11 Money-Saving Hacks Worth Trying This Year

Advertiser Disclosure

This article may contain references to products or services from one or more of our advertisers or partners. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products or services. Nonetheless, our opinions are our own.

Feeling like your wallet’s on a diet, but your expenses are feasting?

You’re not alone. Prices are climbing, and every dollar matters more than ever. But what if you could keep more cash in your pocket?

Ready to make your money work smarter? Read on to find out more.

Summary hide

1. Automate Your Savings
2. Use Public Transportation or Carpool
3. Switch to Energy-Efficient Appliances
4. Meal Prep Like a Pro
5. Get Smarter with Grocery Shopping
6. Reevaluate Your Subscriptions
7. Negotiate Bills Like a Pro
8. Buy Second Hand Instead of New
9. Find Free or Discounted Entertainment
10. Do It Yourself
11. Check Out Programs
Smart Money Moves for the Year Ahead
Recommended Reads

1. Automate Your Savings

Out of sight, out of mind – that’s the magic behind automating savings. Create an automated regular transfer to a high-yield savings account each payday. Even a small, consistent amount adds up over time without you having to think about it. Many banks also offer round-up features that save your spare change from everyday purchases.

2. Use Public Transportation or Carpool

Gas, insurance, and maintenance add up fast. If you can, take public transportation a few days a week or set up a carpool system with coworkers. For those who don’t drive often, switching to a pay-per-mile insurance plan could lead to big savings. Opting for tailored insurance plans can ensure you’re only paying for what you need.

3. Switch to Energy-Efficient Appliances

Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances may feel like an upfront expense, but it pays off in the long run.

LED bulbs
Smart thermostats
Energy Star-rated appliances
High-efficiency washing machines
Low-flow showerheads and faucets
Solar-powered outdoor lights

Can majorly cut electricity costs. Adjusting your thermostat a few degrees or using cold water for laundry can also make a noticeable difference.

4. Meal Prep Like a Pro

Takeout and last-minute grocery runs drain your budget fast. Planning your meals ahead of time, batch cooking, and making use of leftovers can reduce food waste and save hundreds of dollars a month. Need extra motivation? Try the “eat at home” challenge for a week and see how much you save.

5. Get Smarter with Grocery Shopping

Impulse buys are real, and grocery stores know how to tempt you. Shop with a list and take advantage of cashback apps. Avoid shopping when you’re hungry.

6. Reevaluate Your Subscriptions

Streaming services
Gym memberships
Premium apps
Cloud storage plans
Meal deliveries

Can quietly drain your bank account. Go through your bank statements and cut out anything you don’t use regularly. There are even apps that track your subscriptions and help you cancel unwanted ones.

7. Negotiate Bills Like a Pro

Yes, you can negotiate bills! Call your providers and fight for a cheaper rate. Many companies offer discounts if you threaten to cancel or switch. It’s a simple way to lower your expenses without giving up anything.

8. Buy Second Hand Instead of New

From furniture to clothing, buying second hand can save you a fortune.

Thrift stores
Online marketplaces
Swap groups

Can help you find quality items at a fraction of the cost.

9. Find Free or Discounted Entertainment

Who says fun has to be expensive? Many cities offer:

Free events
Museums with discounted days
Public parks
Community center programs

Check listings in your area and social media groups for more.

10. Do It Yourself

Before paying someone to fix something, see if you can do it yourself. YouTube is a goldmine for learning. Small DIY efforts can make your life easier

11. Check Out Programs

Look for programs that give you money back on things you already buy. Just be sure to pay off any credit card balances entirely.

Smart Money Moves for the Year Ahead

With just a few adjustments, you can cut expenses without feeling deprived. These simple tweaks make a real impact on your savings. Want to take it a step further? Look at what else is out there.

The FangWallet Promise

FangWallet is an editorially independent resource - founded on breaking down challenging financial concepts for anyone to understand since 2014. While we adhere to editorial integrity, note that this post may contain references to products from our partners.

The FangWallet promise is always to have your best interest in mind and be transparent and honest about the financial picture.

Become an Insider

Editorial Disclaimer: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any of the companies mentioned. The opinions expressed here are the author's alone.

The content of this website is for informational purposes only and does not represent investment advice, or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security, investment, or product. Investors are encouraged to do their own due diligence, and, if necessary, consult professional advising before making any investment decisions. Investing involves a high degree of risk, and financial losses may occur including the potential loss of principal.

Advertiser Disclosure: This article may contain references to products or services from one or more of our advertisers or partners. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products or services.

Write for Us