How to Save Money on Workdays Without Losing Your Happiness

In an era of economic downturn and uncertainty, daily life demands more frugality, especially on workdays when expenses add up. What are some ways to save money? We've gathered some ideas for you.

Transportation Expenses

For those who commute regularly to the office or meet clients, transportation costs are an unavoidable but significant expense. Here are some tips to save on travel costs.

1. Public Transportation

Using public transport can help reduce travel expenses, especially buses. However, if you want to travel faster and avoid traffic jams, BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are great options. For regular commuters, purchasing monthly packages is a cost-effective way compared to paying per trip. Details are as follows.

• BTS Skytrain monthly packages for the general public: Starting at 10 trips for 400 baht valid for 60 days; 15 trips for 570 baht valid for 30 days; 25 trips for 900 baht valid for 30 days; and 35 trips for 1,190 baht valid for 30 days.
• BTS Skytrain monthly packages for students: Starting at 10 trips for 320 baht valid for 60 days; 15 trips for 465 baht valid for 30 days; 25 trips for 725 baht valid for 30 days; and 35 trips for 945 baht valid for 30 days.
• MRT Blue Line monthly packages for the general public: Starting at 10 trips for 250 baht valid for 7 days; 15 trips for 450 baht valid for 30 days; 25 trips for 700 baht valid for 30 days; and 35 trips for 875 baht valid for 30 days.
• MRT Blue Line monthly packages for students: Starting at 10 trips for 200 baht valid for 7 days; 15 trips for 375 baht valid for 30 days; 25 trips for 575 baht valid for 30 days; and 35 trips for 700 baht valid for 30 days.
• MRT Yellow Line monthly packages for the general public: Starting at 10 trips for 250 baht valid for 7 days; 15 trips for 450 baht valid for 30 days; 25 trips for 700 baht valid for 30 days; and 35 trips for 875 baht valid for 30 days.
• MRT Yellow Line monthly packages for students: Starting at 10 trips for 200 baht valid for 7 days; 15 trips for 375 baht valid for 30 days; 25 trips for 575 baht valid for 30 days; and 35 trips for 700 baht valid for 30 days.

2. Private Car

For those who commute by private car, the websiteToyota Surehas shared tips to save fuel:

1. Avoid sudden acceleration as it wastes fuel and risks engine and transmission wear.
2. Maintain a steady speed, ideally between 80 - 90 km/h, which is the most effective way to save fuel.
3. Avoid abrupt braking since frequent sudden braking wastes as much fuel as speeding.
4. Shift to neutral when stuck in traffic to reduce fuel consumption more than staying in drive and braking.
5. Regularly check tire pressure and inflate appropriately for your vehicle type to improve road grip and reduce fuel consumption.
6. Set the air conditioner to an appropriate temperature to lessen compressor load and engine strain, potentially saving 10 - 20% in fuel.
7. Regularly inspect the engine, focusing on the ignition system, spark plug condition, air filter cleanliness, and cooling system. A well-maintained engine burns fuel efficiently.
8. Carry only necessary luggage, as excess weight increases engine load and fuel consumption.
9. Turn off the engine when parked. Idling for 5 minutes wastes about 100 cc of fuel. The longer the engine idles, the more fuel is wasted. For stops longer than 5 minutes, turning off the engine saves fuel and reduces air pollution.
10. Change engine oil according to recommended intervals, typically every 5,000 - 10,000 kilometers or every six months, to ensure optimal engine lubrication and combustion.

If planning to buy a new car, electric or hybrid vehicles are excellent choices to save on fuel, especially for daily commuters.

For those who drive infrequently, using ride-hailing apps is an attractive alternative. Many apps offer promotions or coupons to reduce costs, add convenience, and save on parking fees compared to driving your own car.

Food and Beverage Expenses

Food

1. Cooking at Home: Regularly preparing your own meals and cooking in bulk for several meals saves a lot on food costs. You can cook once and pack meals for lunch and dinner at work, allowing you to control flavors and ingredients to your preference.
2. Buying Food: For those who cannot cook, you can still save by setting a daily lunch budget, for example, no more than 80 - 100 baht. Avoid snacks and sweets, replacing them with low-sugar fruits. Doing this consistently saves money and improves health by reducing sugar intake.

Beverages

For those who enjoy coffee or tea to refresh and stay alert during workdays, choosing more economical options can help reduce expenses, such as:

1. Instant Coffee or Tea: If taste and bean or leaf quality are less important, 3-in-1 instant coffee or tea sachets offer balanced flavors and are quick and easy to prepare, saving money.
2. Drip Coffee or Coffee Capsules: For those who prioritize quality coffee beans, having equipment and time to brew allows enjoying preferred flavors at a lower cost.
3. Making Matcha Yourself: Matcha lovers can save by selecting quality matcha powder and preparing it themselves, which is both enjoyable and more economical than buying at cafés, provided you have the tools and time.
4. Cold Brew Coffee Refill Bags: For fans of cold brew coffee, refill bags with various coffee bean flavors let you prepare drinks at home and mix with different milks daily, reducing the price.
5. Ready-to-Drink Bottled Coffee or Tea: Convenient and affordable, these are widely available at convenience stores with many brands and flavors, though they may not satisfy those seeking premium taste or quality beans and leaves.

Additionally, if your workplace has a market, try to resist browsing every day, which may tempt unnecessary purchases. Only buy essential items and remind yourself each time whether the item is truly needed. Even small purchases unused or underused effectively waste money.