1. The 24-Hour Rule

We’ve all experienced that sudden urge to buy something on the spot, only to realize (and regret) later that it wasn’t necessary or smart. Whether it’s that cool kitchen gadget you saw on TikTok or a trendy jacket you found in the store, it’s easy to get swept up in the moment. Before making any non-essential purchase, we recommend waiting at least 24 hours. If you think 24 hours is not enough, make it 48 hours or longer. This cooling-off period gives you time to really think about whether you need that item. Most of the time, you’ll find that you’re just fine without it—and you’ve saved yourself from spending on impulse.

2. Automate Your Savings

Ever heard the phrase “set it and forget it” or “out of sight, out of mind”? That’s exactly how automating your savings works. Instead of relying on willpower to move money into your savings every now and then, set up an automatic transfer from your checking account. Start small if needed—$50 or even $20 a month—and gradually increase it over time. This way, saving becomes a habit, and before you know it, you’ll have a growing nest egg without even thinking about it. Out of sight, out of mind—except when you’re pleasantly surprised by your savings balance!

3. Ditch the Expensive Coffee Habit

We know, we know—this one gets mentioned all the time, but for good reason! Those $5 to $8 specialty coffees can add up quickly. Let’s say you grab a latte every weekday: that’s atleast $25-30 a week or over $1,200 a year! Try brewing your coffee at home instead, and make it fun. Experiment with different beans, add frothy milk, or use flavored syrups to make it feel like a treat.

4. Meal Prep Like a Pro

The idea of meal prepping can feel overwhelming, but it’s one of the best ways to save money on food. Planning your meals ahead of time not only saves you from expensive takeout or impulse grocery buys, but it also reduces food waste. Start simple: pick two or three meals for the week, batch-cook them on Sunday, and store them in the fridge or freezer. It may take a little time upfront, but having your meals ready to go saves money and eliminates the "what's for dinner?" stress. So turn on some jazz, have a glass of wine, and cook away!

5. Cancel Unused Subscriptions

Many of us sign up for services we rarely or don’t ever use—whether it’s that streaming service you forgot about, a gym membership you haven’t touched in months, or a monthly subscription box that no longer excites you. Go through your subscriptions and ask yourself: “Do I use this enough to justify the cost?” You might be surprised by how many services are silently draining your wallet each month. Cancel what you don’t need, and redirect that money into savings instead.

6. Use Cash Instead of Cards

Swiping a credit card doesn’t feel the same as handing over cash—and that’s exactly why it’s easier to overspend when you use your card. Psychologically, swiping a card doesn’t feel like you’re spending because you can’t see the money physically going away. If you’re trying to stick to a budget, consider using the cash envelope system for specific categories like groceries, entertainment, and dining out. Take out a set amount of cash for each category and put it in an envelope. Once the envelope is empty, you’re done for the month.

7. Buy Generic Brands

Brand loyalty is great, but sometimes it’s more about the label than the actual product. Most generic or store-brand products are just as good as their name-brand counterparts but cost significantly less. This is especially true for pantry staples, cleaning products, medications, and paper goods. Next time you shop, try switching to generic for a few items—you’ll hardly notice a difference in quality, but your wallet will feel the savings.

8. Cut Down on Food Delivery

Food delivery apps are convenient, but the delivery fees, service charges, and tips can easily add an extra 20-30% to your bill. If you’re someone who orders takeout frequently, try setting a limit—such as only allowing yourself one delivery meal per week. Better yet, challenge yourself to cook at home more often. You can still enjoy your favorite takeout dishes—just find a recipe online and make them yourself!

9. Shop Your Pantry

Before you hit the grocery store, take inventory of what you already have in your pantry, fridge, and freezer. You’d be surprised how many meals you can make with what’s already on hand. This helps reduce food waste and limits unnecessary grocery spending. Use your pantry finds as the base for your meal planning, and only buy what you truly need to fill in the gaps. If you need some getting creative, there are websites where you can plug in ingredients and it’ll give you recipes to work with.

10. Sell What You Don’t Need

Got clothes, gadgets, or furniture you no longer use? Try selling them online! Apps like Facebook Marketplace and eBay make it easier than ever to sell secondhand items. You can even sell clothes to second-hand retailers. Not only does this help declutter your space, but it also gives you extra cash to add to your savings.

11. The "No-Spend Weekend" Challenge

Do you sometimes feel like you can’t have fun unless you’re spending money? Well time to prove you wrong! Try the No-Spend Weekend Challenge. Pick a weekend where you commit to not spending any money—no dining out, no shopping, no paid activities. Instead, focus on free activities like hiking, watching movies at home, hosting a potluck with friends, or enjoying local parks. It’s a great way to reframe how you think about spending and prove to yourself that you can have a great time without opening your wallet.

12. Buy Secondhand

Before you rush to buy something brand new, check if you can find it secondhand. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace are full of gently used furniture, clothes, and electronics at a fraction of the price. You might even stumble upon some unique finds you wouldn’t get anywhere else. By shopping secondhand, you’re not only saving money, but also doing something good for the environment - plus, thrifting is cool now!

13. Shop Out of Season

Need a new winter coat? Wait until spring or summer when stores are trying to clear out seasonal items. Shopping out of season is a great way to score big discounts on clothes, furniture, and outdoor gear. Retailers mark down items that are "out of season" to make room for new inventory, and that’s your chance to grab deals that can save you 50% or more.

Saving Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

At Investable, we believe that saving is about making small, intentional choices that add up over time. Whether you’re taking on the No-Spend Weekend Challenge, canceling unused subscriptions, or simply brewing your coffee at home, every little effort brings you closer to your financial goals. With these budgeting tips, you can save more money without feeling deprived—and even have a little fun along the way!