Are you looking for some good save money hacks? Well, you’ve come to the perfect article.
In this post, I’ll cover 21 great money-saving hacks that will help you save on utilities, subscriptions, groceries, and more!
Saving money can be challenging, but implementing a few easy hacks can help you get on top of your savings.
Anyways, let’s get straight into it! 🙂
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate and referral links, where I may receive a small commission on purchases or signups at no cost to you. You can read my full affiliate disclosure here.
21 Save Money Hacks
1. Track your money
One excellent save money hack is to track where you spend your money.
You can manage your resources better when you stop unnecessary spending. It’s not always easy to change your money spending habits, but you must pluck certain loopholes if you want to save.
These days, some resources and apps can assist you in tracking your money. You could use an app like Mint or You Need a Budget to track your finances.
These apps will categorize your spending and notify you if you’re over your budget. It’s a great way to see how you spend your money and will likely motivate you to save more.
2. Make a budget
Another way to save money is to make a budget and stick to it.
When making a budget, you must ensure that you eliminate all waste areas. It would be best to incorporate a spending plan, so it’ll be easier to cut down on unnecessary spending.
To make and stick to a budget, you may require software like You Need a Budget or Mint (links above).
The most important thing to do with a budget is to formulate cash flow and income estimates. This will quickly let you know if you’re saving money and what categories you need to improve.
3. Monitor spending and adjust when necessary
Monitoring your spending is the key to cutting down unnecessary expenses.
When you monitor your budget and make adjustments when necessary, you can save a bit of money.
The first thing I’d check is to see how much money I spend in different categories like:
– Housing (rent, mortgage)
– Utilities (water, gas, and electricity)
– Entertainment (streaming services, socializing)
– Food (takeaway, groceries)
If you spend more than half your paycheck on food, then it may be time to adjust your spending habits and cook at home instead of ordering delivery services.
4. Form the habit of paying yourself first
Another save money hack is to form the habit of paying yourself first and doing it every week/fortnight.
When you get paid, plan how to spend it judiciously. Paying yourself first is a great way to save money before your expenses.
Let’s say you get paid $600 a week; pay yourself by putting a percentage like 30% ($180) into savings.
It’s an excellent way to get into the habit of saving money, and you’ll also learn to live off of less money in the process.
5. Negotiate your rent
You can save costs on your housing expenses if you negotiate your rent.
Instead of just asking for a reduction in rent costs, give your landlord an offer to get a more favorable rent.
Ways to negotiate your rent:
– Sign an extended lease
– Give up your parking space
– Pay for rent months in advance
This article goes into more depth on how to negotiate your rent.
6. Turn off heating and air conditioning
Moreover, you can reduce the amount you pay on utilities by turning off your heat and air conditioning.
An excellent way to avoid using the heater is by putting on warmer clothing or using blankets. To avoid using expensive AC, instead buy a standing portable fan.
While these compromises will never be as reasonable as heating or air conditioning, it’s safe to say that your wallet will thank you.
Air conditioners cost on average 50c an hour to run, which may not sound a lot. But if it’s running for 12 hours a day during summer, it can add up to $186 a month.
7. Flick off your lights to save money
A simple money-saving hack is to turn your lights off when not in use. I know it’s a groundbreaking idea 🤣, but people often forget to turn off lights when not in use.
Although LEDs aren’t expensive to run, they can start to add up quickly if you have dozens on simultaneously.
You can also save through utilities in the following ways:
– Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs
– Invest in a long-term higher quality product to save cost
– Put in place a water usage shower head
– Install a smart thermostat
– Replace the filter on the vents and ducts to promote smooth airflow
– Use a dishwasher and don’t rinse dinnerware
8. Download the Trim app
Another great save money hack is to download the Trim app. Trim will help you save on your bills, subscriptions, and other recurring expenses.
You can consider Trim as an automated savings assistant and always rely on the app to review your expenses.
Apart from saving you money, it can also save you a lot of time and headaches.
Here are some of the best features of this app:
– Bill negotiation
– Subscription analyzer
– Price protection
– Deal finder and so on
The app has a free and paid version (which is $99 a year). The free version is enough to see all of your finances in one place.
Read: Trim App Review 2021
9. Negotiate your subscriptions services
Moreover, you can save a substantial amount of money when negotiating with your service providers. The amount of money they get from you is vital to their business, and they don’t want to give up a recurring sale if they can help it.
Because of that, you could approach the service providers with questions about reductions in subscription costs.
My mom recently got a $30/month reduction on our TV service and got the new and upgraded system. This was all simply from inquiring.
Recommended read: 8 Best Bill Negotiation Services
10. Cut the cord
Furthermore, another save money hack is to cut the cord.
In 2021, there are so many TV and movie streaming services. Instead of paying for outdated cable TV, why not pay a smaller price to watch whatever you want at any time.
I also include a hack on how to access over 10,000 Netflix shows and movies below.
11. Shop online with cashback apps
Another way to save money while shopping online is by using cashback apps. Cashback apps give you a percentage back on purchases made through their programs, often ranging from 1 – 80%.
Rakuten
Rakuten will give you access to cashback from over 2500 stores, like eBay, Amazon, Expedia, Groupon, and more! Their cashback percentages range from 1 – 40%, and they have many deals running daily. Sign up below and spend $30 to receive $30 cash back!
Shopback
Shopback is another excellent platform where you can earn cash back from thousands of stores. Specifically for Asia-Pacific, Shopback is available in 9 countries and gives cashback from 1 – 90%. You can read my full Shopback review here. Sign up below and make a purchase through Shopback to receive a $10 bonus!
12. Start investing
Investing is a great way to earn money with your already saved money. It’s made even more accessible with the use of investing apps.
Instead of letting your money sit in the bank, why not make a higher return through investing.
I use apps like Etoro and Acorns (also known as Raiz) to help me invest; they’re perfect for beginners who have no idea what they’re doing.
Join Etoro – Deposit $200USD in a single transaction to get $100USD back!
Read first: Qualified countries & terms.
Join Acorns – Get $10 by using code 6P2KYV at signup.
Investing still intimidates me, yet I’ve made $319.44 $432.64 (+20.1% +28.15%) in returns from money that I would’ve usually just left sit in my bank.
13. Save on purchases at grocery stores
Here’s an app you can use to save money on purchases made at grocery stores.
Checkout 51
This great app can save you plenty of money when you use it. All you have to do is scan your receipt after shopping, and you can instantly receive cashback.
The reward comes from a wide range of purchases from grocery stores and gas stations. Checkout 51 also offers weekly promotions as well as flash deals.
If you want to save the most with this app, you have to browse available deals, engage in your shopping, and upload your receipt when you make a purchase.
14. Have a plan to pay off your debts
If you want to save money, you must pay off all your debts first.
This is because when your debts are paid off, the interest will stop accruing, and you can save the money that you would have paid as interest.
When you use a credit card, it is advisable to opt for debt pay-off plans such as a debt avalanche and debt snowball. If you choose those options, it will be easier to get the balance to 0.
When you choose the debt snowball strategy, you pay the debts gradually, and you do that using the smallest balances.
When you opt for the debt avalanche method, you start paying high-interest debts first and getting down to lower interests later.
15. Plan your meals
Another easy way to save is by planning your meals. You must avoid ordering takeaway or from restaurants if you want to save money.
Is it convenient? Yes, but also a lot more expensive.
Learn how to cook and plan your own meals by doing meal prep. Many YouTuber’s and bloggers can help you to take the guesswork out of meal preparation.
Here are a few sites/channels to check out!
– 30+ budget-friendly meal prep ideas
– YouTube: Downshiftology (meal prep ideas)
16. Purchase used items
Another excellent save money hack is to buy used items instead of brand new ones.
Used items will be a lot cheaper than new ones, and you’ll likely score some good deals.
You can buy lots of reasonably used things, including smartphones, gadgets, cameras, cars, clothing, and more.
17. Don’t shop when hungry
This is an old saying, but it still stands true. Do not shop when you’re hungry because you’ll most likely make stupid impulse purchases purely from hunger.
When you’re hungry, there is a tendency to opt for more expensive or premade items.
Aside from expensive items, they will also likely be unhealthy or not good for you.
An excellent way to avoid ever shopping hungry is by keeping granola or protein bars in your car. This way, if you ever find yourself needing to shop but are hungry, you can subdue the hunger with a quick snack.
18. Use a VPN
A great way to save money on streaming services is by using NordVPN with Netflix.
Not only will you uncover 10,000+ more titles, but you’ll also be able to hide your identity and keep your browsing habits safe.
NordVPN allows you to change your IP address and access over 5500 servers from 50+ countries.
Using a VPN has allowed me to get rid of all my other streaming services and save $22+ a month.
Join NordVPN today (save 59% on a 2-year plan)
19. Use Paribus to monitor your purchases
Paribus is another app that can save you money from purchases made online.
It works super simply. Whenever you shop online and purchase something, Paribus will track that cost. If the price of the product changes or drops, Paribus will let you know and help you get a refund.
They cover 25+ major retailers, including Amazon, Target, Home Depot, Best Buy, and more.
So far, they’ve helped people get back over $29 million, not too bad for a completely free app.
20. Use the 7-day rule
The seven-day rule is a strategy that will help you save money quickly. Instead of purchasing an item impulsively, wait on it for seven days.
In those seven days, you’ll actually think about whether or not you truly need the product or if it was just another stupid impulse purchase.
If the seven days are up, and you still want the item. By all means, purchase it! At least you’ve ensured that you actually want it.
21. Read product reviews
The last of the save money hacks is to read product reviews.
It sounds almost stupid to include, but this can save you money in the long run.
Instead of buying a product, make sure to read reviews from multiple sources. This will ensure that the product you’re buying isn’t garbage and that it’ll last past its warranty.
I’ve read product reviews for every single item I’ve purchased over $100 in the past three years, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I’ve saved thousands in the long run.
Bonus Save Money Hack
22. 52-Week Money Savings Challenge
A bonus for the save money hacks is participating in a 52-week savings challenge. It’s pretty simple, and you can start at any time throughout the year.
All you do is choose a circle weekly, save the amount, and color it in. By the end of the 52 weeks, you should have saved an amount predetermined by the challenge. Often ranging from $1000 to $10,000.
Conclusion
So there we have 21 save money hacks for 2021.
Hopefully, these hacks will help you to save extra money. Whether for an emergency fund, a holiday, Christmas gifts, or more, any additional amount is helpful.
Remember to incorporate and test out a few of these money-saving hacks to save the most money.
Which of these save money hacks do you plan on implementing?
Read next:
– How to Make $5000 a Month [5 Methods Revealed]
– 9 Ways to Save Money Live Better in 2021