Saving money in everyday life

20 saving tips sorted by effort and effect:

IMMEDIATELY, €0 effort (saves €50–150/month):

✅ 1. Drink tap water instead of mineral water (€30/month)
✅ 2. Make coffee at home instead of coffee to go (€50/month)
✅ 3. Write a shopping list, don't shop hungry (€30/month)
✅ 4. LED bulbs, switch off standby (€15/month)
✅ 5. Wash at 30°C instead of 60°C (€5/month)

SET UP ONCE, saves permanently (€100–300/month):

✅ 6. Switch electricity provider (€25/month)
✅ 7. Optimise your mobile contract (€15/month)
✅ 8. Switch car insurance (€30/month)
✅ 9. Cancel unused subscriptions (€20–50/month)
✅ 10. Switch current account (if there are fees: €10/month)

REGULARLY, a small change of habit (€50–200/month):

✅ 11. Meal prep instead of the canteen (€100/month)
✅ 12. Bike instead of car for short trips (€50/month)
✅ 13. Buy second-hand instead of new (variable)
✅ 14. Own brands instead of name brands (€40/month)
✅ 15. Public broadcasters' media libraries/library instead of streaming subscriptions (€15/month)

Total realistic savings potential: €200–500/month – that's €2,400–6,000/year. Invested in an ETF savings plan: up to €150,000 after 20 years.