How to Save Money on Necessities

While most of us don’t need a private jet to be happy, it can be difficult to really enjoy life if we can’t pay for the things we really need. Everything seems to cost a little more each year, which makes covering the necessities harder too.

Use these techniques to save money on necessities, leaving more for the other things you enjoy.

1. Food

Since food can be one of your larger necessary expenses, it makes a lot of sense to spend some time trying to minimise it.

Grow your own. Most kids love gardens and will help you enthusiastically. Seeds can be inexpensive or shared between friends, and it’s much healthier than eating produce that’s likely been exposed to herbicides and pesticides.
Use coupons. Some people seem to be able to buy $300 worth of groceries for $1.68, but that must take a lot of time. Just sift through the newspaper for a few minutes weekly and pick out coupons for things you already use, and save on them for that small amount of work.
Make a list. Write a shopping list and stick to it. If you only buy what you need when you shop, you won’t spend more than you need to. My mum’s so good at this!
Buy specials or in bulk. When things are cheaper, buy them and save! Check reduced shelves for deals, but don’t go buying things you usually wouldn’t.
Order online. If going to shops makes you add extras and spend more overall, consider ordering online where all the extras are out of sight and less likely to push your total up. Remember that delivery or picking costs get added, but you will likely still save overall.

READ 10+ Ways To Save Money On The Road

2. Fuel

If you own a car, truck, or motorcycle, then you probably need to purchase gas on a regular basis. Follow these tips to cut down the cost:

Car pool. Odds are that someone who lives near you is heading in your direction. Share the ride and split the cost of gas.
Maintain your vehicle. Having the proper air pressure in your tyres can make a huge difference to their wear and make them last longer. Change the oil, transmission, and differential fluids on schedule, and get a service or tune-up annually.
Make one trip. Driving back and forth to shops multiple times weekly wastes gas. Plan your trips so you get several things done at once and have fewer reasons to spend time and money driving around.

3. Utilities

Unless you have a very simple life, electricity, water, cable, internet, and your phone are expenses you have to deal with every month.

Only use what you need. If you’re not watching the TV or listening to the radio, turn it off. Turn off lights when you leave rooms. Only run the shower for the time it takes to wash. Give your kids timers to help them apply these frugal life lessons too.
Only buy what you use. Do you need the cell phone plan that you have now? Can you get rid of your landline or downgrade your cell plan? Examine all your bills and determine if you really need the level of service you’re paying for on each one.
Set your thermostat wisely. Turn down the heat in the summer and at night so water isn’t being overheated. You pay for that energy. Minimise the air con if you’re gone all day. Do you really need it to be 20°C in summer and 25°C in winter? Dress appropriately and save some money. It adds up.

READ The Art of Saving on Gifts: Thoughtful and Budget-Friendly Ideas

4. Insurance

Insurance costs a lot. Do what you can to reduce what you pay:

Raise your deductible. Doubling your auto insurance deductible can reduce your premium by up to 30%. Multiply that over a few years and you’ll be surprised at what you can save.
Only get what you really need. If you live on a mountain, flood insurance might not be necessary. If your health is spectacular, raise your deductible and co-pays on your health insurance to save money on your monthly premiums. If you drive a clunker, you likely don’t need every car insurance option available. I’ve had third-party fire and theft cover when my car’s value was low, and it served me perfectly well for years.

Necessities are those things everyone needs. Finding ways to save money on them can be as simple as spending a little time contemplating how you can pay less.

The key is to not buy more than you need and to avoid being wasteful.

Big savings are just around the corner with a little planning and work. If this post helped, feel free to pin it to share — thanks for stopping by!