21 ways to save money

Sometimes, no matter how much we think we're cutting back on expenses, it's not enough. While cutting back on Starbucks and gym memberships can be an effective way to cut back on spending, sometimes you need something more. We have to find extreme ways to save and live on a tight budget.

It was a tough year for my family. We ate nothing but chicken and rice all year long. Why? My mother got a great deal of chicken from a farmer. I couldn't eat chicken for years after that, but my mother's ingenuity helped keep food on the table even when money was tight.

If you're looking for some ideas to save a lot of money, we've got you covered. This approach isn't meant to last forever, but it can help you save money in the short term.

What's wrong with trying to make money more efficient?

You may be looking to extreme savings methods due to many factors. Maybe you lost your job, and now you must live off your savings while you look for a new job. Maybe you are willing to pay off all your debts, including credit cards.

You can build your emergency savings and retirement funds even if you live on a very tight budget. These ideas can not only help you save money, but they can also simplify your life.

If you've been through some tough times, there's no shame in it. In fact, you can do better. In 2020 alone, the United States had 37 million people living in povertyBut these money-saving tips can save you a lot, even when things get tough.

These 21 ideas are extreme ways to save money

Are you ready to cut back on your spending? Then why not try some of these extreme money-saving ideas? You can try one, two, or 21 of these ideas. You can save money fast with these tips!

1. You can make your toothpaste and deodorant from scratch

Did you know that you don't need a bunch of fancy ingredients to make your own toiletries? It's super easy to make your own toothpaste and deodorant. You'll just need coconut oil, baking soda, and essential oils.

Even if you have sensitive skin or gums, it can be beneficial for you. You can also enjoy the Benefits for the environmentOn this site, you can also find a recipe for toothpaste and deodorant Zero Waste CollectiveThese are just a few of the many DIY beauty tips you can use.

2. Become a vegetarian

The price of meat is high. Especially red meat. It is possible to reduce the amount of meat in your diet and save money. There are plenty of delicious vegetarian recipes out there, so you don't have to cut back on flavour either.

Keep in mind that a vegetarian diet can be expensive if you buy out of season or consume specialty produce. And you'll need to make sure you're getting enough protein through foods like nuts and chickpeas. If you're on a tight budget, cutting back on meat can help.

3. The air conditioning must be turned off

You can also save money by turning off the air conditioning. It may seem extreme. But did you know that air conditioning is not that common in the rest of the world, even in warmer climates like Spain's?

This makes a lot of sense. Air conditioning uses a lot of energy and can increase your electric bill. While it may not make sense in all areas of the U.S. to turn off the air conditioning, the least you can do is turn up the temperature a few degrees. Consider using a handheld fan or some good old-fashioned cold-water clothing.

4. Reduce the heat

As mentioned above, reducing heating costs is another way to cut expenses. The heating system, like the air conditioning, consumes a lot of energy. The heating bill can be outrageous depending on the heating unit you choose.

Insulating your flat or house can help keep it warmer. Plaster your windows with rice and an old pair of jeans or trousers to make a draught stopper. Keep bedroom doors closed too, so your heating system doesn't have to work as hard to heat each room.

5. Get dressed and hem your socks

As a way to be more sustainable, I started darning my socks. I love it! While I watch NetflixI often darn socks. The best thing is that I haven't had to buy new socks in almost four years thanks to darning.

The same can be used darning method To fix holes in sweaters. Not only will it make your clothes prettier, but it will keep them in top shape.

6. Create your cleaning supplies

Just like with toiletries, you don't need expensive products to clean. White vinegar, baking soda, and lemon are some of the most effective cleaning agents. Baking soda can be used for many purposes in my house, so I keep at least 2 packets.

Simply mix one part vinegar with one part water. Then add a slice of lemon and let it infuse for at least seven days. Then, put it in a spray bottle and that's it! You can use it to clean almost any surface. For tougher stains or dirt, you can add baking soda.

7. Freeze food

Your freezer can hold almost anything and is the best resource when you live on an extreme budget. To make sure nothing goes to waste, you can also freeze herbs with olive oil, mashed bananas or used in smoothies and breads.

Food waste accounts for 30-40% of the U.S. food supply You can save money by freezing food that doesn't spoil before it reaches landfills. Make sure you keep track of the food and make sure it isn't frozen.

8. Order in large quantities

Although it may seem counterintuitive, buying in bulk can help you save money with ThereYou may have to pay more up front to buy in bulk.

If you buy a lot of basic household items, such as rice or pasta, you'll find that they end up being cheaper. Plan your bulk purchases into your budget.

9. Receive free cosmetic samples

Do you have a lot of points in your account? Sephora card? You can get free samples of cosmetics and beauty products. Actually, the Sephora sample I received gave me my favorite lip gloss for three years.

In addition to lipsticks and mascara, there are other products that you can order samples of in-store. Free samples are also available in department stores.

10. Dumpster diving

The possibilities are endless with what you can find in a dumpster. This isn't for the faint of heart, but if you're an extreme thrifter, you can find a lot of things that people throw away. It can be anything from clothing to furniture, and even food. You should be careful about dumpster diving on private property.

11. Roommates are a good way to live together

It is possible to share a room with another person and save a lot on rent or utilities. You can even share a dorm if you're feeling really adventurous. I did this one summer during a college internship in DC because as an intern I couldn't afford the outrageous cost of living.

12. Use coupons

Coupon codes are still available and could help you save some money, especially if you're on a tight budget. You can find coupon codes all over the internet these days, so do a quick search on Google If you are going to shop online, keep an eye out for discounts and only buy what you really need, such as new clothes or electronic devices.

13. Participate in networking events to receive free food

A good way to save money was to host events or networking parties during college. Why? Because it's free. That was often my dinner in those days. And it was also a chance for me to network and meet a lot of interesting people.

14. Use less paper towels

Paper towels are not only bad for the planet, but they also cost a lot of money. It seems that the more towels you have, the more you need them. Towels or even rags are a great, cheap alternative.

Even clothes you don't like can be reused and turned into rags. This will extend their lifespan. If you want to save money, it's a great idea to get rid of paper towels.

15. Instead of buying condiments for restaurants, you can use the restaurant packets

It seems like I get a lot of condiment packets every time I visit Taco Bell or McDonald's. So much so that sometimes I don't even feel the need to buy bottles of ketchup at home.

You can also keep the condiment boxes and order extra items. This is a great way to save money. You can even store them in your condiment jars so you don't have to worry about an excess of small packets in your fridge. It's a simple hack that saves money and doesn't require much work.

16. Use fewer napkins in restaurants

Another way to save money is to ask for extra napkins at restaurants. I always ask for extra napkins and always keep a couple in my purse. You never know when you'll need them. Why pay the extra cost for napkins?

17. Make sure you make tea or coffee twice

My great-grandmother lived through the Great Depression and this extreme money saving is her trick. My father said she would make coffee early in the morning and leave the grounds to make again later.

I have tried this trick and although I find it difficult to brew coffee twice, it is a good trick to use with tea.

18. Shop the sale section!

When I urgently need a pair of jeans, or jackets, I wait for the sales season to go. Then I head to the sales section. I don't even bother looking at the front of the store, but always head to the back. You may have to dig around a bit, but you'll find what you need and save a lot of money in the process.

19. Take online surveys

It may seem like everyone has a right to their opinion on the Internet, but some people will actually pay you to voice your opinion. Places like Swagbucks have some great offers Y Junkie Survey You get paid to take surveys, and even to try new products. It's an easy way to earn cash.

20. You can rent out the spare room in your house

You can earn extra income by renting out your spare room AirbnbYou can use the site's calculator to find out how much you could earn each week by renting.

You should also keep in mind that cleaning may be an additional expense. You will also have to accept that strangers will stay in your home for several days or even weeks.

21. Your old clothes can be sold

Do you have an old pair of boots that you think are really cute but you don't like because the high heels make them too uncomfortable? You can throw them away, or let them gather dust in the back of your closet. Vinted Or posh mark.

It's very easy to set up and requires very little time to maintain. Take a few photos of your items, choose a price and upload them. Now wait for your new clothes to be delivered.

You can save money by using these drastic methods to increase savings

If you're looking for extreme ways to save money, there are plenty of ways to save a little money. You can save money every month with creativity, luck, and a little bit of luck.

While this may not seem like much, it can add up quickly over the course of a few months. Find more extreme frugality ideas here.