We all want to save money, but most often, we don’t know where to begin. It’s easy to set up an automated bank account to send money to investments for the long run, but simple changes to your daily lifestyle can help you in a big way, too.

With a few simple changes to your daily spending, you can teach yourself how to save money on your everyday expenses, such as groceries, entertainment, and transportation.

Read further to get some tips on small changes you can make to save money daily.

Do you really need that store-bought coffee? Getting your coffee fix every day can be a costly expense that can quickly add up over the long run. If your daily coffee costs you $3, and you’re buying it on a weekday on your way to work, you are already spending $15 a week. Over a month, you’ll have thrown away about $60! And to truly put it into perspective, you could save yourself $720 a year!

Instead, make your coffee at home and take it with you to work. Set the timer to your coffee machine every evening before you sleep, and you won’t have the hassle of forgetting your early morning caffeine fix.

You can save fuel costs by riding a bicycle to work. Consider riding your bike to the store if you need something urgently. Or if you need some fresh air, your bicycle will come in handy.

By minimizing driving around in your car, you not only save fuel costs, but you’ll also reduce car maintenance and save the environment by fewer carbon emissions.

Cycling is a free workout, and you get to enjoy your surroundings while getting around.

If you’re an avid reader and buy books often, you should consider ditching book purchases and instead make use of the library. Most libraries went online during the pandemic, and they have made available many online streaming services for you to enjoy.

If your library is still closed, ask them if they’re available for outside pick-up. If your library has opened again, go inside and enjoy the scents of old, dusty books. It will take you back to your childhood, walking between the aisles looking for the perfect story.

Besides the social part and getting to use all the weight machines, you don’t need a gym membership to keep fit and stay healthy. Get out your running shoes, go for a walk or run through the local park, or do a free workout online.

There are many workouts available for us to enjoy online such as on YouTube. You can even download a few workout apps free to use, such as Nike Training Club.

Invest in a skipping rope, dumbells, and an exercise mat, and voila – you’re good to go!

If you need to get essential items, consider shopping at your local dollar store and shop at bigger grocery stores for specialized items. There are various items you can buy without breaking the bank in a dollar store.

Look for in-store deals, and buy items where quality isn’t essential. Shopping at a dollar store can precisely be what you need to save extra dollars daily.

If money is tight, then it can be a good idea to stop buying takeout—every time you order that sushi platter for lunch, you’re throwing money away unnecessarily.

Instead, plan your meals for the week ahead and meal prep on a day you have the time to do so. Freeze your food in freezer-friendly containers and take them out in the mornings before work to thaw throughout the day.

Pack your homemade lunches for work and stay away from the office cafeteria or the local bakery down the street. Whether you’re into PBJ’s or healthy salads, everything can get made at home. You’ll be surprised how much you save every day by planning your meals and taking lunch to work.

You can save a lot on your monthly water bill by turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth or washing the dishes. By doing this, you’ll save hundreds of gallons of water, and in turn, hundreds of dollars over the long-term.

Get your kids in on the action, too, and teach them about why it’s essential to save water and how it impacts not only our pockets but the environment, too.

If this were a countdown list, then budgeting and tracking your spending would be number one. You must know exactly where every cent is going. Set aside one day a month and plan what needs to get done with your money. Don’t let your finances control you. Instead, let your money work for you.

Note every income and every expense for the month, and put money away for savings. Whenever you spend money, make a note of it to ensure you’re not overspending on any category.

If you’re afraid of going over budget for something throughout the month, then keep the cash inside a marked envelope. This way, you will get to see precisely how much you’ve taken and how much is left. You’ll become more mindful and will think before you spend.

Another way to track your budget and spending is by downloading a budgeting app. These apps are generally free on the app store, and they even link with your bank account to keep track of every transaction you make.

Saving money every day takes discipline and dedication. If you want to make saving work for you, stay in charge of every cent coming in and going out of your account.

Save whatever money you have leftover at the end of each month into an emergency fund, and consider investing for the long-term. It’s never too late to set yourself up for retirement.

Change your mind about money, and don’t let it control you. You have control!