Seven Almost Effortless Ways to Save Money

Some of us are very good at saving money, but some of us still struggle. (If you fall into this category, don’t worry! You aren’t alone.)

Figuring out where you’re spending every penny can be pretty challenging. And implementing those changes that will help you save a few extra dollars even more so.

Still, there are probably a few everyday things you’re doing right now that are costing you a lot — but can be easily modified. Best of all, they’re almost too easy.

Here are seven almost effortless ways to save money now.

ATM Fees

In the excellent movie Frances Ha there is a very humorous scene where the actors end up in a cash only restaurant. Frances runs off to find an ATM, only to discover the nearest one seems to be halfway across Brooklyn.

Sometimes it is so much easier to go to the closest ATM — that may not be your bank — and pay the (at least) $2 charge from that bank, plus your own bank’s surcharge. It can often cost around $5 just because you didn’t use your own bank! When you go out of network you are basically throwing away money.

Save Money: Always take out a little bit of extra cash at the ATM, keep a spare $20 in your wallet for emergency purposes, or use your phone to locate your bank’s nearest ATM location. If you’re truly in a bind visit a convenience store like 7-11, where you can always get a small amount of cash back with a purchase (still cheaper than the ATM fees).

Too Much Media

TV is one of those great indulgences. It can also be pricey.

But here’s the thing. It doesn’t need to be. You can watch a ton of TV without actually owning one — thanks to the invention of the internet. I’m thinking specifically about Hulu, Netflix, HBOGo and dozens of other streaming sites. Almost every show on television is available online — or can be rented via Netflix.

Save Money: Call your cable company and ask for cheaper options. If they refuse, eliminate your cable and make the switch to internet-based entertainment.

Wasted Food

Americans are notorious for being wasteful when it comes to food. The National Resources Defense Council says that the average American wastes about $529 in food each year.

Save Money: Will you be home for dinner every night this week? Will those vegetables go to bad? Will you really make your lunch everyday or will that loaf of bread just collect dust (and then mold)?

It can definitely be cheaper to grocery shop — but it’s also important to be realistic. Figure out when you’re going to use those groceries and when you won’t. If you’re up for cooking try out a food delivery service like Blue Apron or Plated — perfectly proportioned ingredients (and recipes!) arrive at your house weekly for the cost of around $10 per person per meal. And best of all, there’s no waste!

Expensive Coffee

Coffee can be associated with food but it really it should be looked at a subset; there are entire shops devoted to it!

We get coffee when we are tired, when we need to talk with someone, when we are bored, or when we need to do work (but not in our apartment). It adds up! Especially if you go to to one of those fancier places.

If you buy only one $5 cup of coffee a day (and I bet that isn’t many of us) it adds up to roughly $35 a week (or about $140 a month). And forget about that budget if you’re a latte or macchiato addict!

Save Money: You don’t have to give up your coffee indefinitely, but limit yourself. Better yet, purchase your own nice coffee and grind it yourself. You’ll still be saving money in the long run.

Deal Sites

Are you using all the Groupon and Living Social deals you thought would be an excellent idea? Yeah, didn’t think so. But in order to quit you gotta unsubscribe or they will keep popping up in your inbox.

Save Money: Chances are you wouldn’t have bought them in the first place. Do yourself a favor and just say no — unsubscribe.

Too Many Workout Options

Do you belong to a gym but also do a lot of boutique fitness classes at independent studios? Like maybe a cool barre class? You have to make a choice.

An average gym membership costs $40 to $50 a month plus initiation fees (with much higher rates in places like NYC).

Additional weekly, thrice weekly, or, for the very dedicated, daily classes can go for up to $34 a session. Don’t forget about the pressure to be dressed in the trendiest and most expensive workout gear.

Save Money: So many gyms offer a great array of classes — do your research before joining and find the facility that is right for your needs.

If you’re committed to classes, consider joining a monthly service such as ClassPass. You’ll gain entry to unlimited group fitness classes with a low monthly membership. And don’t forget about the no-cost options! There are lots of free workout programs that won’t break the bank.

Not Using Gift Cards

Apparently I am the only one that uses a gift card the minute they receive one. Other people basically throw them away. It can be a huge waste! According to the website Gift Card Granny, American households have an average of $300 in unused gift cards.

Save Money: Plan your dates or girl nights with the specific intention of using your gift cards. Hey, saving money is totally in!