Word for saving time and money

Flickr / vonderauvisuals

Life is hectic, filled with lines, meetings, and traffic, all of which suck precious moments from your day and money from your wallet.

Instead of wasting important minutes, change your daily routine (and maybe your attitude) for more hours in the day.

You’ll save some cash making these adjustments too — and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Check out these easy ways to start saving (in more ways than one).

1. Make your own coffee.

Save time — and money — and stop waiting in line for specialty coffees. The average wait time is three minutes to get your drink order, which might not seem long, but that time adds up.

Prep your coffeepot the night before, set the timer for five minutes before your alarm, and wake up to the scent of fresh coffee. You’ll save around $4 per order too.

Even better? Grab this Mr. Coffee Smart Coffeemaker ($150) that you can control from your phone. Genius!

2. Control your energy use.

Ever left for work and realized later you left your TV on? Yeah, me too. It may be a waste of time to turn around, but leaving your set running all day can drain your wallet. Invest in a few smart plugs, like the Insight from WEMO($60), that alert you to how much energy your electronics are using and — the best part — let you turn them on and off via your phone.

3. Automate your home.

And speaking of smart, homeowners can rejoice in the fact that WEMO also has you covered where home automation is concerned. Grab a few energy-efficient lights ($100) and WiFi-enabled light switches ($50) and save tons of cash every year. These gadgets are smart enough to set «sunrise and sunset rules» for brightness or to be controlled by your phone so you can flip on the lights before you step foot into your dark house.

4. Plan your wardrobe.

Make a 20-minute date with your closet on Sunday afternoons, and select your outfits for the week. Make sure everything’s laundered, and then hang outfits together along with belts and jewelry, with shoes underneath, so you can pull everything out without even having to think about it.

While you’re at it, pull out any clothes that don’t fit, and donate (save the receipt for doing your taxes) or sell them online. You’ll save time in the mornings and make extra cash.

Flickr / peterned

5. Spy on your pet.

Instead of running home at lunch to make sure Fido hasn’t munched his way through the couch, get yourself this WEMO Netcam HD+ (price varies) to spy on your furry friend, and only head home if there’s really a need. You’ll save time, gas, and brownie points with the boss.

6. Set your clock ahead.

As a person who’s always late, the only solution to my problem was to close my eyes while pressing the up button on the minutes for my alarm clock. By setting ahead (an unknown amount of time), I am able to get myself motivated earlier.

7. Skip the shower.

OK, hear me out on this one. If you’re not superoily or messy, it’s OK to skip the morning shower and do a quick refresh with dry shampoo. Along with saving extra time, you’re also conserving water.

8. Make breakfast fast.

One of the most important meals of the day is breakfast, which fuels you up for everything ahead of you. So rushing out the door with a banana doesn’t really cut it. Instead, have smoothie ingredients packaged and labeled in the freezer for quick blends, or make a batch of healthy muffins before your busy week begins. And you’ll save money by making your own eats instead of spending cash while on the run.

Flickr / Ed Yourdon

9. Call instead of text.

Sure, it’s easy to text, but actually making a call gets the conversation done while you multitask — which you can’t do while texting. And texts can add up, while just talking on the phone doesn’t run up charges.

10. Set time limits.

We all need decompression time, but when it turns into serious procrastination, it’s so not productive. Set a timer for a bit of zone-out time, and then jump back on task once it dings.

11. Make lists.

Yeah, I’m not known for my lists, but after so many pointless hours meandering grocery stores and buying more than I actually needed, lists have become an essential step of my grocery shopping adventures. And once you get your food home, spend the time properly storing items, making them last longer.

12. Clean up.

Disorder leads to distraction, which goes for the clutter in your home and the mess on your desktop. Get rid of files, pictures, or outdated documents that clutter your work space. This way, you spend less time digging through stuff and can be more efficient with your time — which could lead to a raise.

Flickr / Ed Yourdon

13. Get active.

Sure, working out takes time, but scheduling it into your day is a smart idea. Just 20 minutes of cardio keeps you healthy, cutting down on doctor visits and leaving you feeling wonderfully healthy. Here are tons of quick workouts you can do anywhere. 

14. Use your phone.

Another quick way to keep track is to use your camera phone to snap reminders during the day. I use mine for taking pictures of notes, street names, restaurants, receipts . . . You get it. It saves the time of digging around for paper and a pen.

15. Set reminders.

Stop forgetting what’s happening, and set reminders in your calendar. And this works wonderfully for birthday pop-ups, so you won’t find yourself ordering flowers to be delivered last-minute to your mother and paying top dollar to make it happen.

16. Clean out your address book.

Nothing like scrolling through a bazillion names and numbers just to get to the one you’re searching for. Clean up your address book, and you’ll also save yourself from butt-calling an ex.

Flickr / Ed Yourdon

17. Order your lunch.

Save time, and order your lunch online before heading out the door. This way you can skip the line and head straight to the register. And you might find there are coupons or incentives for using the service.

18. Buy in bulk.

Even if you’re not a fan of big-box stores, you can really save tons of money buying in bulk. And you might be surprised by some of the interesting items you can find. Invest in storage containers, and portion food when you get home so you’ll have everything you need for making tasty dinners.

19. Cook!

No need to be a culinary genius; you can cook your own dinners, saving you so much money and helping you eat healthy. One of the best kitchen accessories for saving time and money is a crockpot, since it does all the cooking for you while you’re at work. They’re especially great for warm Winter foods, so grab this Crock-Pot Smart Slow Cooker ($130), which can be controlled remotely, before the Winter chill sets in! 

20. Wash your dishes.

OK, no one wants to wash dishes after eating, but if you do it the right away, this chore takes less time. And if you have a dishwasher, rinse your dishes and stack them right away.

Flickr / sean dreilinger

21. Record your shows.

If you can, record your favorite shows so you can skim through commercials, which totally cuts back on your viewing time.

22. Bunch tasks.

If your prescription pickup is on the same side of town as where you get your office supplies, time the items together so you save on travel time. Bunching tasks makes life so much easier after you figure it out.

23. Check your commute.

The next time you’re heading to work, time it. Then do a bit of research and figure out if it’s the most efficient route or commute option. You might find that by adjusting your course or taking a different bus, you can save some time and maybe some cash.

24. Turn off your cell.

Just like your email notifications, turn off your cell when you’re focusing on work — and especially at the end of the night. You’ll be more attentive to tasks you’re tackling and to those around you.

25. Delegate.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to delegate when you’re feeling overwhelmed. And this goes from performing tasks at work to taking care of the chores at home. Sure, you can’t get the cat to fold laundry, but you can ask your partner or roommate to be on top of certain tasks or to delegate items to co-workers.

26. Sort your laundry.

It’s as easy as creating one bin for whites and another for vibrant colors for tossing dirty clothes into at the end of your long day. You’ll save time sorting when it’s laundry day. And take the time to properly measure laundry detergent when you’re doing laundry, which lets your detergent do its job while saving you money.

Looking for savings tips but don’t know where to start?

Well, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up 101 savings tips all in one place. Whether you’re looking for ways to save money on housing, food, travel or even pets, we’ve got you covered. Check out our guide on ways to save money, broken down into nine categories.

Easy Ways to Save Money Today

1. Go on a cash diet

Put a pause on your credit card use and go on a cash diet. Using only cash will ensure you spend only what you have. This can help you save money and avoid debt.

2. Pay off high interest debt first

If you have multiple loans, pay off your high interest debt first. This is commonly referred to as the “avalanche method”. You put extra money toward your high interest loans while paying the minimum toward your other loans. This can help you save money on interest.

3. Avoid fees

Fees can pop up everywhere. Avoid overdraft fees and monthly maintenance fees by switching to a no-fee bank. Pro tip: Chime has no fees at all.

4. Know your spending triggers

We all have spending triggers. Spending triggers can be certain emotions or places that encourage you to spend. For example, if you can’t go by a Starbucks without spending money there, that’s a trigger. If you indulge in retail therapy after a crappy day, that’s a trigger. Knowing your spending triggers can help you avoid spending when you don’t need to.

5. Refinance student loans

If you feel like you’re paying too much in student loan interest, you might want to consider student loan refinancing. This can be a smart move but it’s important to note that not everyone will qualify. You need to have good credit and consistent income. Additionally, you will give up important and lucrative federal protections like income-driven repayment and student loan forgiveness. Here’s a good place to learn about refinancing options for student loans.

6. Use autopay on your student loans

Many student loan servicers offer a .25% interest rate reduction if you sign up for autopay. Autopay automatically withdraws your student loan payment each month. So, if you time it right and have money in your account, this can save you money on interest.

7. Make bi-weekly student loan payments

Your student loan interest accrues daily. In order to combat this, you can make bi-weekly student loan payments. Instead of making one monthly payment, cut that in half and pay it every two weeks. You’ll save money on interest this way.

8. Pay your credit card balance in full

Interest rates on credit cards can be high. Paying off your credit card balance in full each month can help you avoid paying interest charges.

9. Start investing

One way to build wealth in the long-term and beat the cost of inflation is to start investing. You can invest in the stock market with exchange-traded funds, index funds, or other investment vehicles. The point is to put money aside and let the magic of compounding help it grow.

10. Switch banks

Does your bank charge fees for everything? Say G-O-O-D-B-Y-E. You can switch to a bank like Chime that has no fees. Your financial institution should have your back and not tack on fees everywhere you look.

11. Dispute errors on your credit report

Your credit report has information on it that affects your credit score. Your credit score, in turn,  can determine what interest rates you get on auto loans, credit cards and more. You can check your credit score on Credit Sesame or Credit Karma and check your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you see any errors, dispute them right away to make sure you aren’t getting locked into higher rates due to mistakes or inaccuracies.

12. Use credit card rewards

Do you have a credit card that has rewards? If you have a cash-back credit card, use your cash-back to fund your savings or help offset your budget. If you get miles, use them to save money on travel. Just be sure to read about any restrictions or limitations.

13. Take advantage of balance transfer cards

If you’re in credit card debt and have decent credit, taking advantage of a balance transfer credit card can help you save money. A balance transfer card offers zero percent APR for a period of time on balances that you transfer. So, if you can pay off your debt within the promotional period and don’t accrue more debt, you can save money on interest. Just be aware of potential balance transfer fees.

14. Adjust your tax withholding

If you get a big tax refund every year, you might want to consider adjusting your tax withholding. Adjusting your tax withholding could score you more money now and boost your paycheck. You can also put extra money into your savings.

15. Pay bills on time

Sounds simple, but pay your bills on time. Late fees can add up and catch you off-guard if you’re not careful. Keep track of due dates in your calendar and sign up for alerts.

16. Borrow only what you need

If you take out a student loan or other type of loan, try to only borrow what you need. Sometimes you get approved for much more but don’t let that tempt you. This can help you save money on your debt repayment.

17. Track expenses

A key to mastering your finances is tracking your expenses. You can track your spending using Mint or some other budgeting app. You can also do it manually with pen and paper for at least 30 days. Tracking your expenses can help you save money by making you more aware of where your money is going.

18. Sign up for bank and credit alerts

Signing up for bank and credit alerts can help you stay on top of your finances. If there are any fraudulent charges, you’ll get notified right away. If someone opens a new credit account in your name, it can trigger an alert. You can also sign up for alerts with your bank.

19. Automatically save 10 percent with every paycheck

Pay yourself first is a common adage in personal finance. If you have a Chime bank account, this is super easy. You can start now by automatically saving 10 percent every payday.

20. Create a budget

A budget can help save you money because you know where every dollar is going. Look at your after-tax income and create a budget for all your needs and wants. You can use apps like Mint or Tiller to help you get started.

21. Check your insurance deductible

If you want to save money on your insurance, you might consider boosting your deductible. High deductible insurance plans can save you money in the long run, especially if you don’t use your insurance often.

22. Write off charitable donations

Do you make any charitable donations? Save your receipts as you may be able to take a tax deduction. And always check with a tax advisor if you’re unsure about how you can benefit financially from your donations.

23. Save with a Traditional IRA

Want to save for retirement and save money on taxes? You may qualify for a tax deduction by saving for retirement with a Traditional IRA. Contributions to a Traditional IRA are tax deductible, which can lead to some tax savings.

How to Save Money on Shopping

24. Have a no-spend day

Commit to having at least one no-spend day each week. A no-spend day is when you spend absolutely no money. Make sure you have food and toiletries on hand and plan ahead. Having one, or several no-spend days can help you lower your spending and thus save you money.

25. Use paper coupons

You can still get some savings by looking at the paper coupons you get in the mail. Give it a quick look to see if you can score some savings. And, here’s another tip: If you shop at CVS, make sure you use the reams of coupons you get with your receipts.

26. Use Ebates or Honey

Shopping online? Use Ebates which offers cash back on certain stores when you buy online. You can also use Honey, which is an extension that automatically applies discount codes to your online purchases.

27. Buy generic

You don’t have to buy name-brand products all the time. You can buy generic prescriptions, generic dish soap, etc. This can save you money and in many cases, these products are exactly the same as the brand name counterparts.

28. Use free shipping codes

Look for free shipping codes or free shipping altogether. You can check out RetailMeNot for free shipping codes. You can also sign up for a free Amazon Prime trial and get free shipping (just make sure you cancel after the trial if you are no longer interested in Prime).

29. Buy in bulk

There are certain staples like toilet paper or rice that just make sense to buy in bulk. If you know that you always use a certain product or item, consider buying it in bulk at Costco or another wholesale club.

30. Shop off-season

The best time to shop for a specific holiday is after the specific holiday. I just saw 70% off Valentine’s Day items. I remember seeing the same thing for Christmas and Halloween. If you have room to stock up on items ahead of time, shopping off-season can score you huge savings.

31. Buy used

There’s no need to buy everything new. You can buy used clothing, used electronics and more. You can go to Goodwill or check out OfferUp or Craigslist for used deals.

32. Comparison shop

Always comparison shop! It’s easy to be lazy if you find something you like, but check two other places to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

33. Make gifts

Do you have a knack for making things? Make gifts instead of buying them. This can help you save money and give the recipient something special and unique.

34. Repair items

In today’s disposable culture, if something is broken, it’s easy to throw it away and buy a new one. If possible, however, repair your items. Sew your clothing, repair your lamp, etc. You can check out YouTube tutorials and try to fix it yourself before throwing down some extra cash for something new.

35. Read the fine print

Always read the fine print. You don’t want to have a “gotcha” moment and be caught off guard. For example, if a travel rewards credit card has a spending minimum before a certain amount of time, you’ll want to reach that before the time is up. If you cancel your gym membership, you might be hit with a cancelation fee. So, read the fine print to avoid extra costs.

36. Buy discounted gift cards

You don’t have to pay full price for gift cards. You can check out sites like CardPool and Raise to score gift cards at a lower price.

37. Create a spending delay

Are you dying to buy some new amazing thing that you’re convinced will change your life? Put a 48 hour hold on any big purchases. Wait to see if you’re still as pumped about it in two days. Delayed gratification can help you save money and spend less.

38. Ask for hand-me-down clothes for kids

Save money with hand-me-down clothes for your kids. Instead of buying new items every couple of months, ask friends and family if their kids have outgrown clothes or even toys. If they can pass them down to you, you’ll save big bucks.

39. Get money from recycling

Save money on your purchases and recycle them to get some cash back.

40. Don’t save your credit card info on websites

Saving your credit card info on websites can seem like a great convenience. But it can be a trap and a slippery slope to spending more. Entering in your credit card number manually every time you want to buy something can create a delay and make you think twice about spending.

41. Block tempting websites

There may be some tempting websites that entice you to spend more. You can block those websites when you’re online so you can’t access them. How? Try the Block Site website blocker for Chrome to get started.

42. Sign up for rewards programs

Do you shop at a specific place all the time? Or use a particular product or service? See if there is a loyalty or rewards program. You may be able to score free items or earn points by signing up.

43. Limit your laundry

We’re not encouraging you to wear dirty clothes, but really ask yourself how often you need to wash your clothes. Limiting laundry can save you money and may help keep your clothes in better shape, too.

44. Read instructions on special garments

Before you do laundry, read the care instructions on any special garments. You don’t want to ruin a cashmere sweater or wash something that should be dry clean only. Keeping your clothes in good shape will save you money as you won’t have to shop as frequently for new threads.

45. Shop at the dollar store

Nearly everywhere has some sort of dollar store. Check out the dollar store in your area and see if you can find deals on items you buy anyway.

46. Cut down on vices

We all have our vices. Whether you drink or smoke, eat too much sugar or drink too much soda, cut down on your vices. Vices can be expensive and bad for your health! You don’t have to give things up completely, but make an effort to cut down so you can curb your costs.

47. Do a clothing swap

Organize a clothing swap in your neighborhood. Each person brings clothes they no longer want and you can swap with other people. It’s a great way to reuse clothes and get something fresh, without spending money buying clothes.

48. Do a toy exchange

If you’re friends with other families with kids, arrange a toy exchange. There may be a toy that your child no longer uses but would be a good fit for a family nearby. Or perhaps your kids can gain new toys without you having to go out and buy them.

49. Get alerts for price-drops

Want to know when the right time to buy is? Use Price Tracker and Price Drop extension by Chrome to notify you when there’s been a price drop on a product you have your eye on.

50. Unsubscribe from sales emails

If you’re like most people, you’re getting sales emails every day. Unsubscribe from sales emails to get rid of temptation. Sometimes sales can encourage you to spend, even though you had no plans on buying anything.

How to Save Money on Your Car

51. Use GasBuddy

To save money on gas, use GasBuddy.com to see which gas stations have the most affordable prices near you.

52. Walk

If possible, save money on gas altogether by walking! Walking instead of driving is also good for your health.

53. Take public transportation

Consider taking public transportation if your destination is not in walking distance. Public transportation in your area may be more cost-effective than driving. It can help you save money on gas, parking and tolls.

54. Get your oil changed

To avoid any major mishaps with your car, it’s important to keep it in good shape. Get your oil changed on a regular basis so you can save money by avoiding much more costly mechanical issues.

55. Put air in your tires

Having the right amount of air in your tires can help your car be more gas efficient. Be sure to check the air pressure and fill up your tires as needed.

56. Clean out your car

Does your car feel like a closet and trash can in one? If so, it’s time to clean it out. First off, extra weight in your car can make your gas usage inefficient. On top of that, having a lot of items in your car can be a signal for thieves to roam through your stuff. I once left a nice-looking bag in my car and the next morning my window was bashed in and the bag was gone. I had to pay to get the window repaired.

57. Look for free parking

Parking fees can really add up. Before you head to your destination, do some research and look for free parking spots. You may be able to find free parking spots using the parking app SpotAngels.

58. Carpool

Reduce your transportation costs by carpooling. You can do this with co-workers, friends or even take a Lyft Line or Uber Pool when using a ride-sharing service.

How to Save Money on Your House or Apartment

59. Negotiate your rent

Many people think that your rent can’t be negotiated. Not true. If there’s a rental increase and you’ve been a good tenant, consider negotiating your rent. Tell your landlord why you’ve been a good tenant and explain your case. It’s expensive for apartment managers to find new tenants so don’t be afraid to attempt to negotiate your rent.

60. Limit heat/AC use

In the dead of winter and heat of summer, heat and AC costs can be brutal. So, consider only using heaters and AC when you’re home or setting the heat down a few degrees and scheduling the AC to only go on when the room temp reaches a certain degree.

61. Pay yearly instead of monthly

Some types of insurance can be more cost-effective if you pay annually instead of monthly. For example, I save money paying for my rental insurance in one annual payment.

62. Switch cell carriers

If you’re not in a contractor can get out of your current agreement, consider switching cell carriers. Sometimes cell carriers offer new customer specials so you can save money by switching.

63. Downsize

Do you have much more apartment or home than you need? Is your car way too big for your needs? Downsize! You are paying for that extra space and if you don’t need it, you can save money by downsizing.

64. Get rental insurance

Rental insurance can save you money if your apartment is damaged due to some types of disasters or burglary. It can also help you recover costs if one of your items is stolen, even if it’s not at your apartment. For example, if a laptop was stolen at a coffee shop, your renters insurance may cover the replacement cost.

65. Keep the lights off

Be mindful of your electricity use and only use the lights when you really need them. Keeping lights off more often may help reduce your electricity expenses.

66. Get a roommate

Housing can be a major cost. If you have extra space but don’t want to downsize, consider getting a roommate. A roommate can help offset some of your rent or mortgage payments.

How to Save Money on Food

67. Meal plan

Map out your meals a week in advance so you know what you’re cooking and can avoid the “What are we having for dinner tonight?” discussion and the temptations of take-out.

68. Avoid packaged foods

Packaged food may be convenient but it comes at a price. Save money by buying whole foods and not processed or packaged foods.

69. Use Ibotta

Use coupon app Ibotta to help you save money on groceries. You can get cash-back on purchases on specific food items. Just be sure to only buy things you actually need.

70. Use Groupon for restaurant deals

Want to go out to eat but not spend a fortune? Look on deal site Groupon first. You can find meal deals for a fraction of the cost.

71. Eat less meat

Meat can be more expensive than other types of foods, so to save money, limit your meat consumption. You don’t need to go full on vegan but cutting down even a little can reduce your grocery expenses.

72. Make coffee at home

Instead of a daily Starbucks run, make coffee at home. Doing so can save you $2-$5 per day, depending on the type of drink you usually get. You can even invest in coffee beans and creamer and it will still be more cost-effective than going out for coffee.

73. Host a potluck

Want to get together with friends but also save money? Host a potluck. Ask everyone to bring a different dish and enjoy many different foods, while saving money by avoiding eating out.

74. Grow herbs

You can grow some of your own herbs, spice up your cooking and save money. To start, you can buy inexpensive seeds or herb plants at Trader Joe’s or Home Depot.

75. Don’t shop hungry

The cardinal rule for grocery shopping is don’t shop hungry! You are likely to spend more because your eyes and stomach will be doing the shopping, not your brain.

76. Buy wine at Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s has a great affordable wine selection. You don’t have to go without good wine while trying to save money and going to TJ’s is a good savings hack. If you don’t have a Trader Joe’s in your area, try Costco. Yes, you’ll buy in bulk but the amount you’ll spend per bottle works out to be lower than a singular bottle of the same brand at a liquor store.

77. Ditch sugary drinks

Swap out your soda or frappuccino for some ice water. Ditching sugary drinks can cut down on unnecessary expenses, plus drinking more water keeps you hydrated.

78. Always have snacks

Keep a granola bar in your purse or car at all times. Having snacks on hand can help you avoid spending extra money when you’re super hungry.

Save Money on Your Pets

79. Do a pet sitting swap

Hiring pet sitters can add up fast. See if there’s a neighbor that you can do a pet sitting swap with. They will watch your pets when you’re gone and you’ll do the same when they’re gone.

80. Buy pet items in bulk

If you know you need items like cat litter or cat food, why not buy in bulk? You can score some additional savings by buying your must-have items in bulk at wholesale clubs like Costco.

81. Get regular check ups for your pets

Vet visits don’t come cheap but prevention is a great way to save money and lower costs. Getting regular check ups for your pets can keep them healthy and hopefully help you avoid major issues and expenses down the line.

Save Money on Beauty and Health

82. Get a haircut at a beauty school

You can save money on a haircut by going to a beauty school. It may take a bit longer but the savings can be significant.

83. Trim your own hair

Need just a quick trim? If you have a steady hand and good eye, consider doing it yourself. I’ve been trimming my own hair for the past two years. I just cut off the ends and it’s worked out pretty well for me.

84. Get your exercise in

Exercising can help you stay healthy and avoid additional medical costs down the line. Bonus: when you’re exercising, there’s less time to spend money.

85. Manage your stress

Stress can lead to a lot of additional expenses related to medical costs, stress-spending, stress-eating and more. So, manage your stress and this way you can keep your expenses in check.

Save Money on Entertainment

86. Cancel unused subscriptions

If there are subscriptions you don’t use anymore or ones that you don’t use often, cancel them. No need to spend money each month unnecessarily.

87. Use Goldstar for entertainment deals

You can score entertainment for a fraction of the cost using a site like Goldstar. You can buy tickets to concerts, sports games, theater shows and more at a discount. You can also find similar deals on Groupon.

88. Go to museums on free days

Many museums have free days certain times of year. Some have “by donation” days as well. So, get your museum fix by going on the free or pay-what-you-can days.

89. Borrow books from the library

Yes, buying new books on Amazon Prime can be addicting. But you can save money by borrowing books from the library for free!

90. Go to free cultural events

Many cities offer cultural activities that are free and open to the public. These can range from parades to concerts, speaker series to celebrations. Check your local community calendar to see what might be coming up.

91. Streamline entertainment

Do you have cable, Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video? It may be time to cut back and stick with one. Having multiple streaming services and packages can add up, so cut down and streamline your entertainment.

92. Take free classes online

You don’t have to take on student loan debt or pay an arm or a leg to take some classes. You can take free classes online. You can also watch how-tos on YouTube or practice your language skills on DuoLingo.

93. Volunteer as an usher

One way to cut entertainment costs is to become an usher at a theater. Volunteer and see the show for free!

94. Volunteer to work at events

If there’s a retreat, conference, talk or festival coming to your city, inquire about volunteering. This is a great way to meet new people and save money on admission.

Save Money on Travel

95. Buy flights on Tuesday

Ready to book a flight for your next trip? Book on a Tuesday, the most affordable day to purchase a flight from the United States.

96. Stay in affordable accommodations

When traveling, accommodations can add up. Consider couchsurfing, staying in a hostel, a cheap AirBnB, or staying with a friend. Hotels can cost hundreds per night so opting for one of these options can score you some savings.

97. Avoid foreign transaction fees

Traveling abroad? You could get hit with foreign transaction fees when you spend money. Get a credit card that offers no foreign transaction fees so you can save your hard-earned dough.

98. Use Skype and WhatsApp

Traveling internationally can result in hefty call charges and international roaming. When communicating from a palazzo in Florence or the beaches of Bali, use Skype and WhatsApp to communicate for free.

99. Go camping

Looking for some peace and quiet? Go camping! It’s an affordable way to travel and can get you back to being one with nature.

100. Book holiday flights in advance

Many people make the mistake of booking holiday travel at the last-minute. That’s a big no-no if you’re trying to save money! Book far in advance, preferably no later than September for holiday travel in November and December.

101. Fly on a holiday

You can score additional savings by actually flying on a holiday. If you don’t mind this, you can save money by flying on Thanksgiving or Christmas. I’ve used this tactic to save over $100 on my flight.

Start saving now

Using these 101 savings tips, you can start to reduce your expenses in nearly all aspects of your life.

Focusing on your top expenses like housing, food and transportation can give you the biggest wins. The biggest perk: These tips can pad your savings account so you can save for your future and have money set aside for a rainy day.

Do you ever feel like no matter how hard you try it’s still impossible to find ways to save money? You mean well and try to spend less, but something always comes up. Life gets in the way—the car needs new tires, the teenager needs braces, the house needs a new roof—and just like that, saving money takes a back seat. Sound familiar?

The truth is, you don’t need everything to line up perfectly before you start saving money. Spoiler alert: If you wait for the “right time” to roll around, it’s never going to show up. The best time to start saving is right now.

The good news is, there are plenty of straightforward ways to save money and breathe some fresh air (and fresh cash) into your budget. Here are 23 money-saving tips to help you tweak your spending and get on the fast track to saving money in no time.

23 Practical Ways to Save Money

1. Say goodbye to debt.

Monthly debt payments are the biggest money suck when it comes to saving. Debt robs you of your income! So, it’s about time you get rid of that debt. The fastest way to pay off debt is with the debt snowball method. This is where you pay off your debts in order from smallest to largest. Sounds kind of intense, right? Don’t worry—it’s more about behavior change than numbers. Once your income is freed up, you can finally use it to make progress toward your savings goals.

2. Cut down on your grocery budget.

Most people—after they do a budget—are shocked to find out how much they’re actually spending at the grocery store each month. And if you’re the average thrifty American family of four, you’re probably spending around $966.¹ Yikes! It’s so easy to walk through those aisles, grabbing a bag of Oreos here and a few bags of chips there, and then top it off with the fun goodies at the register. But those little purchases (aka budget busters) add up quite a bit and end up blowing the budget every single month.

Start budgeting with EveryDollar today!

Save money on groceries by planning out your meals each week and taking a good look at what you already have in your pantry before you head to the store. Because why would you want to buy more of what you already have? And if you really want to stick to your list—leave the kids at home.

Want to save money and time? Try online grocery pickup or delivery. Most major grocery stores offer it these days (sometimes even for free), and it can save a ton of money. Picking up your groceries gets rid of the temptation you would’ve had when you caught a whiff of those freshly baked chocolate chip cookies floating through the aisles. In other words, you’re forced to stick to your list and avoid those impulse splurges.

3. Cancel automatic subscriptions and memberships you don’t use.

Chances are, you’re paying for multiple subscriptions like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, gym memberships, trendy subscription boxes and Amazon Prime. It’s time to cancel any subscriptions you don’t use regularly. And make sure you turn off auto-renew when you make a purchase. If you cancel it and decide you can’t go without it, subscribe again—but only if it fits into your new and improved budget.

4. Buy generic.

Hands down, one of the easiest ways to save money is to give brand names the boot. In most cases, the only thing that’s better about name-brand products is the marketing. I mean, look at that box! The logo is so fancy! And that’s about where it ends. Generic brands of medicine, staple food items (like rice and beans), cleaning supplies and paper products cost far less than their marked-up name-brand friends—and they work just as well too.

5. Cut ties with cable.

It’s no secret that cable prices are rising like crazy. The average cable TV bill has grown 52% in the last three years!² Here’s the good news: Cable isn’t the only way to watch your favorite shows these days. Cut the cord and find out how to save big with alternatives to cable like network apps and streaming services.

But remember—don’t go subscription service happy here. Only sign up for the streaming services you’ll actually use. If you sign up for everything out there, you could end up actually spending more than cable!

6. Save money automatically.

Did you know that you can save money without thinking about it? Yup—you can set up your bank account to automatically transfer funds from your checking account into a savings account every month. If that sounds scary to you, you can also set up your direct deposit to automatically transfer 10% of each paycheck into your savings account. Boom!

7. Spend extra or unexpected income wisely.

When you get a nice work bonus (way to go!), inheritance or tax refund, put it to good use. And when we say “good use,” we aren’t talking about adding that fancy new stamp to your stamp collection or even just putting it in the bank to camp out.

If you’ve still got debt in your life, you’ll be better off using those funds to pay off your student loans or the balance on your credit card instead of stashing that money away. If you’re debt-free, use those extra dollars to build up your emergency fund—you know, for emergencies.

8. Adjust your tax withholdings.

Speaking of extra, unexpected income—if you get large tax refunds every year, it’s time to adjust the withholding on your paycheck. This way you’ll bring home even more money each month. Plus, you don’t want to give the government any more of your money than you have to, right?

9. Reduce energy costs.

Did you know that you can save money on your electric bill just by making a few tweaks to your home? Start with some simple things like taking shorter showers (nope, we didn’t say fewer), fixing leaky pipes, washing your clothes in cold water, and installing dimmer switches and LED lightbulbs.

While new, energy-efficient appliances are a great way to save money on your electric bill, they’re expensive! But if you work it into your monthly budget, you can save up and pay cash for those improvements over time.

10. Check your insurance rates.

No, really. Did you know people save an average of $700 when they have an Endorsed Local Provider (ELP) check their insurance rates for them? $700! You owe it to yourself to at least have them look things over for you and see what savings they can dig up.

11. Pack lunch (and eat at home).

Get this—the average household spends about $3,030 on food outside of the home each year.³ That’s $253 per month! Buying lunch a few times a week may seem harmless in the moment (especially when your favorite restaurant is walking distance from your office), but you can save quite a bit of money just by packing a lunch.

Not only that but a lot of times you can buy a solid week’s worth of groceries for the same price as two dinner meals out. Instead, prepare your food at home and watch your savings pile up month after month.

12. Ask about discounts (and pay in cash).

You never know until you ask—and you should always ask. Next time you’re getting tickets at a movie theater, museum or sporting event, check to see if they have any special discounts for seniors, students, teachers, military or AAA members. If not, never underestimate the negotiating power of cash!

13. Take advantage of your retirement savings plan.

If your employer offers a 401(k) match and you aren’t taking full advantage of it, you’re missing out big time! Talk to your HR department to set up an account. But remember, you should wait until you’re completely debt-free (except your mortgage) and have a fully funded emergency fund of three to six months before you start saving and investing for retirement.

14. Lower your cell phone bill.

If your monthly cell phone bill competes with your monthly grocery budget, it’s time to find ways to cut back. Save money on your cell service by getting rid of extras like costly data plans, phone insurance and useless warranties. And don’t be afraid to haggle with or completely switch your provider! It might require a little persistence and research, but the savings are worth it.

15. Try a spending freeze.

Don’t buy any nonessential items for a week—or even a month! Think about it as a contentment challenge. While you’re at it, take inventory of what you’re grateful for each day. This should help kick your “want-itis” in the pants!

Make your spending freeze work by prepping meals with the food you already have, avoiding stores where you tend to impulse buy (did someone say Target dollar spot?), and saying no to anything that isn’t a basic necessity.

16. DIY . . . everything!

Before you shell out the cash to pay for a new backsplash, bench or fancy light fixture, think about doing it yourself! Usually, the cost of materials and a simple Google or YouTube search will save you a ton of money on your latest home project. Plus, you won’t have to pay someone to do something you can most likely do yourself. But if you’re the type who can’t seem to hit the nail on the head, you might want to ask a friend or neighbor for help so you don’t have to spend money on new drywall.

Oh, and when you need to do some DIY work (or any kind of work), borrow whatever tools you need from a friend or neighbor instead of going out and buying it.

17. Skip the coffee shop.

Ouch. This one is painful—we get it! Notice we aren’t saying to cut coffee—just to lower your coffee spending. Instead of spending $6–8 on that daily latte, you can save money by just making your coffee at home—or at least limiting the amount of times you hit that drive-thru and using coffee shop hacks to save on each trip.

18. The library is your friend.

Before you click Add to Cart on that brand-new book, check your local library to see if you can borrow it! Most libraries also have audiobooks and digital copies of your favorite books for rent. It’s an easy way to get your reading in without breaking the bank.

Bonus tip: Look online or visit your local used bookstore for major deals on like-new or even well-loved books . . . for next to nothing!

19. Try a staycation.

When your goal is to save money, a vacation is possibly the worst thing you could spend your money on. Instead of whisking your family off to the Greek Isles, try being a tourist in your own city. Not only will this save you hundreds (or potentially thousands) of dollars, but you can also explore your neighborhood with fresh eyes and have some fun while doing it.

20. Use cash-back apps and coupons.

Nothing beats a good old-fashioned 20% off coupon when you’re buying something. But did you know there are plenty of cash-back apps out there to help your savings go even further? Check out Ibotta, Rakuten and Honey (a browser extension).

21. Refinance your mortgage.

Here’s the deal: This is a long-term money saver. If you’ve got a 30-year mortgage, you’re spending a ton on interest over the life of that loan. Refinancing to a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage will save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Reach out to one of our RamseyTrusted Real Estate Agents to see if a refinance is worth it for you.

22. Sell everything (that doesn’t bring you joy).

Marie Kondo has the right idea. Declutter the things in your home that you don’t need and are willing to let go of for the sake of your financial future. That vintage chair your aunt gave you? Sell it. That crystal vase you found at an antique shop? Sell it. You’d be surprised at how much clutter you have in your home (that you don’t even use or think about). And the cash you can make on those things can be the difference between living paycheck to paycheck or not.

23. Learn the power of “no” (or “not now”).

We live in a world of instant gratification. Food from our favorite restaurants can be at our door in an hour or less. The show you want to binge is right there at the ready. The ads on social media say you need this, that and the other. Right now. We’re a couple clicks away from satisfying our desires for nearly anything!

But if you can delay some gratification by using the magic of “no” (or “not now”)—you will save so much money. It’s a huge mindset shift to build better spending habits overall. And it’s another way to become a more content person. Savings with a side of mental and emotional health? Yes, please!

How to Start Saving Money—Right. Now.

You’ll only start saving money when you learn healthy money habits and let your future needs be more important than your current wants—aka when you make saving money a priority. So do it! You can stop the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck with a simple secret: Make a zero-based budget before the month begins.

A budget is all about being intentional. It helps you create a plan so you can see where your money is going and find out how much you can actually save each month. When you make a zero-based budget, you’re giving every single dollar a name—or assigning it a job to do—before you save or spend it. Remember: It really doesn’t matter how much money you make—what matters is how you spend and save the money you make.

Need help staying on top of your spending? Get our free budgeting app, EveryDollar. It’s the best way to keep track of all your expenses (and your savings) in one place!

You can do this! Starting today, you can save more and spend less by using these 23 tips to make 2023 your best year with money yet.