Beautiful woman smiling on couch

Some lifestyle choices hit you like a brick, but in a good way. If you’re anything like the average adult, you avoid looking at your bank account most days of the week. However, it’s a night and day difference in your budget when you make these simple lifestyle adjustments.

1. Quitting Alcohol

Woman refusing a glass of champagne
Image Credit: Trineso via Shutterstock.

Goodbye alcohol, hello new mindset. Not only does your wallet thank you, but your body, mind, and skin thank you. Quitting alcohol not only frees up funds but also enhances your overall well-being.

💸 Take Back Control of Your Finances in 2025 💸
Get Instant Access to our free mini course
5 DAYS TO A BETTER BUDGET

2. People Pleasing

Young man holding his hand up looking annoyed
Image Credit: Odua via Deposit Photos.

Have a friend who always claims they’re broke? Have to impress the table by paying? Put down your wallet and only think of yourself. It’s not selfish; it’s self-care. Prioritizing your financial health over people-pleasing can significantly boost your savings.

3. Cooking at Home

Mature man frying something on the stove
Image Credit: PeopleImages.com – Yuri A via Shutterstock.

Going to the grocery store will save you hundreds. $100 at the grocery store is $100 during ONE night out. Cooking at home saves you money and allows you to enjoy healthier meals and experiment with your culinary skills.

4. Cashing in Where You Can

Woman handing a man a basket full of fresh-picked produce
Image Credit: BearFotos via Shutterstock.

Taking advantage of free-to-me things: work snacks and drinks, conference freebies like logo hats, shirts, and bags, expense lunches and dinners, free neighborhood groups, and swaps with friends. Not being so picky about minor expenses can lead to significant savings over time.

5. Taking Inventory

Stocked, organized pantry
Image Credit: VH-studio via Shutterstock.

Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, and Apple TV all add up. How many times per week are you using your subscriptions? Evaluate your streaming services and consider trimming down to only what you use, saving you money without sacrificing entertainment.

6. Working Part-Time

Woman using a laptop with stickers all over it
Image Credit: Gorodenkoff via Shutterstock.

Have recurring bills that sneak up on you? Can’t get rid of your coffee habits? Working part-time can provide the extra income you need to cover those expenses and regain control of your finances.

7. Bulk Buying

Aisle of bulk nuts and seeds in grocery store
Image Credit: James Mattil via Shutterstock.

Invest in bulk buying for items like meat, where purchasing in larger quantities at stores like Costco can save you around $1,000 a month. This strategic shopping approach can significantly reduce your monthly expenses.

8. Moving

Couple packing up their home to move
Image Credit: Gpointstudio via Shutterstock.

Moving closer to where you work can save you on gas. Cutting costs by 30-50% when relocating from expensive areas like California can result in substantial savings on groceries, gas, medical care, housing, and utilities.

9. Smoking

No smoking sign on a hotel bed
Image Credit: Tatomm via Deposit Photos.

Quitting smoking saves over $100 a week, improving your health and boosting your financial well-being. It’s a win-win decision for your wallet and overall quality of life.

10. Meal Prepping

Woman prepping meals on her counter
Image Credit: Fevziie via Shutterstock.

Meal prepping not only saves you time but also money. Planning and preparing your meals in advance helps avoid costly takeout and restaurant expenses.

11. Sharing a Car

Female rideshare driver driving a man in her car holding a phone
Image Credit: Antoniodiaz via Shutterstock.

Going from two cars to one can significantly reduce transportation costs, including fuel, insurance, and maintenance. It’s a practical move that can lead to substantial savings.

12. Not Having Cable

Hand holding a remote pointing at a TV
Image Credit: Oleg Elkov via Shutterstock.

Cable is overpriced, and there are more cost-effective streaming options available today. Cutting the cord and opting for streaming services can free up funds for other financial priorities.

13. We Have Food at Home

Friends having happy hour drinks at home
Image Credit: DragosCondreaW via Deposit Photos.

Having the ‘we have food at home’ talk with yourself several times a week can help you resist dining out. Creating your happy hour at home with affordable snacks and drinks is both budget-friendly and a cozy way to unwind.

3 Types of Bank Accounts You Need to Have

Woman taking funny selfie
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

How many bank accounts do you have? One? Three? Did you know that having multiple different bank accounts can actually help you manage your money more efficiently? 3 Types of Bank Accounts You Need to Have

9 Clever Ways to Save Money With Little Effort

Woman shaking a piggy bank upside down and nothing coming out
Image Credit: Asier Romero via Shutterstock.

If you spend about 5 minutes on Pinterest, you’ll see 3,285 pins about ways to save money, but how many of them are you putting into practice? 9 Clever Ways to Save Money With Little Effort