THE BROKEN WALLET

*Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. We receive a small commission if you purchase something we recommend (at no cost to you). All opinions remain our own.

Here’s a look at 100 ways to make saving money easier in 2024!!! (plus a money makeover to try)

A savings account lightens the financial burden in an emergency—and the more cash you have in reserves, the easier it is to have a sense of security. This not only relieves stress and puts you on the path toward financial freedom, it also builds financial confidence and helps you avoid debt.

Of course, saving money is often easier said than done. You might even feel that you don’t earn enough to save.

But saving money isn’t as difficult as it can seem. With a few simple adjustments, you can increase your disposable cash and gradually build a solid safety net.

Here’s a look at 100 ways to start saving money in 2024

1. 1. Believe that you can. Avoid a scarcity mentality. Positive thinking goes a long way.
   2. Come up with a savings plan. Create a detailed plan on how to achieve your savings goal and set mini goals.
   3. Eliminate debt/pay down debt. This might seem counterintuitive, but you’ll save money in the long run.
   4. Stop using credit cards (unless you pay off balances in full each month).
   5. Pay your bills on time to avoid late fees.
   6. Negotiate lower interest rates on credit cards.
   7. Automate your savings. Establish a set time to deposit money into your savings account each week or month.
   8. Adjust your withholdings if you receive tax refunds. This puts more money on your paycheck, which you can funnel into your savings account.
   9. Cook at home. Frequent eating out adds up over time. Meal prepping each week, however, saves time and money. It comes in handy on nights when you don’t feel like cooking.
   10. Clip coupons. When you eat out, search for coupons. This helps lower the cost of your meal.
   11. Deposit most of your money into your savings account. Keeping a limited amount of cash in your checking account can curb unnecessary spending.
   12. Use cash back apps such as Ibotta or Fetch.
   13. If possible, put down 20% when buying a house to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI).
   14. Improve your credit score. A better credit score can help you get better interest rates and insurance premiums.
   15. Find a free checking account.
   16. Buy food in bulk.
   17. Save on your light bill and turn off those lights! 
   18. Save on your gas bill. Gas prices increase during the winter months. Lower your thermostat a few degrees and use a comfy blanket when possible. Or get a programmable thermostat.
   19. Wash full loads of laundry. Save water by only washing clothes when there’s a full load in the machine.
   20. Run the dishwasher on a full load. Same rule applies here, too. Wait until your dishwasher is full before running a load.
   21. Don’t run the water too long. Take quicker showers and turn off the water while brushing your teeth to reduce water consumption.
   22. Order water at restaurants.
   23. When buying new appliances, choose energy-efficient appliances.
   24. Write a grocery list before you go shopping.
   25. Have a yard sale. Sell items you no longer need.
   26. Change your car air filter. You can save on gas mileage, up to 7% each year.
   27. Only choose in-network healthcare providers.
   28. Cancel unnecessary memberships. Seriously, how many subscription services do you really need!?!
   29. Rent out a room in your house, or better yet, rent a room in someone else’s house to save on housing.
   30. Close your curtains in the summer to keep your house cool.
   31. Attend free local events instead of paying for entertainment.
   32. Plan a staycation instead of going away on vacation.
   33. Find a free hobby.
   34. Don’t pay for online games. This can be challenging if you’re stuck on a level *cough* Candy Crush* cough* — but resist the urge to pay for in-app purchases.
   35. De-clutter your space. This helps clear your mind as well.
   36. Drive wisely. Speeding and aggressive driving negatively affects gas mileage.
   37. Don’t be afraid to buy refurbished items.
   38. Think twice before signing contracts.
   39. Use hand-me downs for children—from friends and family, too.
   40. Comparison shop.
   41. Quit smoking.
   42. Quit vaping.
   43. Drink alcohol in moderation.
   44. Make your coffee at home. Buying coffee in bulk is cheaper than buying a cup of coffee each day.
   45. If it still works, don’t replace it. This goes for cellphones, cars, televisions, etc.
   46. Invest in quality clothes.
   47. Invest in quality shoes that you can wear for a long time.
   48. Buy quality utensils. Always buying paper products adds up over time.
   49. Go on a spending fast or do a money saving challenge. Stop spending money for a certain period of time.
   50. Pay cash for items instead of using your debit or credit card.
   51. Get a checking account that earns interest.
   52. If you’re charged a late fee, ask the company for a one-time waiver.
   53. Review your budget and spending plan each month.
   54. Don’t buy impulsively. Wait 24 to 48 hours and then decide if you need a purchase.
   55. Split a BOGO.
   56. Buy generic foods. Off brand foods often taste just as good as brand items.
   57. Get the generic version of prescriptions.
   58. Open a high-yield savings account to earn more interest.
   59. Take your lunch to work instead of eating out.
   60. Transfer you balances to a zero interest credit card
   61. Use savings apps such as Acorns to save money.
   62. Consolidate your debt into one payment with one low interest rate.
   63. Replace your light bulbs with LED lightbulbs. They’re more energy-efficient and last longer.
   64. Switch to a water filter. Stop wasting money on water bottles.
   65. Become a mystery shopper and get paid to shop and provide honest feedback.
   66. Take up a new gig.
   67. Buy scratch and dent items or open-box items.
   68. Never throw away leftovers (freeze, reheat, and eat another day).
   69. Ask for a discount.
   70. Pack your own snacks before leaving the house.
   71. Keep up with routine doctor visits.
   72. Invest in workout equipment and ditch the gym membership.
   73. DIY renovations (watch YouTube tutorials).
   74. Mow your own grass.
   75. Watch less TV. Ads can tempt you to spend more.
   76. Don’t ignore car and home maintenance.
   77. Check your bank statements and bills for inaccuracies.
   78. Don’t upgrade your cellular data plan, unless absolutely necessary.
   79. Don’t upgrade your cable package.
   80. Better yet, get rid of cable altogether.
   81. Don’t pay ATM fees (stay in network).
   82. Shop alone.
   83. Buy a reusable K-cup.
   84. Don’t shop when you’re upset.
   85. Downsize to save on mortgage or rent.
   86. Buy “reliable” used cars.
   87. Think twice before buying extended warranties. They are often overpriced and hard to use.
   88. Shop around for car insurance. Switching companies can save you a lot of money.
   89. Unplug small appliances when you’re not using them to save on electricity.
   90. Grow a garden.
   91. Buy frozen vegetables instead of fresh.
   92. Eat your leftovers for lunch.
   93. Go meatless at least once a week.
   94. Go to beauty schools for hairstyles and haircuts.
   95. Give yourself an allowance for “fun” and avoid frugal fatigue.
   96. Shop at Dollar stores for household items.
   97. Learn to sew.
   98. Keep a spending journal to track your spending habits.
   99. Don’t shop when you’re hungry.
   100. Don’t give up! Educate yourself on saving money and believe you can succeed!

• Guest post by Erica Williams (updated 3/25/24)