21 Biblical Ways to Plug Financial Leaks and Save Money

Discover 21 overlooked ways to save money inspired by the Bible. Plug the leaks in your finances and start building a strong financial foundation.

As we go about our daily lives, it's easy to overlook the small ways in which we waste money. These little leaks can add up over time and leave us feeling financially drained. However, with a little bit of effort and intentional decision-making, it's possible to plug these leaks and save ourselves some money. In this article, we'll explore 21 overlooked ways to save money, drawing inspiration from the Bible and using common sense to inform our decision-making.

1. Cut Back on Dining Out

One of the biggest money leaks for many people is dining out. While it can be tempting to indulge in restaurant meals on a regular basis, doing so can quickly add up. Instead, try cooking at home more often. You'll save money and have more control over what you're eating.

Proverbs 31:14-15 says, "She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants."

2. Ditch Cable TV

Cable TV is another expense that many people don't think twice about. However, with so many affordable streaming options available, there's no need to pay for cable anymore. Cancel your cable subscription and opt for a streaming service like Netflix or Hulu instead.

Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

3. Shop Secondhand

Shopping secondhand is a great way to save money on clothing, furniture, and other household items. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and eBay are all great options for finding gently used items at a fraction of the cost of buying new.

Luke 12:33 says, "Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys."

4. Use Coupons and Discount Codes

Coupons and discount codes are a great way to save money on everything from groceries to clothing to travel. Before making a purchase, do a quick search online to see if there are any available coupons or discount codes that you can use.

Proverbs 13:11 says, "Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow."

5. Reduce Energy Usage

Reducing your energy usage is not only good for the environment, but it can also save you money on your monthly utility bills. Take small steps like turning off lights when you leave a room, using energy-efficient light bulbs, and unplugging electronics when they're not in use.

Genesis 1:28 says, "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'"

6. Buy Generic Products

Buying generic products is another great way to save money. Often, generic products are just as good as their name-brand counterparts, but at a much lower cost. Give generic products a try and see if you can save yourself some money.

Proverbs 21:5 says, "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty."

7. Make Your Own Cleaning Products

Cleaning products can be expensive, but you don't have to break the bank to keep your home clean. Making your own cleaning products is easy and inexpensive. All you need is a few simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.

Proverbs 31:27 says, "She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness."

8. Use Public Transportation

If you live in an area with good public transportation, consider using it instead of driving your car. Not only will you save money on gas and car maintenance, but you'll also reduce your carbon footprint.

Proverbs 22:3 says, "The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty."

9. Stop Impulse Buying

Impulse buying is a surefire way to waste money. Before making a purchase, ask yourself if you really need the item, and if it's something that you'll use and enjoy for a long time.

Proverbs 14:29 says, "Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly."

10. Cancel Unused Memberships

If you're paying for a gym membership or other subscription that you're not using, cancel it. It's better to put that money towards something that you'll actually use and enjoy.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."

11. Brown Bag Your Lunch

Bringing your own lunch to work or school can save you a lot of money over time. Try meal prepping on the weekends to save time during the week.

Proverbs 12:11 says, "Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense."

12. Cut Back on Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages can be expensive, so cutting back on your alcohol consumption can save you money. Plus, drinking in moderation is better for your health.

Proverbs 23:20-21 says, "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags."

13. Use Cashback Apps

Cashback apps like Rakuten and Ibotta can help you save money on your purchases. Simply download the app, link your accounts, and start earning cashback on your purchases.

Proverbs 11:24-25 says, "One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."

14. Repair Instead of Replace

When something breaks, it's tempting to replace it with a brand new item. However, repairing the item can often be a more cost-effective option. Consider taking your broken items to a repair shop instead of immediately replacing them.

Ecclesiastes 3:6 says, "A time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away."

15. Use a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can help you save money on your heating and cooling bills by automatically adjusting the temperature in your home. Set your thermostat to lower temperatures during the winter and higher temperatures during the summer to save money.

Proverbs 27:23-27 says, "Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations."

16. Buy in Bulk

Buying in bulk can be a great way to save money on items that you use frequently. However, be sure to only buy items that you know you'll use, or you could end up wasting money.

Proverbs 13:11 says, "Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow."

17. Use Library Services

Instead of buying books, movies, and music, consider using your local library's services. You can check out books and other media for free, and many libraries offer digital lending services as well.

Proverbs 18:15 says, "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out."

18. Make Your Own Coffee

Buying coffee at a coffee shop can be expensive. Instead, try making your own coffee at home. You can even invest in a high-quality coffee maker to make your coffee taste just as good as the coffee shop's.

Proverbs 31:15 says, "She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants."

19. Use a Water Filter

Buying bottled water can be expensive, and it's not great for the environment. Instead, invest in a water filter and enjoy clean, filtered water at home.

Proverbs 14:30 says, "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones."

20. Plan Your Meals

Meal planning can help you save money on groceries by reducing food waste and allowing you to buy ingredients in bulk. Take some time each week to plan out your meals and make a grocery list based on what you'll need.

Proverbs 31:27 says, "She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness."

21. Avoid ATM Fees

ATM fees can add up quickly, especially if you're using an ATM that's not affiliated with your bank. Plan ahead and withdraw cash from your own bank's ATM to avoid these fees.

Proverbs 3:9-10 says, "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine."

Conclusion

By implementing these 21 overlooked ways to save money, you can plug the leaks in your finances and start building a strong financial foundation for yourself and your family. Remember to be intentional with your spending, prioritize what's important to you, and always look for ways to save.

FAQs

1. Is it biblical to save money?

Yes, it is biblical to save money. Proverbs 21:20 says, "The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down."

2. What does the Bible say about debt?

The Bible discourages debt. Proverbs 22:7 says, "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender."

3. Is it okay to spend money on myself?

Yes, it's okay to spend money on yourself, but it's important to do so in moderation. Ecclesiastes 5:10 says, "Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless."

4. Should I tithe if I'm in debt?

Yes, you should still tithe if you're in debt. Malachi 3:10 says, "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."

5. How can I save money without feeling deprived?

Focus on what's important to you and spend your money accordingly. Proverbs 21:17 says, "Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich." By prioritizing your spending, you can save money without feeling deprived.