People share their money-saving tips

Real Simple readers share 30 smart ideas on how they save big on the little things. 

1. Define what is really “essential.” With the changes that have occurred in the state of the economy recently, I feel differently about what is a want versus what is a need. Reality is a very good tool to use when it comes to saving money.

Melissa Fiffield

Manchester, New Hampshire

2. Instead of using store-bought cleaners, I use natural cleaning agents (vinegar, lemon juice) and salt (as an abrasive). Instead of steel wool, I use elbow grease. And instead of buying baby food, I puree whatever we’re having for dinner. My family is healthier, better off financially, and more understanding and appreciative of what our grandparents went through during the Great Depression.



Jacque Foster

Greenville, South Carolina

3. I use coupons religiously and wait for the 25- to 50-percent-off sales, when I can use both the coupon and the discount. I buy better brands in larger amounts―not cheap imitations that end up costing me more because I have to use more product for the same result.

Pam Pampe

Winchester, Virginia

4. I cut dryer sheets into thirds. A third gives me just enough sheet to stop static cling but doesn’t overwhelm my sinuses with the scent.

Patty Laverdet

Spotsylvania, Virginia

5. Instead of buying bottled water from the vending machine at work ($1.25 a bottle), I bring my own glass to work and fill it at the water fountain. This saves me money, and I’m also going green and cutting out the temptation to buy soda.

Amy Parks

Peculiar, Missouri

6. I buy boring stuff at the dollar store near my house. Nobody is going to notice if you don’t have brand-name toilet cleaner or plastic bags. By saving a few bucks on cleaning and household items, I have extra to splurge on fun things, such as a meal out with friends or a new shirt.

Emily Payne

Greenville, South Carolina

7. Bring a bag lunch to work. In our household, brown bagging saves us about $35 to $40 a week.

Joyce Raeburn

Amsterdam, New York

8. My husband and I have made a vow to each other to live more mindfully and think well before making purchases. If we need something, we will head down to the local thrift store before buying the item new. This is good for our wallet and good for the environment. The other day, I found a brand-new, still-in-the-package vegetable steamer for only $1. It was $20 at Target.

Deidre Webster

Minneapolis, Minnesota

9. I bring coffee from home in a reusable cup, which saves money and the environment.

Caroline Joyce

Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania

10. Simply by clipping coupons and stocking up when things are on sale. I recently bought a coupon organizer, so when I’m in the store, I’m able to find the item in my organizer quickly. It makes life easier when you have multiple coupons and need to find a money saver for your shopping.

Christy Larsen

Eagan, Minnesota

11. I have two children who take their lunches to school each day, and using plastic sandwich keepers instead of disposable bags has both saved us money and helped us be a little greener.

Jill Waugh

Hamburg, New York

12. My husband and I travel frequently for business, and we often take the hotel toiletry samples home. We have fun trying the different products, and using them helps us reminisce about our trips.

Lesley Brandt

Omaha, Nebraska

13. We grow some of our food, like beans, tomatoes, squash, and other vegetables that change in price throughout the year. Then we can them or freeze them so we can use them whenever we need to.

Chloe Chambers

Molena, Georgia

14. Use cloth napkins and rags instead of paper napkins and paper towels. Doing this has really cut our spending.

Peggy Lewis

Newhall, California

15. I stop thinking of “everyday essentials” as everyday essentials. That way, I won’t need them.

Maria Gao

Iowa City, Iowa

16. I shop online from my local grocery store and have everything delivered. That way, I'm not prone to last-minute purchases, I can see all the store specials with one click, and nine times out of 10, the delivery is free, based on the amount that I buy.

Sarah Sanders

San Anselmo, California

17. It's really quite easy―just use a little less. Whether it's shampoo, dish detergent, or cleaning products, a smaller dollop does the job just as well. We are all so used to believing that more is better, but you would be surprised at how much money you can save by consuming less. Disclaimer: This method does not work in the case of chocolate.

Ruth Ann Bailey

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

18. I make things from scratch. It's healthier for our family, our budget, and the environment. Plus, homemade pizza dough just tastes better.

Jenny Palmer

West Linn, Oregon

19. I live 60 miles from the nearest large chain store, so stocking up is a necessity. I buy in bulk, usually from amazon.com/subscribeandsave. The prices are comparable to those of the large discount stores, and shipping is free. I can easily control the timing of my shipments, and I never run our for essentials.

Jan Kellis

DeTour Village, Michigan

20. I leave the trip recorder on my car set to "miles per gallon." This reminds me to ease off on the gas pedal. It's good for my pocketbook and the planet.

Barbara McDonagh

Warwick, Rhode Island

21. My friends and I get together once a year for a clothing swap. It encourages us all to go through our closest and weed out those things that no longer fit well, and we always go home feeling as if we've had a full day of shopping without spending a dime. Our old clothes get a new life, and those pieces that don't find a home go to charity.

Kelsey Hughes

Houston, Texas

22. I use a lipstick brush to get every last bit of color out of the tube.

Gayle Ansted

Joliet, Illinois

23. For under $10, I bought a little battery-operated milk frother so I can make lattes at home. A little soy milk, some coffee, a microwave, and I'm done.

Kate Leonard

Newton, Massachusetts

24. I keep a small pair of scissors in my bathroom drawer. When tubes of lotion, shampoo, or conditioner get low and I can't squeeze out another drop, I snip the end of the tube and squeeze the product out of the bottom. Just like that, I get an extra couple of days' use out of bathroom staples. Over time that amounts to money in my pocket.

Cissy Baker

Ringgold, Georgia

25. I have stopped going to superstores. They have way too many temptations. Now if I am shopping for groceries, I shop only for groceries--not underwear, videos, or small appliances.

Nancy Knight

Seneca Falls, New York

26. I try to calculate what the unit price is on various items, which helps me comparison-shop. For example, I'll figure out the price per bag for a box of plastic bags. It makes it easier to know whether I'm getting a deal or not and also helps me see which stores offer better bargains.

Karen Cadman

San Diego, California

27. I hunt around for free samples. It's a fun way to try new products and fill your mailbox with something other than bills. Plus, you can get some wonderful items: snacks to bring to work, shampoo to take on your next trip, or a dog treat for your pooch. Check the websites of your favorite brands to see what they're giving away.

Barb Addy

Pensacola, Florida

28. I have a three-month-old who hates being in the car. I find I spend less money because I can't go anywhere!

Alana Hickey

North Hampton, New Hampshire

29. Just add a little water. This can extend the life of shampoo, body wash, even makeup.

Kristen Nelson

Franklin, Tennessee

29. I buy only what I need. My 15-year-old brother imparted this wisdom during a recent shopping trip: "Did you know you save more money by not buying anything?"

Jenny Davis

Fargo, North Dakota

30. Meal planning is a big help. By purchasing only the ingredients you need for the week in one shopping trip, you minimize impulse buys and trips to the market, and you save on gas.

Kendra Adachi

Greensboro, North Carolina

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