Hi friends, and thanks for stopping by to read 12 Things to Ditch When Money’s Tight.
So let’s be honest here. If you’re like me, a single woman living on a low income, you’ve probably already slashed the big stuff. You’re not blowing $8 on a coffee or dining out three times a week. You’ve been budgeting, couponing, and saying “no” to yourself for years.
But sometimes, even tighter cuts are necessary, especially with rising rent, food, and utilities. This post isn’t here to guilt-trip you. It’s here to help you find a few more things you can cut to give yourself some breathing room. Some of these might sting. Some might surprise you. But each one could save you real money.
And these are real-world ways single women on tight budgets can slash spending without giving up everything. I know what it’s living a bare bones existence and reading financial advice that doesn’t apply to me. I’m sure you’ve also noticed how the financial experts give examples of dual income couples, one or both earning in the six figures, who got themselves into a financial mess by over-spending and being financially irresponsible.
Yeah, let me tell you about my over-spending on luxuries. Dental bills. Vet bills. Car breaks down. Rent. Groceries. You hear me, right? We didn’t get into debt buying the latest fashion trends or a weekend trip to Paris. Our debt came from just surviving.
How can we slash our budgets even more when we’re already there? Is there anywhere else to trim the fat? We need real world advice for lower income single women who are already living on less. This list has things you can do now. Not forever. Just until you pay down debt and have an emergency fund.
1. Goodbye eating out
This includes even “cheap” take out.
Who else remembers the old McDonald’s commercials where you always get change from a dollar?
Ha ha! Those days are gone!
I remember when I was in high school and eating at McDonald’s with your friends was the thing to do. Every day if possible. One buck got me a hamburger, a large fries, and a large Coke. Now if I’d gone with a small fries and small Coke, I’d have gotten change from my dollar. Ha ha! Today all these items cost more than $2 each. Well, unless you get the $1 drinks in the summer months. A meal at McDonald’s costs close to $10 these days. Yikes!
Even one $10 meal a week is $40/month. That’s almost half a grocery budget for some. Get creative at home – even sandwiches or oatmeal count.
2. Drop the extra TV channels
Do you really need three streaming services, plus cable, plus that add-on to watch one show? Pick one and rotate monthly if needed. Free options like Tubi and Pluto TV exist for a reason. Not to mention TV stations have the latest episodes up on their web page to watch free for a week or so after it aired.
3. Say no to salons
Manicures, pedicures, waxing, lashes – it adds up fast. Go DIY or go without. You’ll survive. Your bank account will thrive.
At least for now. If you really must, you can consider going again when you’re in a better financial situation. When I was working I used to go to a sugaring salon for frequent treatments on my eyebrows and chin. And then Covid hit and all the salons closed. After the sugaring salon reopened, I never returned. I liked the treatment, it was painless. But what’s even more painless? The few hundred dollars a year I’m no longer spending on it.
4. Cancel those memberships
Do you really go to the gym? Or Costco? Or use that yoga app enough to justify the monthly bill? And let’s talk about Amazon Prime. $100/year is not always “free shipping.” If you’re only ordering once a month, you’re losing money.
You can watch exercise videos on YouTube for free. If your friend has a Costco card, you can tag along.
Amazon Prime is a bit tougher. Sometimes there are better deals on Amazon than in the shops which means you’re shopping more online to save money. If you’ve ditched your cable TV and have Amazon Prime, there are lots of movies and TV shows available to watch there that are included in your annual membership. So weigh it out. How much are you using Amazon Prime’s benefits? If less than five times a year, maybe it’s time to cancel.
5. Fast food and coffee shops should be rare treats only
OK, I’ve already touched on how the days are gone on getting change for your dollar at McDonald’s.
I became a vegetarian in 1986 so fast food joints don’t usually entice me. I might go to McDonald’s two or three times a year, probably for a drink or McFlurry. Maybe fries – they’re so good!
A couple of years ago I was in a high tourist area in London, England, near Leicester Square. It was hot and I was thirsty, but the nearby shops and take out places were charging outrageous amounts for a can of pop. I decided to go to McDonald’s which had the cheapest price around for something to drink and then I couldn’t resist the Maltesers McFlurry I spotted on the menu. Yeah, I should have. Sweet treats are my doom.
But I’m here to tell you to skip the drive-thru coffee or late-night craving stops. Not because you don’t deserve it, but because you deserve to sleep better at night knowing rent’s covered.
6. Rethink meat
If you’re like me and already a vegetarian, advice to skip meat is no problem. But for everyone else… Meat is expensive. Becoming a part-time vegetarian might not be a trendy lifestyle – maybe it’s just survival. Lentils and beans are your new best friends.
Ten years ago I ran into a former co-worker at a celebration of life. Afterwards we were grazing the buffet tables and she was carefully looking at the platters for vegetarian sandwiches. I mentioned I didn’t realize she was a vegetarian. Her response? She became one out of necessity because she could no longer afford to buy meat. Yup. That’s the life of lower income senior women.
7. Ditch sugar products
All right. Sweet treats and sugary treats are my kryptonite. My weakness when I walk past bakeries or candy shops. Can I really walk past?
Belgium was a two-edged sword. Everywhere I turned was a chocolate shop and I walked into just about every one of them. And talk about willpower. I managed to walk out of most of them without buying anything.
Soda, cake, cookies – they’re not cheap and sometimes they’re not even filling. Cut them and you’ll save money and likely feel better too. I estimate I save around $1,000 a year by cutting out sweet treats that I used to buy when I went grocery shopping.
Yeah that’s the price for a plane ticket to England. Do I want to keep stuffing my face or do I want a fulfilling experience instead?
8. Snack smart
Chips, granola bars, processed junk are small luxuries with a big price tag. Buy popcorn kernels and air pop your snacks. Add cinnamon or garlic for a twist.
Check out my recipe to make trail mix granola bars at home.
9. No more paid car washes
Dirty car? Bucket, sponge, and elbow grease. Or just wait for rain and call it good.
Seriously. Have you seen the price of an automated car wash at the gas station? Usually $10 to $15 depending on whether you get the basic wash or the super duper wash that includes a premium wax finish.
10. Cut back on gift giving
This one’s hard, but necessary. Explain to friends and family that you’re simplifying. Give your time, write cards, or create small handmade gifts. True friends will understand.
Have you checked out my post for creating a cash envelope for Christmas? You put a set amount of money inside it each month, or each payday. By the time December rolls around, you’ll have cash to buy presents and holiday food.
11. Stop bargain hunting
Clearance racks, thrift stores, “just looking”. Even small purchases add up. If you don’t need it, it’s not a deal.
Minimalist living. If you buy something, throw away (or donate) something.
12. Pause on subscriptions you forgot about
Check your bank or credit card statements. You may still be paying for something you signed up for months ago and forgot about. Paying for a subscription to get a cheaper price on something isn’t a deal if you’re not using it.
And while you’re at it, check those bank statements to make sure you’re not getting charged a monthly service fee or getting dinged for every transaction. If so, it’s time to switch banks, or look around for a credit union that doesn’t typically charge fees.
Make sure you read what single women need to know about banking.
Final thoughts
Cutting costs when you’re already barely scraping by isn’t easy. But sometimes a handful of small sacrifices can add up to a big difference. Use the money saved to build an emergency fund, catch up on bills, or save for something that brings real joy, not just a quick fix.
You’re not cheap – you’re resourceful. That’s powerful.
Published by Cheryl @ The Lifestyle Digs on August 28, 2025.
[…] 12 Things to Ditch When Money’s Tight […]
[…] Ask ChatGPT: What’s the Best Way to Tackle Debt? How to Save Money and Bust Debt Never Buy Food on Credit 12 Things to Ditch When Money’s Tight […]