Contributor Content
Saving money isn’t something that most of us were taught to do when we were young. Rather, it’s a skill that is usually taught as a series of life lessons, or if you’re wise through using simple money-saving tips that you find on the internet via financial experts. They do it for a living, so you know their advice is sound.
If you’re looking to save, these easy-to-follow money-saving tips will help you set aside some dough you never knew you had. From downloading any number of wealth apps, to reducing billing fees, to ways that social networking can help save money, these tips are good for any who just graduated college to those nearing retirement.
1. Mobile Apps
The best way to save serious money is to automate your savings in a way that makes it hard for you to notice what’s happening. Qapital is great for this. This savings app allows you to establish rules that trigger small (or large) deductions from your main bank account. You can round up spending, add a dollar a day, or just save extra when you spend on guilty pleasures.
It’s a great way to save up extra while still keeping things safe for your cash flow. To ensure that you don’t overdraft your bank account, the app regularly checks your account to ensure that you have enough money to support withdrawals. If you don’t, they pause withdrawals until you do. It also comes with a debit card, which can really come in handy during tougher times.
2. Switch to Water
Soda is a guilty pleasure that most of us don’t really think about too often. It’s sweet, fizzy, and enjoyable. However, it’s also significantly more expensive than you’d expect. All those little sips add up.
If you have just one soda that costs a dollar per day, you end up saving $365 a year by skipping soda. If you have an energy drink per day, that number easily can double to $908—assuming an average cost of $2.48 per drink.
3. Change Banks
Not all banks are equal. Some have sky-high fees that kick in when you overdraft the account or when you don’t use your debit card. Others are willing to waive certain fees as long as you follow certain rules.
If you find yourself hit by bank account fees on a regular basis, it may be time to shop around for a new bank. Chime Bank, which is an online bank, is known for not charging fees with its customers. If you need a more in-person bank, looking at local credit unions can be a better option.
4. Lyft or Uber
Do you have a long commute that eats up time? You might want to consider using that time to do some work for a company like Uber or Lyft. By picking up people going on your route, you will be able to make some cash while you head to work.
This small side gig might not be much to begin with, but it will help you cover the cost of gas on a long commute. Everything counts, right?
5. Customer Rewards Programs
Most major stores have special rewards clubs that allow you to save extra money on things you regularly buy. Whether it’s a perks club at a supermarket or at your favorite clothing shop, those little perks can definitely add up when you use them.
A little 10 percent savings here, a little freebie there…it all adds up. To really supercharge your savings, make a point of keeping abreast of all the specials that are specifically made for discount club members. You might be surprised at how much is offered up in savings.
6. Bundle Insurance
Insurance is pricey, but it’s absolutely necessary. In fact, it’s not even legal to drive without car insurance and many landlords insist on having renter’s insurance because of all the potential hazards that can cause damage to a home.
The good news is that most insurance companies allow you to bundle up different insurance purchases, and will give you a good discount for it. So, if you need both auto and renter’s insurance, bundling up can save you some extra cash.
7. Shop Around for Insurance
Regardless of what kind of insurance you have, or what type of insurance you own, shopping around is always a wise idea. Insurance companies regularly find ways to offer lower rates, and even health insurance might be worth switching over if you find a better option.
Most people just assume that their rates are the lowest because they did the research years ago and found what was the lowest rate back then. Things change, and so should your insurance plan, if you’re wise about it.
8. Cash Back Apps
Ibotta is an app that allows you to get cash back via PayPal for things you buy online and in store. Rewards being offered include things like grocery store items, clothing, and hotel rooms. Depending on how you shop, you can easily get hundreds of dollars back for things you already got.
The app works by letting you scan receipts after checkout, or by making purchases through the app. Once you hit $20 in rewards, you can withdraw the cash through PayPal or Venmo. By getting into the habit of using Ibotta, that cash back can quickly turn into a nice little savings account.
9. Pool Your Bulk Shopping
Did you ever go to a bulk wholesale location like BJ’s or Costco, only to find that the prices for items don’t really make much sense for a regular family? You’re not alone. When it comes to bulk produce, many small families find the prices to be great, but aren’t too thrilled about the massive portions.
A good way to save money on bulk foods is to pool your shopping with another family. By buying in bulk together and splitting the cost and quantity, you can get food way cheaper than what you’d pay at a typical grocery store.
10. Groupon or Living Socia
Discount services like Groupon made it possible to find great services, outings, and restaurants in your area without having to pay a premium price. The deals available are the very same quality and quantity that people would pay full price for, just with major savings.
If you want to have a luxe lifestyle without the high price tag, getting a Groupon or Living Social coupon to fulfill your needs or excursions will definitely work in your favor. Considering that the sites have everything from spas to cleaning services available, it definitely can make life a lot more affordable.
11. Shred Your Monthly Bills
A major secret that most companies will never tell you is that you could probably be paying a lot less for the monthly bills you currently have. Things like your phone, internet, and cable all tend to have upcharges that eat away money that should stay in your bank account.
Billshark is a program that sends emails that lower your bills on your behalf. The only thing they ask is that they take a small slice of the savings they get for you, which is deducted immediately from the bill itself. People can easily save as much as $100 a month by using Billshark, so it’s definitely worth a look.
12. Subscription Boxes
This may seem counterintuitive because of meal kits’ costly reputation, but believe me, it may be worth it. Certain meal kit services offer up plates at $8 per serving or less if you buy large quantities, including kits like Gobble and Daily Harvest. This generally works best if you only have two people in your home.
There are also meal kits that offer deformed or otherwise unusual produce to your door, often at a deeply discounted price. If you are a huge fan of experimenting with different vegetables and trying new recipes, this is a good way to get the food you need at half the price.
13. Find Local Free Gym Classes
Gym memberships eat up money very quickly, with many exceeding $50 per month in price. Truth be told, you don’t need a gym membership to get fit and have a nice exercise routine. You can do just as well using a home workout through YouTube if you really want to.
That being said, if you want to enjoy classes with others who hold the same kind of interests as you, there are still other ways to save. Most towns have free meet-ups that involve fitness classes like yoga, jazzercise, or Zumba. The classes are just as fun, but way cheaper.
14. 7-Day Rule for Splurge Purchases
Did you ever see an item at a store that you just had to get, only to realize you could never really make use of it after you bought it? Most of us have. Impulse spending burns a major hole in peoples’ pockets and makes up for billions of dollars in purchases every year.
Stores work hard to encourage splurging and impulse buys, but there is one easy way to fight back against the pressure. The best way to save money by not buying things right off the bat is to wait for seven days before you choose to buy it. That time away from the store makes it possible for you to get the clarity of mind you need to stick to a budget.
15. The Right Way to Use a Credit Card
If you have a cash back credit card or a rewards points credit card, you better know how to use it! One of the best ways to save money or get freebies is to try churning. Churning is the act of spending using a credit card in order to rack up as many rewards as you possibly can.
After each month, people who churn credit cards pay off their entire balance. This allows them to rack up points without racking up debt. Depending on what your card offers, you may be able to get free cash back, free vacations, or even free gear.
16. Lower Your Credit Card Rate
Trying to pay off a balance, but need to get lower minimum payments to do so? Believe it or not, you can lower your monthly minimum payments on your credit cards if you are smart about it. Credit card companies want to keep their customers, primarily because the cost of obtaining a new client is way higher than just keeping an old client happy.
If you want to get a lower interest rate, just call them up or contact customer service. Explain that you have gotten a better offer for another card, that you’ve been a client for years, and that you want to keep your card. However, to keep you, tell them that they need to lower the interest rate. Once in a while, they’ll grant your wish.
17. Telemedicine
A single trip to the doctor’s office can cost up to $350, and that’s just not acceptable if all you really need is a prescription for a UTI or a prescription for a sinus infection that’s gone out of control. Believe it or not, there are ways to avoid having to spend that much money on your more mundane medical bills.
Lemonaid Health, for example, is a telemedicine app that connects you with real doctors for about $35 per visit. You tell them what’s wrong, they diagnose you, and then they send the prescription you need to any pharmacy you frequent. It’s simple, cheap, and yes, convenient, too.
18. Negotiate Your Rent
Is the rent too darned high in your area? Have you been dealing with slum-like conditions that are making life a drag? You might be able to save a little money every month by being a little more vocal about your needs. Most landlords are very motivated to get renters in their building, and you can use that to your advantage. Being willing to sign that day can be enough to get landlords to decrease rent by $50 to $100.
Don’t be afraid to talk things out. If your landlord isn’t keeping the property in a livable condition, you might also have a way to leave your apartment via a “breach of contract.” Most landlords will be willing to decrease rent in exchange for patience while they repair your home.
19. DIY Whenever You Can
Doing things yourself isn’t just empowering; it’s cost-effective. Professional repairmen and craftsmen charge a premium price for their services. Raw goods, on the other hand, tend to be pretty cheap.
Having skills in the DIY department can seriously cut costs of living immensely. If you are crafty and capable of doing anything on your own, by all means, choose the DIY route. Getting rid of the labor costs can make a huge difference in how well you can work a budget.
20. Shopping Your Closet
When was the last time that you really went through your closet? If it was longer than a year ago, it may be time to revisit your wardrobe. Clothes tend to collect faster than you think, and if you’re an impulse buyer, you might not even realize how many clothing items you have.
Going through your closet on a regular basis will do more than just help you free up space for new clothes. It can also remind you of what you already own, help you appreciate what you have, and hopefully dissuade you from buying more stuff.
21. Use Company Benefits
You work hard for your money, but don’t forget all the other perks you earned with your paycheck. Most jobs come with perks like a 401(k), health insurance, or even free coffee. Don’t underestimate those benefits. Even the smallest benefit can save you hundreds per year.
Those benefits are yours. You earned them. So, use them. You’d be surprised at what they can do for your budget. If you’re unsure of your company benefits, talk to HR about what you’re entitled to. Then, claim your benefits.
22. Ask to Waive Fees
Fees are pesky and are pretty much designed to chip away at your pockets. Believe it or not, you don’t have to accept fees as a part of life. Many, if not most, fees are negotiable. You won’t know if you can skip the fees unless you ask.
Asking for fees to be waived won’t always guarantee a fee deletion. However, if you are firm with your question and ask nicely, you would be surprised at how many fees suddenly vanish from a bill.
23. Improve Home Insulation
A well-insulated home is a cost-efficient home. Insulation keeps outdoor air and temperature from affecting the temperature inside your home. Homes that have drafty windows and doors require far more energy for air conditioning, dehumidifying, as well as heating.
Insulating your home doesn’t have to cost much, nor does it always require a professional. You can save more money on your electricity bills by just using weather stripping tape on your windows and doors.
24. Don’t Hang With Flashy People
Certain people cannot help the temptation of living like a celebrity—even when they can’t afford it themselves. These people are just plain toxic to maintaining a healthy mindset about money. Hanging out with people who insist on keeping up with the Joneses will only encourage spending beyond your means, most often to impress people who don’t matter.
Anyone who has been around the super rich will tell you that wealth whispers. They don’t usually want to draw attention to their wealth because that brings out users. Flashy people, on the other hand, want others to know they have money because they are often insecure about their position in life.
People who insist on flashing cash aren’t usually wealthy and generally will drag others down with them.
25. Network, Network, Network
Knowing the right person in the right place is crucial if you want to get ahead. It’s also a good way to find people who can help you save money using their knowledge, connections, or business. Networking pays off, even if the people you know aren’t CEOs of Fortune 500 companies.
For example, having a friend who is a mechanic might get you a discount on service, or may offer up free assistance while you shop for a car. Having a friend who works at a retail store might get you updates on sales, or access to an employee discount. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The more people you know, the easier life gets.
