If you’re like me, you’re probably finding it hard to keep your spending in check. Saving money can be difficult, especially with the cost of living on the rise. Whether you’re saving for a big expenditure like a wedding or down payment on a new home, or if you just want to keep your monthly expenses in order, you’ve probably searched high and low for new ways to make reductions.

While big savings do sometimes mean big sacrifices, that’s not always the case. Did you know you actually can make a number of simple lifestyle changes to save money without barely noticing? That’s right, these tips could help you get your spending in order without ruining your lifestyle!

Some of these tips really helped me. So, let’s look at them.

7 Inspirational Money-Saving Tips You Might Not Have Thought Of …

1. Watch less TV

You’re probably thinking this is about cutting electricity costs. While that might make a bit of difference, it’s not the REAL reason watching too much TV costs you money. It’s advertising. That’s right, every time you watch TV you’re bombarded with advertising.– It becomes more and more tempting to spend money. That’s what ads are designed to do.

Even for someone with the strongest willpower, resisting ads trying to convince you that you need things can be difficult. Don’t put yourself through it.

When I first heard about this tip, I thought it seemed silly. I didn’t think those ads influenced my decisions as much as they did. But when I started cutting out TV, I really did start noticing a difference.

How often have you found yourself watching that latest fast food ad and thinking “Hmmm, I could really eat one of those right now”? That’s how it works. Even if you don’t get up and hit the drive-thru that instant, that ad stays in your head until the next time you pass one. It plays a role in your decision making.

The reality is, TV isn’t very productive anyway. You probably can find something more enjoyable to do with your friends and family. If you can’t, you probably need to have a look at more than just your spending problems.

If you really can cut down on TV, you might even find yourself in a position to cancel costly subscriptions or rental services, saving yourself even more money.

2. Start using the “30-day rule”

If you’ve never heard of the 30-day rule for big purchases, it might be what you’ve been seeking. Many purchases are made on impulse. You think you’ve gotta have something, so you’ve gotta have it NOW. This is a big mistake, and it’s costing you money.

For any big purchase, try taking a step back and thinking. Give yourself 30 days to evaluate whether you REALLY need it.

This tip made a huge difference to me personally. I used to make too many impulse purchases. Then I found myself realizing, after a few days of resisting, that I didn’t need that new gadget anyway. I found it works particularly well along with the no-TV trick. You simply don’t have as many potential big purchases to think about.

While some emergencies do require spending quickly, most don’t. If you start using the 30-day rule properly for big purchases, you’ll often realize you didn’t need it anyway.

3. Drink more water

Water is good for you. Hopefully, you know that already. Keeping a refillable water bottle with you can reduce the amount of costly sodas or coffee you consume. Not only that, a big glass of water before a meal will fill you up, meaning you should eat less and save even more money!

4. Pay more on your mortgage

This one probably seems counter-intuitive. “How is paying MORE on my mortgage going to save me money?” It’s because the sooner you pay off your mortgage, the better. Simply paying an extra $20 a month could wipe $4,000 off your payments and help you pay off your loan two years early. Just make sure you don’t incur any penalties for overpaying or finishing early.

5. Wash your hands regularly

Here’s another one that probably has you thinking, “How is THAT going to save money?!” Medical care is expensive, even if you have insurance (and especially if you don’t). The spread of many viruses and bacteria can be prevented by keeping clean and washing your hands regularly. That can help you stay healthy and reduce the need to visit the doctor. Makes sense, right?

6. Eat breakfast

If you’ve been skipping breakfast trying to cut costs, you’re making a big mistake. Most breakfast foods are cheap, and they fill you up more for the rest of the day. That means you should spend less on lunch and dinner.

Skipping breakfast leaves you vulnerable to quick and easy snacks and comfort lunches. These are both bad for your health and expensive. Stick to eating breakfast and then eat lighter for the rest of the day.

7. Stick to your list

When you’re food shopping, write a list beforehand and STICK to it! Don’t give in to temptation and make sure you only get what you went to get. Make sure you only shop for food on a full stomach, too. Hunger can cause you to throw far too much into your basket.

And there you have it! A few simple tips that are easy to follow. Except if you really are into television, these shouldn’t make much of a dent on your lifestyle at all. No “move to a cheaper house” or anything like that. Just easy tips that when you get them into your routine, you should barely notice that you’re doing them.

What are some simple things you’ve incorporated to help you save money?

Keith has years of experience tutoring people on how to live frugally and save. He also writes for an online tutoring service,

P.S. Ready to get out of debt ASAP? Check out the Spending Fast Bootcamp!