3 Simple Habits for Saving $500 Every Month, According to Frugal Living YouTuber Kate Kaden
Struggling to save extra money? Frugal living YouTuber Kate Kaden recently shared a YouTube video outlining three easy routines that have helped her save more than $500 every month.
Here’s what you need to start doing every month to build up your savings.
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Create a Daily Routine Around Free Entertainment
Look at your budget and ask yourself where you spend the most money on entertainment. You might spend more on streaming services to watch TV shows and movies or dine out regularly. Then, see where there’s a free or more affordable alternative.
After working an eight-hour day, Kaden said she likes to go for walks and read. These activities help her recharge and reset after a long day.
They’re also completely free to engage in and commit to, especially if you use your library card to check out books and audiobooks. Kaden said if she was to buy the books she puts on hold at the library, she’d end up spending about $50 a week, or $200 a month.
Master Your Weekly Grocery Routine
Kaden uses a four-step process when it comes to shopping for groceries every week. (It’s easy to follow, too.)
Shop once a week.
Shop during the weekdays instead of weekends. Since Kaden goes into work every weekday, she’s already out and about which makes it less stressful to go to the store afterwards.
Do grocery pick-up. You can schedule your preferred pick-up time and apply any coupons or store discounts ahead of checkout at most supermarket chains.
Shop with purpose. Keep your grocery list in your phone instead of using a piece of paper that could get lost. Kaden’s grocery list is stored in her store’s app and allows her to add the groceries she needs to her shopping cart.
Opting for grocery pick-up rather than shopping in the store has helped Kaden save at least $100 a week. Thanks to her intentional grocery list, she knows exactly what she’s buying. “If I don’t see it, I don’t buy it.”
Check In With Your Budget Daily
Create a comfortable setting (Kaden likes to brew a cup of coffee and open the window for a gentle breeze) and look at your accounts each day. This includes reviewing your checking and savings accounts and retirement account(s) to be aware of where the numbers are going up and where they might be going down.
Then, take a moment to review your budget and input any transactions you might have missed from the day before. If you find you spent a little less on groceries this month, or there’s another budget line item that came in under, you can put the extra difference into savings or into your brokerage account or Roth IRA.
By conducting a daily budget check-in, you always know how much money you have in your accounts. You also gain a clear understanding of whether you may be overspending and where there is, or isn’t, enough money.
The Bottom Line
These three routines work together to make saving effortless. You don't need to implement everything at once — start with one routine that feels easiest, then add the others. Even if you don't reach $500 monthly savings, consistency is what counts. Over time, these small habits add up to significant money you can redirect toward an emergency fund, retirement or your other financial goals.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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