Simple Ways to Save Money Every Day That Make a Difference

12 Mar

I grew up in a poor middle class Asian family, where saving money wasn’t a personal finance trend – it was simply how we got by. We stretched what we had, made things last, and found value in being resourceful before minimalism was fashionable.

That upbringing shaped how I approach spending today. I’m not here to offer abstract advice or guilt you into feeling bad about your occasional coffee. I just believe there’s value in noticing where our money quietly disappears – and finding gentle, sustainable ways to hold onto a little more of it.

Because the truth is, there are simple ways to save money every day. And most of them don’t require big sacrifices – just a shift in habit, a bit of awareness, and sometimes, a refusal to let a good tomato go soft in the fridge.

In this post, I’ll walk you through some of the best ways to save money daily – actual things you can do in your home, your kitchen, your commute, and even in your browser tabs. I’ve tried to include both quick wins and longer-lasting changes.

Let’s start with the places where money seems to escape most easily: food, transport, bills, and everything we scroll past online that magically ends up in our carts.

Food and groceries – daily habits that save on eating

1. Cook in batches or prep meals ahead

It doesn’t have to be a Pinterest-worthy stack of mason jars. Just cook enough rice and stir-fry for today and tomorrow, and call it a win. Batch-cooking means fewer delivery temptations and less food waste. Plus, future-you will thank you when there’s a ready meal waiting after a long day.

2. Bring your own lunch, drinks, and snacks

Buying lunch every day adds up fast. Even something as small as bringing your own boiled eggs (nature’s protein-packed miracle) can save you from spending RM10 on sad convenience store sushi.

3. Use what you already have before buying more

Try this: open your fridge, look at the forgotten bag of spinach, and actually use it. Build meals around what’s already there. You’d be surprised how creative you can get when the goal is simply “don’t let this go slimy.”

4. Stick to a grocery list (and never shop hungry)

Going to the store hungry is like being emotionally vulnerable near your ex. Bad decisions are guaranteed. Make a list, stick to it, and avoid the siren call of the snack aisle.

5. Switch to local or store brands

Most of them are made in the same factory as the fancy stuff. Just with less glamorous packaging. It’s fine. You’re not eating the packaging.

Transportation – save money while getting around

6. Walk or bike for short trips

It’s free cardio, free transport, and weirdly satisfying when you realise you just saved fuel money and got some sun on your face.

7. Group errands to minimise trips

Do your best to avoid the dreaded “forgot milk, back to the store” situation. Bundle errands together. It’s efficient and your petrol tank will thank you.

8. Use public transport or carpool if possible

If it’s an option where you live, use it. Bonus: you can read, nap, or stare existentially out the window while someone else drives.

9. Maintain your vehicle regularly

Regular oil changes and tyre checks feel boring… Until you’re stranded on the highway with an overheating engine and a broken wallet.

At home – reduce your daily bills and wastage

10. Unplug devices when not in use

Yes, even your microwave. Devices draw power even when they’re off. It’s called “phantom power,” and it’s more annoying than it sounds.

11. Air-dry clothes instead of using the dryer

Your clothes will last longer, your electricity bill will shrink, and your home will smell like fresh laundry. Triple win.

12. Use fans and open windows before turning on the air con

Air conditioning is great, but it doesn’t have to be the first resort. Open a window, let the breeze do its thing. And if you must use the air con, set it to a comfortable-but-not-arctic temperature.

13. Shorten your shower by 1-2 minutes

It’s a small change, but over time, it saves both water and heating costs. Plus, less time to spiral into existential thoughts. Win-win.

14. Reuse water where possible

Rinse water from rice? Use it to water your plants. They won’t judge you.

15. Use natural light during the day

Rearrange your space to take advantage of daylight. It’s free, flattering, and very kind to your electricity bill.

Shopping and spending – smarter daily money moves

16. Stick to a 24-hour rule before non-essential buys

If you still want it tomorrow, fine. But most of the time, you’ll forget about it and wonder why you wanted another candle that smells like “coastal sage and regret.”

17. Always check for vouchers or cashback before paying

Install a cashback app or browser extension. It takes 10 seconds and makes you feel like a genius every time you get RM1.50 back.

18. Set a weekly limit for “fun money”

Decide how much you’re okay with spending on treats each week. When it’s gone, it’s gone. No judgment. Just awareness.

19. Buy used or refurbished instead of new

Facebook marketplace, Carousell, or your local thrift shop. The planet and your bank balance will both be happier.

20. Delay upgrades – use things longer

Your current phone is probably fine. (Unless it’s literally held together by tape. Then maybe not.)

Everyday essentials – clothes, toiletries, and home swaps

21. Repair before replacing

Learn a few basic fixes – sew a button, glue a sole, patch a hole. YouTube is full of useful videos and surprisingly encouraging strangers.

22. Buy reusables where it makes sense

Reusable water bottles, shopping bags, even cotton pads. Not just eco-friendly – also wallet-friendly in the long run.

23. Use up what you have before buying more

Just because something is on sale doesn’t mean you need a backup for your backup.

24. Cut open tubes to use the last drop

Toothpaste, moisturiser, foundation. You’ll be amazed how much is left inside. (a mildly therapeutic act, too.)

Digital and subscriptions – hidden drains in everyday life

25. Audit your subscriptions every month

That meditation app you forgot about? Yep, still charging you. Take 10 minutes each month to review and cancel anything unused.

26. Use free versions of apps or tools

Free versions are surprisingly robust. Most of us don’t need the premium features we’re paying for.

27. Turn off auto-renew unless necessary

For anything non-essential, turn off auto-renew and reassess every billing cycle. It's like saying, “convince me again.”

28. Use wifi over mobile data when possible

Especially if you're on a limited plan. Background app updates are sneaky little thieves.

Bonus – mindset shifts that help you spend less without feeling it

29. Track small wins – “saved RM5 today by...”

Keep a note on your phone. Celebrate your tiny wins. They add up – and make you feel oddly powerful.

30. Practice grateful spending

Next time you want to buy something, ask: do I want this, or do I want the feeling I think it’ll give me? Sometimes the answer is a snack and a nap.

31. Make saving a game or a challenge

Try a no-spend day or a “can I get through this week with RM50” challenge. It’s weirdly fun once you start, like a puzzle you’re determined to solve.

The Best Ways to Save Money Are the Ones You’ll Actually Use

There’s no perfect system – just small choices that fit your real, messy life. The magic isn’t in dramatic sacrifices. It’s in remembering that little daily decisions matter. They’re the ones that stick.

So maybe today you air-dry your laundry. Tomorrow, you bring your own lunch. That’s already two quiet wins.

And if you forget and buy the overpriced latte again, it’s okay. Just don’t let it come with a side of shame. You’re human. Welcome to the club.

If you work at sea or are considering life onboard, you might like these next: