80 Small and Big Ways to Save Money This Year
If one of your goals is to save money this year, then make a few changes here and there to save a little or a lot. Remember the little things do add up! Read this list below on suggestions for saving money and pick a few for 2019.
— Additional reporting by Emily Co
01
Bring lunch to work
02
Take public transportation
03
Drop your landline and rely on your cell phone
04
Reassess your savings accounts
05
Make your gifts
06
Make your own cleaning products, like detergent and carpet cleaner
07
Cook more and eat out less often
08
Be aware of bank fees
09
Make a list before grocery shopping
10
Grocery shop at lower-priced supermarkets like ethnic stores
11
Buy generic products
12
Don't go to the grocery store when hungry
13
Entertain indoors
14
Explore free activities on the weekend
15
Shop your wardrobe
16
Wait on purchases before buying them
17
Get a home energy audit
18
Seal up air leaks in your home to cut heating and cooling costs
19
Buy generic medicine
20
Use your health benefits
21
Skype instead of making long-distance calls
22
Turn roaming off and rely on WiFi when traveling
23
Know the right things to buy in bulk
24
Reassess your internet and cable provider and see if you can find a cheaper plan
25
Turn off lights that aren't in use
26
Unplug electronics when not in use
27
Use cold water to wash your clothes
28
Hang dry your clothing instead of tumbling it in the dryer
29
Hand-wash your clothing instead of taking it to the dry cleaner when possible
30
Drink tap water instead of bottled water. Consider investing in a filter.
31
Cancel cable and watch your favorite shows online
32
Work out outdoors, play sports, or go to a friend's gym instead of paying for a gym membership
33
Shop at the farmers market
34
Swap clothes, bags, and accessories with friends
35
Google coupons before buying something online
36
Renegotiate your cell phone plan, find a new carrier, or cancel some features to save money
37
Use a prepaid phone instead of signing up for a phone plan
38
Read books and magazines from the library
39
Make your own coffee at home
40
Return the purchases you need to return
41
Sell your old things
42
Buy used items
43
Automate payments so you won't forget and be charged with late fees
44
Negotiate a lower APR
45
Upcycle your old items instead of throwing them away
46
Always comparison shop
47
Find a good rewards credit card and use it smartly
48
Book trips early
49
Stock up on holiday decor after the holidays
50
Don't feel obligated to say yes to every invitation (this includes weddings, dinners, events, etc.)
51
Eat right and exercise and get enough sleep, so you won't have to pay with your health
52
Pay bills online to save on postage
53
Stop smoking
54
Stop drinking soda
55
Compare gas prices to find the most affordable gas with sites like GasBuddy.com
56
Get beauty treatments from trainee beauticians
57
Keep plastic takeout containers for future use
58
Wash dishes in a full dishwasher
59
Avoid out-of-network ATMs
60
Keep track of your money with a spreadsheet or Mint.com
61
Plan out your meals for the week
62
Refill printer ink instead of buying new cartridges
63
Brush and floss every day and take care of your teeth to prevent pricey dental bills
64
Keep your receipt or take a picture of it in case you want to return an item
65
Vacation closer to home
66
Don't check in your luggage
67
Check out Airbnb instead of hotels
68
Travel during an off-peak season or time
69
Travel to an underrated place instead of famous tourist spots
70
Use reusable grocery bags
71
Find a place with lower rent or get roommates
72
Join loyalty programs
73
Wait for daily deals for services you like, such as dental cleaning or a massage
74
Feed your pet the right foods and keep it in shape to reduce vet bills
75
Work toward getting a better credit score so you'll be quoted cheaper rates
76
Review your receipts to make sure you're not being charged for odd items
77
Check your bank account daily to make sure there aren't any weird charges
78
Always try to wait for a sale before buying something
79
Don't use your credit card overseas unless it doesn't have foreign transaction fees
80
Rent movies instead of going to the theater
81