*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.

Genius Money Saving Hacks (you might not know about)

Since starting this blog I’ve created several posts on how to save money and money saving hacks. This type of content is a favorite among my audience, so I’m always on the hunt for new tips. 

Of course, the more I post about saving money the harder it becomes to find tips that you haven’t heard a million times. But occasionally I’ll stumble on something new. So today we’re looking at a few additional money saving hacks (that you might not know about).

1. Make student loan repayment easier

If you have a student loan, did you know that under the CARES Act employers can contribute up to $5,250 (tax-free) per year toward repayment of an employee’s student loan debt?

This provision was originally slated to expire on Dec. 31, 2020, but it’s been extended through Dec. 31, 2025 (so you have about four years to get in on this!!). You can take advantage of this without getting taxed on the money. 

Now, you’re probably thinking: Why would an employer help pay off your debt? 

The reason is simple: The tax benefit doesn’t only benefit employees, it also extends to employers and they’ll get a tax break for their generosity.

But although this provision is available, some employers don’t know about. Therefore, it doesn’t hurt to have a conversation with your HR department. To benefit from this, your employer must adopt a Section 127 Educational Assistance Plan.

2. Get into national parks for free

If you’re an outdoorsy person or you want to become one, exploring national parks is a great way to enjoy nature and scenery. It’s also great for mental health, but many parks charge an entrance fee (about $25 per car give or take). This isn’t too expensive, but it can add up depending on how often you visit.

These parks have a few fee-free days per year, but you’ll deal with much larger crowds which might take the fun out of it.

However, there’s a program that gives fourth graders a “free annual pass to national parks across the country,” which is valid from Sept 1 to Aug 31 of their fourth grade year. And the best part about this money saving hack is that one pass covers the entire family, as long as you’re riding in the same vehicle.

If you have a fourth grader, you can get their pass from everykidoutdoors.gov. Also, if you’re a US citizen or permanent resident with a permanent disability, you’re also eligible for a free lifetime pass.

3. Get a 90-day prescription refill to save money

If you take medication for a chronic condition, your doctor might write a 30-day prescription which you’ll refill each month. However, it is almost always cheaper to get a 90-day supply compared to a 30-day supply.

The savings will vary depending on the drug, but from my research you could possibly save between $80 and $200 a year. This might not seem like a lot, but it adds up to thousands in the long run, especially if you’re taking multiple medications.

Talk to you doctor and ask about this option to save money.

4. Freshen up old black jeans (or clothes)

A simple pair of black jeans is one of the best additions to any wardrobe, and they never go out of style.

But while they’re guaranteed to always be in style, they’re not guaranteed to maintain their color. And sometimes it only take a few washes to notice a color change. This isn’t limited to black jeans – it can happen with any black garment.

If your jeans are fading quickly, but they’re still relatively new, it doesn’t make sense to shell out money for a new pair. So before spending money to replace them, one money saving trick is restoring the color with black dye. 

Take hot water, a bucket, and fabric dye – and for $3-$4 your jeans will look new again.

5. Download the CVS Pharmacy app

Buying certain items at a pharmacy is more expensive than going to other stores. Pharmacies are on every corner, so you’re basically paying for convenience.

But whether you love or hate CVS, I do recommend downloading the app and using their rewards programs, especially when buying personal care items and cosmetics which tend to be on the pricier side no matter where you shop.

…and no this money saving hack isn’t sponsored

I’m bringing attention to this because once I joined the pharmacy’s ExtraCare Rewards program, I started receiving a 40% off one item coupon every single week. I always use my coupon to buy a Neutrogena daily moisturizer that I’m obsessed with. It’s pricey everywhere, so when I’m running low I use my CVS coupon to purchase it. I end up getting a much better deal compared to paying full price at Walmart, Target, or on Amazon. 

6. Hotel cancellation money saving hack

Years ago many hotels allowed cancellations up until 3 pm or 4 pm on the arrival day without penalty. And while some hotels continue to offer this cancellation policy, it’s becoming rare. The last few times we booked a room we had to cancel within 24 to 48 hours of arrival, or else pay a one-night cancellation fee.

Let’s be honest, a lot can happen in 24 to 48 hours.

If you miss the cut off time to cancel, you can call the hotel and see if they’ll kindly waive the fee. This might work – but sometimes it doesn’t. And if so another option is to reschedule the reservation for a few days later, and then cancel within the new cancellation window.

I’ve read about many people using this hack, and so far it doesn’t seem like hotels have a system in place to stop this, although that might change in the future.

7. Block websites that you can’t resist 

When it comes to saving money, I always courage people to be honest with themselves. And part of being honest is recognizing your spending triggers. For some people, online shopping is a major trigger.

There are a few simple ways to control this such as removing saved debit or credit card information and unsubscribing to emails. But this isn’t all you can do. In addition, you can block specific websites. 

The steps for blocking a website will vary depending on your browser or device. Generally, you’ll find this option somewhere in your privacy or content restriction settings. Once you find this in your setting, type in the URL of the website to reduce temptation. 

Now obviously, this method isn’t 100% fool-proof since you can always unblock the site. However, this money saving hack does create a barrier which gives you an opportunity to think about a purchase before making an impulse buy.

8. Split entrees (on separate plate)

If you eat out with your significant other, but you’re also trying to save money, another hack is to split the entrée. But don’t just split it, ask your server to put the food on separate plates.

We used to do this money saving hack all the time, and quite often when the food arrived on two separate plates, the portions were almost always the same as ordering two separate entrees.

Now obviously if you’re splitting a burger or a steak, you’re not going to get a bigger cut of meat. But if you’re splitting another type of dish – like pasta or if the entrée comes with fries or another side – I promise you, sometimes they put a little extra on each plate.

I don’t think it’s intentional. Since they’re making two plates it might be second nature to include equal portions of a side item. Either way, we saved money and got enough food to satisfy us.

Which one of these money saving hacks do you plan to use?!?