Are you a serious slacker? Does being frugal give you a brain cramp? Here are five ways to save money and time that barely require lifting a finger.

Go Modern

With your décor that is. The uncluttered look ensures you’ll have to buy less, dust less, and pack less when you need to move. Also, if you’re trying to make a stylish statement for less, the  streamlined look can can be incredibly sexy and sophisticated.

Live Somewhere Walkable

Choose a location where you can walk to many of the establishments you frequent. You’ll get there quicker, save on cab fares or gas, and have more money left over for cocktails and traveling.

Restaurant Coupons

Hate to cook? Looking for something easier? If you love to eat out often and hate the regular coupon clipping hassle, consider some of the restaurant coupons in your city’s weekend paper. Many of the chains such as Sweet Tomatoes have two-for- one coupons, as do many of the more popular local favorites.

Other coupons such as free appetizers or a certain amount off an entrée are also available. While I admit to never appreciating having coupons used when someone was taking me on a date, now that I’m married I have different priorities. I don’t have a problem using them, especially when we are out errand running and not eating out for a special occasion. I particularly like the Sweet Tomatoes coupons because we end up eating a ton of produce ingredients we would never normally buy. Bonus? That restaurant chain serves plenty of other healthy food options, including a number of vegetarian and vegan soups.

Annual Memberships

Museums, tourist attractions like Busch Gardens, aquariums, arboretums . . . the list goes on. If you live next to something you like to visit a great deal, or live next to something most people find fun and routinely have lots of company, this is a way to play host without paying the same entrance fee again and again.

Some even come with free beverage options. I know the Desert Museum in Tucson did. Free coffee rocks. And you don’t have to dig out the credit card to pay for these entertainment options more than once a year.

Charity Pick-Up Services

Need all the tax deductions you can get? Check with the charities in your local area. All provide receipts, and some will even  come to your house and load up your donations onto the truck. They even give you a printed out itemized receipt of your donation. If you bought everything cheap to begin with, this is also a great way to liquidate and save on moving costs.

It’s important to note that these organizations aren’t looking for junk that would otherwise be in the trash heap. Don’t expect them to load things on the truck that would never sell in their thrift store. Make your donation decisions wisely in advance however, and you shouldn’t have a problem. When in doubt, call the organization that you are working with the check on their categories of need.

So that’s it, folks. Five simple ways to be frugal with very little finger lifting. Got another lazy way to save money? Frugal minds want to know.

Myscha Theriault

Myscha Theriault

A lifelong money cruncher who can squeeze a nickel ‘til it cries, Myscha is a syndicated columnist, best-selling author, and founder of Trek Hound and We Be Sharin’.