Saving money when you’re scraping the bottom of the barrel feels a lot like trying to squeeze toothpaste out of a nearly empty tube. You know there’s something left… but man, it takes effort. But the good news is, there are plenty of ways to save money, even when it feels like you’re out of options.
I’ve been there. Actually, just last week, I spent 15 minutes debating whether I should splurge on a $6 fancy coffee or just stick with my sad little homemade brew. (Spoiler: I made the coffee at home and cried a little inside.)
But here’s the deal: Saving money doesn’t have to mean giving up everything that makes life fun. You just need a few tricks up your sleeve — and lucky you, I’ve got plenty to share.
Ready to save some serious cash without eating instant noodles for the rest of your life? Let’s dive in.
đź“Ś Table of Contents
- Track Every Dollar Like a Creep
- Budget… But Make It Sexy
- Slash Bills Like You’re in an 80s Horror Flick
- Become a Cashback App Addict (Without Shame)
- Eat Cheap, Not Sad
- Embrace the “No-Spend Weekend” Challenge
- The Sneaky Way to Save: Auto-Transfer
- Final Thoughts
1. Track Your Spending to Save Money Like a Pro
If you don’t know where your money’s going, you’re basically driving blindfolded. Trust me — it’s not pretty.
Not sure which app is your budget BFF? I did the legwork for you — check out Top Budgeting Apps to Track Your Spending so you can start stalking your dollars like a pro.
Download an app like Mint or Goodbudget. Or grab a $1 notebook from Dollar Tree and start scribbling.
Pro tip: The little expenses (like that midweek bag of chips) are the ones that secretly eat your wallet alive. Watch ’em.
It’s not about depriving yourself. It’s about knowing when you’re being bamboozled by your own impulses.
2. Budget Smartly to Save Money and Achieve Your Goals
Yeah, yeah, budgets sound boring. But honestly? A good budget is freedom in disguise.
Use the 50/30/20 rule if you’re just starting out:
- 50% needs (rent, bills, boring adult stuff)
- 30% wants (yes, Netflix counts)
- 20% savings
And here’s a niche tip only budgeting nerds know: ALWAYS budget for the unexpected. Car repairs, last-minute birthday gifts, suddenly realizing your fridge died… they’re like surprise villains in a Marvel movie. Be ready.
If you want to dive deeper into budgeting strategies, check out The Ultimate Guide to Budgeting.
3. Slash Bills Like You’re in an 80s Horror Flick
Call your internet provider and threaten to cancel.
(No, seriously — it works like 80% of the time.)
Negotiate your insurance.
Switch phone plans.
Cancel the gym membership you “meant to use.”
Pro tip: If you’re not using something weekly, you probably don’t need it monthly.
To save money even more, check out How to Slash Your Monthly Bills.
Looking for more ways to cut down on your monthly expenses? Check out this helpful guide from NerdWallet on How to Lower Your Bills: 41 Ways to Save. It’s packed with practical tips that can help you reduce your bills and save money in the long run.
4. Become a Cashback App Addict (Without Shame)
Remember when extreme couponing was all the rage?
Well, this is like that… but lazier.
Apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Fetch Rewards PAY you for shopping. And if you stack them (aka use multiple at once)?
You’re basically gaming the system like a pro gamer in Fortnite.
Last month, I made $87 back just buying boring groceries and toothpaste. (And yes, I was weirdly proud.)
Check out my post on the best cashback apps that will save you money every time you shop!
5. Eat Cheap, Not Sad
You don’t have to live on ramen and tears.
Plan cheap meals:
- Rice and beans (the OG budget meal)
- Stir-fry (you can literally throw anything into it)
- Casseroles (grandma knew what was up)
And meal prep, for the love of all that’s holy.
Having food ready saves you from panicking at 6 PM and UberEats-ing a $25 burger.
For best tips on how to save money when eating outside.
6. Embrace the “No-Spend Weekend” Challenge
Pick a weekend. Challenge yourself (and your family) to spend zero dollars.
Free things you can actually enjoy:
- Library trips
- Nature hikes
- DIY spa day
- Binge-watching The Office for the 12th time (it never gets old)
Bonus? You’ll realize how much of your “fun” spending was just habit.
By the way check out my post on how you can get free items on your birthday! Yes, free!
7. Set Up Auto-Transfers to Save Money Easily
Out of sight, out of mind.
Set up an auto-transfer of even $5/week into a savings account you never look at.
Pretend it doesn’t exist. Let it grow quietly in the background like that one TikTok star you forgot you followed.
Trust me, Future You will be obsessed with how much Future You saved without even trying.
Final Thoughts (Because You’re Basically a Money Wizard Now)
Saving money isn’t about punishing yourself. It’s about setting yourself up to win later… and still having a little fun now.
It’s about smarter moves, not sadder ones.
Besides, isn’t it kinda badass knowing you’re building a savings empire from scratch?
Quick Poll:
What’s your biggest money drain right now?
- Starbucks runs (check out my Starbucks hacks!)
- Amazon impulse buys
- Random Target trips
- Food delivery (damn you, UberEats). (save on UberEats)
Comment below and tell me 👇 — I’m nosy and I wanna know!