50+ Easy Ways to Save Money In 2024 (2024)

Whether you're trying to save money for a down payment, pay off student loan debt, book a dream vacation, or simply build an emergency fund, finding ways to both save and make more money is a common goal among money. Yet, knowing how to change one's spending habits to reach that savings goal can be challenging.

Ways to Save Money While Shopping (Online or IRL)

• Shop with Cash-Back and Rewards Programs: Whether you're shopping in-store for something as minor as cleaning supplies or online for new furniture, using a free app that gives you cash-back, such as Ibotta, can reduce online shopping costs and even put some money back into your wallet.
• Join a Loyalty Program: Loyalty programs are a win-win for customers and businesses alike. Target’s reward program, which is complimentary to join, awards you with points for each dollar spent, which can then be used for discounts on future purchases.
• Waiting for Discounts: Leaving items in your cart can prompt retailers to offer discounts to encourage you to complete your purchase.
• Buy Discounted Gift Cards: Believe it or not, buying discounted gift cards is another great way to save more money. This is because many gift cards, such as those for movie tickets, can save you up to 30% more than if you were to buy the items directly.
• Price Comparison Tools: Price comparison tools, such as Shopzilla, can help you find the best deals online. By comparing prices across different retailers, you can ensure you're getting the best price.
• Know When to Shop: Understanding the best times to shop is one of the key factors of knowing how to coupon effectively. To keep your savings on track, familiarize yourself with the optimal times to purchase groceries and take advantage of any monthly or yearly sales events.
• Let Things Sit in Your Cart for a Few Days: By letting items sit in your cart for a few days, it gives you the chance to decide if they're what you want to buy or not. This can help avoid impulse buys that you'll later regret.

Ways to Save Money on Grocery Shopping

• Scan Your Receipts: Using programs like Fetch Rewards and other free coupon apps, you can receive points by scanning your store receipts. Once you've accumulated enough points, you can apply them as cash on your next purchase or redeem them for a free gift card.
• Planning Meals Strategically: Strategic meal planning is key to reducing your grocery bill. By using seasonal ingredients and simple recipes, you can enjoy better quality food at lower prices.
• Consider Joining a Warehouse Club: Buying in bulk or when items are on sale can save your expenses to a monthly budget. Stores like Costco and BJ’s allow you to purchase commonly used items at discounted prices because of their bulk sales model.
• Use a Shopping List: Stick to a list when grocery shopping to avoid buying items you don't need.
• Buy in Bulk (Wisely): Purchase non-perishable items and common staples in bulk, but only those you're sure you'll use. This can lead to substantial savings over time.
• Go Generic: Opt for store brands instead of name brands. They often contain the same ingredients and are significantly cheaper.
• Shop Seasonally: When hitting grocery stores, try to buy fruits and vegetables that are in season. They are usually cheaper and fresher, which means they taste better and last longer.
• Reduce Meat Consumption: Meat can be expensive, so try incorporating more vegetarian meals into your diet to save money without sacrificing nutrition.

Ways to Save Money on Entertainment and Dining Out

• Cancel Unused or Unknown Subscriptions: This may be an obvious way to save money, but if it's been a while since you've taken inventory of any subscriptions you have, doing so could help reveal some you've been paying for but not using.
• Plan Free Activities - Enjoy events and activities that are free, such as those in nature, to entertain yourself without spending.
• Finding Free Local Events: Take advantage of free events and other free stuff in your community, such as outdoor festivals, open mic nights, street fairs, and charity events.
• Budget-Friendly Dates: There are many ways to enjoy a romantic evening without spending a lot. Cooking together or watching a sunrise or sunset can make for memorable dates without a big price tag.
• Take Advantage of Happy Hours: Many restaurants and bars offer discounted prices during happy hours and certain days of the week. Plan your outings to coincide with those times or when there are Monday food deals or other daily deals to enjoy food and drinks at a fraction of the cost.
• Use Entertainment Books or Apps: Purchase an entertainment book or download an app that provides discounts and 2-for-1 deals at restaurants, cinemas, and other entertainment venues.
• Opt for Appetizers or Share Meals: Instead of ordering full entrees, consider sharing meals or ordering several appetizers to split. This can be a more affordable way to try different dishes.
• Cook at Home Before Going Out: If you're planning a night out, have a light meal at home first. This way, you can still enjoy going out without spending as much on food.

Ways to Save Money on Home Utilities

• Use Smart Thermostats: Investing in a smart thermostat can save you more money on your electricity bill. These devices learn your schedule and temperature preferences, therefore automatically heating or cooling only when necessary.
• Use LED Bulbs: Getting more energy-efficient light bulbs, such as LED bulbs, can help reduce energy costs by almost 75% and they last 25 times longer. This leads to significant savings on electricity and replacement costs.
• Invest in Water-Saving Measures: Implementing water-saving measures can reduce your utility bills. Actions such as fixing leaks, installing low-flow fixtures, and using water-efficient products can greatly reduce your water usage and lower your bills.
• Enhance Insulation in Your Home: Improving the insulation in your home can be a cost-effective way to save money on energy bills. Proper insulation helps to maintain a consistent temperature within the house, leading to significant savings on heating and cooling costs.
• Utilize Off-Peak Electricity: Save on your energy bill by running high-consumption appliances like washers and dryers during off-peak hours, typically late night to early morning, when electricity rates are lower.
• Install a Low-Flow Showerhead: Switching to an eco-friendly showerhead can save you up to $260 annually, making it a smart and simple way to cut costs.
• Turn On Your Ceiling Fan: Operating a ceiling fan costs considerably less per hour than air conditioning. By using it in tandem with your AC, you can reduce your cooling expenses by up to 8%.

Ways to Save Money on Transportation Costs

• Download a Gas Savings App: By downloading a savings app, such as Upside, you can save 30% on your next road trip or daily commute.
• Use Public Transportation and Carpooling: Using public transport is a cost-effective way to reduce spending on gas and wear and tear on your car. Carpooling is another great option to share fuel costs.
• Maintain Your Vehicle: Regular vehicle maintenance can improve fuel efficiency and prevent costly repairs. This includes oil changes, tune-ups, and tire care. Driving consistently at steady speeds can also save fuel and reduce wear on your car.
• Explore Alternative Transportation: Looking to save money fast? Do a quick search of any alternative transportation options in your area. Cycling, walking, and ride-sharing, for example, can save you money on travel.

Ways to Save On Prescription Medications

• Use Prescription Discount Cards: Services like GoodRx can offer substantial discounts on prescription medications.
• Go Generic: Opt for generic drugs instead of brand-name versions to save money, as they contain the same active ingredients and are often much cheaper.
• Shop Around: Don't settle for the first price you find; compare prices at different pharmacies, such as CVS or Walgreens, as they can vary significantly.
• Check for Manufacturer Coupons: Some pharmaceutical companies offer discounts on their medications through coupons available on their websites or through doctors' offices.
• Use Assistance Programs: Look into patient assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical companies or non-profit organizations that help cover the cost of medications for those who qualify.
• Stay Healthy: Investing in your health can help reduce the need for costly health insurance and also avoid future medical expenses.

Other Ideas for Saving Money

• Look for Freebies and Free Stuff: From free food to free movie tickets, there are a ton of free things out there you can take advantage of. All you have to do is look!
• Spend Cash; Don't Use Credit Cards: Opting for cash payments over credit cards can increase your awareness of expenditures and also prevent having to make debt payments. This also helps prevent you from spending more on just paying interest.
• Monitor Price Drops: Use tools like CamelCamelCamel to track online price fluctuations and buy at the best time.
• Pay for Subscriptions and Memberships Yearly: While this may seem like the more costly option, paying for a subscription or membership for a full year at once is usually cheaper than paying monthly for it.
• Shop Around For Annual Car Insurance: Car insurance companies like to charge more for those shorter policies. Therefore, by shopping around and comparing different annual policies, you could end up saving yourself hundreds per year in the long-run.
• Pay in Cash and Negotiate: Usually, sellers are happy to receive cash, and they're willing to come down on price to get it. So if you're good about carrying cash on you and you don't mind negotiating, this can be a great way to knock down the cost of what you want by at least a few bucks.
• Shop Secondhand - Shopping at thrift stores for clothing, household supplies, school supplies, and other necessities can be a great way to save money.
• Maintain and Repair Instead of Replace - Extend the life of your possessions with good care. This can help reduce the need to buy new items so often.
• Utilize Credit Card Rewards: Save money by using credit cards that offer rewards like cash back, points, or miles. Redeem these for various expenses, ensuring you pay off balances monthly to avoid interest that can outweigh rewards benefits.
• Embrace Bartering: Exchange goods or services instead of purchasing new. Bartering can be a creative way to obtain what you need without spending extra money.
• Utilize Public Libraries: Take advantage of free resources such as books, movies, and online courses available at public libraries.
• Practice Preventative Health: Invest in regular exercise, such as with a gym membership or a fitness app, and a balanced diet to avoid future medical costs associated with preventable diseases.

Top 6 Best General Ways to Boost Your Savings Account

1. Create and Stick to a Budget: The first step in saving money is knowing where your money goes. Track your income and expenses, and make a budget that prioritizes saving. Stick to this budget to avoid overspending.

2. Eliminate or Reduce Debt: High-interest debt can eat away at your finances. Focus on paying off such debts as quickly as possible to reduce the amount you pay in interest, which can result in significant savings over time.

3. Utilize Savings Tools and Apps: Take advantage of technology by using apps and tools that help you save effortlessly. Cash-back apps, automatic savings programs, and budgeting tools can all contribute to your savings goals.

4. Live Below Your Means: Adjust your lifestyle to spend less than you earn. This might mean cutting back on non-essential expenses, reducing your cell phone plan, looking for more affordable housing, or choosing a less expensive car.

5. Invest Wisely: Consider putting your money into investments that can grow over time. Whether it's stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or retirement accounts, investing can help you build wealth and save for the future.

6. Consider Starting a Side Hustle: If you're looking for another way to generate income and boost that savings account, starting an easy side hustle may just be the solution. From dog walking through Rover to simply getting paid to watchvideos withSwagbucks, you can earn extra cash to put towards your savings journey.

- Vanessa