Keeping your finances balanced on a limited income can feel overwhelming. Between climbing grocery prices and higher fuel costs, every dollar matters.
But don’t panic — small and large money-saving tactics can add up quickly.
If you want to free up some room in your monthly spending, these 33 top money-saving tips can help.
Groceries
1. Ask Which Day Your Store Marks Down Items
Supermarkets typically reduce prices on items nearing their sell-by date on a certain weekday. Asking an employee when markdowns happen is a savvy way to pick up discounted meats, bread and produce.
2. Skip Delivery and Choose Pickup
Grocery delivery is incredibly convenient — and pricey. Tips and service charges on apps like Instacart can tack on an extra $20 to $30 to your bill.
If you want to avoid the delivery premium, try curbside pickup instead.
Using pickup is a far cheaper option that’s still quick and straightforward. It also helps you stick to your list since you won’t be tempted by impulse buys in the aisles.
And it’s often simpler to compare unit prices when you can view all options online rather than hunting through shelves.
Many chains provide free or low-cost pickup, including BJ’s Wholesale Club, Aldi, Kroger, Target, Albertsons and Walmart.
3. Choose Frozen and Canned Produce
Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables last much longer, retain much of their nutrients and typically cost less than fresh produce.
“Buying items like broccoli, carrots, peas and cauliflower frozen or canned is the best way to gain shelf life and prevent food waste,” said Jessica Ayala, a full-time banquet chef in Orlando, Florida. “Be realistic about which fresh foods you’ll actually consume before they spoil.”
4. Buy Meat on Sale in Bulk and Freeze It
High meat prices have many people cutting back. Going meatless a couple days a week and using cheaper proteins like beans and lentils can trim your grocery costs.
If you still want meat in your meals, watch for larger packs (think 3-pound ground beef or family packs of chicken) to go on sale.
Purchase several packages, divide them into 1-pound portions and freeze.
Here are additional strategies to save on meat at the supermarket.
5. Do a Little Meal Prep
Meal prepping doesn’t have to be daunting. Here’s how to begin prepping meals so you’ll keep at it. If you need ideas, check out hacks for budget meal planning.
6. Look for Holiday Discounts
Watch for seasonal promotions — like canned beans on sale around Cinco de Mayo or barbecue sauces near the Fourth of July.
Stock up on discounted candy the day after holidays like Valentine’s Day, Easter and Halloween.
Also, consult a month-by-month list of the best times to buy items, such as computers in August and swimwear in September.
7. Stop Drinking Your Cash Away
Drink water instead of soda or juice. Skip bottled water in favor of filtered or tap water. Brew coffee at home rather than buying it out.
Set an alcohol budget and stick to it — or cut out alcohol if you want to save substantially.
8. Buy Certain Items in Bulk at Warehouse Clubs
Buying staples in bulk can be a reliable way to lower costs — as long as you buy wisely.
Membership fees for warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s Club can be a hurdle, but sometimes there are promotional rates that reduce the cost to join. Check Groupon and coupon sites for deals on annual memberships.
You can also try online bulk sellers like Boxed, which delivers without charging a yearly fee.
9. Purchase In-Season Produce
The cheapest way to buy fresh produce is to buy fruits and vegetables when they’re in season.
Here’s a guide to when various produce items are in season across the U.S.
10. Serve Smaller Portions
Serve dinner on smaller plates and reduce portion sizes. It increases awareness of how much you eat and cuts down on food waste. It’s also better for your health.
11. Look High and Low on the Shelves
Next time you shop, scan the top and bottom shelves. Most shoppers focus on the mid-shelf, so pricier items are often placed there.
12. Compare Cost Per Unit
Every product on the shelf has a price tag with a cost-per-unit figure in the corner. That number is the most accurate way to compare value, especially when buying larger quantities.
13. Visit Local Food Pantries
Asking for assistance can be difficult, but food pantries provide legitimate free food. If you’ve lost income, contact your local pantry to see what help is available rather than going hungry or accruing debt.
Use this food pantry locator from Feeding America to find a food bank near you.
You can also call United Way’s 211 for additional local resources.
14. Freeze Your Bread
Bread can get moldy surprisingly fast, especially in warm months.
“Kitchens and restaurants use this tactic daily to cut food waste and save money,” Ayala said.
From hot dog buns to whole multigrain loaves, freezing bread can extend its life by four to six months.
Another handy tip?
“Grind stale crusty bread, season it and make homemade breadcrumbs to use later,” Ayala suggested.
15. Embrace the Slow Cooker
If you’re feeding a family, using a slow cooker to make large batches can save both time and money.
Preparing big pots of soup — and freezing portions for later — is an excellent way to use perishables before they spoil. (Remember: Try to extend the shelf life of everything in your kitchen.)
16. Buy Multipurpose Ingredients
Pick a versatile protein like chicken and learn a few ways to prepare it. One night pair it with salad, the next toss it into a rice-and-beans bowl, and another night slice it for a quesadilla.
Or use steak one evening with potatoes, the next night for fajitas and another night in a steak-and-bean rice bowl.
Stocking pantry essentials can also help you save.
17. Eat the Same Breakfast Daily
A simple breakfast staple such as oatmeal can cost under 10 cents per serving and you can vary the toppings.
Or, to tighten your budget further, skip breakfast if it suits your health and eating patterns. You may even see benefits from intermittent fasting research.
18. Rearrange Your Fridge and Freezer
The average U.S. household wastes about 31.9% of its food — roughly $1,866 per year — according to a 2020 study in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics.
We’ve all done it: leftovers get pushed to the back, produce spoils in the crisper. It happens.
Taking stock of your fridge, pantry and freezer helps prevent buying duplicates and stops good food from going to waste.
While you’re at it, watch fridge organization videos from professionals for low-cost ways to make food more visible and accessible.
Gas
19. Enroll in Fuel Reward Programs
Sign up for fuel rewards to cut costs on frequent fills at specific stations. Many grocery reward programs also offer gas discounts.
20. Use Gas Price Apps to Find Cheaper Fuel
Apps like Upside or GasBuddy can point you to the best local gas prices before you fill up.
21. Pay for Gas with Cash
There are other ways to lower fuel expenses besides rebate apps.
Smart money moves include paying cash for gas (some stations offer a cash discount) and keeping your tires properly inflated.
Car and Travel
22. Think About Being a One-Car Household
It might seem drastic — but the savings can be huge.
No car payments, no gas bill for a second vehicle, less insurance and fewer maintenance costs.
With ride-hailing, reliable delivery services, remote work and telehealth, you may not need a second car as often as you think.
Dropping to one vehicle could save thousands annually.
Explore public transit options in your area and coordinate errands with household members.
And keep in mind: giving up a car doesn’t have to be permanent. You can save for a few years and then reassess.
23. Shop Your Car Insurance Rates
Your current insurer is probably charging more than necessary. Rather than calling dozens of companies, use a comparison site like EverQuote to view multiple offers at once.
24. Cut Costs at the Airport
Airfare is pricier than it used to be and may not drop soon.
Budget carriers can still offer deals if you’re flexible, but watch out for steep baggage and ancillary fees.
To save at the airport, bring an empty water bottle to refill and pack snacks. You can also rent out your car via apps like Turo and TravelCar to earn money while you travel.
25. Walk or Bike More
Using a bike or e-bike is an economical and healthy way to commute, especially if it can replace a car trip.
There are also apps like HealthyWage and Sweatcoin that reward you for physical activity — a nice bonus.
Shopping
26. Use Cash-Back and Rebate Apps
Numerous cash-back apps and rebate services can boost your budget. Many reward you for scanning receipts; others credit your account when you pay with a linked card at partner stores.
Browser extensions like Capital One Shopping and coupon websites can also help you save.
27. Trim Pet Expenses
Your pet is family, but if they’re costing you too much, it’s time to cut back.
Learn ways to reduce spending on pet food (buy in bulk or make your own) and find cost-saving pet care tips. You could even start pet sitting as a side gig for extra income.
28. Discover Household Item Hacks
We admire resourceful savers. When money is tight, repurposing household items makes good sense.
Like using Windex to clean makeup brushes or vinegar to descale a dishwasher — smart, inexpensive tricks.
29. Threaten to Cancel Phone, Internet, Cable and Insurance
Sometimes simply mentioning you’ll leave prompts companies to lower your rate. Ask for the retention department when you call.
Entertainment
30. Be Strategic With Streaming Services
Multiple streaming subscriptions can cost nearly as much as cable.
Minimize expense by using free trials and free-streaming apps.
Another option: share accounts with friends or family. Set up separate profiles under a shared subscription and Venmo or Cash App a portion of the monthly cost to the account holder.
Be cautious: some providers, like Netflix, are tightening rules on account sharing.
31. Cancel Unused Subscriptions and Memberships
Small monthly fees add up quickly. A few dollars here and there can become $80 or more on services you hardly use.
To cut costs fast, use apps that track subscriptions — some will even help you cancel or negotiate better terms.
32. See If You Qualify for This Federal Discount Program
Millions now qualify for discounted internet through an expanded federal program called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
Eligible households receive a $30 monthly credit toward broadband and a one-time $100 discount to buy a laptop or desktop.
Some ISPs offer reduced-price plans in partnership with the ACP, which can stack savings.
You can qualify if you receive benefits like Medicaid, a Federal Pell Grant (current award year), SNAP, WIC, veterans’ pension or survivors benefits — or other qualifying programs.
Alternatively, eligibility is income-based: an individual household must make no more than $27,180 annually, while a family of four must not exceed $55,500 (200% of the federal poverty level).
It’s quick to apply for an ACP voucher and learn more about the program here.
33. Save on Date Nights While Still Having Fun
Going out for dinner and drinks can drain your budget. Stay in and try low-cost date-night ideas instead. (Playing a silly game with a bottle of inexpensive wine can be surprisingly entertaining.)
And don’t let saving money ruin your summer — there are plenty of free summertime activities to keep you entertained.
Rachel Carter is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance and a senior writer for Savinly.
