3 Simple Ways I've Bought Back My Time in 2024

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If you have a busy schedule, you've probably felt like there's not enough time in the day. Go to work, run errands, pay your credit cards , take care of your family -- it gets overwhelming.

When I set goals for 2024, buying back my time was at the top of the list. I wanted more free time, without cutting into my work hours. If you'd like to do the same, here's what has worked for me.

1. I started ordering grocery deliveries instead of going to the store

My wife and I are pretty efficient grocery shoppers, but it's still a chore, and one you need to do often. The average grocery shopper makes 1.6 trips per week, according to Statista. If it takes you an hour each time, that's about 83 hours per year.

We switched to ordering grocery deliveries online this year. It's a little more expensive, but I love not needing to go to the store and pick everything out myself. I just add the items on our shopping list to the cart, schedule the delivery, and unpack it when it arrives.

If you'd like to try this, see what kinds of grocery delivery options are available in your area. Instacart and DoorDash are popular, but they're also often the most expensive. Many major grocery chains now offer delivery services, including Ralphs, Vons, and Safeway. Amazon Fresh is another affordable option that's available in major metropolitan areas.

2. I bought home gym equipment

I like to work out, but I'm not a huge fan of going to the gym. It takes time to get there, and sometimes you need to wait for the equipment you want to use. Don't even get me started on the "influencers" who spend 10 minutes between sets recording generic workout tips.

After moving into a house a few months ago, I finally had the space to set up my own home gym. It's still basic and in the early stages, but it has what I need: weights, a bench, a squat rack, and a barbell. I plan to add more as I go.

If you'd prefer working out at home, or if you'd like to save some time, look into what it would cost to buy the equipment you need. I've spent under $1,000 on my home gym so far.

You won't have everything you would in a gym, but you can certainly get a good workout with $500 to $1,000 worth of equipment. It doesn't need to be a big hit to your savings account , and you'll eventually make that money back from what you're no longer paying in gym fees.

3. I pay for a home cleaning service

Cleaning is another chore that takes up a lot of time and needs to be done often. I'd rather save the time and have professionals do it, so I've been paying for home cleaning for the last few years.

I've found cleaning services through word of mouth, but it's also usually easy enough to find them online. You could Google local cleaning services in your area or look on a platform like TaskRabbit or Angi (formerly Angie's List).

Most people pay between $118 and $236 per visit for home cleaning, according to Angi. The exact cost depends on the size of your home, where you live, and the service you choose. If it works with your budget, a weekly or biweekly home cleaning can take a lot off your plate.

Spending money to make your life easier is well worth it. If you can afford it, look for ways to buy back your own time. You could try grocery deliveries, a home gym, a cleaning service, or anything else you can pay for to save yourself time.

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