Most of us are in a position right now where we are looking to save as much money as we can to fight back against the rises in the cost of living high inflation levels and the like.

However, if we are honest, most of us really do not want to lower our standards of living in order to make this happen.

Of course, we will all have to compromise on our lifestyles at some point depending on our budgets, but actually, it is quite possible to cut back and save money without lowering your lifestyle significantly.

That being the case, below, you will find a few ideas how to do exactly that.

1. Cars

Okay, so you might need a car, maybe even two cars to make family and work life possible because depending on where you live, public transport can be pretty hit and miss, so we’re not going to suggest you do away with your vehicles (although if you can manage without, that would be a huge saving).

What we are going to suggest however, is that you look for lower cost options such as buying a used Volkswagen instead of renting a brand new Audi, for example.

You can save hundreds each month by doing this and still have access to a very good car, that will get you where you need to be, at the same time.

Another good thing about opting for used cars is that they have already taken the brunt of depreciation, which is great news for your wallet.

Many times, you can nab a higher-end model with all the mod-cons for the price of a brand new basic one, and it will retain more of its value, so when you want a new one, it won’t cost you quite as much. What’s not to love?

2. Subscriptions

Be honest, how many subscriptions do you currently have on the go? Do you even know? Most of us, in the modern age, have a load of subscriptions to things like Netflix, the gym, a monthly beer club, and…well the lust is endless, but how many of them do we actually get good value from?

If you pay for Netflix every month without thinking but you only watch a couple of shows every year, then you can easily cancel and pick up the subscription again when you do want to watch, and that’s just one example of how you can turn bad value subscriptions into savings without losing a thing.

It is, then, a good idea to go through all of the subscriptions you have, work out how much you use them and if you would really miss them from your life, and then cancel any you do not think worthwhile.

You can always resubscribe again later, that’s the beauty of these monthly subscription services!

3. Dinner

No, I’m not going to ask you to go without your dinner so you can save some cash, but you know what? If you are one of those people who eats out or orders in more often than not, you can definitely cut back and save money by simply cooking at home more often. 

You might think that means you will miss out on the delightful dishes from your local Chinese restaurant or Malaysian cafe, but these days, thanks to well-stocked supermarkets where you can buy every ingredient imaginable, and YouTube tutorials that will show you how to cook just about anything, you can very quickly educate yourself to cook your favourite dishes just as well as the staff at the local restaurant, and you’ll save money doing so! 

4. Clothes

Yes, even if you are a fashion fan, you can definitely cut down on how much money you spend on clothing, and look and feel great in the process.

One of the best ways to do this is by hosting your very own swap party. Invite your pals over, ask them to bring items they no longer wear, and swap away.

It’s eco-friendly, wallet-friendly, and let’s be honest, it’s just a cracking way to spend an evening with friends.

Other good ways to save money on the cost of clothing include buying from second-hand stores, renting dresses for special occasions where you want to look even more amazing than usual, and waiting until the sales to buy what you need.

Having a wardrobe made up of timeless classics in high quality fabrics will also mean you need to buy less clothes over the years as what you have lasts longer and is always able to be mixed and matched with the current fashions. 

5. Gifts

Nobody wants to be the guest who turns up empty-handed and the joy of giving a gift is one most of us would like to keep in our lives, but it is possible to cut back on the cost, especially if you go down the DIY route.

So, instead of store-bought presents, why not create something special yourself? From personalised scrapbooks to homemade candles, the effort you put in is sure to make your gift even more memorable.

6. Travel

While those spontaneous trips to Ibiza are a blast, planning your travels in advance can save you a heap of cash. Look for deals, compare prices, and don’t shy away from off-peak seasons.

The world’s just as beautiful then, and a bit lighter on the pocket. Yes, spontaneity can be fun, but saving money by planning in advance means more money for future trips and that is even more fun, right?

Oh, and when it comes to saving on travel while still having a great time, it is worth considering the staycation too.

By simply having a holiday on your doorstep, you can save both time and money and discover many a hidden gem right there in front of you!

7. Phones

Most of us are guilty of hanging onto phone contracts that are way more than we actually need. Do you really require all those extra gigabytes of data when most places offer free WiFi? Have a chat with your provider or consider switching to a SIM-only deal, which can often be a fraction of the price.

Oh, and think about whether you really need the latest handset as soon as it is released. Most of the upgrades are fairly minor when you consider how most of us use our phones mainly for browsing and taking the odd photo, so we can usually wait a little longer to upgrade and save money in the process. Oh, and it’s always worth considering used or refurbished phones too because, these days, they are of a very good quality and no one will know or care!

8. Fruit and Veg

If you’ve got even a tiny bit of outdoor space, or even a windowsill, try your hand at gardening. Growing your own herbs, fruits, or veggies can be surprisingly easy and is definitely cost-effective. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the taste of a tomato you’ve grown yourself!

9. Entertainment

Look out for free community events or festivals in your area. From music gigs to art exhibitions, there’s often a lot happening that doesn’t cost a penny. Plus, it’s a great way to get involved and meet people in your community.

As you can see, it is totally possible to live a life that is a little (or a lot) more frugal without it feeling like you have downgraded to a lesser lifestyle. In fact, you might even have more fun! So, what are you waiting for?