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Saving money in everyday life doesn’t have to mean making huge sacrifices or drastically changing your lifestyle. By making small adjustments in your daily finances, you can save thousands of kronor every month – money that can go toward your next trip, a home purchase, or future investments. In this guide, you’ll get practical tips on how to save money in everyday life and how Cirkly can help you build a more sustainable and structured financial plan.
1. Save money on food and groceries
Food expenses are one of the biggest costs for most households in Sweden, but there are simple ways to reduce them without compromising on quality.
Shop smart at discount stores
Many people in Sweden spend more than necessary on groceries. Instead of always shopping at ICA or Coop, consider going to Lidl or Willys. These stores often offer cheaper products of the same quality as other chains.
Tips to save money on food:
- Buy in bulk – compare price per kilo and choose larger packages.
- Plan your meals – make a shopping list and avoid impulse buys.
- Use apps like Karma and Matsmart to buy discounted food close to its expiration date.
- Bring lunch to work/school – eating out costs around 100–150 SEK per meal, which can exceed 3,000 SEK per month!
2. Save money on transportation
Transportation can be a significant expense, especially if you live in major cities like Stockholm or Gothenburg. But there are ways to reduce costs.
Choose cheaper transport options
- Bike or walk instead of using public transport – a monthly pass in Stockholm costs 970 SEK, while a used bike can cost 1000–2000 SEK and last for years.
- Commuter cards and discounts – check if your municipality offers discounted tickets or carpooling services.
- Use shared transport with Västtrafik and Skånetrafiken – period tickets can save you a lot.
- Carpool with colleagues – if you live outside the city, share a car to cut down fuel costs.
3. Save money on energy and housing costs
Electricity prices in Sweden vary, but there are simple ways to lower your housing costs.
Lower your electricity bill
- Switch to LED bulbs – they use up to 85% less energy than traditional lightbulbs.
- Run your washing machine and dishwasher at night – electricity is cheaper during off-peak hours.
- Turn off standby mode – electronics in standby still use energy.
- Compare electricity contracts using services like Elpriskollen.
Rent or own?
- If you’re renting, check if your landlord offers discounts for electricity or heating.
- If you own your home, regularly review your mortgage interest rate and compare banks.
4. Cut spending on shopping and subscriptions
Many people in Sweden pay for unnecessary subscriptions and shop impulsively. Here are a few easy tips to keep spending in check.
Cancel unused subscriptions
- Review your subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify, Storytel, etc.) and ask yourself if you really use them.
- Use Letsdeal.se and other discount sites to get better prices on products and services.
- Replace expensive gym memberships with free outdoor workouts or cheaper community gym memberships.
Shop second-hand and take advantage of sales
Sweden has many second-hand stores where you can find quality items at low prices. Check out:
- Myrorna – second-hand clothing and furniture.
- Stadsmissionen – great for used furniture and home decor.
- Sellpy – buy and sell used clothes online.
5. How Cirkly can help you save money in everyday life
Saving money on your own can be tough. It’s easy to forget to set aside money or to dip into your savings. Cirkly offers an innovative solution through community-based saving – a method that helps you save money in a structured and motivating way.
How does Cirkly work?
- Join or start a savings circle – you can join an existing group or start your own where everyone contributes a fixed amount each month.
- Receive a lump sum – each month, one member receives the total amount saved by the group. This can be used to cover bigger expenses like rent, travel, or bills.
- Save without noticing – saving together makes it easier to stick to a plan and avoid spending the money impulsively.
Benefits of Cirkly
- Disciplined saving – regular contributions help you stay on track.
- Community support – saving with others gives you motivation and accountability.
- Less financial stress – you know you have a lump sum coming, which reduces anxiety about unexpected expenses.
- No credit checks or interest – unlike loans, you don’t pay interest or undergo credit checks.
Conclusion
Saving money in everyday life is about making smart choices every day. By adjusting your grocery spending, choosing the right transport options, reducing energy costs, and avoiding unnecessary subscriptions, you can save thousands of kronor per year. Cirkly makes saving easier by creating a community where you save with others and reach your financial goals faster.
Want to start saving money in a simpler and more structured way? Download the Cirkly app today and begin your saving journey!
