📌TL;DR:
This post skips the guilt and dives into real-world ways to save money that don’t require a complete personality overhaul. Think low-effort, low-stress, and no shame.
How To Save Money
Let’s be honest.
If you’re reading this, you’re probably tired of advice like “Cut your gym membership” when you don’t even have one, or “Cook at home” when your fridge currently contains half a lemon and a mysterious condiment bottle from 2022.
I get it. Saving money sounds responsible in theory, but in practice? It usually feels like punishment. That’s why I’ve rounded up a few money-saving tips that even us comfort-loving, nap-prioritizing people can stick to. No spreadsheets. No shame. Just better choices you can actually live with.
1. Start with your “low drama” expenses.
You don’t have to go full minimalist. Just pick one bill or habit that won’t send you into an identity crisis if you cut back.
Think:
- Downgrading your music streaming from family plan to individual (you don’t even like sharing).
- Canceling that free trial you forgot about—yes, the one still charging you monthly since last September.
- Cutting back on food delivery… but not cutting it out completely. We’re human, not monks.
2. Rename your savings account something unreasonably specific.
Instead of “Savings,” try:
- Emergency Burrito Fund
- When I Quit My Job Money
- That One Europe Trip I Won’t Shut Up About
- Sick of Being Broke Fund
You’d be surprised how motivating a petty little label can be.
3. Automate what you can, eyeball the rest.
Set up an auto-transfer—just $5 or $10 a week—to your savings. It’s small enough not to stress you out, but it adds up.
Then, keep an eye on what I call “gremlin expenses”:
- Random snacks at the gas station
- “Just a little thing” on Etsy
- Your 3 a.m. Amazon alter ego
You don’t have to stop cold turkey—just notice. That alone helps.
4. Do the 24-hour test.
Want something? Wait 24 hours. If you still want it—and you’ve eaten, slept, and aren’t emotionally unraveling—buy it.
If not, congrats! You just saved $30 and avoided another thing you have to dust.
5. Use “broke math” to your advantage.
Sometimes you don’t spend because you’re being good. Sometimes you don’t spend because you forgot your wallet. Either way, money stayed in your account. Call it a win.
Now transfer that amount into savings like a smug little reward. “Didn’t buy takeout today? $25 to my name like a boss.”
6. Make “spending less” feel like a flex.
Treat saving like a game you’re winning—not a lifestyle you’re failing at.
If you got creative with leftovers? That’s hot.
Used a coupon without cringing? Iconic.
Wore the same outfit twice in one week? Legendary behavior.
Final Thought: You’re not bad with money. You’re just allergic to boring advice.
Saving doesn’t have to mean suffering. Pick a couple of these that feel right for you, try them out, and tweak as needed. You’re building a habit here, not writing a budget-themed tragedy.
And if all else fails? Rename your account something passive-aggressive and keep trying. You’ve got this.