10 Money-Saving Tips to Help You Stick to Your Plan

When did you realize that you need to start saving money?

The moment hits differently for everyone. For some, it's staring at a credit card statement that appears to have doubled overnight. For others, it's the sinking realization that despite working harder than ever, there's still more month left at the end of the money. Whatever realization brought you here, you're not alone. And more importantly, you're ready to flip the script.

Your financial story doesn't have to be written by stress, overwhelm, or a nagging feeling that you've fallen behind. Below are 10 money saving tips to help you get back in the driver's seat and build a financial approach that supports the life you want to live.

10 money savings tips to live by

Some of these money-saving tips will make you take a hard look at where your cash is actually going, while others will help you ditch expenses you probably forgot you were even paying for. Either way, your wallet wins.

1. Record your expenses in a money diary

A money diary will give you insight into your spending habits in real-time. You can simply pick up a notebook from the nearest store and write down every dollar that leaves your hands, whether it's rent, impulse buys, or daily coffee runs. You can also conveniently keep a digital money diary in your phone notes or by using a budgeting app.

As you learn about your spending patterns, you can then take steps to fix them. Tracking your money is a small habit that will quickly help you build financial mindfulness.

Quick Tip: Folio in your Fruition account serves as your financial dashboard to get a full picture of your expenses. You'll get real-time insights about your checking and saving accounts, credit cards, and loans to track every single dollar you spend. You can also sort and filter your spending by period for monthly or weekly analysis.

2. Identify your spending patterns

Now, go through your tracked expenses to notice any trends. Maybe your weekend spending spikes consistently. Maybe you see that convenience spending like rideshares or food delivery is adding up more than you realized.

Approach your numbers without judgement. Simply notice the patterns. Once you spot recurring themes, you can then make the empowered choice to reroute them into habits that build wealth instead of draining it.

3. Adjust your budget to spend towards top values

A budget becomes less of a chore and more of a liberation tool when it reflects your values. What do you care about? It could be traveling, maintaining good health, building a safety net, or living a certain lifestyle, among other things.

Once you identify your values, you can then redirect your spending toward them unapologetically. For example, you can swap impulse buys with a long-term goal, like traveling to a new country every year. Or, you can shift your focus on health by investing in a gym membership or healthy groceries instead of eating out frequently. No matter what's most important to you, it is possible to save money while enjoying your life by approaching your budget this way.

4. Re-evaluate your fixed expenses

Fixed expenses often get a free pass in budgeting because they seem untouchable. Rent, insurance, utilities, and car payments are just what they are, right? Well, not always.

You can re-evaluate your fixed costs for more flexibility. For example, you may be able to negotiate your insurance premium or switch providers. Similarly, you may downsize your space to create breathing room in your budget. While these changes take some effort, they could have a positive and lasting impact on your financial health.

5. Cancel any unnecessary subscriptions

A survey from Self.com revealed that 85.7% of Americans have at least one paid monthly subscription that they don't use. Even worse, most people underestimate this expenditure by $100 to $199, so that's over a thousand dollars going to waste every year.

You might be paying for streaming platforms, fitness apps, beauty boxes, or digital tools you don't utilize. Take some time to conduct an audit of all your subscriptions. Then, ask yourself if you need and use every service you're subscribed to. If not, cancel it. Your savings could add up quickly.

6. Make learning about money your new daily habit

Like everything else, you also need to learn about money management. You can read a book on behavioral finance or listen to a podcast about budgeting on your way to work. There are several budgeting influencers on social media platforms who you can follow to get helpful tips or updates about sales and promotions for necessities.

Money management doesn't have to be a big, scary monster, and there is a plethora of educational resources out there. A book on behavioral finance might open your eyes to interesting patterns in how people think about spending, or you might discover a budgeting podcast that makes your commute feel productive and inspiring. Many people find that following budgeting influencers on social media creates a supportive community where you can snag helpful financial tips and money-saving hacks.

7. Use the 30-day rule to delay purchases

When an item tempts you, pause. Waiting 24 hours, 48 hours, or even 30 days before making a purchase gives your mind time to reset. Often, the urge fades, and you realize you didn't need or want it after all.

If it still feels worth it after the delay, you can enjoy your purchase with confidence. This habit protects you from impulse buys and creates space for smarter choices.

8. Get professional financial assistance

If you're unsure about what you're doing, especially in terms of credit and debt management, don't hesitate to work with a professional. They'll help you chart a smart path forward.

Quick Tip: With your Fruition membership, you have access to a community of financial Mentors. You can purchase one-on-one 20-minute or 50-minute sessions. With your mentor, you can address your concerns, like planning for a major life event or managing debt. These sessions can help you decode Wall Street jargon and understand your financial situation better.

9. Explore thrift and consignment for shopping

Instead of buying everything new, opt for shopping at thrift and consignment stores. These places often offer quality, gently used clothing and household items at a fraction of retail prices.

Additionally, if you're clearing out your space, consignment shops may pay you for items you no longer need. It's a win-win because you can create space and get cash to spend on the things that matter most to you.

10. Plan ahead before you grocery shop

Walking into a grocery store without a plan can be a costly mistake. You end up putting things in the cart that you may not eat later. Or, they may spoil or expire before you can cook them.

Instead, build a list based on meals you intend to cook and stick to it. Take inventory of what you already have so you don't accidentally double up. Plus, you should try to avoid shopping when you're hungry because your cravings usually end up on the receipt.

Start with small steps to stay consistent

When you're following these money saving tips, know that sticking to your financial goals doesn't have to feel restrictive. You simply need to make intentional choices that support the life you want. What matters most is consistency. Start by taking a small step today and see where it takes you.