Saving money is a great goal, but some habits take too much time or effort. Being careful with cash shouldn’t leave you tired or stressed. If you want to keep more money without extra hassle, try changing a few things. Here are eleven common saving habits that don’t work well and some easy ways to fix them.
Always Washing Clothes in Cold Water
You may think you’re saving by always using cold water on laundry day, but some items—like towels, gym clothes, or bedding—may not get as clean. That can lead to extra wash cycles or stubborn odors that take more effort to fix. Use warm or hot water when needed, and save the cold cycles for everyday clothes.
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Driving Across Town for Cheaper Gas
It feels good to save a few cents per gallon, but the cost of gas and time spent driving far can wipe out your savings. Instead, use a gas station app to check nearby prices and fill up when it’s convenient. Making one small adjustment to your routine can save both time and money.
Extreme DIY Gift Giving
Making every birthday or holiday gift by hand sounds budget-friendly, but can turn stressful and eat up a lot of time—not to mention the cost of supplies adds up. Sometimes buying a thoughtful, affordable gift saves you effort and is just as meaningful. Mix homemade with store-bought to keep it fun and practical.
Making Everything From Scratch
Homemade bread or cleaning supplies sound thrifty, but if you don’t enjoy the process or it keeps you busy for hours, you’re not really saving. Choose a few DIY projects you find satisfying, and buy ready-made for the rest. Your time has value, too.
Skipping Maintenance
Skipping oil changes, dentist appointments, or tune-ups to save now usually leads to bigger bills later. Regular maintenance prevents costly problems. Set reminders for basic upkeep around the house, car, and your health to save real money over the long run.
Wasting Time on Small Payout Apps
Spending hours clicking surveys or playing reward games for pennies isn’t efficient. Try higher-value side gigs, like selling unused stuff online, picking up a quick freelance task, or offering a neighbor some help. These can pay much more for your time.
Only Using the Cheapest Phone Plan
Choosing the lowest-priced mobile plan may look smart, but if you run out of data or have bad coverage, it can cause more stress than savings. You might end up buying extra data or missing important calls. Sometimes paying a few dollars more for a reliable plan saves you hassle and actually meets your needs. Review your plan to make sure it really fits your everyday life.
Using Outdated Appliances
Holding onto very old appliances just because they “still work” can cost more in electricity and repairs than replacing them. Newer models use less energy and work better, saving you money over time. Consider an upgrade if your bills keep creeping up.
Overusing Your Car
Driving everywhere just to stick to your routine gets expensive over time. Try walking, biking, or using public transit for nearby errands. Not only will you save on gas and wear-and-tear, but you’ll find life can slow down a bit, too.
Avoiding All Social Activities
Passing up every dinner, coffee date, or outing just to save a few bucks can cost you in happiness and relationships. Choose meaningful activities and set a small budget for enjoying time with others. Finding balance pays off, both in your wallet and your day-to-day life.
Choosing Smarter Ways to Save
Saving money is all about working smarter, not harder. When you focus on the changes that truly free up time, energy, and cash, you get results you can stick with. Try shifting a couple of your habits and see just how much easier— and more efficient—saving can be.
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