15 Money-Saving Tips You Haven’t Heard Before
Here are 15 money-saving tips you haven’t heard before, you need to try out.
1.Cancel unused subscriptions – Sift through credit card and bank statements to identify recurring subscriptions you no longer use. Cutting them stops “phantom” charges that bleed cash.
2. Downsize your internet speed – Internet providers typically overprovision speeds. You can likely drop a tier and still have sufficient bandwidth, for $10-20 monthly savings.
3. Inquire about unadvertised discounts – Ask providers about any lesser-known discounts for things like paperless billing, autopay, or multi-line packages. Companies don’t always volunteer these.
4. Trim cable channels – Call your cable company and cut expensive channels you rarely watch. Pick flex or skinny bundles without the spendy sports and movie options to lower costs.
5. Buy gift cards for future splurges – When you have extra funds, purchase gift cards you can use later for pricier purchases. You’ll lock in discounts now while delaying spending.
6. Renegotiate your cell phone bill – Mobile carriers are eager to keep existing customers. Use this leverage to request lower rates, more data or new perks if you threaten to switch.
7. Take a cash-only week – Try spending cash-only for a full week. The tangible impact of handing over physical money resensitizes you to what things cost. You’ll likely curb impulse buys.
8. Inspect appliances for efficiency – Replace aging appliances like refrigerators and water heaters with new ENERGY STAR models to reap long-term energy savings. Look for rebates.
9. Cancel poorly-performing subscriptions – Evaluate monthly services like clothing boxes and meal kits. If you get little value from a subscription, promptly cancel to avoid forgetful overspending.
10. Select cheaper driving routes – Use apps like GasBuddy to map cheaper gas stations along your regular commute. Taking a few minutes longer can save a few cents per gallon.
11. Downsize your home – With kids gone and more space than you need, downsizing to a smaller, cheaper home can significantly trim housing costs, utilities and taxes.
12. Buy medications from discount apps – Apps like GoodRx and WellRx can help you comparison shop for cheap generics and use coupons to lower prescription costs.
13. Buy quality shoes – Pay more initially for well-constructed, comfortable shoes that last years rather than cheap pairs you replace annually. The long-term savings are substantial.
14. Avoid convenience fees – Pay bills with checks or your bank’s bill pay rather than services that charge “convenience fees” for online payments. The small fees add up.
15. Cancel old memberships – Ditch unused gym memberships, alumni associations and subscriptions that hit your wallet monthly yet provide little personal value.
In total, diligently employing these creative cost-cutting tips can free up hundreds of dollars annually to boost your savings or pay down debt.
Library Subscriptions: Instead of buying books or subscribing to expensive online platforms, maximize your local library’s resources for free reading materials.
DIY Cleaning Products: Create your own cleaning supplies using common household items like vinegar and baking soda. It’s cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Meal Prep with a Twist: Plan meals that use similar ingredients to minimize waste and save money. Batch cooking and freezing portions can also cut down on daily expenses.
Cash-Only Challenge: Designate specific spending categories and use cash only. This tangible approach can help you visualize and control your budget more effectively.
Unplug Electronics: Reduce energy costs unplugging electronics when not in use. Even in stand mode, many devices consume energy, contributing to higher electricity bills.
Swap, Don’t Shop: Organize clothing swaps with friends or use online platforms for swapping items. It’s a budget-friendly way to refresh your wardrobe without spending a dime.
Negotiate Regular Bills: Call your service providers regularly to negotiate better rates on bills like cable, internet, and insurance. Loyalty often comes with perks, and companies may offer discounts to keep you as a customer.
DIY Home Repairs: Learn basic home repair skills to fix minor issues yourself. Online tutorials and guides can help you tackle tasks without hiring professionals, saving on repair costs.
Carpool or Share Rides: Coordinate with neighbors or colleagues for carpooling or ride-sharing to save on fuel expenses and reduce your carbon footprint.
Buy Generic Brands: Opt for store-brand products instead of name brands. Many generic items are comparable in quality but come with a lower price tag.
Free Fitness Alternatives: Explore free workout videos online, go for outdoor activities, or use community resources like parks for exercise instead of paying for a gym membership.
Cashback and Rewards Apps: Utilize cashback and rewards apps when shopping online or in-store. These apps can help you earn money back or accumulate points for future discounts.
Cancel Unused Subscriptions: Review your monthly subscriptions and cancel any that you no longer use or need. This includes streaming services, magazines, or software subscriptions.
Reusable Products: Invest in reusable items like water bottles, shopping bags, and containers to cut down on single-use product costs and reduce waste.
Coupon Stacking: Combine manufacturer coupons with store promotions for double savings on groceries and other goods. Many retailers allow this practice, providing significant discounts.