Money can seem very complicated. Terms like investment advisors, tax advantaged accounts, fiduciary, leverage-it’s overwhelming for a lot of people. Cutting through some of the jargon though, there are simple lifestyle choices that can save you a lot of money. And you don’t have to be an expert to take advantage of them.
Why Are Lifestyle Choices Important?
Life gets busy–work, kids, family, daily tasks, and myriad other responsibilities most people face every day. Simplifying things cuts out some of the complications and makes it easier for you to make the choices that will benefit you.
Saving money is one of those things that will benefit you, and the easier you can make it to save money, the better.
Five Easy Lifestyle Choices Guaranteed to Save You Money
These are five easy lifestyle choices guaranteed to save you money without having to put in massive thought and/or effort. Each choice is designed with simplicity in mind.
Number 1: Don’t Worry About the Joneses’
In my book Cash Uncomplicated, I wrote a chapter about the futility of keeping up with the Joneses’. We think people are watching us on a regular basis. But the reality is that nobody is paying attention to the car you drive, the neighborhood you live in, or the new designer clothes for more than a few seconds.
So if you’re buying something because you like it and really want it, that’s great as long as you have the money. But if you’re buying something thinking it’s going to impress someone or increase your status, you’re going to be disappointed and always chasing fake success.
Number 2: Stick to the List
How many times have you been at the store intending to only buy a few items, but ended up buying a bunch of stuff you didn’t need? I know I’ve done this more than a few times, and it’s entirely preventable with a simple list.
A list is a way to pre-plan what you want to buy and act with intention. It’s going to help avoid aimlessly wandering down the aisles, picking up things you don’t need or really want.
A list isn’t a magic wand–you’re not going to be perfect at the store but it will help you avoid buying a lot of the unwanted and unnecessary.
Number 3: Turn off the Lights
Most people can think about some point in their childhood with their parents, grandparents, aunt, or uncle shouting to “Turn off the lights!”
It’s old-fashioned but good and simple advice–turn off the lights when you leave the room.
No matter how much money I have or how well I’m doing, I will always turn off the lights. There’s just no need to have lights on in a room you’re not going to be in. Outdoor lights for security, I get that. But lights on in the house that you aren’t going to use, I don’t see the need and will never do it.
Number 4: Be a Value-Based Spender
Value-based spending–one of the most important concepts in all of personal finance. It’s spending only on what you highly value and cutting out the rest. It’s not deprivation because you’re not cutting out what you care about.
When people really think about it and take some time to ponder what they value, most realize they are spending a lot of money on things they don’t really care about. Unused subscriptions, multiple days of takeout during the week, new gadgets they used once and threw in a drawer for the next two years. The list goes on and on.
When we are careful and intentional about what we purchase, that’s value-based spending. Spend on your needs and true values, and you’ll find that you’re not only spending less money, but also enjoying what you do have more.
Number 5: Cook at Home More
Cooking at home is a lifestyle choice that will save you money, and very likely help you eat healthier as well. Cooking at home is also something that will become a habit once you start doing it enough.
For example, I’m almost pre-programmed to take out my lunch container at a certain time of the evening to make my own lunch. It usually happens right around when I feed the dog. It’s become second nature and it would probably feel weird not to do it.
For dinner items, cooking at home doesn’t require making an extravagant meal. There are so many ways to efficiently cook, such as:
- Cook multiple pieces of chicken to start the week and use it to cook different meals like rice, chicken and a vegetable, chicken salad, etc.
- Make more than you need and have leftovers for one or two nights
- Be creative with quick and easy meals that don’t require a lot of your time
All of these examples are easy, and don’t take a lot of time. In fact, they probably take less time than running out to grab takeout.
Related: 6 Easy Lunch Ideas to Save You Money
Conclusion
There are tons of lifestyle choices the everyday person can do to save money. The five on this list are just a few examples to get you going. With little time and effort, I’m sure you can come up with at least 10 to 15 more that fit your lifestyle.
Remember that lifestyle choices and changes don’t happen overnight or all at once. Don’t try to do too much at one time because that leads to overwhelm and stress. To paraphrase the saying: strive to make progress, not perfection.
What kind of lifestyle choices have you implemented that have saved you money without much effort?
