Ultimate Money Saving List - 55 Tips To Save Money Now (2024)

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by Janet 6 Comments

The Ultimate Money-Saving Checklist

Use this list to find many ways to save money. A free pdf of this list is available at the end of the post. Print it and cross off anything you have already done or does not apply to you.

(This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of my links, I may receive a commission or credit at no additional cost to you. For more info, please read myAffiliate Information Policy.)

Take the remaining list and decide the first 5 items to implement now. After the first five, continue through the list starting 5 at a time. You should be able to find some good savings items!

  • Cancel your landline phone and use cell service only.
  • Take your lunch to work instead of eating out.
  • Use a large reusable water bottle, fill it at home and take with you when you go somewhere. This will stop you from buying water or soda while doing errands or other activities.
  • When you need to buy light bulbs, get CFL bulbs.
  • Quit smoking. This is a hard one, but the habit is expensive.
Ultimate Money Saving List - 55 Tips To Save Money Now (1)
  • Use plastic shopping bags for small garbage cans.
  • Pay your bills online when possible to avoid late fees and postage.
  • When you need to replace your car, consider a hybrid.
  • If you shop at Wal-Mart, use their Savings Catcher program. It’s easy – just scan your receipt and if a competitor has a better price on the same item, Wal-Mart will refund the difference. 2020 Note – Wal-Mart has discontinued its Savings Catcher Program. 🙁
  • Join Honey and save money. Honey is a browser extension that automatically finds coupons and cash back offers.
  • Consolidate debtsif it is a benefit to do so.
  • When going on errands or sports events, take snacks and drinks with you if they are allowed. This will help you avoid the conveniencestore or fast food restaurants.
  • Cheaper is not always the best deal. Consider quality and reliability when making purchases.
  • Use your library for books and magazines. Not only saves money but prevents clutter in your house.
  • Comparison shop when you need to make purchases. Often you can get a better deal online that may also include free shipping.
  • If you often purchase from Amazon, consider Amazon Prime.
  • Buy a water filter pitcher and stop buying bottled water.
  • If you have one around you, use a discount grocery store such as Aldi.
  • Switch to generic brands at the grocery store.
  • Check thrift stores for clothing.
  • Take coffee with you from home. Specialty coffee stops really add up.
  • Drink water when dining out. Restaurants make a killing from their drink offerings.
  • If you use office supplies, the best time to get them is during back to school specials. Also, a lot of states have a tax-free back to school weekend for certain items. In my state that saves almost 10%!
  • Grocery shop with a list. Try the order-online pickup service if you have one available. Wal-Mart offers this free service and you know exactly how much you will be spending. Plus, it saves your time and sanity.
  • If you eat out or have a trip planned, check Groupon.com for deals.
  • Insulate your water heater and adjust the temperature to 120 degrees. The default is 140 from most manufacturers.
  • Install a programmable thermostat. Have the temperature adjusted for nighttime and when no one is home.
  • Keep an eye on your tire pressure. Under-inflated tires and have a negative effect on your gas mileage performance.
  • Buy cheaper cuts of meat and cook in a crock-pot to make them tender.
  • Declutter your house and have a yard sale or sell on eBay.
  • Ultimate Money Saving List - 55 Tips To Save Money Now (2)
  • Keep a list of things you need, but can wait for. Then keep an eye out for sales.
  • Buy Christmas and birthday gifts all year, taking advantage of sales.
  • Buy Christmas wrap and decorations at after-Christmas sales. Same for other holiday’s.
  • If you eat out often, join the restaurant’s free rewards programs. Just don’t eat out more often just to get a reward later on!
  • Use coupons when you can. Nothing extreme, just for items you will purchase anyway.
  • Create photo books in Shutterfly.com. They have great sales – usually up to 50% off. Order your photo book during these sales.
  • Shutterfly.com also has some great gift ideas; calendars, cups, cards, etc. with your family photos. Again, order during their sales.
  • Comparison shop auto and home insurance policies.
  • Join Ebates and get cash back on purchases.
  • Learn to do your own oil changes and light car maintenance.
  • Buy in bulk for things that you use regularly such as paper towels and bath tissue. Sam’s Club and Cosco are a couple of shopping options.
  • Do simple home repairs yourself. Youtube.com has a lot of instructional videos.
  • Go to movies during matinée times. Avoid the concession which often costs more than admission.
  • Sign up for a Health Care Spending account and 401-K if you have the option through your work.
  • Use RetailMeNot.com for discounts. We always have one when we eat at Ruby Tuesday’s.
  • Cut out fast food. Keep simple meal plans and ingredients available to stop the urge to get fast food for dinner.
  • Make cookies and snacks instead of buying them. Make it a fun task and include the family.
  • When making a casserole that uses meat, cut the amount of meat by 1/2. You will save money and not notice the difference.
  • Wash clothes in cold water as much as possible.
  • Change to low flow shower heads
  • Change heat and air filters as recommended by the manufacturer and the filter brand.
  • Always check online for a coupon before buying something, especially online.
  • Stop drinking soda and expensive specialty drinks.
  • Refinance your mortgage if you can get a lower rate.
  • Create a budget and use it.
  • Have a goal for the money you will save. This will keep you on track!

    Have a financial goal for the money you will save with these 55 money saving ideas. #savemoney #Save #SavingTips Click To Tweet

    Download a pdf version of this list here.

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    Comments

    1. Ultimate Money Saving List - 55 Tips To Save Money Now (4)Javier says

      These are great and Easily actionable money savers. Was already doing many, but had never thought about some of the others. Thanks

      Reply

    2. Ultimate Money Saving List - 55 Tips To Save Money Now (5)Javier says

      Theses are easily actionable and great. Already doing many and have now found more ways to save.

      Reply

      • Ultimate Money Saving List - 55 Tips To Save Money Now (6)Janet says

        Thank you Javier! So much is common sense, but it never hurts to have things in writing 🙂

        Reply

    3. Ultimate Money Saving List - 55 Tips To Save Money Now (7)Holly says

      Janet, you always have such great blog posts! I love your ideas for how to save money.

      We love our water pitcher with filter and pairing that with our Super Sparrow reusable bottles. It has saved a lot of money and the planet by reducing so much plastic waste!

      I’m also a BIG fan of ordering groceries online using the pick-up at store services. Walmart didn’t do that until very recently here, but I jumped on board immediately. I don’t like shopping at all so this has been a lifesaver for me. Plus, as you say, it really does save time, money and sanity!

      RetailMeNot is a great resource, I agree! I’ve found so many fantastic coupons that saved a lot of cash for us. It doesn’t take long to check and see if there’s one available, so why not?

      You’re awesome Janet. Thanks again! You’ve done a brilliant job at helping us save money! 🙂 God bless you!

      Reply

      • Ultimate Money Saving List - 55 Tips To Save Money Now (8)Janet says

        Holly, You are SO sweet and made my day! I appreciate your feedback so much and the many tweets you reshare.
        Also, your website is so nice and informative. I am really glad we have become “online” friends.
        Have a Blessed Day!
        Janet

        Reply

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    Ultimate Money Saving List - 55 Tips To Save Money Now (9)I am a child of God and my faith means a lot to me.

    I have a wonderful husband, 2 children, and 3 grandchildren. Family is very important to me.

    For most of my life, I worked in IT. My last position was a Certified QA Engineer. I really loved my work and was pretty good at it 🙂. Now I am retired and enjoying my family and free time.

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    Ultimate Money Saving List - 55 Tips To Save Money Now (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the 50 30 20 rule? ›

    The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings. The savings category also includes money you will need to realize your future goals.

    How to save up $10,000 fast? ›

    6 steps to save $10,000 in a year
    1. Evaluate income and expenses. To make room for saving, you'll need a meticulous budget that outlines all your sources of income and all your expenditures. ...
    2. Make an actionable savings plan. ...
    3. Cut unnecessary expenses. ...
    4. Increase your income. ...
    5. Avoid new debt. ...
    6. Invest wisely.
    Apr 2, 2024

    What is the trick to saving money? ›

    Save money automatically.

    Set up a direct deposit from each paycheck to your savings account. That way you don't even think about the money you're saving—you're just saving. Start budgeting with EveryDollar today! And if you really want to get serious, use a separate bank from your existing checking account.

    How to save $1,000 dollars fast? ›

    Dave Ramsey's 9 Ways To Save Your First $1,000 Fast
    1. Cancel Subscriptions. ...
    2. Bring Your Own Lunch. ...
    3. Avoid Coffee Out. ...
    4. Re-Sell Old Items. ...
    5. Shop at Cheaper Grocery Stores With Rewards Programs. ...
    6. Buy Generic. ...
    7. Join a Carpool. ...
    8. Pick Up a Side Hustle.
    Dec 28, 2023

    Is $4000 a good savings? ›

    Are you approaching 30? How much money do you have saved? According to CNN Money, someone between the ages of 25 and 30, who makes around $40,000 a year, should have at least $4,000 saved.

    What is the 40 40 20 budget rule? ›

    The 40/40/20 rule comes in during the saving phase of his wealth creation formula. Cardone says that from your gross income, 40% should be set aside for taxes, 40% should be saved, and you should live off of the remaining 20%.

    How to save $5000 in 100 days? ›

    It works like this: Gather 100 envelopes and number them from 1 to 100. Each day, fill up one envelope with the amount of cash corresponding to the number on the envelope. You can fill up the envelopes in order or pick them at random. After you've filled up all the envelopes, you'll have a total savings of $5,050.

    How can I save $5000 fast? ›

    Here are eight ways to save $5,000 in a year with small, manageable steps.
    1. “Chunk” Your Savings. ...
    2. Automate Your Savings. ...
    3. Save in a High-Yield Saving Account. ...
    4. Track Your Cash Flow. ...
    5. Boost Your Earnings. ...
    6. Declutter for Cash. ...
    7. Evaluate Your Subscriptions. ...
    8. Challenge Yourself.
    Feb 5, 2024

    How can I save $1000 in 30 days? ›

    11 Easy Ways to Save $1,000 in 30 Days
    1. Create a Budget. ...
    2. Automate Your Savings. ...
    3. Create a Savings Bingo Sheet. ...
    4. Negotiate Your Bills. ...
    5. Separate Wants From Needs. ...
    6. Plan Your Meals. ...
    7. Buy Generic Brands. ...
    8. Cancel Unnecessary Subscriptions.
    Sep 26, 2023

    What is the 3 saving rule? ›

    This model suggests allocating 50% of your income to essential expenses, 15% to retirement savings and 5% to an emergency fund. This plan allows you to meet your immediate needs and plan for the future before you spend on anything else.

    How to save little money every day? ›

    Daily Savings
    1. Brown Bag It.
    2. Brew Your Own.
    3. Join Supermarket Loyalty Programs.
    4. Score Senior Discounts, Perhaps Sooner Than You Think.
    5. Get Student Perks.
    6. Charge It to a Cash-Back Card.
    7. Shop for Home Telecom Service.
    8. Consider Switching Mobile Services.

    How to save money fast Dave Ramsey? ›

    Dave Ramsey's 9 Ways To Save Your First $1,000 Fast
    1. Cancel Subscriptions. ...
    2. Bring Your Own Lunch. ...
    3. Avoid Coffee Out. ...
    4. Re-Sell Old Items. ...
    5. Shop at Cheaper Grocery Stores With Rewards Programs. ...
    6. Buy Generic. ...
    7. Join a Carpool. ...
    8. Pick Up a Side Hustle.
    Dec 28, 2023

    How can I double my $1000? ›

    If your employer offers a dollar-for-dollar match contribution, you can double $1,000 by investing it in your 401(k). Other than that, there's no easy or risk-free way to double $1,000—you can invest the money in individual stocks, but there will be risks involved.

    How to get more money? ›

    How to make money fast
    1. Become a rideshare driver. ...
    2. 2. Make deliveries. ...
    3. Help others with simple, everyday tasks. ...
    4. Pet sit. ...
    5. Sell clothes and accessories online. ...
    6. Sell unused gift cards. ...
    7. Earn a bank bonus. ...
    8. Take surveys.

    What is a 50/30/20 budget example? ›

    Applying the 50/30/20 rule would give them a monthly budget of: 50% for mandatory expenses = $2,500. 20% to savings and debt repayment = $1,000. 30% for wants and discretionary spending = $1,500.

    Is the 50 30 20 rule outdated? ›

    However, the key difference is it moves 10% from the "savings" bucket to the "needs" bucket. "People may be unable to use the 50/30/20 budget right now because their needs are more than 50% of their income," Kendall Meade, a certified financial planner at SoFi, said in an email.

    What is the disadvantage of the 50 30 20 rule? ›

    It may not work for everyone. Depending on your income and expenses, the 50/30/20 rule may not be realistic for your individual financial situation. You may need to allocate a higher percentage to necessities or a lower percentage to wants in order to make ends meet. It doesn't account for irregular expenses.

    When should you not use the 50 30 20 rule? ›

    The 50/30/20 has worked for some people — especially in past years when the cost of living was lower — but it's especially unfeasible for low-income Americans and people who live in expensive cities like San Francisco or New York. There, it's next to impossible to find a rent or mortgage at half your take-home salary.

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