Saving money is an art form. Some people have mastered it, while others are out here spending their entire paycheck on a single trip to Target. But don’t worry! I’ve compiled 19 brilliant money-saving tips that will have you stacking cash like a financial genius—or at least, like that one friend who still has Christmas money from 2014.
1. Never Pay Full Price… for Anything
If you’re paying full price, you’ve already lost. There’s always a coupon, a promo code, or a grandma somewhere who knows how to get it cheaper.
2. “Forgot My Wallet” Is a Legit Strategy
Going out with friends? Just conveniently forget your wallet. If they call you out, just say, “Oh wow, I was just about to Venmo you!” (Then disappear for three days.)
3. Coffee at Home = Retirement Savings
Buying a $6 coffee every day? That’s about $2,000 a year. Make it at home, and boom—you’ve just funded your future yacht.
4. The “Put It in Your Cart and Forget It” Trick
Online shopping? Add stuff to your cart, then close the tab. In 48 hours, you’ll either get a discount email or forget why you wanted it in the first place. Win-win.
5. Avoid the Grocery Store When You’re Hungry
If you go to the store hungry, you’ll come home with 12 bags of chips, six kinds of cheese, and no actual meals.
6. Turn Off One Streaming Service, See if You Survive
Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO, Prime, Paramount+—congrats, you’re basically paying another rent. Cancel one and see if your soul can handle it.
7. Make Your Own Fancy Cocktails
Spending $15 on a cocktail at a bar? Insanity. Buy the ingredients and make it at home. Sure, the first few might taste like cough syrup and regret, but you’ll get better.
8. The “Cash-Only” Budget Method
Withdraw the cash you need for the week, and when it’s gone, that’s it. No more spending. If you run out, well, rice and beans are great for you.
9. Unsubscribe from Retail Emails… Before They Ruin You
You don’t need “20% off candles” every other week. You have enough candles. You are not a medieval castle.
10. Stop Letting Subscription Services Rob You Blind
You’re probably paying for a gym you never go to, a magazine you forgot about, and Apple charging you $0.99 a month for something mysterious. Cut it out!
11. Learn the Word “No”
Your friends want to go to an overpriced brunch again? NO. Your coworker wants you to chip in for yet another birthday gift? NO. Someone asks if you want to buy their MLM essential oils? SUPER NO.
12. DIY Everything—Until You Regret It
Cut your own hair, sew your own clothes, build your own furniture! (Just be prepared for some “Pinterest fails” and possible emotional distress.)
13. Use the “Would I Rather?” Test
Before buying something, ask yourself: “Would I rather have this… or retire one day?” If it’s a fourth pair of white sneakers, maybe put it back.
14. The 24-Hour Rule for Impulse Purchases
If you see something you “need,” wait 24 hours. If you still want it, go ahead. If you forget about it, congrats! You just saved money and proved that your brain is a mess.
15. Befriend a Rich Person and Let Them Pay for Things
Find a generous friend who always insists on covering dinner. Bonus points if they say, “I just love treating my friends!” (These people exist. Locate them.)
16. Buy Generic. Your Bank Account Will Thank You
Brand-name cereal? Who do you think you are, royalty? Generic works just fine. Your taste buds will survive, and your wallet will be happier.
17. Invest in Reusable Everything
Reusable water bottles, shopping bags, coffee cups—sure, you’ll feel like a hippie, but you’ll be a financially stable hippie.
18. Start a “Treat Yo’ Self” Fund
Put a little money aside each week for fun stuff. That way, when you do splurge, you won’t feel like an absolute financial disaster.
19. Learn to Enjoy Free Stuff
Walks in the park? Free. Library books? Free. Laughing at rich people struggling to parallel park? Also free.
Final Thought
Saving money isn’t about suffering—it’s about being smart and mildly sneaky. If you follow these tips, you’ll be rolling in savings while everyone else wonders why their bank account mysteriously disappears every month. Good luck!
