10 Easy Ways to Cut Expenses and Save More Money

A few years ago, I found myself staring at my bank account, wondering where all my money had gone. Despite earning a decent salary, I barely had any savings. It wasn’t like I was living extravagantly—I didn’t own a luxury car or shop for designer clothes. But somehow, my expenses always seemed to match (or exceed) my income.

I knew I had to change my habits if I ever wanted financial security. So, I started a mission: cutting expenses and saving more money. It wasn’t easy, but here are 10 things that helped me turn things around.

Tracking Every Expense

At first, I didn’t believe I was spending that much. But once I started writing down every single expense—yes, even the smallest ones like a cup of coffee—I realized where my money was actually going. The little things add up fast! A few hundred rupees here and there became thousands by the end of the month. I used budgeting apps and spreadsheets to categorize my spending and identify unnecessary purchases.

Cooking at Home

I used to order takeout almost every day because I thought cooking was too much effort. But once I started meal planning, I realized how much I was overspending. I began cooking simple meals, prepping for the week, and experimenting with budget-friendly recipes. I also learned to buy groceries in bulk and use leftovers creatively, which further reduced my food expenses.

Canceling Unused Subscriptions

One day, I went through my bank statement and saw several auto-debits for services I rarely used—an online magazine, a premium music app, and a gym membership I hadn’t used in months. I canceled them all. Just like that, I freed up a significant chunk of money every month. I also switched to free alternatives wherever possible, like ad-supported music streaming and free workout videos on YouTube.

Using Public Transport

Owning a scooty was convenient, but the fuel costs, maintenance, and occasional parking fees drained my budget. So, I started using public transport whenever possible. It wasn’t always the most comfortable option, but the money I saved made it worth it. On days when I needed to use my scooty, I made sure to plan my trips efficiently to minimize fuel consumption.

Buying Only What I Need

Impulse shopping was my weakness. I would see something online, think I need this, and buy it immediately. To break this habit, I started waiting at least 48 hours before making any unplanned purchase. Most of the time, I realized I didn’t actually need it. I also created a monthly shopping list and stuck to it, avoiding unnecessary browsing on e-commerce sites.

Finding Free or Cheap

EntertainmentI used to spend a lot on weekend outings—movies, cafes, and other entertainment. Now, I look for free events, explore parks, and even invite friends over for movie nights instead of going out. The fun hasn’t stopped; it just costs a lot less! I also rediscovered hobbies like reading and hiking, which required little to no spending.

Setting a Monthly Budget

Instead of spending randomly and hoping I had enough left to save, I started setting limits for each category—groceries, dining, travel, etc. It took some trial and error, but soon, I found a system that worked. I also used the envelope method for cash expenses, which helped me visually track how much I had left to spend.

Buying Second-Hand or Borrowing

I used to believe new was always better. But when I needed a bookshelf, I found a second-hand one in great condition for half the price. Similarly, I started borrowing books instead of buying new ones. These small changes saved me more than I expected. I also started checking online marketplaces for pre-owned electronics and furniture, which offered great deals.

Using Cash Instead of Card

There’s something about physically handing over cash that makes you think twice before spending. I started withdrawing a set amount for the week and using only that. Once it was gone, I had to wait until the next week. This simple trick helped me stay within my budget. I also minimized my use of credit cards to avoid unnecessary interest charges.

Automating My Savings

This was the game-changer. I set up an auto-transfer to move a portion of my income to a separate savings account as soon as I got paid. Since I never saw that money in my main account, I wasn’t tempted to spend it. Over time, I increased the amount I saved as I got better at managing my expenses.

The Results

At first, these changes felt restrictive. But within a few months, I saw my savings grow. I could finally afford things that truly mattered—a trip I had been dreaming of, an emergency fund for unexpected expenses, and even investing for my future. More importantly, I developed a sense of financial control and peace of mind.

Cutting expenses wasn’t just about saving money; it was about taking control of my financial life. And trust me, once you start, you won’t want to go back!