Saving money can be easier said than done.
You might have every intention of boosting your savings rate (which as you know, is the key to getting rich), but cutting back on already tight budgets can seem like an impossible task.
But perhaps you’re not looking for money in the right places.
Everyday, there are things we can easily do to save money. Big or small, any effort you make will add up in the end. The key is, of course, consistency. The longer you commit to these saving tactics, the more savings you see in your bank account.
If you’ve been wondering about how to save money, wonder no more: here are 151 ways you can save money starting today:
1. Have a “no spend” month
If you have a shopping addiction, try having a “no spend” month. Don’t purchase anything that isn’t a necessity for 30 days. Difficulty: 3
2. Set up automatic transfers
Sometimes, we fail to save money not because we don’t have enough but simply because we forget to. When it’s sitting in our checking account, we’re more inclined to use it. Instead, set up an automatic transfer after each paycheck directly to your savings account – we recommend this bank due to its high interest yield, easy to use website, and excellent customer service. This way, you’ll never spend it by accident. Difficulty: 1
3. Always plan ahead
“My best tip for saving money is to always spend a little time planning ahead with all your purchases and expenses. Impulse buying is the worst possible thing you can do for your finances.
“Each person needs to develop their own routine, but doing a quick price comparison, checking if a store price matches, browsing flyers or apps for a sale, or even calling your service and negotiating lower prices can all save you big money.” says Stephen of How To Save Money. Difficulty: 3
4. Read the care instructions
Properly caring for you clothes will help keep it better shape for longer and save you money. Always remember to read the care instructions. You don’t want to throw a new sweater into the dryer and have it come out three sizes smaller. Difficulty: 1
5. Avoid ATMS
ATM fees can be the absolute worst. You might only need $5 but unfortunately, you get hit with a $3 fee. ATMs are a convenience you often have to pay for. You can avoid this by planning head. Estimate how much cash you need next time you go to the bank. This way, you can avoid ATMs altogether. Difficulty: 2
6. Stop smoking
If you’re a smoker, it’s time to stop smoking. NOW. It’s a bad habit that is expensive and even worse, it’s terrible for your health. Difficulty: 5
7. Shop flash sale sites
Flash sale sites like Groupon and Livingsocial are a great way to score deals on meals and services. They refresh their site daily with discounts on things like restaurants, massages, and haircuts. You can treat yourself and save money at the same time. Difficulty: 2
8. Get a free haircut
Most beauty schools will offer free haircuts. The catch is that your stylist will be a student. Don’t worry though, even though they’re stylists-in-training, they still have plenty of experience and you probably won’t even notice the difference. Difficulty: 2
9. Air seal your house
Almost all homes have areas where air can seep in or out, especially older homes. It’s a great idea to check your house for these air leaks and seal them to prevent heat or cool air from leaving your home. This is typically something you can do yourself. Difficulty: 4
10. Get an office microwave
“You can save an incredible amount of money by bringing your lunch to work. We save about $120/week by brown bagging it. We don’t even feel like we’re sacrificing since our lunch cooler is filled with our favorite foods.
“We’ve even been known to pack an occasional cheddar cowboy burger for lunch. If your office doesn’t have a microwave, considering investing in a small one for about $30 to give you options.” says Rosemarie of Busy Budgeter. Difficulty: 3
11. Practice healthy habits
Depending on your health insurance situation, a trip to the doctor or the pharmacy can be expensive.
Avoid getting sick by practicing healthy habits. Eat well, exercise regularly, and wash your hands often. Taking care of yourself will save you from costly medical issues down the road. Difficulty: 3
12. Reduce your prescription co-pays
Every time you fill a prescription, you might have to pay a co-pay. To avoid this, ask your doctor if you could have a longer supply. This will reduce your trips to the pharmacy and your co-pays as well. Difficulty: 4
13. Shop after-holiday sales
The best sales can be found after major holidays. For example, you’ll find discounts on holiday cards, wrapping paper, and decorations the day after Christmas. It’s a great time to stock up for the following year. Difficulty: 2
14. Give up unhealthy habits
Bad habits are hard to break. If you smoke or drink, cutting that out of your life can be difficult. But think about the money you’ll save. Even more so, think about the positive effects it will have on your health. Difficulty: 5
15. Workout for free
Most gym and fitness studios will let you test out their facilities for a day or even a week. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of this offer. You can test out different gyms and classes. If you find one you like, gyms often offer discounted memberships after a trial period. Difficulty: 4
16. Check plumbing for leaks
Check the plumbing in your home, especially toilets or under the sink pipes, to see if there are any leaks. They aren’t always obvious if you don’t look but will cost you a lot. It’s also an easy fix. Difficulty: 3
17. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth
Many of us tend to keep the water running while we brush our teeth. While you might not think much of it, turning the water off can help you save on your water bill. Think about the water you waste each time you brush your teeth. It adds up. Difficulty: 1
18. Host a potluck
Going out for dinner with friends can easily set you back $100 with drinks. Next time, host a potluck instead. Each guest can bring a dish of their choice and you can supply a couple bottles of wine. Difficulty: 2
19. Clear dust from vents
Regularly check your vents, at least once a season, for dust and debris. Anything blocking your vents will prevent cold air and heat from getting out, which will make your unit work overtime. Difficulty: 3
20. Turn down the heat
Aside from rent, utilities is one of your biggest household expenses, especially heat. In the winter time, heating your home can cost a few hundred dollars. To save money, turn your thermostat down a few degrees and put on an extra layer or two instead. Difficulty: 1
21. Use energy star appliances
If your home has old appliances, they might not be very energy efficient. This can cost you significantly in your electricity. Even though you may be spending more upfront to purchase energy efficient appliances, the savings add up in the long run. Difficulty: 3
22. Take advantage of work perks
There are numerous perks most companies offer that employees should feel free to take advantage off. Examples include cell phone discounts, gym memberships, and deals to concerts and sporting events. Check with your HR department to see what’s available to you. Difficulty: 2
23. Don’t forget to turn off the lights
We can easily forget to turn off the lights whenever we leave a room. But next time, make an extra effort to remember. You will see a difference in your electricity bill. Difficulty: 1
24. Bring your own bottle
Some restaurants will allow you to bring your own bottle of wine or beer. Go to these restaurants. This is a great way to save on alcohol but still have drinks with dinner. Just remember they may charge an uncorking fee. Difficulty: 2
25. Buy discount gift cards
“We love discount gift cards! You can save as much as 20% (and more) on purchasing discount gift cards for stuff you routinely buy. “ says Aaron of Three Thrifty Guys. Difficulty: 2
26. Turn down your air conditioner
You can keep cool in the summertime without blasting your AC. It’s a good idea to keep it on continuously at around 73-78 degrees. This will create a comfortable temperature throughout your home. Turning it on and off constantly can actually cost your more money as your AC unit needs to work harder. Difficulty: 1
27. Insulate your home
You spend so much on heating your home when it’s cold out. Don’t let that heat escape. You can easily winterize your home by plugging the space under doors with a towel or adding extra insulation to your home. Difficulty: 4
28. Pack your own lunch
Stop paying $10 for a take-out salad. Pack your own lunch and you can easily save over $50 every week. Make a little more for dinner the night before and save it for lunch the next day. Difficulty: 3
29. Unplug unused devices
Don’t forget to unplug your cell phone charger when you’re not using it. Even though your electronic device might not be turned on or in use, having it plugged in still uses a bit of electricity. Difficulty: 1
30. Cancel your cable
Canceling your cable is a no-brainer. Monthly fees can cost as much as $100 a month, which equals to $1200 yearly! Cut the cable and opt for a cheaper alternative, like Netflix. That will only set you back $8 a month. Difficulty: 2
31. Use energy efficient bulbs
It’s not always a good idea to buy the cheapest. Energy efficient bulbs will cost your more than the regular kind. But they will last longer and save you money on electricity. Difficulty: 2
32. Go for happy hour
Going out for drinks isn’t cheap. Next time, schedule your social outing around happy hour. Use Yelp to find local deals and reviews or ask your favorite bar if they have any specials running during the week. Difficulty: 2
33. DIY your gifts
There are so many occasions during the year we need to purchase gifts for, including birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings. Instead of buying them, make it yourself instead. Pinterest is a great place to look for some DIY inspiration. Plus, DIY gifts feel more personal. Difficulty: 5
34. See a matinee
The cost of a movie and popcorn can be as much as $25 a person. If your schedule is flexible, try going to the movies during the day instead. Matinee prices are much more reasonable. Difficulty: 2
35. Check your tires
Deflated tires is one cause of decreased gas mileage. Find out what the recommended pressure is for your car and be sure to regularly check your tires. You can inflate them during your next trip to the gas station. Difficulty: 3
36. Watch a movie at home
Consider skipping the movies altogether and watching a movie at home instead. Through services like Amazon and Redbox, you can easily rent movies online and stream them for only a few bucks. Difficulty: 1
37. Declutter your home
Going through your personal belongings and decluttering is a great exercise. It helps you get rid of things you no longer need and clear up space. But more importantly, it helps you understand how you can make better purchasing decisions in the future. Difficulty: 3
38. Go to the library
You might not have stepped foot in a library since your schooldays. But now is a great time to go back. The library is stocked with plenty of books, DVDs, and helpful resources that are completely free. Difficulty: 2
39. Cancel unused subscriptions
Do you have newspaper and magazine subscriptions stacking up that you barely read? Cancel them. It’s better for your wallet and the environment as well. Difficulty: 1
40. Forget about your dishwasher’s dry heat
Your dishwasher’s dry heat cycle literally just dries it with heat. Skip this step and let your dishes air dry. You can turn this function off on most dishwashers. Difficulty: 3
41. Don’t pay full price at museums
The admission price listed for many museums is a suggested donation amount. Of course, it’s good to give back when you can. But if you’re a frequent visitor, you don’t always have to pay full price. Donate what you can. Difficulty: 1
42. Embrace leftovers
Many people don’t care for leftovers. But why waste food? Most meals will can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, even months if you freeze them. Plus, some meals taste even better on the second day. Difficulty: 2
43. Sell your clothes
You probably have clothes sitting in the closet that you never wear. Go through your closet and pick out the ones you no longer want. You can try selling them on eBay or at a consignment store. For what you can’t sell, you can donate it. Difficulty: 3
44. Air dry your clothes
Drying your clothes takes up a significant amount of energy. It isn’t good for many types of fabrics as well. Instead of using a dryer, air dry your clothes instead. Difficulty: 3
45. Stick with cash
“My best tip to save money is to stop carrying around your debit and credit cards. When I carry only cash I have a natural limit to how much I can spend. When I have my debit or credit card I’m more likely to spend more because my credit limit is much higher than the amount of cash I carry around on a day to day basis.” says Kayla of Shoeaholic No More. Difficulty: 4
46. Share your Netflix
Does someone you know have a Netflix account as well? Consider sharing it. If you’re worried about watching different shows on different devices at the same time, upgrade your account to 2-screens. That will only set you back $9.99 a month or $5 each. Difficulty: 1
47. Use credit card rewards
Many credit cards come with great perks. You can accumulate points and spend them on things like flights, hotels, or cash. There are many different cards so find the right one for you depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. Difficulty: 3
48. Visit your doctor
If you have health insurance, you should regularly go to the doctor for yearly check up. It’s at no cost to you and can help prevent future illnesses (which may cost you a lot). Difficulty: 3
49. Find free & local events
Almost all towns have free and local events anyone can enjoy. Check out sites like Meetup or visit your town’s website to see what going on. Difficulty: 2
50. Install ceiling fans in most rooms.
Ceiling fans don’t use a lot of energy but do wonders in helping keep a room cool. They help circulate air around your home, which can also help with heating. Difficulty: 4
51. Try couponing
Not all couponing has to be extreme. You can coupon moderately and save a ton. Look for coupons in your Sunday newspaper or sites like Coupons.com. Print or clip them out and bring them with you on your next grocery run. Difficulty: 4
52. Never buy at full price
If you plan your purchases ahead of time, you can wait for a sale so you’ll never have to pay full price. Most major retailers have sales and promotions throughout the year, especially during holidays. Plan to do the bulk of your shopping around these promotional events. Difficulty: 3
53. Use budget and financial apps
Need to track your budget? There’s an app for that! If you ever wondered how you’re doing with your budget at any given point, you can simply open up an app on your phone, like Mint, and see your progress. It’s simple, easy to use, and will help you organize your finances tremendously. Difficulty: 3
54. Fight impulsive shopping
The checkout aisle at any store is filled with random items we don’t need but always seem to buy. Next time you find yourself about to make an impulsive purchase, put the item down and wait at least two weeks. More often than not, you’ll forget about it after a couple days. If you’re still thinking about it weeks later, go ahead and buy it. Difficulty: 4
55. Consolidate your student loans
Depending on what student loans you have, it may be a good idea to consolidate. Do some research and find out what consolidation packages are available to you and if it would save you any money. Difficulty: 5
56. Go for the generic brand
For your most common household items, the generic brand is practically the same as the name brand. It just costs less. Try generic the next time you buy something and see if you actually notice the difference. Difficulty: 2
57. Buy in bulk
For items you use on a regular basis, buy in bulk. You’ll always need things like toilet paper and soap and buying in larger quantities will often save you money. Difficulty: 2
58. Never go food shopping hungry
If you’ve ever gone grocery shopping while hungry, you probably left with a lot more than you intended. One rule to live by is to never go food shopping hungry. Otherwise, you’ll end up with tons of unhealthy snacks you shouldn’t eat. Difficulty: 1
59. Use a surge protector
A power surge can easily damage your electronics. Make sure you are always using a surge protector, especially for your pricier electronics. If they are hardly in use, it’s a good idea to unplug them. Difficulty: 2
60. Use the 10-second rule
When you’re buying something, stop for 10 seconds and ask yourself these questions: Do you really need this? What will you do with it? If you can’t come up with a practical answers in 10 seconds, you probably shouldn’t buy it. Difficulty: 2
61. Get a rain check
Sometimes, a product that is on sale will sell out quickly. If you missed out, ask the store for a rain check. Most stores will write you one and you can use it anytime the item is back in stock. Difficulty: 1
62. Pack your own snacks for trips
If you’re going on a trip, remember to pack some snacks with you. Food at the airport can be very expensive. If you’re just looking for something quick to hold you over until you land, have something in your carry-on bag ready to go. Difficulty: 3
63. Recycle cans and bottles
Don’t just throw out your used cans and bottles. Take them back to the store to recycle them. You’ll also get back your bottle deposit. 5 cents for each bottle adds up. Difficulty: 2
64. Check out store circulars
When you do your grocery shopping every week, be sure to check out the store circular. See what’s on sale. Ideally, you can plan your meals around the sales to cut down on food costs. Difficulty: 2
65. Cook in bulk
Sometimes, we’re too lazy to whip up a meal and order take-out instead. To avoid these situations, cook in bulk once a week and freeze your extra meals. This way, all you have to do is reheat it and you’re all set. Difficulty: 3
66. Make your own coffee
A cup of coffee can cost $3 bucks, which means $15 a week or $60 a month. Instead of visiting your Starbucks so often, make your own coffee instead. It’s much cheaper and tastes the same. Difficulty: 2
67. Keep your change
Don’t just toss your change aside. Coins add up too. Keep them in a jar and take them with you to the bank next time to exchange for bills. Many supermarkets also have Coinstar machines, which will count your change and give you cash or a gift certificate to your favorite store. Difficulty: 1
68. Eat less protein
Protein in the form of meat is expensive and isn’t always healthy for you. There are plenty of ways you can get protein in your diet, including many vegetables that are considerably cheaper. Difficulty: 5
69. Skip the dessert
When eating out at restaurants, skip the dessert. It almost costs as much as an entree. Instead, stop for a quick ice cream on your way home. Or better yet, have dessert at home! Difficulty: 2
70. Walk & bike more
Gas is expensive. Instead of driving, walk or bike whenever you can. It doesn’t cost you anything and you can burn some extra calories. Difficulty: 4
71. Remove your credit card numbers
Online shopping websites these days make it really easy and simple for you to checkout by saving your credit card information. With one click, you can make a purchase. Make it harder on yourself to buy unnecessary items by removing your credit card numbers from your online accounts. Difficulty: 2
72. Condense your errands
Making multiple trips to run small errands can be a huge time drain. It also costs a lot of gas. Instead, plan ahead. Condense all your errands into fewer trips so you don’t have to drive so often. Difficulty: 3
73. Rent space in your home
Do you have any unused rooms in your home? Or perhaps a parking space you don’t use? You can rent it out on AirBnB and Craigslist. Of course, it’s not always comfortable to have strangers on your property so make sure you think it through first. Difficulty: 5
74. Only bring a carry on
If you’re traveling, especially internationally, baggage fees aren’t cheap. Trying packing light and only bringing a carry on and a personal item. Finding hotels or accommodations with laundry facilities nearby will help. Difficulty: 4
75. Use public transportation
While public transportation may not be more convenient, it’s definitely less expensive than driving. It’ll only cost you a few bucks a day and you don’t have to worry about maintaining a car. You also get more free time to read a book or listen to a podcast. Difficulty: 4
76. Cut out sugary drinks
There have been numerous studies on the negative health effects of sugary drinks, including sodas and sports drinks. Cut those out of your diet. Go for (free) water instead. Difficulty: 5
77. Meal plan
Setting aside an hour each week to meal plan can save you a lot on groceries. Planning out your meals will help you when you go food shopping. You’ll know exactly what you’ll need to buy and have less food waste overall. Difficulty: 4
78. Drink less
You might not like the sound of drinking less but your wallet will. Limit your alcohol consumption to one or two drinks every time you go out. It’s enough to have fun and your wallet will be happy. Difficulty: 4
79. Work out at home
Gym memberships can be pricey. Drop the membership all together. You can purchase a few weights and work out from the comfort of your own home. Difficulty: 3
80. Use the cold water cycle
Surprisingly, the hot water used when washing your clothes is actually quite costly. Save the hot water cycle for whites or heavily soiled clothing. Most loads you can do with the cold water cycle and still turn out perfectly clean. Difficulty: 1
81. Forget collision and comprehensive coverage
If your car isn’t worth much (about less than $2000), you should consider forgetting collision and comprehensive coverage. The cost of coverage will probably be more than the amount you would get from a claim. Difficulty: 3
82. Review your cell phone plans
Take a look at your cell phone plan. Cell phone providers are constantly changing their plans and offers all the time and you might find a plan that not only better fits your needs but is also cheaper. Difficulty: 2
83. Compare car insurance rates
The next time you are in the market for car insurance, be sure to get quotes from multiple companies. Many will offer discounts for military service or a safe driver. Difficulty: 4
84. Replace your shower head
Do your research into low-flow shower heads. They are specifically designed to use less water but not affect your water pressure. You’ll see the savings directly in your water bill. Difficulty: 2
85. Buy a used car
The moment you drive a new car off the lot, it depreciates in value. If you’re in the market for a car, buy used. Just make sure to look into the car’s history. Difficulty: 4
86. Use automatic payments for student loans
Often times, student loan companies will offer a discount if you set up automatic payments. It’s usually a small amount but every little bit helps. Difficulty: 2
87. Sell your electronics
Refurbished or used electronics are often in high demand. If you have something you want to sell, check out the Amazon Trade In Program and see how much you can get for it. Difficulty: 4
88. Take online surveys
Many sites like Swagbucks will pay you to take online surveys. You don’t always get cash but other incentives include gift cards and coupon codes to popular retailers. Difficulty: 3
89. Find the right bank for you
You might not think twice about where you bank but finding the right one for you can save you money every month. Many banks will hit you with ATM fees and overdraft fees. Look for a bank that doesn’t. Typically, smaller, local banks will have better perks to incentivize you to bank with them. Difficulty: 3
90. Sell your collectibles
Sometimes, we like to collect stuff because we think they’re going to appreciate in value. Remember beanie babies? Many fads like these just die off. Consider selling your collectibles while they are still worth something. Difficulty: 4
91. Sell your books
If you have books lying around at home that you no longer read, sell them. You can use these websites to find buyers: Amazon, Powell’s, or even Craigslist. Difficulty: 3
92. Create a shopping list
Sometimes, especially on trips to the grocery store, we tend to overbuy simply because we’re not sure what we need. Prevent this by always creating a shopping list so you only get exactly what you need. Difficulty: 2
93. Avoid speeding tickets
At all costs, avoid getting a ticket when you drive, especially a speeding ticket. The penalties are considerable and you might also see a raise in your insurance. Plus, it’s always good to practice safe driving. Difficulty: 4
94. Learn to sew
Sewing is a helpful and simple skill to learn. Instead of tossing a shirt out just because a button fell off, you can now easily fix it yourself. Difficulty: 3
95. Sign up for shopping rewards
Many stores offer loyalty programs. Make sure that you sign up for them so that you’re racking up points every time you shop there. Difficulty: 2
96. Find local getaways
Traveling to far off, international destinations is definitely exciting but it’s also expensive. For your next trip, find a getaway close to home that you still haven’t explored. You won’t have to spend too much on travel and you can still do some sightseeing and relaxation. Difficulty: 4
97. Talk to your credit card company about interest rates
You might not realize it but you do have room to negotiate with your credit card company. If you’ve been a long time customer with a good record, talk to them about lowering your interest rate. Difficulty: 4
98. Start a vegetable garden
Growing your own vegetable garden is a great way to spend your time and also save money. It’s healthy and you know exactly where your food is coming from. Plus, the cost is low. All you need are seeds and a couple gardening tools. Difficulty: 5
99. Be selective with video games
New and exciting video games come out every week and if you’re a gamer, you might be tempted to buy them all. Instead, stick to ones you know you’ll play over and over again. Difficulty: 2
100. Check out yard sales
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Yard sales are a great place to find gently used items, like housewares and electronics. New doesn’t always mean better. Difficulty: 2
101. Use a programmable thermostat
Purchasing a programmable thermostat is a great investment for your home. It allows you to set the temperature to exactly your level so you’re not wasting heat. Difficulty: 4
102. Find inexpensive activities for your kids
There’s no need to spend a lot of money on expensive toys for your kids. There are plenty of fun and inexpensive activities you can do, like play ball or go to the park. It doesn’t take a lot to entertain kids so be creative. Difficulty: 2
103. Maintain your appliances
Old and outdated appliances may be pushing up your electricity bill, even if they’re working perfectly fine. If you can’t afford to switch to newer models, make sure you maintain them regularly to prevent breakdowns. Difficulty: 4
104. Trying carpooling
Do you live in the same area as some of your coworkers? If so, trying carpooling. It makes sense since you’re all coming and going to the same place at the same time. All you need to do is split the costs of gas. Difficulty: 4
105. Check your car’s air filter
Remember to periodically check your car’s air filter. A clean filter will greatly improve your gas mileage. Cleaning a filter is easy and only takes a few minutes. Difficulty: 2
106. Avoid stress
Stress can make us do crazy things, like buy stuff we don’t need. Instead of going shopping when you’re stressed, do something to take your mind off things, like reading a book or going for a run. Difficulty: 5
107. Have a money minute
“Have a money minute every single day. A money minute is where you take 60 seconds of your time and review all your bank accounts/transactions for the day. This will help to ensure that bills that were supposed to be paid were in fact paid and that all transactions are accounted for.” says Jessi of The Budget Mama. Difficulty: 3
108. Start volunteering
Becoming a volunteer is a great way to help a good cause, meet new people, and do something with your time that doesn’t require money. Find a cause you are passionate about and see how you can help. Difficulty: 4
109. Buy used when it makes sense
You don’t have to buy everything new. Thrift shops and consignments stores are a great place to look for bargains on used items. You can often find some really great items there, you just have to look. Difficulty: 3
110. Drive a fuel-efficient car
Public transportation is the way the go if you want to save money. However, if you need to drive, go for a fuel-efficient car so that you can get the most bang for your buck when it comes to gas. Difficulty: 5
111. Avoid fast food
Sometimes, we stop for fast food because it’s easy and convenient. But it’s not healthy for us. It can also be an expensive habit. Enjoy good and healthy home cooked meals, while avoiding junk food. Difficulty: 4
112. Don’t go shopping when you’re bored
Many people go to the mall just because they’re bored and have nothing to do. Bad idea. Instead, find something productive to do that doesn’t involve you spending money. Difficulty: 1
113. Remember to eat breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It’s important to start your day with healthy foods to give you enough energy to tackle what’s ahead. Eating breakfast will also stop you from splurging on an expensive lunch, which is much more pricey. Difficulty: 3
114. Be your own repairman
While you might not be a handyman, you don’t necessarily need to be to make a few quick fixes around the house. With a quick Google search, you can find instructions on common problems around the house. Difficulty: 4
115. Fill up your dishwasher
Always wait until your dishwasher is full to run it. Running a full dishwasher is more efficient and uses less water than doing it by hand. Difficulty: 2
116. Comparison shop
Just don’t buy an item you need in the first store you see. Remember to comparison shop. You may be able to find a lower price elsewhere. It’s especially easier if you shop online by using the Google Comparison Shopping Tool. Difficulty: 3
117. Relocate
Picking up and moving to another town isn’t always feasible. But relocating to an area with a lower cost of living can save you a lot of money. There is, however, a lot to consider, including schools in the area and job opportunities. Difficulty: 5
118. Downsize your home
Many homes are much too big for the people that live in them. If you’re in that situation, consider downsizing. A smaller home is not only more affordable but also much easier to maintain. Difficulty: 5
119. Be your own hairdresser
Hair can be very personal, especially to woman. While you may not feel comfortable giving yourself a hair makeover, you can easily do trims yourself without having to visit the hair salon. Check out Pinterest and Youtube for tutorials. Difficulty: 4
120. Buy a crock pot
A crock pot is an easy and expensive way to make a large batch of meals. You can simply throw all your ingredients in, set the timer, and come back home to a delicious dinner. Difficulty: 2
121. Read a book
If you’re looking for a productive hobby, there’s nothing better you can do than read a good book. You can download the Kindle app on your smartphone or better yet, go to the library and borrow a book for free. Difficulty: 1
122. Ask about fees
There’s a fee for almost anything, including banking or activating a new cell phone. However, next time, speak with a customer service representative and ask if the fee can simply be waived. Often times, they are willing to do that for you to gain a new customer. Difficulty: 2
123. Treat your savings like a bill
“My top tip for saving money is to treat your savings like a bill every month. Budget the amount you want to save and when you get paid, transfer that into your savings immediately. If you wait to see how much you have left at the end of the month before saving then you will be surprised at how little there is, whereas saving it once you get paid is a great way to watch your savings grow.” says Emma of From Aldi To Harrods. Difficulty: 2
124. Have key pieces in your wardrobe
Dressing well isn’t about how much clothes you have. It’s about having the right pieces. Instead of buying tons of clothes, purchase pieces that fit you well and are versatile for both work and play. Difficulty: 2
125. High-end cosmetics isn’t always better
High-end cosmetics can be 5 times more expensive than their drugstore counterpart. But are they 5 times better? Not always. Many drugstore brands and high-end brands are developed and manufactured by the same parent company. The quality can be very similar. Difficulty: 1
126. Support local farmers
Your farmer’s market is a great way to see what’s in season and find locally grown produce. Usually, produce is much more expensive when it’s in season and locally grown. You’re also supporting local businesses. Difficulty: 2
127. Make your own alcohol
Making your own beer or wine is actually pretty simple. You just need the right equipment and ingredients. It’s cheaper than buying from the store and it can also be a fun activity you do with friends and family. Difficulty: 5
128. Don’t bring your credit card
Don’t expect to buy anything? Leave your credit cards at home. This will save you for any impulse purchase. Instead, just bring a small amount of cash with your for any emergencies. Difficulty: 3
129. Pay bills online
Most banks and service companies will allow you to pay bills online. This makes it much simpler for you to send payment and check your account status. Plus, it also saves you on stamps and checks. Difficulty: 1
130. Find a side job
There are plenty of side jobs you can do to make some extra cash. Think about what you’re good at. Popular side gigs include babysitting, dog walking, and freelance writing. Difficulty: 5
131. Live below your means
“Pick an age at which you had enough money to get by, and continue to live like you are that age for years after the fact. For me that age is about 28, because at that age I had enough to pay the bills and maybe a little for extras. As you get older, advance in your career, and get more raises, there is so much temptation to give in to lifestyle inflation. If you consciously keep a lid on spending by “choosing your own financial age,” you will reap the benefits for many years to come. And having less debt will help you sleep a lot better at night than having a fancy car ever could.” says Dee of Color Me Frugal. Difficulty: 4
132. Dine in
Going out to eat is expensive. While you should treat yourself to a night out every once in awhile, trying dining in next time instead. It’s a great opportunity to practice your cooking skills and try new recipes. Difficulty: 3
133. Look at the expiration date
Whenever you’re shopping for food, make sure you look at the expiration date, especially if it’s discounted. You don’t want to buy a whole loaf of bread only to have it expire the next day. Difficulty: 1
134. Use your shades
Window shades are actually a great way to help keep your house either warm or cold. In the winter, having tight fitting shades can help keep out air. In the summer, lowering the shades will block out the sun and keep your house cool. Difficulty: 1
135. Bring your own bags
Plastic bags are not good for the environment so whenever you go shopping, bring your own bags. Many stores offer a small discount, around 5 – 10 cents, if you do. Difficulty: 2
136. Wrap water pipes
If you have exposed water pipes, wrap them with insulation. This is crucial in the winter time so that your pipes don’t burst, causing you a big headache. Difficulty: 4
137. Shop around for gas
Sometimes, gas stations in the same neighborhood will have varying gas prices, as much as a 20 cents difference per gallon. Check a few stations to see what’s cheapest. You can also use websites like gasbuddy.com to check online. Difficulty: 2
138. Raise your car insurance deductible
Raising your deductible is definitely risky. But you can save as much as 15% on your car insurance. You want to be careful though. If you were to be in an accident, you want to make sure you have enough cash on hand to pay your deductible. Difficulty: 4
139. Take advantage of the energy tax credit
The energy tax credit is back! While it was suppose to expire in 2014, you can still take advantage of it. If you are a homeowner and made energy improvements to your property, you’re eligible for a tax credit of 10% of the cost or up to $500. Difficulty: 4
140. Adopt a minimalist lifestyle
Living minimally is a trend these days. But there’s actually a lot you can learn from it. Learn to be less attached to your stuff. Live more but with less. Difficulty: 5
141. Ask for an energy audit
Many electric companies will offer you complimentary energy audits. These audits will tell you exactly how much energy you’re using, how much you can save, and where you can make improvements in your home. Difficulty: 3
142. Install storm windows
Storm windows can very beneficial, especially if you live in an area with harsh winters. They can reduce heat loss by up to 50%. Difficulty: 5
143. Boil water in the microwave
Did you know you can boil water in the microwave? It actually takes much less energy than doing it on the stove. Difficulty: 1
144. Take care of your car
Properly maintaining your car can increase their lifespan significantly. Get your oil changed regularly and check tire pressure often. Proper maintenance will also help with resale value if you were to ever sell. Difficulty: 3
145. Repair leaky faucets
Leaky faucets are easy to fix. It will also save you a lot of water. Never again will you hear the sound of dripping water. Difficulty: 3
146. Routinely check your home
You should create a checklist of areas around the home you should check for maintenance and repair. It’s a great exercise to do every season. Finding damage early can prevent a little problem turning into a bigger one. Difficulty: 3
147. Lower your water heater’s temperature
Consider lowering your water heater’s temperature a few degrees. This will save you energy and you probably won’t notice the difference. Difficulty: 2
148. Check your medical coverage
Before making an appointment with a doctor, make sure they are covered within your plan. You don’t want to show up at their office, only to find out they aren’t in your network. Difficulty: 2
149. Review your cell phone bill
You should make it a habit to review your cell phone bill monthly. Check how much data, minutes, and texts you’re using. You may be able to downgrade to another plan and save you money. Difficulty: 3
150. Try at-home remedies
If you’re not feeling well, try an at-home remedy instead of purchasing medication. For instance, honey lemon water can really help a sore throat. These remedies may work even better than what you can get at the pharmacy. Difficulty: 3
151. Enroll in an FSA account
If your company offers this benefit, consider enrolling in an FSA account. You don’t have to pay taxes on these funds and you can use them toward out-of-pocket health care items. Difficulty: 2
And there you have it! What is your best money saving tip? Tell us in the comments below.
