Looking for simple money saving tips that actually work? The good news is that saving money doesn't have to mean giving up everything you enjoy or making drastic changes to your lifestyle. In fact, some of the most effective ways to save money are also the easiest to implement.
Many people assume that building savings requires a higher income, an extreme budget, or a complete financial makeover. While those things can certainly help, the truth is that small daily habits often have the biggest impact over time. A few dollars saved here and there may not seem like much in the moment, but those savings can quickly add up over weeks, months, and years.
The best simple money saving tips are the ones that fit naturally into your everyday routine. Whether it's reducing household expenses, cutting down on grocery costs, avoiding impulse purchases, or finding creative ways to reuse items you already own, there are countless opportunities to save money without feeling deprived.
If you're trying to stretch your budget, pay off debt, build an emergency fund, or simply become more intentional with your spending, these simple money saving tips can help you keep more of your hard-earned money. The key is consistency. You don't have to do everything on this list. Start with a few ideas that work for your lifestyle and build from there.
Ready to save more and spend less? Here are some of the best simple money saving tips anyone can start using today.
Everyday Simple Money Saving Tips
Swap paper products for reusable cloths. Replace paper towels and napkins with washable alternatives to cut ongoing household costs.
Make your own cleaning supplies. Basic ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon can replace multiple store-bought cleaners.
Use your local library. Borrow books, audiobooks, movies, and even digital content for free instead of buying or subscribing.
Borrow and share with others. Trade books, tools, kitchen items, or even kids’ toys with friends and family.
Hang dry your laundry. Air drying reduces electricity use and helps clothes last longer.
Lower your heating and cooling costs. Adjust your thermostat a few degrees when sleeping or away from home.
Reuse what you already have. Plastic grocery bags can become small garbage liners, and many storage bags can be reused safely (except those used for raw meat).
Food & Grocery Simple Money Saving Tips
Plan your meals weekly.Meal planning helps reduce impulse buys and food waste.
Make a grocery list and stick to it. This is one of the most effective simple money saving tips for avoiding overspending.
Shop clearance and discounted items first. Especially for clothing and pantry staples.
Cook at home more often. Even a few extra home-cooked meals per week can significantly reduce expenses.
Make your own baby food. If you’re already cooking vegetables, set some aside to mash or puree.
Use leftovers intentionally. Plan “leftover nights” to stretch meals further.
Buy in bulk when it makes sense. Staples like rice, oats, and pasta are often cheaper in larger quantities.
Compare unit pricing. Don’t just look at the sticker price—check the cost per gram or litre.
Budget-Friendly Lifestyle Habits
Think before you buy. Use a “24-hour rule” for non-essential purchases to avoid impulse spending.
Have a No Spend Challenge. Challenging yourself to a no spend day, week or even month can be a real eye opener to your spending habits.
Track your spending. Even a simple notes app can help you see where your money goes.
Cancel unused subscriptions. Streaming, apps, and memberships add up quickly.
Use cashback and rewards programs. Get a little money back on everyday purchases.
Buy secondhand when possible. Thrift stores, online marketplaces, and garage sales can offer huge savings.
Repair instead of replacing. Fix clothing, electronics, and furniture when it’s cost-effective.
Transportation & Energy Savings
Walk, bike, or carpool when you can. Reducing fuel use is one of the easiest simple money saving tips for long-term savings.
Combine errands into one trip. This saves both gas and time.
Reduce hot water usage. Shorter showers and cold water washes help lower utility bills.
Switch to energy-efficient habits. Turn off lights, unplug devices, and use power strips to reduce phantom energy use.
Final Thought
The best simple money saving tips are the ones you can actually stick with. You don’t need to do everything at once. Even choosing a few habits from this list can start making a difference in your monthly budget.
Small steps. Consistent habits. Real savings.
What are your favorite ways to save money without much effort? I’d love to hear your ideas!
Grocery Store Tricks That Make You Spend More Money
Did you know that grocery stores use a variety of sneaky tactics to encourage shoppers to spend more? While these strategies are smart from a business perspective, they're not always great for those of us trying to lower our grocery bills and stick to a budget.
Many of these grocery store tricks that make you spend more money work because they target impulse purchases. Think about your last grocery trip. How many items ended up in your cart that weren't on your shopping list? Most of us have been there!
The good news is that once you recognize these tactics, you can make more intentional shopping decisions and keep more money in your pocket. Here are seven common grocery store tricks that make you spend more money and how to avoid falling for them.
1. Buy One, Get One Free Deals
Everyone loves getting something for free.
At first glance, there's nothing wrong with a Buy One, Get One Free promotion. Especially if it's an item you already planned to purchase. The problem is when the deal convinces you to buy something that wasn't on your list.
While you're technically getting a free item, you're still spending money you may not have intended to spend in the first place. This is one of the most effective grocery store tricks that make you spend more money because it creates a sense of urgency and value that can be hard to resist.
Free samples seem harmless, but they're surprisingly effective at influencing purchasing decisions. The combination of smelling and tasting a product can make you much more likely to buy it.
Even if you don't purchase the item right away, you've now been introduced to it. The next time you see it on sale, you may be more tempted to add it to your cart.
Costco isn't the only store that offers samples, but they're certainly known for them. Enjoy the free snack, but remember that free samples are one of the classic grocery store tricks that make you spend more money.
3. Giant Shopping Carts
Shopping carts are convenient, but have you noticed how large they've become?
The bigger the cart, the emptier it feels when you only have a few items inside. Stores know this and hope you'll continue filling it with products you didn't originally plan to buy.
To avoid overspending, bring a shopping list and stick to it. If you're only picking up a handful of items, consider skipping the cart altogether and carrying a basket, or just your items.
4. Strategic Store Layouts
You walk into the store for milk and leave with bananas, chips, and a few sale items you didn't plan on buying.
Sound familiar?
There's a reason for that. Essential items like milk, eggs, and bread are often placed at the back of the store. This forces you to walk through multiple aisles, increasing the chances that you'll spot something tempting along the way.
Store layouts are carefully designed to expose shoppers to as many products as possible, making this one of the most powerful grocery store tricks that make you spend more money.
5. End Caps
End caps are the displays located at the ends of grocery store aisles.
Because these displays are highly visible, stores often use them to promote new products, seasonal items, or products with higher profit margins.
Just because an item is featured on an end cap doesn't necessarily mean it's the best deal. Always compare prices and ask yourself whether you actually need the product before adding it to your cart.
6. Clearance Bins
There's something exciting about finding a bargain.
The challenge is that clearance bins often encourage impulse purchases. You may find an item that seems like an incredible deal, only to realize later that you didn't really need it.
Before buying, compare the sale price to the regular price and consider whether the item solves a genuine need. Otherwise, you're simply spending money because something is discounted.
7. Checkout Displays
Checkout lanes are packed with candy, magazines, gum, drinks, and other small items for a reason.
As you wait in line, the store has your undivided attention. These products are strategically placed to encourage last-minute purchases that seem inexpensive on their own but quickly add up over time.
Checkout displays remain one of the most successful grocery store tricks that make you spend more money, especially when shoppers are tired or distracted after finishing their shopping trip.
Final Thoughts
Most of us have fallen victim to these grocery store tactics at one time or another. I know I certainly have! The good news is that understanding these grocery store tricks that make you spend more money can help you shop more intentionally, avoid impulse purchases, and keep your grocery budget under control.
Have you noticed any of these tricks at your local grocery store? Are there other sneaky tactics you've seen stores use to encourage shoppers to spend more?
This was such a big hit in past years, that I took the time to update it with this year's dates! Hope you enjoy 🙂
Are you living in the Okanagan or planning a visit there this summer? Since the Okanagan is the place I’m lucky enough to call home, I wanted to put together a guide packed with fun and affordable things to do all summer long in the land of sunshine. My goal is to make this the ultimate frugal Okanagan summer activity guide! If you know of a great event, hidden gem, or must-visit spot, let me know and I’d love to add it to the list.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or you’re lucky enough to call this region home, I hope this Okanagan Summer Activity Guide helps you make the most of every moment. From lake days to orchard visits to local markets to scenic hikes, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy all summer long. Save this Okanagan summer activity guide for later and start ticking off your favourite experiences as you go. Summer in the Okanagan always goes by faster than we think.
Looking for deals?
Grouponhas a ton of local discounted restaurants, spas, things to do and more! Check it out for great savings on the things you want to do in the Okanagan.
Trying to organize your home without spending a fortune? You're not alone. Keeping your space tidy and clutter-free doesn't have to mean investing in expensive storage systems or custom organization solutions. In fact, some of the best organizing products are surprisingly affordable.
In a world where clutter seems to multiply overnight, having the right tools can make a huge difference. Whether you're organizing a small apartment, a busy family home, or simply looking for ways to make everyday life a little easier, affordable organizers can help you maximize your space while staying within budget.
From kitchen cabinets and bathroom counters to closets and entryways, budget-friendly organization products offer practical solutions for every room in your home. The best part? You don't have to spend a lot to get organized.
Below, you'll find 12 affordable organizers available on Amazon for $25 or less. These clever storage solutions can help reduce clutter, simplify your daily routine, and make your home feel more functional, all without breaking the bank.
I think one of these over the door organizers would be perfect for those kids who love knick knacks! Or for holding baby supplies. The option are endless, really. See it on Amazon.
We have something like this in our garage to wrangle the mop and brooms and I love it! This one from Amazon looks even better than what we have. I like that it has small hooks for hanging other small things! See it on Amazon.
If you have tea drinkers in your home, this tea bag organizer is going to be so nice to have! Say goodbye to stacking boxes that you have to individually move to get to the flavour you really want! See it on Amazon.
If you are short on space in your closets, these pant hangers could free up a lot of space for you! There are ones especially for skirts too. See it on Amazon.
This is advertised as a shoe organizer, but I think this you could store so many different things in one of these! May hair care, toys, gift wrapping supplies, office supplies and so much more! See it on Amazon.
This organizer would make a great addition to any entryway or kitchen. Use the hooks to keep track of car keys, spare keys, and other small items, and use the main compartment to keep track of your mail. See it on Amazon.
I have these all over our house! I've got them in our bathroom drawers, kitchen, the girls' craft desk... they are so good! These are interlocking and I find they slide around less than ones that aren't interlocking. See it on Amazon.
This is the first time I have seen one of these, but instantly I knew it could be very useful! My youngest has a bunk bed in her room and I like that she could have a place to put her water bottle, books and knick knacks. See it on Amazon.
I have a couple of these in our fridge. One holds yogurt cups and the other holds apples/oranges. I love that these ones have removable dividers, making them great for organizing snacks in the pantry. See it on Amazon.
These 2 tier under sink organizers are brilliant! I have one under our kitchen sink and one in each of the bathrooms! Highly recommend! This is a two pack on sale! See it on Amazon.
How amazing would these be for easy access of all the water bottles and travel mugs? No need to take everything out just to get the bottle you're wanting. See it on Amazon.
Getting organized doesn't have to come with a big price tag. With the right affordable organizers, you can create a more functional, clutter-free home while sticking to your budget. Whether you're tackling overflowing closets, messy kitchen cabinets, or crowded countertops, these budget-friendly storage solutions can help you make the most of your space. Start with one or two organizers that solve your biggest pain points, and you'll be surprised at how much easier daily life can become when everything has a place.
Want to see more of my affordable organization picks from Amazon? Visit my Amazon storefront to see more than 50 recommendations! (Not every item is under $25 though.)
Summer is the perfect time to make memories, enjoy the sunshine, and spend quality time with family and friends. But having fun doesn't have to come with a big price tag. Whether you're looking to keep the kids entertained during school break, plan budget-friendly family adventures, or simply make the most of the warmer weather, there are plenty of affordable ways to enjoy the season. From outdoor adventures and creative activities to local events and staycation ideas, these 45 free and cheap summer activities will help you make the most of summer while keeping your spending in check.
1. Bowl for FREE — Kids can bowl 2 games for FREE every day throughout the Summer. Visit KidsBowlFree.com to see which bowling alleys are participating.
2. Get a FREE Slurpee — July 11 is always FREE Slurpee Day at 7-Eleven. Take your family out for a free tasty treat that will help cool you off during the Summer heat!
3. Make Slime — Both my daughters and I have so much fun creating and playing with this Inside Out Sensory Slime. It's just so fun to see how it works.
4. Make Homemade Iced Tea — Try brewing a batch of my favourite sun tea. You'll have fun watching the water change colour and even more fun adding your favourite flavourings like lemons, mint or even raspberries.
5. Visit a Park — Why not visit a nearby provincial or national park that you've never visited before? You could explore the trails or just do some day camping by bringing along the hot dogs and marshmallows.
6. Visit the Beach — Living in the Okanagan, we have a ton of beautiful beaches at our fingertips. We like to grab a book or magazine and head to one to relax while our daughters play in the sand or on the playground.
7. Go Fruit Picking — One word. Cherries! We love to get out as soon as our favourite fruits are in season. U-Picks are a great way to spend an afternoon with friends or family and are always much cheaper than the grocery stores!
8. Plan a Picnic — Picnics are one of our favourite things to do. We've got a system down to make things easy: It's always bunwiches with deli meat, cheese and pickles. I always throw in some fruit and veggies too. As a treat, I pack some cold pop and a bag of chips. Simple!
9. Fly a Kite — Well, I haven't flown a kite since I was a kid, but it still sounds like a fun idea! Don’t own one? This one has great reviews on Amazon.
10. Pitch a Tent in the backyard — Give the kids a fun experience by pitching a tent in your own backyard. Build a campfire, or use a propane fire ring like we do (because of campfire bans) to roast marshmallows.
11. Make Art with Sidewalk Chalk — Sidewalk chalk is something I always have on hand so Sienna can go out to create some masterpieces on the sidewalk or the basketball court we have at our townhouse. This is something she likes to do on her own so I can get a little work done. 😉
12. Plant Flowers — Now, you have to be careful with this one as buying "only a few" plants can really add up! (Trust me, I know!) Rather than planting an entire garden, you could concentrate on filling up a planter to keep costs down. While you're at it, why not create this Milk Jug Watering Can so the kids can help water.
13. Plant an Herb Garden — Another fun planting project is to plant an herb garden. Fresh herbs are so great to have on hand to make meals delicious. Growing your own herbs can also save you a bundle at the grocery store.
14. Plan a Scavenger Hunt — Want to get the kids outside? They can spend their summer outdoors with a fun scavenger hunt! Buggy and Buddy has 30 free printable options - you're sure to find something appealing!
15. Run Through the Sprinklers — Cool off in the backyard with sprinklers or even the garden hose. Even water balloons would be a blast! You can pick up water balloons at the dollar store or even one of these neat Fast Fill kits from Amazon.
16. Blow Bubbles — Bubbles are always a hit around here! When I see them for the first time in the spring, I'll pick up a few of those bubble wands that cost only $1. You could even try whipping up your own bubble solution for the kids to play with in the yard or at the beach.
17. Have a Garage Sale — Gather up all your unwanted items and host a garage sale one weekend to make some extra cash. Let the kids join in on the fun by setting up a lemonade stand for customers. Here are some garage sale tipsfrom Simply Frugal readers that you may enjoy!
18. Visit a local Festival or Event – Our city hosts regular free music events, movies in the park and even summer festivals that are fun for the whole family. These events are free for everyone to enjoy. Check your newspapers and city website to see what's being offered this year near you!
19. Visit the Library — The library is a great place to visit over the summer months. I believe most libraries offer reading challenges that are sure to encourage reading even while school is out. Check out this post for more ideas on how the library can save you money.
20. Head to the Farmer’s Market – Support your local farmers, and check out a couple of the markets in your area throughout the Summer. You really can’t beat the quality of the produce and the neat homemade items. Here are 5 reasons to buy local produce.
21. Go Swim in the Pool — Since most of us don't have a swimming pool, head out to one in your community to cool off. Some may require a small entrance fee, but can be loads of fun for the kids.
22. Stop By a Splash Park — Another fun option for the especially hot summer days is to stop at a local splash park. We like to meet friends there since my daughter has a bit more confidence when she's not surrounded by strangers trying to get her wet. 😉
23. Play on a Sports Team — Love to play sports? Why not gather a group of friends and put together a beach volleyball team? Or maybe ultimate frisbee? If you'd rather, you could sign up your group of friends for a weekend tournament instead.
24. Go to the Movie Theatre - Currently, Cineplex movie theatres are offering a discount on movies on Tuesdays. Take a look here for more details.
25. Snag a Daily Deal — Keep an eye out on Grouponand WagJag for deals and local activities for huge savings. You might be surprised at everything that’s offered in your own city!
26. Go Hiking— Our family loves to go for hikes, they're not quite as long now that we have kids, but it's still an enjoyable activity! Visit a local bookstore for trail maps or check AllTrails for hiking trails near you.
27. Attend a Home Depot Workshop — The Home Depot offers these great FREE workshops where kids can build a different project each month. Check this page for the schedule.
28. Watch Fireworks — Canada Day is known to be a day where fireworks will be involved. Why not find a special viewing point to enjoy this year's show?
29. Take a Craft Class — Michael’s Canada offers classes for adults and kids featuring all sorts of different projects. I have noticed that every once in a while they offer a substantial discount on classes so keep your eyes open for that.
30. Volunteer — Why not take some time to give of yourself this Summer? Volunteer at a local food pantry, woman's shelter, or soup kitchen. Ask around, I'm sure the opportunities are plentiful!
31. Find the Best Ice Cream — Go on an ice cream date once a week in an attempt to discover the best ice cream in your city. Places like Marble Slab have coupons often and locally owned shops may have daily specials for you to save.
32. Take an Evening Walk — An evening walk in the summer is just so, so nice. The temperature is somewhat cooler. Plus, there's just something so nice about the evening light.
33. Try Geocaching — Geocachingis an outdoor activity of searching for and finding a hidden object by means of GPS coordinates posted on a website. We thought this sounded so much fun, so we borrowed my parent's GPS to give it a try!
34. Do a Puzzle — Puzzles are a hit in our household. Both my husband and I enjoyed doing puzzles growing up and now our oldest daughter likes them too!
35. Learn a New Skill — Summer is a great time to learn something new, whether it be gardening, knitting, or discovering your artistic talent. Read 52 Things to Learn for Free to get started.
36. Start a New TV Series — Why not use Netflix to start a new TV series during the Summer, and catch up on all the seasons just in time for the Fall premieres. What shows would you recommend to someone looking for suggestions?
37. Do a Science Experiment — Help your kids learn about our fascinating world by trying their hands at a fun science experiment? KidsActivitiesBlog.com has links to a ton of fun projects!
39. Make Homemade Playdough — This is my current favourite no-cook recipe for playdough. My kids used to play for a long time making me "food" to eat. You probably have all the ingredients on hand already!
40. Go for a Bike Ride — Rather than walking, why not put those wheels to good use! Go for a ride around the neighborhood or ride along a nice path your city may have. You could make a day of it if you pack lunches and lots of water.
41. Make a Sock Puppet - This adorable monster sock puppet is anything but scary. Plus, it uses dollar store items to make for a cheap summer activity!
42. Sort Through Clothes — Maybe I'm weird, but I actually get a hankering to do more organizing projects in the summer. (Not just in January.) I find Summer is a great time to clean out my closet and donate what I don’t wear anymore.
43. Paint Your Nails - Summer time means I must have my toe nails painted in pretty colors all the time! I don't normally put nail polish on my finger nails, but my toe nails are fair game for anything bright and fun. Why not have a simple spa time by giving yourself a pedicure?
44. Color a Picture - Coloring isn’t just for kids anymore! Print off coloring pages for adults, and pull out the kid’s coloring books for a fun family time. Play some music for hours of good relaxing fun!
45. Have a Nap - Finally, why not have a nap? No better spot than outside in a nice shady area!
I also whipped up this printable Summer Activity sheet that you can print off and hang somewhere convenient so you're always full of ideas.
Summer doesn't have to be boring for anyone when you're armed with these summer activity ideas! Leave your fun and cheap summer activities in the comments below!
Free Printable Summer Bucket Lists for Kids and Families
Summer is the perfect time to slow down, make memories, and enjoy all the simple pleasures the season has to offer. Whether you're planning family adventures, looking for screen-free activities, or encouraging your kids to read more, these free printable Summer Bucket Lists are here to help.
This printable set includes a Summer Bucket List and a Summer Reading List, making it easy to keep track of all the fun things you want to do before summer comes to an end. From beach days and backyard campouts to library visits and reading challenges, these lists help turn summer goals into lasting memories.
Simply print the pages, hang them on the fridge, and start checking off activities as you complete them. Kids will love creating their own summer plans, and parents will appreciate having an easy way to encourage outdoor play, family time, and reading.
Download your free Summer Bucket Lists today and start making this your best summer yet!
I have also curated a whole bunch of summer things in my Amazon storefront. Find beach essentials, outdoor games, activity books & craft kits, summer reads and more.
What do you have planned for your summer? What's on your reading list? Let us know in the comments!
