A decision to save money doesn’t have to be life-changing or even involve sacrifice. It’s surprising how much money you can save simply by paying attention to how your money is used. People routinely buy things they don’t genuinely need. It’s all about being aware of where your money is going. Here are some easy ways to save money this year:

1. Conquer impulse purchases
   Many purchases are made on impulse. You see something you want in a store and get an urge to buy it, especially if it’s on sale. The problem is that after the impulse fades, you may realize that you didn’t really need the item. Use the 30-day rule. After seeing what you want, hold off on it and see if you really need it. If the answer is yes, go for it.
2. Use rewards credit cards
   As long as you pay monthly credit card bills on time, there’s no problem with using credit cards for daily purchases. In addition, some cards offer bonus cash-back rewards for items such as groceries and gasoline. Or, you may want to consider a credit card that offers cash-back rewards on all purchases. This can produce real savings over time.
3. Ask about senior discounts
   You can often save money on purchases by asking about senior discounts offered at many businesses. You’ll be surprised at how much you can save on anything from a cup of coffee to insurance rates.
4. Use coupons when you shop
   Coupon clippers have a big advantage over shoppers who go to the store without arming themselves with that cost-cutting weapon. Instead, you can sort through the coupons mailed to your home or go online to find them.
5. Get rid of your telephone landline
   You can save money if you’re willing to give up your landline telephone and exclusively use your mobile phone. If you have a cellphone, the chances are good that you rarely use your landline. If that’s the case, why keep paying for the landline?
6. Set up an automatic savings plan
   It’s easier to save when you’ve arranged for money to be automatically deducted from your paycheck or transferred from your checking account to an investment account. And once you become accustomed to having money taken out of your paycheck or checking account, you may not even notice the difference. Just make sure to choose an amount to save that won’t leave you without enough cash to take care of expenses.
7. Pay attention to the price per unit
   It’s easy to get excited when the foods you like go on sale, but the best way to identify a bargain is to look at the per-unit price that’s usually listed on the shelves. Sometimes, sale items are more expensive than products being sold at regular prices. So, don’t fall for the hype.
8. Improve your credit score
   Your credit score is a reflection of how well you manage money. If your credit score improves, it can lower the amount of interest you pay on loans and credit cards. It might even reduce your car insurance premium.
9. Consider buying a used car
   While it’s great to have a car that’s shiny and new, being the first owner of an automobile is an expensive proposition. That’s because vehicles tend to depreciate quickly. So instead, consider buying a slightly used car after someone else has absorbed the depreciation.
10. Get a roommate
    Whether you own your home or rent, having a roommate can greatly reduce monthly living expenses. We often think of having a roommate as something people do when they’re in college or just starting out as adults. In reality, it can make sense to share expenses at any stage of life.

Reference
https://www.moneytalksnews.com/slideshows/20-painless-ways-for-nearly-anyone-to-cut-costs-in-2018/.