The same-old tips can get stale; you can only make a budget and put more money into your savings account so often! But we’ve got you covered with eight unique money-saving tips that, even if you’ve heard of, you probably haven’t given a whirl yourself.
1. Downgrade Plans and Subscriptions
Internet or phone plans are often pricey monthly expenses deemed necessary. But you can switch to a less expensive plan, usually with next to no impact on your enjoyment or user experience, depending on what you use these services for. The result is significantly less money spent throughout the year with next to no drawbacks.
2. Switch Banks for More Benefits
Switching banks is a hassle, so most people will stick with their trusty institution out of habit. However, you might find that other banks have lower fees and sign-up bonuses that could help you achieve your financial goals. This is particularly true of savings accounts since some banks might have options that offer higher interest rates.
3. Rent Your Things
You can rent virtually anything in your home. And while a room is usually the most common (and often most lucrative), renting things like power tools or yard equipment are also great options and don’t require much effort on your end.
4. Use Browser Extensions When Shopping
Online shopping is the new norm. And since most of us do at least some amount of shopping online, it’s wise to install browser extensions that can help you save money or get rebates on your purchases. Common extensions like Honey or Rakuten are known to work exceedingly well and are worth a shot.
5. Host a Swap Party
Gather your friends and family for a swap party! The idea is that everyone brings something or some things they don’t want and trades it for something they do. It’s a phenomenal and unique way to cross multiple things off your to-do list, like decluttering, while also socializing with some of your favorite people!
6. Sell Your Data
If you believe the online privacy ship has sailed long ago, you’ll likely have no problem selling your information or opinions to companies willing to pay you for them. After all, many of them are collecting it for free anyway, so you might as well get something out of it by installing an app or using a service you’re actively choosing.
7. Try a No-Spending Challenge
The no-spend challenge is commonly recommended, but how many people actually see how far they can go? Start with a weekend, then maybe an entire week without spending a dime; you’ll be shocked by how much you save and how often you spend money when you probably don’t need to.
8. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
Sometimes, you need to spend money to save money, and a programmable thermostat is the perfect example of that philosophy. You can set your thermostat to different profiles, turning it down whenever you’re at work and turning it up when you get back home. There’s no interruption to your comfort, but you’ll notice at least a somewhat significant shift in how much you spend on energy costs monthly.
20 Frugal Tips From the “Grandparents Generation” That Still Apply Today
Many of today’s grandparents had parents or grandparents who lived through the Great Depression. They adopted many of the frugal living tips they learned and passed them on to their own children.
Grandkids sometimes think that they know everything and that their grandparents are out of touch with today’s world and reality. And while there might be a kernel of truth to that, grandparents still have a wealth of knowledge that can really help. They may need to be tweaked to fit the current world but they are still valuable.
20 Frugal Tips From the “Grandparents Generation” That Still Apply Today
13 Signs You’re Financially Better Off Than the Average American
Achieving financial stability where you can meet your current financial obligations comfortably and still plan for the future is a goal everyone strives to attain.
However, while you may be able to pay your bills, save for vacations, and afford to dine out occasionally, you may feel left behind, especially if you compare yourself with your peers or others with higher salaries. You may be doing way better financially than the average American.
13 Signs You’re Financially Better Off than the Average American
14 Companies That Will Give You Free Food and Products Just for Asking
More companies are now offering free samples to get customers to try a new product. Over time, these companies gain loyal customers and can increase their sales. As a customer, you also get to test out free products and sample foods you’ve never tasted.
Read on as we explore some companies that will give you food and products for free just by asking.
14 Companies That Will Give You Free Food and Products Just for Asking
14 Powerful Frugal Living Tips for Middle-Class Americans
Inflation is high. This means that we don’t all need to understand, but we do understand that prices are high on basically everything. Everything costs more, and things are tough. Basic necessities like housing and healthcare are becoming increasingly unaffordable for most people.
As middle-class Americans adjust to the new reality, here are some powerful frugal living tips that can make our lives easier and better.
14 Powerful Frugal Living Tips for Middle-Class Americans