I used to think saving money meant sacrifices like skipping coffee, clipping coupons endlessly, or giving up everything I loved. But I’ve come to realize it’s not about giving up what you love, but rather, it’s about deciding what you want most. I’ve gradually made small changes in my spending, and when I tracked them, I discovered something surprising: these tiny habits save $100 every single month or more. I didn’t even tell my husband; I just squirreled away the savings and surprised him with a weekend getaway we never thought we could afford.
The best part? These habits that save $100 easily are realistic, sustainable, and you can start them today, without feeling deprived.
7 Small Habits that Save $100 Every Month
Here are 7 small habits that made a big difference in my budget and save $100 consistently, and could do the same for you:
Habit 1 – Meal Prep Every Sunday
I’ve been good about creating a weekly menu for ages, but some days, life overtakes my plans. When I don’t have the time or energy to cook what I planned, last-minute takeout can creep in as an easy out. My new habit: prepping core meals every Sunday. Core meal prep includes: a few proteins, grains, and veggies. Then, through the week, you can combine them in different ways so you never get bored and avoid last-minute takeout. Here is one example:
Core Meal Example: Grilled chicken + rice + roasted veggies.
Sunday Prep: Roast 4 – 8 chicken breasts with simple seasoning (adjust for the size of your family), cook a large batch of rice, and roast a bunch of mixed veggies like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers.
How to Use During the Week:
- Monday: Chicken grilled + rice + roasted veggies
- Tuesday: Slice chicken to top a salad of fresh greens.
- Wednesday: Dice chicken, toss with rice and veggies, and add soy sauce for a quick stir-fry.
- Thursday: Make a wrap with chicken, veggies, and shredded cheese.
When you have 2 or 3 core meals prepped, combination options will be even more varied.
- Why it helps: Avoids last-minute takeout.
- Savings: Around $40–$60/month.
- Tip: Prep just 3–4 core meals and mix them with fresh sides to keep things interesting.
Habit 2 – Always Make a “Buy Later” List
It’s easy to impulse buy, especially online. My daughter recently purchased a cervical neck pillow to help her sleep with better posture and was raving about it. She let me try it, and I wanted one. They weren’t expensive; two for $21. But they were out of stock, so I added them to my Amazon Wish List.
A couple of weeks later, the pillows were back in stock, but now $22 for one, not two. I wanted one for myself and one for my husband. Instead of making the purchase, they stayed on my buy later list. Just today, they were back at two for $22, and I ordered them. Waiting helped me save $22.
- Tip: Wait 72 hours before buying, and use a wish list to hold items until you’re sure.
- Savings: About $15–$50/month.
Habit 3 – Switch to Generic for 5 Key Items
One of the easiest ways to save money is to swap brand-name products for generics, especially for the items you buy most often. I picked five staples I use regularly. Since I eat Keto, my staples might differ from most, but one good example is my allergy medicine. The name-brand runs $19.97, while Walmart’s Equate brand is $9.87, and it works just as well. The same goes for the pain relievers I use. And, one more example: heavy whipping cream is a staple for cooking and coffee on Keto. The Land of Lakes brand is $7.99, and the Great Value brand for the same size is $5.67. The savings add up.
I agree that not all generics or store brands are worth buying, but most are. Use your own experience and judgment to decide what’s worth swapping.
- How to start: Identify the top 5 products you buy regularly and try the generic version.
- Tip: Gradually swap more items for generics to maximize savings.
- Savings: Around $10–$20/month
Habit 4 – Unplug Energy Vampires
Even when turned off, many devices still draw electricity. Let’s call these “energy vampires.” They syphon energy even when in standby mode. Targeting the right devices can save you $5–$10 per month without much effort.
Top devices worth unplugging or controlling with a power strip:
- TVs and cable/satellite boxes – can draw 10–50 watts in standby.
- Gaming consoles – Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo.
- Sound systems and receivers – standby mode uses power to stay “ready.”
- Kitchen appliances with clocks or timers – coffee makers, microwaves, slow cookers, toasters.
- Printers, scanners, and some smart home devices – standby mode still draws energy.
How to start:
- Plug multiple devices into a power strip so you can switch them all off at once.
- Focus first on the big energy vampires, not chargers or laptops, for noticeable savings.
- Savings: $5–$10/month
Habit 5 – Use What You Have Week Once a Month
This one is self-explanatory, but it not only saves money, it gives you a break from shopping.
- Eat from pantry/freezer
- Use up half-empty bottles
- Finish old toiletries.
- Savings: $30/month.
Habit 6 – Carry a Reusable Water Bottle & Coffee Cup
- No bottled water or stops for daily lattes.
- Savings: $20–$40/month.
Habit 7 – Buy Secondhand First
I shop at the thrift store regularly. I don’t always buy, but when you visit regularly, you’ll have better opportunities to come across new stock and the best deals.
- Check thrift stores or online marketplaces before buying new.
- Doesn’t “save” money directly but ensures those savings don’t get spent.
- Savings: $20–$50/month.
Small, Consistent Changes Add Up
I’ve managed to save around $1,200 a year following these changes without feeling deprived. You don’t need to start with all seven at once. Pick just two or three to start and build from there. Share your frugal habits in the comments below!
