How to save money on monthly bills without sacrificing comfort

It’s a phrase that’s been on everyone’s lips lately – the “cost of living crisis”. Whether it’s the weekly food shop, utility bills or travel costs, it seems like everything is going up in price. The main culprit for this in India has been inflation driven by rising food prices.

Saving money can feel hard, but living on a budget doesn’t mean giving up everything you enjoy. Making a few small tweaks can help you to cut back on your spending without feeling like you’re sacrificing the good things in life.

Here are nine ways you can save money without feeling deprived:

1. Save on food

There are plenty of ways you can lower your food costs without feeling like you’re missing out:

• Cut down on ordering food and eating out. If you usually spend ₹350–400 a week on food delivery, cooking at home instead can save you around ₹700–800 a month.
• Plan your meals for the week, make a shopping list and stick to it. Not only will you reduce food waste, you’ll also find it easier to avoid those impulse buys.
• Switch to own-brand products. Most store brands are just as good as name brands but are up to 50% cheaper.
• Use apps like Olio to cut down on food waste and find the best value-for-money deals.

2. Save money with second-hand shopping

Buying and selling second hand products has surged in popularity in recent years, and there's certainly plenty of choice when it comes to online second-hand marketplaces and platforms you can use. Whether you’re selling items you no longer need or saving money by buying second-hand products instead of brand new, going second hand is a great way to save money.

Here are some of the best platforms for buying and selling second-hand goods: 

• Best places to buy second-hand goods online – eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Olx, Quikr
• Best places to sell second-hand goods online – Craigslist, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, 

3. Earn rewards on survey websites

Are you willing to give your views on politics, washing-up liquid or whatever else marketers want to know about? Then simply sign up to a survey website and receive cash or other rewards for completing online surveys and taking part in focus groups. Increasing numbers of people are joining user-friendly platforms like LifePoints, where you can earn points for sharing your opinions and exchange them for PayPal or e-gift cards.

4. Save money by managing your subscriptions

These days, most households are signed up to a raft of streaming services, and the costs can soon start to add up. But there are plenty of ways you can continue to enjoy your favourite platforms while also saving money:

• Share subscriptions – many services offer dual or family packages which allow you to split the cost with other household members or friends.
• Choose the annual option – paying for subscriptions is often cheaper if you pay annually rather than monthly.
• Rotate subscriptions – another money-saving option is to switch between different subscriptions instead of paying for everything, every month. You can cancel Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ monthly subscriptions at any point with no exit fee, so if you plan what you want to watch you can alternate between services to save money.
• Downgrade your plan – If you don’t fancy rotating subscriptions, you can save money by switching to a plan with ads instead of subscribing to the premium service.
• Make the most of free trials – music streaming services Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Music Unlimited and YouTube Premium are all currently offering new users a one-month free trial. This means you can listen to music for five months before paying a penny. Just remember to cancel your subscription before the trial period ends to avoid getting charged for the next month.

5. Compare energy providers and phone plans to save money

It’s easy to let inertia take over and just stick with your current energy or phone plan provider, but shopping around and comparing deals can save you a lot of money. There are plenty of comparison websites you can use to make the task easier. Don’t just choose the first website you find, however –  look for websites that are recommended by the national energy or telecoms regulators.

6. Make extra money with cashback websites

Cashback websites pay you when you go through them to spend with retailers or providers instead of going direct. You'll have to sign up to the cashback site, then simply log in and search for the online retailer you want to buy from. If it's listed, click the cashback site's link to visit that company. Popular cashback sites include PaisaWapas and Magic Pin.

7. Save money with coupons and discount codes

Before you shop, always check for discounts, promo codes or sales.

Plenty of websites and apps offer great deals, and many stores have seasonal sales. No need to wait for Black Friday – checking for discounts regularly can save you a lot.

By planning your purchases around sales or using loyalty points, you could save money without much effort.

8. Save money on transport costs

There are a few ways you can cut down on transport costs:

• Use public transport or cycle where possible.
• If this isn’t an option, try joining a car-sharing scheme. If you drive to work, carpooling with a colleague or neighbour can cut your fuel costs considerably.
• Use apps like ParkingPal to look for the cheapest parking options in your area.

9. Save money through upcycling/DIY

Instead of buying new stuff, why not try taking another look at items you already own?

Upcycling furniture, clothes, or even trying your hand at home decorating is not only fun but also a great way to save money.

Even small repairs – like fixing a leaky tap or mending a hole in your favourite top – can save you money on professional services or new items.

Saving doesn’t have to be a sacrifice

With living costs rising across the world, finding ways to cut monthly expenses has become essential – but that doesn’t mean giving up the things you enjoy. From smarter food shopping and second-hand buying to managing subscriptions, comparing utility deals and embracing DIY, there are plenty of simple changes that can lead to big savings. By being intentional and resourceful – using cashback sites, loyalty points and survey rewards from sites like LifePoints – it’s possible to reduce your outgoings without compromising on comfort. Ultimately, saving money doesn’t have to feel like a loss; it can be a shift toward smarter, more sustainable living.