The everyday swap list: 30 small swaps that add up
You don't need all thirty. Pick the two or three that fit your life, try them for a month, and move what you save into savings. Then come back for a few more.
Food and drink
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| Coffee shop drink | Coffee or tea from home in a travel mug |
| Bought lunch | Packed lunch or leftovers |
| Delivery | Pickup, or ordering direct from the restaurant |
| Takeout on busy nights | A freezer meal you made earlier |
| Bottled water | A refillable bottle |
| Vending machine snacks | Snacks bought in bulk and portioned |
| Pre-cut fruit and vegetables | Whole ones, cut at home |
| Name-brand pantry basics | Store brands |
Around the house
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| Hot-water laundry | Cold-water washing |
| Old incandescent bulbs | LED bulbs as old ones burn out |
| Paper towels | Microfiber cloths |
| A spray for every surface | A simple all-purpose kit |
| Same thermostat setting day and night | A small adjustment while asleep or away |
| Dryer for every load | Air-drying some loads |
| Buying tools you'll use once | Borrowing or a library of things |
Shopping
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| Buying on impulse | The 24-hour rule |
| Browsing store apps | Notifications off |
| Daily sales emails | Unsubscribe, or a separate folder |
| Several small store trips | One planned trip with a list |
| Saved card on shopping sites | Typing your card in each time |
| Buying new for everything | Second-hand for kids' clothes, furniture and books |
| Comparing package prices | Comparing unit prices |
Fun and free time
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| Buying books and movies | Your library card |
| Eating out with friends | A potluck or game night |
| Paid weekend outings every week | Parks, trails and free events some weeks |
| Gym you rarely use | Walking, running or free online workouts |
| Big treats on autopilot | One planned treat you really enjoy |
| Spending what you saved | A weekly transfer to savings |
| Guessing where money goes | One week of tracking |
| All-or-nothing budgets | Three swaps at a time |
See what your swaps are worth
Put your own prices into the small habit savings calculator, or tick swaps off in the Everyday Savings checklist.
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