and see the book prior to buying it. If I check out a book that I truly want, then I allow myself to buy it.
5. QUIT BUYING SO MANY HARMFUL BEAUTY AND BODY PRODUCTS - YOU CAN MAKE YOUR OWN EASILY AT HOME
Most of the commercial bath and beauty products on the market are really bad for our bodies. I am 30 years old and a firm believer in the miracle that is organic extra virgin olive oil. EVOO is intensely moisturizing, doesn't clog pores or give you acne, and is the best vehicle for doses of healing herbs.
I've written a beautiful ebook that includes recipes for natural deodorant, herbal infused oils, and shampoo. Download it for FREE here: http://heirloomsoul.com/plantmagic.
6. NEW FOR ME - No-Spend Weeks!
I've decided to try something new in 2018 - the "no spend week" - a concept that is exactly what it sounds like.
Spend no money for an entire week.
Sounds ridiculous, right? Well, let's be realistic here. I'm allowing myself to buy groceries, gas for my car, and to pay bills during a no-spend week. I will not, however, be going out for food and drinks, going to the theatre or other similar entertainment, doing any shopping of any kind (this includes thrift shopping!), or buying anything online that I don't truly need.
I plan on doing a no-spend week once every other month in 2018. Join me!
7. GROW A VEGGIE GARDEN (Visit my blog for help!)
Produce at the grocery store is expensive and, to be frank, not tasty or really good for you at all. I have spent the past 6 years professionally teaching families how to grow their own food in their backyards... and how to cook with it, preserve it, all the while saving money!
Nothing beats homegrown heirloom tomatoes (that run about $5.99/pound at my local grocery store, mind you).
Check out my gardening blog here: http://heirloomsoul.com - Learn everything you need to know to start your own garden.
Love every part of this! I too use thrifting as a way to wear nice brands on a budget.
Sophia
Looove it. I've been averaging $400/month profit from selling Anthro, JCrew, and 90s vintage stuff on eBay. I can't bear to leave the good stuff in the store knowing it's worth moolah. It's super easy to list using your phone, just download the eBay app. :)
Thanks for the tips! I found a Christian Dior button up blouse, never worn, I've been debating what to do with it! My local thrift store has great pieces but I never know if eBay, etsy, or Facebook marketplace would be most lucrative to re-sell
I'd go with eBay for sure. They are prominent in google shopping search results. You could also try Poshmark. Etsy is more for vintage clothes, I don't think they allow you to sell regular clothes that aren't vintage on there. If you're seriously interested, my username on eBay is "fcdepalm" - you could see what I have listed for what price and what the photos look like. All my luck!
I'll for sure go look, thank you!!
The vegie garden is our huge winner!!!
Plus handmedowns for the kids. And cooking all our own meals.
And using bones for broths.
Yep!! 8-1
Totally! The bones, good one! I recently had my dad save deer femurs from his hunt so I can make real bone broth out of them.. haven't done it yet but looking forward to that.
That is awesome!!
Great Ideas! Would you mind if I listed this post in our Sotall Community Directory. We are just getting started and I need to set up a category for it, but the two main purposes of the group is to give away seeds to those who need them and provide a directory of all the thousands of posts done by members that help people grow food, have clean water, make herbal medicines and such. I think saving money fits right in with everything else!
I buy a lot of things in bulk or large containers (like mushroom soup) then freeze it in ice trays so I can use just one or two at a time. I also keep a soup bucket in the freezer. All the leftover veggies get tossed in and when it is full, I make a huge pot of soup, eat my fill and freeze the rest in individual serving sizes.