10 tricks to save money at the supermarket and in the kitchen
After the summer break, the costs of September start to creep up, and many people look for quick, practical ways to trim expenses as autumn approaches. This article shares one simple, highly effective money-saving method that requires minimal effort and delivers noticeable results in a short timeframe.
You may have seen the penny challenge circulating on social media. It’s a popular, visual habit that helps people build a small saving habit with everyday actions. Besides patience and consistency, all that is needed is a sheet of paper, a pencil, a ruler, and a glass jar or a piggy bank that stays closed until the goal is reached. This approach can yield a notable annual savings, and it’s easy to adjust to different budgets. Let’s begin.
The first step in the penny challenge is to create a grid on the page with the help of a ruler. Keep the grid modest in size so that each square represents a meaningful amount and the overall target remains achievable. A common design uses tiny increments, such as 0.01 to 0.02 euros per square, gradually increasing toward a larger total. The idea is to fill the jar with the accumulated amounts as confidence and discipline grow. When a designated amount is saved, it gets marked on the grid, creating a clear, visual record of progress. The total goal often cited is 667.95 euros, but any personal target works just as well depending on speed and commitment.
The penny challenge is typically envisioned as a year-long effort. On the first day of the year, a single cent goes into the savings pot, then two cents on day two, and so forth. By day 365, a cumulative total of 365 cents (3.65 euros) has been set aside for the year’s end. This structure offers a predictable, attainable rhythm that many find encouraging. If a specific goal is in mind, the pace can be adjusted to fit personal circumstances and timelines. For readers in North America, similar small-step systems can be tailored to local currencies and shopping habits, making the concept universally accessible. [Citation] The key is consistency and a clear, tangible target that keeps motivation steady.
The beauty of this approach is its flexibility and the way it translates into real savings without dramatic changes to daily routines. It works alongside ordinary shopping habits, encouraging a little discipline with every purchase. Small, regular contributions add up over time, and the visual cue from the grid reinforces the habit. For families or individuals aiming to save for a specific purchase, the method can be paused, accelerated, or redirected to match changing needs and timelines. The simplicity is what makes it sustainable, especially when the goal is to accumulate a few hundred euros or dollars for a holiday, a rainy-day fund, or a desired gadget. [Citation] The core idea remains the same: a steady, incremental approach that turns ordinary spending into a structured savings plan.