Living in Germany during a period of inflation can be a challenging experience, especially when managing your finances. As one of the largest economies in Europe, Germany has experienced periods of high inflation, and the cost of living seems to be on the rise again. This article will provide 89 savings tips for living in Germany during inflation. We have categorized these tips into different subtopics to make it easier for you to navigate.
Housing and Rent
- Consider moving to a less expensive area.
- Consider sharing your living space with a roommate to reduce costs.
- Look for apartments that include utilities in the rent price.
- Consider renting out a room in your apartment on Airbnb to earn extra income.
- Consider a longer-term rental agreement to lock in lower rent prices.
- Consider moving into a smaller apartment to reduce rent costs.
- Look for rent-controlled apartments to keep your rent costs low.
- Take advantage of government housing assistance programs like WBS if you qualify.
- Consider purchasing a home instead of renting if you plan to live in Germany long-term.
- Avoid unnecessary expenses such as cable television and landline phone service.
Transportation
- Use public transportation instead of owning a car.
- Consider purchasing a bicycle instead of relying on public transportation.
- Look for car-sharing services to save on transportation costs.
- Consider carpooling with friends or colleagues to reduce costs.
- Use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft for emergencies
- The 49 Euro ticket is an excellent price for public transport – Get one.
- Consider purchasing a used car instead of a new one.
- Look for gas stations that offer loyalty programs or discounts.
- Take advantage of free parking in your area to avoid parking fees.
- You should consider walking or jogging to your destination if it’s within a reasonable distance.
Shopping
- Look for discounts and promotions when shopping for groceries and household items.
- Buy non-perishable items in bulk to save money in the long run.
- Look for discounted items at discount stores such as Aldi and Lidl.
- Buy generic brands instead of name brands.
- Use coupons and discount codes when shopping online.
- Shop at second-hand stores for clothing and household items.
- Wait for sales before making larger purchases, such as electronics or furniture.
- Use a shopping list to avoid impulse purchases.
- Buy seasonal produce to save on grocery costs.
- Consider purchasing frozen fruits and vegetables to save on fresh produce costs.
- You can take advantage of cashback rewards programs offered by credit cards.
- Look for online marketplaces that offer used goods, such as Kleinanzeigen or Facebook Marketplace.
- Use a shopping app like Idealo, Check24, etc. to compare prices across multiple retailers.
Food and Dining
- Instead of eating out, cook your meals at home instead.
- Bring your own lunch to work instead of buying it.
- Look for discounted groceries at the end of the day.
- Use food delivery services such as Deliveroo and Uber Eats sparingly.
- Use apps like Too Good To Go to find discounted meals at restaurants.
- Consider hosting potluck dinners with friends to save on food costs.
- Purchase meat in bulk and freeze it to save on costs.
- Plan your meals in advance to avoid wasting food.
- Use leftover food to create new dishes for future meals.
- Bring your own water bottle to avoid purchasing bottled water.
Utilities
- Reduce your energy consumption by turning off lights and electronics when not in use.
- Invest in energy-efficient appliances.
- Consider using a programmable thermostat to regulate your home’s temperature.
- Consider using solar panels to generate your own electricity.
- Take shorter showers to save on water costs.
- Use energy-efficient light bulbs to save on electricity costs.
- Consider installing low-flow shower heads and faucets to save on water costs.
- Look for government subsidies or rebates for installing renewable energy systems.
- Consider using a clothesline instead of a dryer to save on electricity costs.
- Check your water and gas meters regularly to detect leaks and avoid unnecessary costs.
- Avoid using electric heaters or air conditioners, which can be costly to operate.
Banking and Finance
- Compare bank accounts and choose one with low or no fees.
- Use cash instead of credit cards to avoid accruing debt.
- Avoid using ATMs that charge withdrawal fees.
- Consider investing in low-risk mutual funds or index funds.
- Use online banking to avoid paying for paper statements.
- Keep track of your spending and create a budget to stay on track. Finanzguru is a free option.
- Avoid overdraft fees by monitoring your bank account balance regularly.
- Take advantage of bank referral programs that offer rewards for referring new customers.
- Avoid using credit cards that charge annual fees.
- Use mobile payment apps to avoid using cash or credit cards.
- Consider investing in a dividend-paying stock or mutual fund for long-term returns.
Entertainment and Travel
- Look for free entertainment options, such as parks and museums.
- Consider staying at hostels instead of hotels when traveling.
- Look for discount travel websites to save on flights and accommodations.
- Consider taking a staycation instead of traveling abroad.
- Use public transportation instead of renting a car when traveling.
- Look for free or low-cost outdoor activities, such as hiking or cycling.
- Take advantage of student discounts if you’re a student.
- Look for free concerts, festivals, and events in your area.
- Use a travel rewards credit card to earn points for travel expenses.
- Consider taking a road trip instead of flying to save on transportation costs.
- Use discount travel websites to book vacation packages and tours.
Health and Wellness
- Look for gym membership deals or try out free trials before committing to a membership.
- Consider using a fitness app or YouTube videos for home workouts instead of paying for a gym membership.
- Look for free or low-cost community fitness classes.
- Take advantage of employer wellness programs that offer incentives for healthy habits.
- Look for generic or store-brand versions of prescription medications to save on costs.
Miscellaneous
- Reduce your clothing and shoe expenses by buying second-hand items.
- Cancel any subscriptions or memberships that you no longer use or need.
- Consider switching to a cheaper cell phone plan.
- Look for community events and activities that are free or low-cost.
- Purchase personal care items in bulk to save on costs.
- Look for free or low-cost fitness classes in your area.
- Avoid purchasing new textbooks and use online resources instead.
- Consider volunteering at community events to gain access to free activities and entertainment.
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