Smart ways to save money – here's how

We've all been there: the month is drawing to a close and there's hardly any money left in the bank. The reason? Rising everyday costs. We notice it in our heating bills, our leisure activities, and at the supermarket checkout. The good news is: our neighborhoods offer plenty of opportunities to save money cleverly, even in these expensive times. These tips will help you put some money aside.

Simple but effective: Writing a classic shopping list makes it easier to keep track of things at the supermarket and prevents impulse purchases. Before heading out, it helps to check what you already have at home so that you use it up first and don't buy the same product twice. By the way: A well-planned one big shop per week is cheaper in the long run than many small trips throughout the week. It's also advisable to buy supplies that can be frozen at home and portioned as needed. Last but not least, it's wise to replace meat and fish with vegetables, legumes, and eggs – this is not only good for your wallet but often healthier too.

Many supermarkets and drugstores offer discounts in the form of savings apps or coupons , making shopping really worthwhile – ten percent off a large purchase can save you a considerable amount of money. Payback bonus programs also help you spend less. You can rescue food and save money at the same time with the Too Good To Go app: it shares daily information on where to find surplus food at low prices from local cafes and restaurants. Don't feel like cooking? The NeoTaste app invites you to rediscover your neighborhood's culinary scene and try out restaurants at affordable prices – with exclusive deals: for example, a free coffee, two main courses for the price of one, or up to 25 percent off various dishes.

Attention bookworms and film buffs: Berlin's local libraries and community libraries offer a wide selection of the latest and most exciting reads. And that's not all: online media, music, feature films on DVD, newspapers, magazines, language courses, and Tonies for children are also available. All you need is a library card. You can get one at your local library or online (for ages 16 and up). A one-year membership costs ten euros at the standard rate. Discounts are available for students, trainees, and seniors with appropriate documentation.

Well-preserved items like clothing, household goods, and books can be found in many places in Berlin, such as the Findus free cabinet . This modular cabinet, with its colorful display windows, offers people from the neighborhood the opportunity to leave or take away items they've donated. This circular system not only saves money but also has positive effects on the environment and community exchange. You can also discover new-to-you items at the NochMall secondhand store run by the Berlin waste management company: Over 2,000 square meters are filled with furniture, clothing, sports equipment, household goods, decorations, electrical appliances, toys, and much more. At the Berlin City Mission's Textilhafen ( Textile Harbor), you can buy clothing and fabrics by the kilogram. The proceeds from the sales support social projects of the Berlin City Mission.

Every Tuesday, Cinemotion shows all films (including 3D) in its 15 cinemas for just seven euros, with free admission for all seats. Children up to and including eleven years old pay only six euros. That's great cinema for little money. The Theater unterm Dach in Pankow even offers a selection of events for families and children's programs free of charge. For those who want to explore Berlin's natural beauty on a budget, the Berlin Environmental Calendar offers fantastic options: tips on nature experiences, sustainability workshops, lectures, and excursions throughout Berlin – often free or at low prices.

This way, you can not only save money but also enrich each other: Volunteering in your own neighborhood is both a hobby and a fulfilling task. Whether at neighborhood festivals, swap meets, helping the elderly neighbor with shopping, or working in the community garden, there are so many ways to get involved and benefit personally. HOWOGE supports residents in finding suitable volunteer opportunities and promotes community spirit through relevant projects.