People share 10 smart yet simple life hacks that save money and make life a lot easier

Saving money and being efficient.

There are times when we make a purchase and bring a certain product home only to wonder if we needed it or if was it just a purchase made on impulse. Similarly, most of us find it difficult to start our day systematically and we feel overwhelmed with all the piled-up pending obligations. In the end, we do nothing but procrastinate even more to get ourselves into a bigger mess. u/angelicasibs tossed an interesting question to the Reddit community that read: "What is your favorite life hack that has saved you money and time or made your day-to-day activities easier?" The user then urged people to share their special tips, no matter how small, simple or complicated they are. Here are some of the best responses left by people on Reddit that will help others improve their lives in more than one way.

1. Getting the work done

Five fast things. Overwhelmed? Don't know where to begin? Depressed even? Just do five things. Pick up those socks, return that cup to the kitchen, water your plant, make the bed, and respond to one message. Half the time, you'll get on a roll and it turns into 20 things. Get in a groove and play some music. Magic happens. Just do five things. Doesn't matter what they are, don't write a list. Nothing major. Live fast, die old, no regrets. u/curiousvegetables

2. Setting the alarm

When my kids started school, I set an alarm on my phone for about 10 minutes before we had to leave. That way, it was only the clock/alarm telling them to hurry up, not their mother. They’re in their final years of schooling now, I still have the alarm and in those 13 years, I’ve only had to yell to get ready maybe five times and my kids have only been late for real reasons (car trouble, etc). It helped us. u/Technical-General-27

3. Having a savings account

Having savings accounts for expenses that are expected in the coming year, like car registration and repairs, house repairs and gifts. I pay into those accounts each month like they’re bills. And when I get a car repair bill, I move money over from that savings account for it because I’ve “prepaid” it. Additionally, no matter how much money I make, I give myself a fixed weekly “allowance” that transfers to a debit card that I use for gas, haircuts, groceries, eating out and other discretionary spending. This helps me stay on a spending plan without overthinking it. These disciplines have helped me save thousands of dollars in overspending or debt servicing because I wasn’t prepared for the expense. I’ve also been able to save more for my emergency fund and retirement as a result. u/deleted

4. Helping others

Learning to be helpful at my job. About 15 years ago, I simply decided that I would be helpful. If someone asked for help I would always volunteer. If someone was struggling I would offer to help. If someone needed a technical email drafted I’d write it and ask for no credit. My goal was simple. I want to help those around me be the best they can be and I want us all to go home on time. Since making that decision I’ve only benefitted. People look out for me, help me find work and if I need help I know someone will step up. u/_________FU_________

5. Smart shopping

When clothes shopping, I don't look at the price tag until I get to the dressing room. I try on the piece and then make up a price that I would feel comfortable paying for it. If it is below that price, I'll buy it. If it's above it, back on the rack it goes. Also, if you don't love it, don't buy it. If you only *like* it, don't buy it. u/GallifreyanValkyrie. My grandfather said the same thing about only buying something you like, except he was the type to throw the clothes in the cart without regard for the tag. Didn't shop for clothes all the time though, so it evened out in the end. u/After-Sugar-7059

6. Fixing small problems

"Kill it before it grows" Tackle all those little things that can turn into bigger problems before they have a chance to get worse. That annoying drip you just noticed in the kitchen? Go fix it before it turns into a $400 water bill. Loose piece of siding? Nail that problem down before it blows off and hits your car. Random mint plant growing in the yard? Pull it up before it takes over. u/Catonachandelier

7. Automated payments

I am lazy-girling it over here, but: Automatic bill pay. Every bill. Automatic. Set credit cards to pay off in full every month if you're a points ranger. It's how I have an 820 FICO. I thought that would never happen. Also, try to get enough sleep, but if you can't, get as far away from your sleep space as possible in the morning and don't go back until you are 100% awake. I put my clothes for the next day in the front bathroom and don't even shower in the master bath because the temptation to slither back into that bed like some kind of homing flounder is so strong. u/karendonner

8. Choose your spouse carefully

Go over your values and priorities early on in the relationship. You don't want to be marrying somebody and then realize one of you wants kids and then the other one doesn't. Or one of you is Catholic and the other is Lutheran if being the same religion is an issue. I would say in the first year, go over the things you want in a relationship and in your life within the first three months, especially if you're looking to settle down. And let it be known if certain things are 100% not doable. u/Ctricky07

9. Go to cheaper markets

Ethnic market for cheaper meat and produce. At my Mexican market, produce is a bit less cosmetic, but a lot cheaper. Chicken is often on sale for $.69 a pound for leg/thigh quarters. Spices are super cheap. u/Darryl_Lict. My local big chain has a few stores in mostly Spanish-speaking communities that are neat. They are just like any other store they have but massively cater to the local community. Bulk beans. Fresh tortilla machine/maker/thing. The butcher has a much more diverse set of food. You usually don't see chicken feet out in the suburbs store. Instead of having one little section with Latin products, they are just interspersed in the store. u/ThisIsMyCouchAccount

10. Stopping impulsive expenses

When making any purchase, think of it as hours of your time you've had to give away. For example, if you earn $10 an hour for round figures and that BBQ you want to buy is $600 is it worth 60 hours of your time? Also if you find yourself making a lot of impulse purchases online, put the item in your online basket and wait a minimum of 24 hours, most of the time you'll forget about what you wanted. u/FoundBeCould