10 Saving Tips That Build Freedom (80/20)
Save with purpose so you can pay off debt, start investing, and create more time for the things that matter. The first 2 will get you 80% of the results you’re looking for! Enjoy the bonus 8!
Saving Is About Freedom
Most people think saving money means cutting out everything enjoyable. That’s not the point. The point is to have margin.
When you save with intention, you gain the ability to:
Pay off debt without stress.
Invest early so your money starts working for you.
Upgrade your lifestyle to save you more time.
That’s the real reason to save. Not to live smaller, but to live more free!
1. Focus on the Big Costs
Housing, transportation, and food that eat most of your income according to Graham Stephen.
Even small adjustments here have an outsized impact: moving to a slightly cheaper place, driving a paid-off car, or cooking more meals at home.
80/20, and you’ll see results quickly.
2. Budget
A budget is just a plan for your money. Nothing complicated.
Write down what comes in. Write down what goes out. Most people aren’t intentional with the money that comes in. Start there.
When every dollar has a job, your money works harder for you.
Not sponsored but consider the everydollar app (they do have a free version) we have the paid version and it has paid for itself so many times over.
3. Buy Quality Once
Cheap things often cost more in the long run. A sturdy tool, appliance, or pair of shoes that lasts for years is almost always the better deal than replacing the bargain version over and over.
Think long-term and spend wisely the first time.
4. Automate What You Can
Take willpower out of the equation. Set up automatic transfers so part of every paycheck moves straight into savings, investments, and bills.
Then reinvest that time into other productive activities.
5. Plan Your Meals & Meal Prep
Food waste and last-minute takeout add up quickly. I believe George Kamel said that restaurants cost 300% more han if you just made it yourself. Planning a week’s worth of meals saves money and reduces stress.
Cooking in batches and freezing extra portions makes this easier than you think.
6. Rethink Transportation
Cars are one of the biggest hidden drains on wealth. Beyond gas, there’s insurance, repairs, maintenance and depreciation.
If you can drive less, share rides, or walk and bike more, the savings add up fast. Even a small cut here makes a noticeable difference.
7. Avoid Lifestyle Creep
Every raise or bonus doesn’t have to mean a bigger car, nicer apartment, or more subscriptions.
If you keep your lifestyle steady for a while and save the difference, your wealth grows quietly in the background.
8. Learn to Do It Yourself
Basic skills like cooking, home maintenance, or small car repairs save money year after year. You don’t need to do everything yourself, but knowing how to handle the basics pays off.
9. Buy Secondhand
There’s no shame in used. Furniture, clothes, tools, even cars can often be found in excellent condition for a fraction of the price.
The savings here can go straight toward debt or investments.
10. Wait Before You Buy
Most impulse purchases lose their shine quickly. A simple rule: wait 30 days before buying anything non-essential. If you still want it, you’ll know it’s worth it. If not, you’ve saved yourself money and regret.
The Real Goal of Saving
The goal isn’t to cut forever. It’s to create margin so you can:
Pay down debt faster.
Put money into investments that grow on their own.
Buy back your time and energy for what matters most.
Create a business.
Saving money is simply the foundation. The freedom you build on top of it is the real reward.
“Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.” — Henry David Thoreau
