Single and Live Alone? Redditors Swear By These Money-Saving Tips
Savings Suitable for Singles
One of the most common money-saving tips you’ll find online is to get a Costco membership and shop in bulk. While that might work for families who need a month’s supply of diapers and fruit snacks, shopping at Costco as a loner isn’t going to work out. You’ll buy something simple like croissants, realize you can’t finish all 12 before they get stale, and sigh as you throw out half the package. But we haven’t forgotten about all the thrifty singles in the world, which is why we’ve got a list of six frugal tips for bachelors and bachelorettes.
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Freeze Everything
If you live alone, it’s a constant struggle to finish anything before it goes bad. That is, unless you freeze everything. “Freezing ingredients and extra portions will help cut down on food waste and saves a ton on groceries,” a Redditor writes. “Bonus: there’s always something easy to eat in the freezer when you don’t want to cook.” And if you’re looking to up your freezer game, consider a vacuum sealer, a product which one commenter says is the “best investment” they’ve ever made.
Related: Stocking the Freezer? Here’s How Long Your Favorite Foods Will Last
Learn To Cook
Without pesky roommates crowding the kitchen, you’ve got ample space to polish your cooking skills. And once you can throw together a quick quiche and a tasty tagliatelle, you won’t have to eat out to savor life’s Epicurean pleasures.
Related: Dump-and-Bake Casseroles You Can Make in Minutes
Save Energy
Since you won’t have to accommodate demanding roommates, you can decide how hot and cold you want your apartment. So resist the urge to use the thermostat and save money by keeping it cold in the winter and hot in the summer.
Related: 31 Simple Ways to Save Money Every Day of the Month
Stay Single (and Child-Free)
If your singledom has got you feeling lonely, remember that solitary life has its perks. You can set your own financial goals, you don’t have to worry about dates and gifts, and you can avoid life’s most expensive hobby (raising kids). That said, it also pays to have a partner who can split rent and other significant costs.
Related: The No. 1 Reason More Americans Don’t Want Kids
Live Out of One Room
For lucky singles who have too much space to themselves, one Redditor suggests living out of one room. That means setting up everything you need in your bedroom — desk, television, etc. — and heating that room with a space heater. “When I have guests over, I use the living room but other than that, I work at home and live out of my bedroom,” the Redditor shares.
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Shop at Aldi
While Costco might be out of the question (unless you’ve got a massive freezer), Redditors say singles should still seek out deals at Aldi. Other low-cost retailers suitable for singles include Trader Joe's, Lidl, and Walmart.
