Saving money is about making smart decisions when it comes to how and when that cash is spent. Simply saving a few dollars a day or week, and cutting back on certain expenses, can make a huge difference in the long run. That cup of coffee may seem cheap, but it all adds up to a significant amount. You could save thousands of dollars a year by cutting back, and you can put this money away to increase your savings for retirement, a luxury holiday, or just to buy something you really want.

From smart shopping to making your own food and eating at home, here are 27 easy ways you can save money and boost your savings, without making too much effort.

Shopping:

• Buy generic brands – These are always cheaper, and usually just as good as branded products. This could be anything from generic medicine, peanut butter, cereal, cheese, and the list could go on…
• Stick to the shopping list – Always make a list of the items you need to buy before going to the supermarket. This way you can avoid impulse buys and spending money on things you don’t really need, or already have stocked.
• Order staples online – This includes items you often restock, such as toilet paper, soap, and detergent. Many of these are discounted online, and you can also get free shipping if you buy in bulk.

Budgeting and banking:

• Create a budget – List your income and outgoing expenses, then find ways to cut back on some of these. Sticking to your budget will give you more money left over at the end of the month.
• Put loose change in a piggy bank – This can prevent you from spending frivolously, and once it’s filled up you can deposit the coins into your bank account.
• Automate savings – Have your employer auto-deposit your paycheck so that you can set up automatic transfers to your savings account. This will make you less inclined to touch it when you’re out and about.

Home and electronics

• Be energy efficient – Use energy efficient products when you can, including for white goods such as the fridge and washing machine, as well as light bulbs. This can mean huge energy savings over time.
• Regulate your electricity use – When not in use, turn off the lights and fans and unplug household appliances. It’s also a good idea to use a programmable thermostat to control your cooling and heating.
• Get rid of cable – Cancelling cable TV subscriptions can save you hundreds of dollars a year. But if you can’t live without your TV shows, try cheaper alternatives to Foxtel, such as Hulu or Netflix.

Personal care

• Space out salon visits – Have your hair cut, coloured, or styled every 6-8 weeks as opposed to every month. You can also have your hair done for free or heavily discounted by a student in training.
• Learn to DIY – Use blogs and apps like Pinterest to find DIY beauty treatments that use cheap and organic household products.
• Take shorter, colder showers – A short, cold shower can save you money on both your water and heating bills. If you dislike cold showers, adjust the thermostat on your heater to be 120°C or less.

Entertainment

• Swap and borrow – You can swap books, magazines, CDs, and DVDs with friends, or borrow them free from the library rather than purchasing brand new in store.
• Daytime cinemas – You’ll be able to save a few dollars on a movie ticket per person by going during the day. You can save even more money by bringing (or sneaking) in your own snacks.
• Free or cheap events – This includes farmers’ markets and community concerts in your local area. You could also visit your local museum for free or small entry fee over more expensive activities.

Socialising

• Stay away from lavish friends – Hanging out with friends who spend a lot of money can end up with you doing the same. So keep your distance and your wallet will truly thank you for it.
• Host a potluck – Have a potluck dinner at home, where each person invited brings their own dish for everyone to eat. This way you can save money that you’d otherwise spend at a fancy restaurant.
• Consider eating in, outside – You can have a picnic with friends at the park, beach, or even in your own backyard. You won’t have to pay for tax, tips, and parking like you would at a restaurant.

Transportation

• Walk, bike, or carpool whenever possible – Walking, riding your bike, or sharing a ride with someone else to the shops or work can reduce both your gas and car maintenance costs.
• Public transport – Taking the bus or train to work everyday can also save you over a hundred dollars a month in parking, gas, and car maintenance costs.
• Buy used – A used car that’s only a few dollars old and has low mileage is the best bargain. It will also be thousands of dollars cheaper than a brand new car.

Clothing

• Clean your wardrobe – If you have a lot of unused clothes, organise them and you may find that you actually don’t need to buy that new shirt or pants.
• Wash with cold water – Using cool water to wash clothes that aren’t seriously soiled can save you money on heating bills.
• Hang dry clothes – Not only will you save on electricity bills, but you also help protect your clothes from dryer damage, therefore increasing their lifespan.

Food and drink

• Cook, eat, and prepare food at home – In doing this you won’t have to spend extra money on food and drinks while out or at work.
• Make your own coffee – Save a few dollars a day by making your own coffee at home instead of buying one at your local cafe. This will save you big bucks if you’re the type to chug a few mugs down in a typical work day.
• Grow your own food – You can make a herb, fruit, and veggie garden in your own backyard using a packet of seeds that can cost less than a dollar. This will also save you from trips to the fruit and veg store.