Top money-saving tips for life in Sweden

Money saving tips – Smart ways to make your money go further in Sweden

Saving money in Sweden can feel like a challenge, especially if you’re a student, newly arrived in the country, or simply trying to take better control of your finances. But with the right strategies and tools, you can build a more secure financial foundation without making huge sacrifices. Here are some of the best money-saving tips to help you reduce unnecessary expenses and stretch your budget further each month.

1. Plan your finances and create a smart budget

The first step to saving money is understanding where it goes. Many people in Sweden don’t keep a detailed budget, which often leads to overspending.

• Use apps like Mina Utgifter, Buddy, or Tink to track and categorize your expenses.

• Focus on fixed costs first — such as rent, transportation, and groceries.

• Set clear savings goals — like putting aside 10% of your monthly income.

• Automate your savings by setting up a recurring transfer to a savings account as soon as your salary arrives.

2. Use discount and cashback apps

There are several tools in Sweden designed to help you save money on your everyday purchases:

• Letsdeal.se – Offers deep discounts on restaurants, beauty treatments, and activities.

• Refunder – A cashback platform that gives you money back on purchases made via their site.

• Karma and Too Good To Go – Apps that let you buy surplus food from restaurants and stores at half price.

• Loyalty programs – Sign up for rewards with ICA Stammis, Coop Medlem, or Willys Plus to access discounts and special deals.

3. Cut food costs with smarter shopping

Groceries are one of the largest expenses in Sweden, but there are effective ways to save:

• Do weekly meal planning and grocery shopping to avoid impulse buys.

• Shop at discount grocery chains like Lidl and Willys.

• Buy in bulk and choose private-label brands, which are often cheaper than name brands.

• Freeze leftovers and extra portions to reduce food waste and stretch meals across multiple days.

4. Find cheaper transport options

Transportation can be costly, particularly in larger cities. These money-saving tips can help:

• Use public transport with discounted cards – Stockholm’s SL card and Gothenburg’s Västtrafik offer monthly passes and student discounts.

• Bike or walk when possible – You’ll save on transport costs and stay active.

• Carpool for longer trips by connecting through local Facebook groups.

• Use flight comparison tools like Skyscanner and Momondo to find the cheapest travel options within Europe.

5. Shop secondhand – Great for your wallet and the planet

Secondhand shopping can save you hundreds (or thousands) each year:

• Visit Swedish thrift shops like Myrorna, Stadsmissionen, and Erikshjälpen.

• For bargains, browse online marketplaces such as Blocket, Tradera, and Facebook Marketplace.

• Attend clothing swap events and flea markets to exchange or buy used goods at lower prices.

6. Save on Entertainment and Activities

Fun doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag:

• Attend free events – Museums, art galleries, and public spaces often offer free admission.

• If you’re a student, use your Mecenat or Studentkortet for discounts on movies, transport, and shopping.

• Host budget-friendly gatherings at home instead of going out for expensive dinners.

7. Use Cirkly to Save Together with a Group

Saving money becomes easier when you do it with others. Cirkly is an innovative Swedish app that lets you save money as part of a group. Here’s how it works:

• Join a savings circle with friends, family, or coworkers.

• Everyone contributes a fixed amount each month.

• Each month, one member receives the entire pot — ideal for big expenses or financial goals.

Why Cirkly works:

• It provides structure and consistency to your savings.

• You gain motivation from your group.

• It helps you avoid loans by saving toward large purchases in a smarter way.

Conclusion

Saving money in Sweden doesn’t have to mean giving up the things you enjoy. These money-saving tips show how small changes in your habits — from smarter grocery shopping and discounted transport to secondhand deals and innovative apps like Cirkly — can lead to big improvements in your finances.

Start saving today and see how quickly small steps can lead to a stronger, more stress-free financial future!