29 Ways to Save Money on Living Expenses

Contributed by Krystal Covington, MBA

Denver's expensive. It takes nearly 100,000 of income for 2 adults and 2 kids to live comfortably and make rent. That's why it's so important to not only focus on earning more income, but lightening your expense load as well. 

I asked the Women of Denver community to share their top ways to save money in Denver and this is what they shared. 

1. Meal planning and eating in all week -- eating out as a special weekend treat
2. Doing hair and nails at home and creating a luxury spa experience to reduce salon expenses
3. Dropping cable in favor of Hulu, Sling TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other streaming services
4. Ordering groceries online to avoid the inevitable last minute grabs while walking the aisles
5. Shopping at thrift stores to save money while adding the thrill of the hunt to find great items
6. Make your own premium coffee at home with top quality brands such as the Nespresso
7. Clipping coupons and keeping them in your purse or wallet to remember to use them
8. Use the Gas Buddy app to find the cheapest gas stations around
9. Join the Rocky Mountain Tri Club for just $72 and get access to weekly coach-led workouts
10. Bookmark the free days at Denver museums and the Botanic Gardens
11. Trade house or pet sitting for free rent
12. Holding back on the air conditioning until it's absolutely needed
13. When invited for a coffee date (i.e. $$) suggest going for a walk instead
14. Buy luxury services like massage and spa packages on Groupon
15. Get your hair cut and styled at a local hair school such as Aveda
16. Use high-quality glass storage containers instead of cheap plastic containers
17. Buy a cell phone that is a year behind -- not the newest and best model and keep it as long as possible
18. Work remotely if your job allows it to save on commuting expenses
19. Avoid taking out loans and paying unnecessary interest
20. Keep your credit score high to get the lowest interest rates when you do take a loan out
21. Shop at outlets for name brand clothing
22. Give the kids activities instead of toys
23. Agree with the adults in the family not to trade holiday gifts
24. Shop around for the best health insurance options -- even when it's offered by your job
25. Use public transportation instead of owning or leasing a car
26. Living with roommates to split the cost (or with your parents if they'll have you)
27. Living slightly outside the city in places such as Northglenn where rents are lower
28. Moving into a camper
29. Bike to work