7 Ways to Save $100 This Week

Wouldn’t it be amazing to save big money this week? How about up to $100?

Still in a frugal mindset, I don’t like spending money unless I have to. Temptations are everywhere, and it can sometimes be so hard to resist, even when it doesn’t seem like a big deal. A restaurant soda, a quick trip to the store to grab “one thing”… it all adds up! If you’re looking for new ways to save money, here are 7 ways you can save up to $100 this week. Hopefully you can grab some inspiration from some of these!

Go to the grocery store only once

This happens to me sometimes too: You go in for your weekly shopping, then come home to realize you forgot one or two important items. Totally okay, except for when you go back that day or the day after and pick up the forgotten items plus ten dollars worth of other junk you didn’t need. I’m guilty, especially when it comes to the clearance section. The more I go to the store, the more chances I have to buy things I don’t have money for at the moment.

There are two ways to help with this: One is to make a grocery list every week. I know most of us do that already, but it’s so important. If you have the self-discipline to go to the store, get only what’s on your list, then leave, you’ll end up saving money in the long run.

The second way is to hang up your grocery list on the fridge to immediately write down what you just ran out of. I keep my shopping list on my phone using Google Docs; and if I don’t tell myself to put items on the list right then and there, I’ll forget and end up not buying them. Having a physical list to look at makes things so much easier!

Savings: $10-$15

Bring a picnic lunch to your outing

Picnics are awesome, especially in Summer. Whether it’s just a trip to the park or a day trip to the zoo, you and your crew will probably get hungry.

Allison and I have a weekly date at the local children’s museum. We usually get there around 10:00 and stay until noon-ish, which is when we’re starving. Instead of leaving early to eat lunch at home, or even go out to eat, we pack our lunches and eat in the small cafeteria at the museum. Allison loves it because packing lunches is fun, and it keeps money in my pocket. Speaking of money, I don’t even bring my purse because of the vending machines in the cafeteria. I don’t need the chips or cookies, and it prevents Allison from begging for extra snacks (Which she inevitably does).

Savings: $15-$20

See: Essential Items for Fun Toddler Meals

Have an in-home date night

I’m really adamant about being able to spend one-on-one time with my husband throughout the week despite our busy schedules. It doesn’t always happen, but we aim for an in-home date night at least once a week after Allison goes to bed. It could be as simple as watching a movie together, or playing a board game, or even baking cookies. What’s important is that you make time for each other!

Savings: $10 (The cost of going out for dessert)

See: 9 Cheap (And Free) At-Home Date Night Ideas

Use the library for movies/books

I honestly can’t remember the last time I bought a book or movie. Almost everything I read or watch is from the library; and I’m okay with having to bring things back because it means less clutter in my house. For the most part, I don’t re-read books; and if I do, I can just request them again.

My current favorite feature is Overdrive, which is an app that lets you check out digital content. You can download e-books and audiobooks straight to your phone or tablet, which helps with clutter and you can have them with you wherever you go. I listen to my audiobooks when I run, while Allison’s in school, in the early mornings before she wakes up… I can get through an average book in about 2 weeks, and love that I can multi-task while I listen.

Savings: $1-$15 (The cost of a Redbox rental or buying a movie/book)

Make your own coffee at home

Who else is a fan of buying fancy iced coffees? Even though I only drink decaf now, I still love getting my coffee fix. And making my own at home is so much cheaper than buying one every day, not to mention healthier! Here’s how I make delicious iced coffee at home for only 57 cents a cup!

Savings: $5.50 if you buy a Starbucks iced coffee twice a week

Earn free gift cards to buy groceries

This one sounds far-fetched, but it’s true. I earn a gift card at least once a month to use at Sam’s Club to help buy things we need to stock up on. How many of you know that trying to buy 5 things at Sam’s can get expensive? I know that right now I want to buy shredded cheddar cheese, yogurt cups, baking soda, string cheese, and PBFit powder. That’s at least $50 in necessities and would almost wipe our weekly budget!

Thankfully, I use a site called Swagbucks to earn a $25 gift card at least once a month. I use an old phone to run the mobile video apps, and that’s usually enough to get what I need; although I take a survey every so often to get me there faster. Click here to sign up for Swagbucks and start earning gift cards for Sam’s Club, Starbucks, Target, Chipotle, and more!

Savings: $25

See: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Free Groceries Using Swagbucks

Have a leftover night

This may not apply if you have a larger family; but in my household, my family of 3 creates leftovers just about every night. We eat some of the leftovers for lunch, but sometimes we generate so much that our fridge is full of meals. I aim to have one leftover night a week, which is usually enough to get rid of all the leftovers that may not have gotten used up.

Savings: $10

Total possible savings this week: $100

Do you already do some of these things? If so, great job! If not, I hope you found some new nuggets of information that will help you maintain a frugal lifestyle. What else could you add to this list? Share in the comments below!