Saving money should not feel like a part time job. You do not need to hunt for coupons for hours or cut out everything you enjoy.
The real change comes from habits that simplify your daily life and help you spend with more intention.
Here are 10 realistic habits that work whether you live in New York or Amsterdam. They will help you spend less, save more, and feel more in control.
🥦 1. Plan Your Meals and Grocery Shop Once a Week
Meal planning saves both time and hundreds of dollars or euros every month.
Start simple:
- Choose 3 or 4 dinners and 2 or 3 lunch options for the week
- Pick recipes that use the same ingredients such as chicken wraps or stir fries
- Order your groceries online once through Walmart, Target, Albert Heijn, Lidl, or Picnic
💡 Pro tip: Use cashback apps like Rakuten in the US or Shopmium in Europe to get money back on your groceries.
☕ 2. Invest in a Coffee Setup at Home
A daily 5 dollar or euro latte adds up to more than 1,500 a year.
Buy a small espresso machine or a French press and your favorite beans.
You will save time waiting in line and money every week. Making your own coffee also adds a calm moment to your morning.
💳 3. Automate Your Finances
Automation keeps you consistent without effort.
Set up:
- Automatic transfers to savings or investments after payday
- Automatic payments for bills like rent, utilities, and subscriptions
- Apps like YNAB, Revolut, or Monzo to categorize your spending
Fewer payments to remember and no more late fees.
📊 4. Track Your Finances with an Excel or Google Sheets Dashboard
A simple spreadsheet can change the way you manage money. It gives you clarity without hidden costs.
How to build it
| Step | What to Include | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Income | List your salary and any side income | Know what really comes in |
| 2. Fixed Costs | Rent, insurance, phone, subscriptions | See what goes out first |
| 3. Variable Spending | Groceries, restaurants, gym, transport | Spot overspending |
| 4. Savings Tracker | Emergency fund, investments, goals | Watch your progress grow |
| 5. Summary Tab | Overview of income and expenses | Keeps motivation high |
💡 Tips:
- Add color coded bars for progress
- Use formulas like
=SUMIFand=AVERAGEto make it automatic - Update it once a week to stay on track
If you want, I can share a free BudgetGains template ready for both euros and dollars.
🧺 5. Simplify Laundry and Cleaning
Buy laundry detergent sheets instead of liquid. They are cheaper per load and easy to store.
Use one multipurpose cleaner instead of a shelf full of products.
If your budget allows, a robot vacuum can save you hours every week.
🚴♀️ 6. Rethink Your Commute
Try to bike or walk to work a few days a week. It saves money and gives you free exercise.
In cities like Amsterdam, Paris, or Copenhagen, cycling can save more than 1,000 euros a year.
In the US, try carpooling with coworkers or using Waze Carpool or Splitwise to share costs.
🛒 7. Use a Price Tracker for Big Purchases
Always check price history before buying.
Try:
- CamelCamelCamel for Amazon
- Klarna or Honey browser extensions for alerts when prices drop
Buy smarter instead of sooner.
🧘 8. Simplify Subscriptions
Most people pay for at least three subscriptions they no longer use.
Each month:
- Check your bank statement
- Cancel anything unused for 30 days or more
- Use Rocket Money in the US or Revolut Insights in Europe to track and cancel automatically
You can save 20 to 30 EUR/USD a month instantly.
👚 9. Build a Capsule Wardrobe
Invest in a few quality basics that all work together.
You will save time every morning and avoid impulse shopping.
Brands like Arket, COS, or Uniqlo make it easy to stay simple and stylish.
💡 10. Use the Two for One Rule Before Every Purchase
Before buying, ask yourself:
“Does this save me both time and money long term?”
Examples:
- Air fryer for faster meals and lower energy use
- Reusable bottle to skip 3 euro drinks
- Good sneakers that last longer
If it does not save both, you probably do not need it.
🌍 Final Thoughts
Saving money is not about restriction. It is about building systems that make your life easier.
Start small:
- Automate one payment
- Build your first spreadsheet
- Cancel one unused subscription
Every small win adds up to more freedom, more time, and less stress.
BUDGET GAINS 
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