It’s easier than ever to buy on credit.

In other words, it’s never been easier to go into debt.

You cannot ignore the consequences of debt forever.

Interest payments become more and more expensive until you’re underwater.

Break the cycle today.

Start spending less than you earn so that your money can grow.

Follow these frugal hacks and live below your means to make “saving money” a fair bit easier.

Live Below Your Means and Get Your Life Back

1. Cut Dead Weight From Your Expenses

Remember that $19/month subscription you signed up for ages ago, but never use?

Get rid of it! Unused subscriptions sabotage our savings goals.

They feel like nothing month to month, but come the end of the year, thousands of dollars are gone.

Thousands that could have gone towards building your emergency fund or paying down debt.

2. Use Siri To Save On Groceries

If you want to save on groceries, write a grocery list.

Lists keep you from making impulsive snack-buying decisions.

The only problem is writing the grocery list.

Don’t worry, I got you.

When you notice you’re running low on milk, grab your phone and say, “Hey Siri, add milk to my grocery list.”

Boom! Now you’ve got a running grocery list that you can update on the fly.

Once you get to the grocery store, your list is practically done, and it’s on your phone.

3. Pay Yourself To Grow Your Savings

Living below your means = spending less than you earn.

It’s easier said than done, I know…

But here’s a saving hack that really works: pay yourself first.

The second you receive your paycheck, transfer 10% into savings and do your best to live on the remaining 90%.

You can do that.

This proactive strategy puts you on track for financial success starting day 1 of your journey.

4. You’re Setting Fire To Your Money with Nonessential Purchases

Saying no to a $5k flat screen is easy.

But the weekly Starbucks stops and “cheap” Amazon purchases are a little tougher to resist.

These “insignificant” purchases are the death nail in people’s spending.

Small daily purchases take its toll on your monthly budget, and they wreak havoc on your annual income.

Be mindful of the small purchases and you’ll find a big pot of gold in your bank account.

5. Eat at Home so Restaurants Don’t Take a Bite Out of Your Budget

Search the web for copycat recipes and enjoy your favorite restaurant meals at home.

Cook more than you need, and you can take some of the leftovers for lunch when you go to work.

6. Start Scouting Thrift Shops for Deals

Great finds await you in thrift stores.

You will not believe the quality and savings you will find.

I bought a toaster oven for $6!

7. Know when to shop the sales

After Christmas, toys get marked down.

Buy toy gifts in January for birthdays later in the year. Look for HD TVs to go on sale before the Super Bowl.

If you like candy, buy it the day after Halloween or Valentine’s Day.

Look for Black Friday deals.

8. Get Creative With Freezer Food

Go check out your freezer.

What you got in there that could be turned into something extra delicious?

Put freezer food in a pan, add some spices and butter, and you’ve got yourself an incredibly cheap meal.

Apply this concept to the refrigerator and pantry, too.

If you have any broccoli in the fridge, you need to try this dish (my wife made it with chili lime salt, and it was incredible).

When you eat down the freezer, the fridge, and the pantry, start looking for ways to save on groceries when you start to replenish your supplies.

Tired of cooking? Here’s the best ways to get your favorite restaurant’s delivered (even on a budget).

9. Live on One Income, Even if You Have Two

Today, you have the power to forever change your financial future.

Follow these tips, save hundreds each month, and live on one income … even if you have two. Protect and preserve your cash now.

If you are willing to postpone the pleasures of today, then you will be well on your way to living within your means.

It helps when you tap into tech and use budgeting tools and cash-back apps.

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Up Next: 5 Tips to Stop Impulse Buying

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