Living alone is exciting, liberating, and yes, a bit overwhelming at times – especially when it comes to managing finances. As someone who’s been navigating life solo, I know the struggle of balancing monthly expenses while trying to save for the future. But trust me, it’s doable with a few lifestyle tweaks. Here’s how you can save money for the future while living alone. 

Related: 8 Money Mistakes You Should Avoid In Your 20s For A Financially Secure Life

1. Bulk buying is the way to go

You don’t need a family of four to justify bulk shopping – it’s just as effective when you’re living alone. Buying vegetables in bulk, for example, can save you a ton of money and also the effort of going to the market every other day. But why stop at vegetables? Stock up on essentials like rice, dal, and even toiletries from wholesale stores or online deals. And don’t forget storage. Investing in a few airtight containers keeps everything fresh and organised, so you’re not throwing away money (or spoiled food).  

2. Batch cooking 

If there’s one habit that has been a game changer for me, it’s cooking in batches. I know cooking every day can feel exhausting, especially after a long day of work, but that’s where batch cooking comes in. Spend a couple of hours over the weekend whipping up large portions of dal, boiling potatoes and rajma, and portion them out into containers. Pop them in the fridge, and voila – you’ve got homemade, budget-friendly meals ready to go. You can also make versatile base gravies that you can turn into different dishes during the week. A simple tomato-onion gravy can become rajma one day and matar paneer the next. 

3. Say no to 10-min grocery delivery apps

Who wouldn’t love groceries delivered in under 10 minutes? But trust me, this convenience comes at a cost. Instead, make it a habit to visit your local vegetable vendor or the nearest mandi. Not only are the prices usually lower, but you also get fresher produce. And planning is everything here. Make a list, set a weekly shopping day, and stick to it. Use cash instead of card payments when shopping locally, it makes it easier to track your spending.  

4. Rent, don’t buy

The thought of buying furniture (and lugging it around every time you move) is exhausting. Renting, on the other hand, is a lifesaver. Platforms like Furlenco and RentoMojo offer everything from beds to washing machines, delivered right to your doorstep. Also, renting means no maintenance headaches. If something breaks, the company handles it. Plus, when you eventually move, you’re not stuck with furniture you can’t sell. It’s light on your wallet and hassle-free. What a win-win!  

5. Dining out should be a treat

We’ve all been there – too tired to cook, so we open a food delivery app and scroll endlessly. It’s convenient, sure, but it’s also a sneaky budget buster. Instead, try to limit dining out or ordering in to once a week. For the rest of the week, get creative in the kitchen. Trust me, recreating your favourite restaurant dishes at home is surprisingly fun and much lighter on the wallet.  

6. Public transport is your best friend  

Ditch those pricey cab rides and embrace public transport. Metro and bus passes are your secret weapon for saving on daily commutes. If you’re lucky, you might even discover a carpool group in your office or apartment complex. And hey, it’s better for the environment too.

7. Learn to DIY cleaning 

Hiring help for every little thing can add up fast. Instead, channel your inner domestic ninja and take care of small chores yourself. Whether it’s cleaning your space or fixing that leaky tap, DIY can save you money and give you some serious adulting points.  

8. Master the art of shared expenses

If you live all alone, you can share subscriptions and other such things with friends or siblings. But if you have a roommate, there’s so much you can share with them. Along with streaming subscriptions, pool for common items like snacks and laundry detergent. This will help both of you save money every month for the future. But create a simple expense tracker on apps like Splitwise to keep things transparent.

9. Create a “use it or lose it” pantry challenge

Many people hoard food items for weeks but those forgotten items are eating into your grocery budget. Set a monthly “use it or lose it” week where you create meals only with what you already have. Not only will this cut down on waste, but you’ll also rediscover the joy of cooking creatively.

Pro Tip: Use websites like SuperCook to input your ingredients and get recipe ideas.

10. 72-hour rule

Impulse buying has a sneaky way of convincing us we need that trendy outfit right now. But here’s a simple trick to outsmart it: the 72-hour rule. Instead of immediately checking out, add the item to your cart or wish list and wait for three days. After this cooling-off period, revisit your cart and ask yourself if you still genuinely want or need it. Most of the time, you’ll find that the initial excitement has gone and you’ve saved yourself from yet another impulse buy. 

11. Budgeting

Budgeting is the ultimate tool to keep track of your expenses. Create a budget for essentials like rent, groceries, and utilities, and allocate a portion for savings before indulging in extras. When you have a clear picture of your spending habits, it’s easier to cut back on unnecessary expenses and hit your financial goals faster.

Related: These Budgeting Models Will Help You Save, Invest, And Spend Your Money As A Beginner

With a little planning, some batch cooking, and a lot of love for your local market, you can save money for your retirement, bit by bit, and still enjoy a comfortable life. So, go on and give these tips a try. Your future self (and bank account) will thank you. 

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