Tired of ending every month in the hole with no idea where your hard-earned money went? It may be time to re-evaluate your spending.

In a recent Reddit thread, users shared their best tips for quickly and easily spending less money. They range from practical food-buying tricks to reframing the way you think about your finances.

We pulled out some the best and highlighted them below.

1. Plan out and cook your own meals. Dining out often is a huge money drain.

2. Clean out your fridge and pantry. You'll find good food you didn't know you had.

3. Buy in bulk the things you would normally buy. You'll get more for your buck.

4. Opt for non-canned goods. Fresh produce and dried beans are typically cheaper and healthier than canned items.

5. Try the grocery own brand. If you like the taste, stick with it, and you'll save money.

6. Stop buying microwave dinners. The mark-ups are crazy. You could make better, healthier meals for less.

7. Don't buy more groceries than you actually need or can keep. Throwing away food is the same as throwing away money.

8. Use a slow cooker. Throw in some veggies, beans, and meat, and you'll have lunches and dinners for the whole week.

9. Make your own coffee. Those €2 to €4 coffees add up.

10. Bring your lunch to work. You'll cut your lunch tab in half or more by making it yourself.

11. Stop buying bottled water. Use a glass or refill a bottle with tap water for free.

12. Don't go out to drink. Drinks with dinner can add €10 or more a person, and a night at the bar can easily cost €40.

13. Track your expenses for a month.  Simply keeping a running log will help you see how much of your income is spent frivolously.

14. Set goals. If you have a plan to save money for an emergency fund, for example, you'll think twice about spending on superfluous things. 

15. Buy quality items. If you skimp on the important things, you may spend more in the long run. For instance, spending €30 on shoes every six months costs more than spending €60 on a pair that lasts years.

16. Think of your spending in hours instead of Euro’s. If you make €10 an hour, then that €2 cup of coffee is 12 minutes of your life. You may decide it's not worth it.

17. Before you buy something, ask yourself: What impact is this purchase going to have on my life? That can put an end to impulse spending.

18. Change how often you spend on indulgences. Rather than give them up entirely, limit the frequency. For example, if you go to Starbucks daily, try going weekly, and if you go the movies weekly, try once a month.

19. Put half of your paycheck into savings. It forces you to figure out how to live on less.

20. Always pay off your credit card at the end of every month. You avoid paying interest and get in the habit of living within your means.

21. Set up standing orders for your bills so you're never late. Late fees are a waste.

22. Spend your money where you spend your time, and cut the rest. If you're a runner, you need good shoes, and if you spend a lot of time in the car, you should invest there. This kind of thinking helps you trim the superficial stuff that does not add value to your life.

23. Wait at least two days before buying anything over €50. You may no longer want it or forget it altogether.

24. Ask your Internet/phone provider if it has any promotional rates. You could see your rate drop by as much as €20.

25. Cancel magazine and newspaper subscriptions you don't read. Many people will let them stack up instead of picking up the phone to cancel.

26. Compare rates of local electric/gas/oil companies. You may no longer be getting the best deal available. 

27. Wear a jumper in the house, and turn down the heat a couple of degrees. Over time, you'll save on electricity.

28. Rethink your mobile phone plan. Are you paying for more than you use? Switching could significantly drop your bill. 

29. Get car/life insurance quotes. Companies competing for your business may quote you a lower rate.  For life insurance quotes check out www.lowcostlifecover.ie

30. Frequent the library. Get books, movies, and music for free.

Anthony Curran is an advocate for your financial future who takes a holistic approach to your needs and goals. He will work collaboratively with you to define what success and financial independence mean to you and how best to achieve them. Anthony is well qualified to provide long-term support and guidance on a variety of financial challenges and will help you focus on what you can control. Defining your own financial freedom will help you be more comfortable about retirement and the possibilities of creating the life you want. Whether you are single, married, or raising a family, your approach to financial well-being now will shape your life for years to come. www.lowcostlifecover.ie