Money-saving hacks are a smart way to hang onto more of your cash. These tricks help stretch your budget without making you feel like you’re missing out. By picking up a few easy habits, you can spend less on daily stuff while still building a solid financial base.
Looking For Money-Saving Hacks That Actually Work?
Money-saving hacks are a great way to hold on to more of your cash. These little tricks can help you stretch your budget without giving up the things you like. With just a few easy changes, you might be surprised how much you can cut back on everyday spending.
The best part? Most of these ideas are quick and simple. From smarter shopping habits to cutting down on bills, there are tons of ways to save in your day-to-day routine. A bit of creativity can go a long way, helping you trim your expenses and reach your financial goals faster.
Best Money Saving Hacks
Below are some of the public’s favorite money-saving hacks that actually work.
1. Use cash back apps
Cash back apps are a super-easy way to save on stuff you’re already buying, like groceries, clothes, or gas. You get a bit of money back just for using them when you shop.
They’re free, quick to set up, and all you need is your phone. Before heading out or placing an order, just open the app and see where you can grab a deal.
Most people have been using these apps for a while now, and they actually work.
Here are my favorites:
- In Fetch Rewards, you need to snap a photo of your receipt and collect points. Trade those points for gift cards at places like Amazon or Target. It’s simple and kind of fun.
- In Swagbucks, you can get points for shopping, answering a few questions, or watching videos. You can swap those points for cash or gift cards.
- Rakuten gives you money back when you shop at your favorite stores. It works for clothes, groceries, and even travel. They send you real money through PayPal or by mail.
- Upside helps you save at the pump. It finds gas stations near you that offer cash back, sometimes up to 25 cents per gallon.
For more information, read our article: “The Best Cashback Apps to Save Money on Everyday Purchases”
2. Get a library card
A library card gives you way more than just access to books these days. It’s basically a free pass to all kinds of useful and fun stuff.
Many libraries now let you borrow movies, music, and even video games. Some go a step further and offer things like kitchen gadgets, sewing machines, tools, or art supplies. At my local spot, you can check out hiking gear, telescopes, state park passes—and that’s just the beginning.
You might also score free tickets to nearby museums, aquariums, or the zoo. That alone can save you a decent chunk on weekend plans or family outings.
Most libraries also host free events and classes. Whether it’s crafts for kids or tech lessons for adults, there’s usually something going on that doesn’t cost a thing.
Getting a library card is quick and usually free. All you need is proof that you live nearby. Even if you’re only in town part-time, you can often still get a card for a small fee, usually around $10 or $20, which is still totally worth it for everything you get.
We make a weekly trip to the library for fresh books and children’s activities. It’s one of those spots that feels kind of underrated, but once you start going, it’s hard to stop.
3. Buy generic brands
If you’re trying to cut down your spending, switching to store-brand products is one of the easiest ways to do it. Most of the time, these are made with the same stuff as the big names, just without the flashy packaging or big price tag.
You’ll find generic options for everything from cereal and pasta to cleaning sprays and snacks. It’s worth trying a few to see which ones you like.
It doesn’t stop at food, either. Generic versions of many prescriptions are available, too. They work the same as the pricier ones. Just ask your doctor or pharmacist if there’s a lower-cost version you can use.
4. Cook at home
Restaurant meals might be fun, but they’re also a fast way to drain your wallet. Cooking your own meals can save a ton, and you don’t need to be a chef to make it work.
One trick that helps me is planning meals for the week. This way, I only buy what I actually need. It also stops me from grabbing takeout when I’m tired.
I usually cook extra servings so I can have leftovers for lunch the next day. That cuts down on food waste and saves me the cost of another meal. Plus, it’s one less thing to think about during a busy day.
Slow cookers are great if you like low-effort meals. You can make a big batch and freeze the extras for later. I’ve been using an Instant Pot that does everything from pressure cooking to air frying. But if you’re looking for something simple and affordable, a Crock-Pot for around $30 on Amazon does the job really well.
5. Cancel unused subscriptions
Still paying for stuff you don’t use? Time to cut it out and keep more cash in your pocket. Start by checking your bank and credit card statements for any recurring charges. Some credit cards even group them together, making it super easy to spot the ones you’ve forgotten about. If yours doesn’t, take a few minutes to go through your recent transactions—look for charges that pop up monthly, quarterly, twice a year, or even just once annually.
The usual suspects? Streaming services, forgotten gym memberships, random apps you don’t even remember downloading. They sneak in, and those $5 or $15 charges can stack up without you realizing it.
iPhone users can head to Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions to see what’s active. Android users can do the same in the Google Play Store.
And don’t skip over those “free trials” you signed up for and forgot to cancel. A lot of people end up losing hundreds of dollars over time just because they didn’t realize the trial turned into a paid plan. Ten bucks here and there doesn’t feel like a big deal, but across a year? That’s easily $200 or more gone.
Want to keep a subscription but pay less? Try calling the company. Some will offer a discount just to keep you around.
6. Shop with a list
Stores like Target are pros at making everything look like a must-have. That’s why going in with a plan is such a money-saver.
Before you step foot in the store, jot down what you actually need. A simple list can help you avoid those random impulse buys that feel great in the moment but end up sitting in a drawer.
Once you’re shopping, stick to that list. If it didn’t make the cut before you left the house, it probably doesn’t need to be in your cart.
7. DIY cleaning products
Making your own cleaning products is a simple way to cut costs. You can whip up cleaners using stuff you probably already have in your kitchen—like vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice.
With just a few basic ingredients, you can make an all-purpose spray, furniture polish, or even laundry detergent. It’s quick, easy, and way more affordable than buying brand-name stuff from the store.
8. Automatic transfers to savings
Want to save money without even thinking about it? Set up automatic transfers. You can have a set amount moved from your checking account to your savings on a regular schedule—weekly, biweekly, or monthly.
Most banks offer this for free, and you get to choose how much you want to save. It could be $10, $50, or more—whatever fits your budget. Since it moves automatically, you won’t be tempted to spend it first.
Start with a small amount if you’re unsure, and build up as you go. Over time, this simple habit can help your savings grow without much effort.
9. Use public transportation
If you live in an area with a decent bus or train system, ditching your car, even part-time, can lead to big savings. You’ll avoid paying for gas, parking, maintenance, and all the surprise car expenses that pop up.
Many transit systems offer discounted monthly passes, which makes things even cheaper. Plus, you can use the ride time to relax, listen to music, or catch up on a podcast instead of sitting in traffic.
10. Negotiate bills
One quick phone call could help you spend less on your monthly bills. A lot of people don’t try this, but it works more often than you’d think.
Call your internet, cable, or phone provider and ask if they have any current deals or discounts. If you mention you’re thinking of switching to someone else, they might lower your rate to keep you around.
For medical bills, it’s also worth talking to the billing department. Sometimes they’ll give you a discount if you pay all at once or set up a payment plan.
11. Budget
Budgeting might not sound exciting, but it’s probably the most useful thing you can do to take control of your money. Start by writing down what you bring in each month and what you spend.
Once you have it all in front of you, it’s easier to spot areas where you could spend less, like eating out, random purchases, or unused subscriptions. You can also plan better for things like rent, groceries, or bills.
Update your budget anytime something changes, like a new job, a raise, or a new expense. And don’t forget to build in a little wiggle room for unexpected costs. Having a small emergency fund helps keep surprise expenses from throwing everything off.
12. Buy secondhand
Buying secondhand is one of the easiest ways to save. You can find great deals on clothes, furniture, electronics, and even kids’ stuff at local thrift stores or resale apps.
It’s fun too—you never know what gems you’ll come across. I’ve found high-quality items for way less than I’d pay new, and it feels great knowing I got a deal.
Plus, giving used items a second life is better for the planet, so it’s a win all around.
13. Use a high-yield savings account.
Want your savings to actually grow? A high-yield savings account might be your best bet. These accounts often pay way more interest than the typical savings account at big banks.
You’ll find them at plenty of banks and credit unions, and opening one is pretty straightforward—either at a branch or through their website.
They’re perfect if you’re building an emergency fund or setting aside money for something big. You can move cash in or out easily without jumping through hoops.
Just make sure to check around for the best rates. They can change now and then, so it’s worth keeping an eye on your current rate—you might find something better elsewhere.
Personally, I use one that’s currently offering up to 4.00%. With that rate, $10,000 could earn you around $400 in a year. Regular savings accounts? You’d probably only make about $41. Huge difference.
14. Check your insurance rates regularly.
Insurance rates don’t stay the same forever. That’s why it’s smart to check in every six months or so. You could be overpaying without even realizing it.
Your location, age, driving history, and even changes in the industry can all affect what you’re being charged. The same policy can cost very different amounts depending on who you ask.
So go ahead and get quotes from a few companies. You might be surprised at what you find.
15. Have no-spend days
Want to pump the brakes on spending? Pick a day when you don’t buy anything at all. No grabbing a latte, no clicking “add to cart,” no quick takeout runs. Bills and essentials still get paid—but everything else waits.
It’s not as tough as it sounds, especially if you plan ahead. Pack lunch, steer clear of shopping sites, and make it easier on yourself.
No-spend days can really open your eyes to where your money goes. Even one day a week can add up fast. You might even catch yourself asking, “Do I actually need this?”
Once you get used to it, try bigger challenges—a full week, or even a month. Some people go a whole year without buying new clothes.
Make it fun: turn it into a personal challenge, or get your friends in on it. See who can go the longest without spending a dime.
16. Buy gift cards at a discount.
Here’s a simple money move: grab gift cards for less than they’re worth. There are plenty of legit websites where you can score deals on cards for big-name stores and restaurants.
Depending on demand, you could save anywhere from 1% to 30%. Just check if the savings make sense—$2 off a $20 card might not be worth it for you, but 20% off? That’s a solid win.
It’s a great way to stretch your dollars, especially if you were already planning to shop at those places anyway.
17. Use rewards credit cards
If you’re spending money anyway, you might as well get something out of it. Rewards credit cards give you cash back, points, or travel perks for stuff you already buy.
Find a card that lines up with how you spend—some give more rewards for groceries, gas, or dining out.
Many cards even offer a welcome bonus if you hit a spending goal within the first few months. That can mean a nice chunk of points or cash.
Just one big rule here: pay your balance in full each month. Otherwise, the interest charges wipe out your rewards. The goal is to come out ahead, not owe more.
Use your card for regular expenses like bills, gas, and groceries. The more you use it responsibly, the more rewards you rack up.
If you’re curious about the best rewards cards or want updates on the newest deals, check out Daily Drop. Their free newsletter helps over a million people learn how to score nearly free travel, grab flight deals, and make the most of their points.
Their Top Overall Cards list (updated every month) is also worth a look—it breaks down the best options based on perks and fees.
18. Earn free gift cards to help with your shopping.
Want to cut back on spending? You can snag free gift cards and use them at your favorite stores. It’s a solid way to stretch your budget without pulling out extra cash.
There are plenty of ways to rack up these cards from home. You can answer surveys, watch videos, or play games—stuff you can easily do while you’re lounging on the couch.
Here are some popular spots where people earn free gift cards:
- Swagbucks
- American Consumer Opinion
- Survey Junkie
- Branded Surveys
- Rakuten
- Fetch Rewards
- Ibotta
19. Borrow things you’ll only need once or twice
Ever bought something for one-time use and then let it collect dust? You’re not alone.
Instead of buying things you’ll barely touch again, try borrowing. Tools, party supplies, camping gear—these are great examples of items worth asking around for.
Friends and neighbors might already have what you need, and many won’t mind letting you use it.
Also, check out your local library. It’s not just about books anymore. Some locations lend out tools, kitchen gear, musical instruments, and more.
Borrowing saves you cash and clears up space. You won’t have to store or maintain something that only gets used once in a blue moon. And if borrowing doesn’t work out, renting could be another option—Home Depot rents out tools, for example.
20. Try the cash envelope method.
This method is simple but works surprisingly well. The idea is to stick to your budget by using cash for different categories instead of cards.
Pick a few main spending areas—like groceries, gas, or entertainment—and decide how much you’re okay with spending in each one.
Label some envelopes with those categories and put the cash inside at the start of the month. When you buy something, use money from the matching envelope.
This makes it super clear how much you’ve got left. Once the envelope is empty, that’s it. It’s a no-fuss way to slow down spending and think twice before swiping.
21. Focus on high-interest debt first.
One of the smartest ways to free up money is to knock out high-interest debt as quickly as you can.
Start by listing out all your debts and sorting them by interest rate, from highest to lowest. Keep making minimum payments on everything, but throw any extra money at the one with the highest rate.
Once that’s gone, move to the next. This method is often called the avalanche method, and it can save a lot of time.
Another option is to go after the smallest debt first to build momentum. It gives you a quick win and helps keep the motivation going.
22. Switch to a lower-cost phone plan.
Phone bills can sneak up on you. You might be paying for way more than you actually use.
Take a look at how much data and talk time you really need. If you’re not using all of it, you could switch to a plan that fits better and costs less.
Family plans are also worth checking out—they usually come with better rates per person.
If you’re happy with your provider, give them a call. Ask if there are any deals or if they can drop your monthly bill. A simple ask might lead to extra savings.
23. Wait at least a week before big buys.
Here’s a trick that’s helped a lot of people skip impulse buys: wait a week before making any big purchases.
When something catches your eye, hit pause. Use that time to think it over. Do you really need it? Or do you just want it in the moment?
Sometimes, you’ll realize it’s not that important. Other times, you’ll find a better deal while you’re waiting—maybe even a coupon or sale that brings the price down.
And if, after a week, you’re still sure about it, go for it. You’ll feel more confident about spending the money, and you may have saved some up during the wait.
Money Saving Hacks – Summary
Saving money doesn’t have to feel like a chore. By using these simple and effective money-saving hacks, you can make smarter spending decisions and stretch your budget further. Whether it’s earning cash back, buying secondhand, or cooking at home, small changes can add up to big savings over time.
Michael Adams is a professional finance writer with a focus on tax education, budgeting, and personal finance. His goal is to make income tax topics clear and practical for individuals and entrepreneurs.