With the economy being the way it is today, it’s more important to reevaluate your spending. There are so many practical ways to save money. You probably just didn’t think of it before. Here are 13 smart yet unusual ways to reduce your expenditures. Plus, some of these benefit your health and improve your habits long-term.
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Only Drink Water

You can save money by drinking water instead of soda, coffee, tea, or other drinks at the restaurant. Although some users point out that water can be too expensive in some places, you can always just bring your own water whenever you are heading out.
Always Eat Before Grocery Shopping

We cannot emphasize this enough. Eating before grocery shopping saves you from impulse buying driven by hunger.
One buyer confesses, “I know that if I go to the store hungry, I’m more likely to add snack purchases to the list because I am hungry, or see that chicken on sale and think of a recipe on the spot and then add it and its components to the cart instead of replacing my current meal plan.”
Don’t Buy Something Because You Have a Coupon

Having a coupon is not a free pass to buy something you wouldn’t normally spend money on.
“Ask yourself: If I didn’t have the coupon, would I buy this thing? If the answer is no, you’re not saving money; you’re spending more of it,” clarifies a shopper.
Don’t Buy the Cheapest Option

Even though your goal is to save money, don’t opt for the cheapest option. “Often, the middle-priced option will be the best value,” says a poster.
“Value is like a ratio between item quality and price. Get the best quality that meets your needs for the lowest price you can afford,” adds another.
Never Take Out a Payday Loan

“There is absolutely nothing right with a payday loan,” so avoid it. These companies are “morally bankrupt, exploitative, and predatory. They aren’t there to try and help you when you are in a difficult situation.”
Cost Things as Portions

One user who does this math writes, “A coffee is 1/10 of a new game. Ten meals out is a weekend away.”
Or relate the cost to your hourly rate. For instance, “Are these new shoes worth an hour of work?” or “Is that new outfit worth 4 hours in charge of 20 patients on a locked psych ward in a state hospital?”
Buy Reusable Items

Buying reusable items “is better for your wallet and environment.” You should invest in reusable water bottles, dish towels, K-Cups, stainless steel straws, and more.
Regularly Review Your Bank Statement

One commentator recommends, “Learn how to log in to your online banking system and review your statement regularly. You’ll see how quickly money flows out for coffee, snacks, and unnecessary purchases. Also, set a budget and stick to it.”
Live as a Minimalist

Another tip is to spend money on things you need to survive and those that make your “life more meaningful and enjoyable.”
Look at the Price per Oz

Instead of looking up the total price of a product, look at how much it sells for in oz. “It’s not going to save you tons of money, but it does add up and takes out the guesswork when comparing similar items.”
Apply the 72-Hour Rule

If you are an impulse buyer, try the 72-hour rule, which, as its name implies, is waiting 72 hours before buying an item you think you need. Many people who’ve applied this trick say that it helped them realize that they did not need the item after the time lapsed.
Learn to Cook

Fast food and store-bought means have never and will never be cost-effective. So, learn a few delicious recipes and start saving. Also, “make bigger portions of what can be frozen easily and reheat that in the microwave.”
Act Broke

One commentator vows acting broke has helped them save money, “Eat at home if your friends have a dinner plan at an expensive place. Pregame if you’re going clubbing. And if anyone asks you why you aren’t eating/drinking/coming for that vacation, just say you’re broke.”
Source: Reddit
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