8 One-Minute Minimalist Habits To Save Money

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One of the things I love the most about being a minimalist is saving money. I'm saving money for more vacations, weekend getaways, trips to the theatre, and so much more.

But I get it. I know what it feels like to be broke with money slipping through your fingers faster than you can remember. And it’s not the big expenses that are killing you—it’s the tiny, mindless habits that add up. The impulse buys, the forgotten subscriptions, the little things you swear don’t matter but somehow always do.

Luckily, there are some great minimalist habits that can help because saving money doesn’t have to be some grand overhaul of your life. You don’t need spreadsheets or hours of budgeting. Sometimes, all it takes is a minute. Literally. One-minute habits that are so simple you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. So, it’s time to ditch the excuses and start saving, one tiny tweak at a time.

1. Minimalists Unsubscribe From Marketing Emails

Minimalists value simplicity and efficiency in all aspects of their lives, including their digital space. They don’t let unnecessary emails flood their inbox, so you’ll see them unsubscribing from newsletters, marketing emails, and other subscriptions that don’t add value.

Retailers are masters at luring you in with discounts and flash sales that you didn’t even know you needed. By cutting the noise, you’re less likely to make impulse purchases that drain your wallet. Go ahead–take a minute to hit “unsubscribe” on those marketing emails in your inbox.

2. Minimalists Cancel Unused Subscriptions

The cost of subscriptions is rising and the average American family is paying the price. All together, according to GoBankingRates, they’re paying nearly $1k a year across 4-5 subscriptions on average. It’s exhausting just thinking about it.

Minimalists are working on reducing subscription fatigue and cutting unused subscriptions in an instant. Just take a minute to scan your bank statements or subscription lists and hit “cancel” on the ones that are collecting dust. Those $9.99 monthly charges add up—fast. Cutting just one or two can save you upwards a couple hundred a year easily.

3. Minimalists Automate Savings

Minimalists love the easy life and how easy is it to set up savings and forget about it. It only takes a minute to get automatic savings set up to round up your change through your bank or something like Acorns. You can also work with an investment broker to set up automatic savings for your individual retirement account (IRA) or 401k. I promise it doesn’t take that long and it’s worth the minute you give up for it.

4. Minimalists Use Cash Instead of Cards

Minimalists are mindful spenders, and one of their simplest tricks is using cash instead of cards. Before heading out, take a minute to grab some cash—it’s a tangible way to keep track of your spending and set a clear limit on what you can afford to spend in one go.

Paying with cash makes each purchase intentional, forcing you to think twice about where your money is going. You’re less likely to splurge on things you don’t really need when you physically see your cash disappearing. It’s a quick and effective way to stay in control of your finances, just like a minimalist.

5. Minimalists Turn off Lights When Leaving a Room

It sounds basic, but you’d be surprised at the number of people who don’t know this one–turn off lights and electronics when you leave a room. It’s a tiny action with a surprisingly big payoff, especially when practiced consistently.

6. Minimalists Like One-Minute Decluttering Sessions

Minimalists value space and simplicity, and they know that a clutter-free environment starts with avoiding duplicates and staying organized. Instead of letting things pile up, they take proactive steps with frequent, quick decluttering sessions.

Give it a try—spend just one minute each day clearing out a small space, like your desk, a drawer, or even your wallet. It’s a tiny commitment that leads to big results, creating a cleaner, more organized home over time. Plus, when you know exactly what you have, you'll stop buying unnecessary duplicates, saving both money and space.

7. Minimalists Price Check Before They Buy

Minimalists know that every purchase should be intentional, not impulsive. Before buying anything—whether it’s groceries, clothes, or the latest gadget—they take a moment to pause and do a quick price check online. This simple habit often reveals better deals, helping them spend less and keep clutter at bay.

You can adopt this approach by using apps like Honey or RetailMeNot, which offer instant price comparisons and discount codes. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about making mindful choices that align with a simpler, more purposeful lifestyle. By doing this consistently, you’ll keep your spending in check and make your purchases count.

8. Minimalists Meal Plan

Minimalists don’t overcomplicate things, and meal planning is no exception. You don’t need to map out an entire week’s worth of meals to save money. Instead, spend just one minute jotting down two or three meals you can whip up with what’s already in your pantry or go shopping with a list. This quick habit helps you stay on track, avoid unnecessary takeout, and cut down on food waste.