Finding creative ways to save money can make all the difference when it comes to your personal finances. Saving money whenever possible is important. It can help build your emergency fund, save for a vacation, or even free up money so you can start investing.
For example, simply saving $10 a week from your paycheck adds up to $520 in a year. There's bound to be at least one or two things you can put into effect to help improve your finances. Saving money doesn't have to be hard, and once you get started can actually get pretty addicting and fun too!
Top 30 creative ways to save money
Are you ready to start saving your hard-earned money? Get started with these fantastic creative ways to save money!
1. Declutter
One of our favorite creative ways to save money is decluttering. Decluttering is an excellent way to increase your streams of income. Go through your closet and your house, and sell the things you don't need or use. Put the money you earn into savings or use it to pay down debt.
2. Detox
Do an inbox detox. Unsubscribe from retailer emails, so you don't get tempted to make impulse purchases every time they announce a sale. Trust me—there will always be another sale!
3. DIY your hair & nails
Cut your salon visits by half by doing your own hair and nails instead. You'll save a ton of money, and you'll still look beautiful. This is one of my favorite creative ways to save money.
4. Consider cost per wear
For every clothing purchase you make, ask yourself, "How often will I wear this?" Consider your cost per wear. If you aren't going to wear it enough, it's probably not worth it.
5. A sewing kit is your friend
One of the best creative ways to save money is keeping your clothing in top shape by investing in a sewing kit. The next time something rips, see if you can repair it before you buy a replacement. Plus, sewing kits are super cheap.
6. Join your local library
Love reading? Join your local library and borrow books for free instead of buying new titles. You'd be surprised how the savings add up. Be sure to check out apps like Libby, where you can borrow digital and audiobooks from your local library without having to go in!
7. Get "cancel" happy
If you aren't using that subscription service, cancel it! From gym memberships to magazine subscriptions, too many people have paid subscriptions sitting around that they barely use.
8. Overspending? Freeze the plastic
Here's one of the funniest personal finance tips: Freeze your credit cards! Getting them out of a block of ice is an inconvenience (a highly annoying one) that will slow down that overspending habit of yours. This is one of the more extreme creative ways to save money.
9. Plan meals in advance
Challenge yourself to pack lunch every day for a week or a month. Put the money you save into savings or toward your debt.
10. Create a grocery list
Create a list before you go food shopping based on what you need at home! This will help you avoid impulse buys, especially at the grocery store.
One of my favorite apps to save money is Ibotta. I use it to see what offers I can get cashback on at my local grocery store. They send you the money via a Paypal deposit or gift card once your account hits $20. Always a nice perk!
11. Always compare rates
One of the best personal finance tips for insurance? Shop around yearly and compare your insurance rates to see if you can get a better deal on your current coverage needs.
12. Keep the change
Gather up all the loose change in your house and car and make a deposit in your savings account or payment toward your debt.
13. Go lean at the movies; take a big bag
Looking for personal finance tips that reduce the cost of outings with kids? Skip the overpriced concession/snack stand at the movies. Pack your own snacks in your big handbag for a creative way to save money.
14. Start a spending journal
Wonder where your money is going? A creative way to save money is to start a spending journal and track your spending for 30 days. You'll start to see where it's going.
15. Organize your bill due dates
Stressed with different bill due dates? Call your providers and ask to move your due dates so they are all around the same time.
16. New month, new budget
Create a new budget for each new month. No two months are exactly the same, so adjust your budget accordingly. Not a fan of budgeting? You probably need to try out a few different budgeting methods to find one that works for you.
17. Pay more than the minimum on debt
Pay way more than the minimum toward your debts whenever you can to accelerate your debt payoff. This includes credit cards, student loans, mortgages, etc. - be sure your extra payments are going toward your principal balance.
18. Know your interest rates, prioritize your debt
Are you aware of the interest rates on any debt you have? You need to be to determine your payoff priority. Having a payoff priority will help you create an effective plan to get rid of your debt quickly.
19. Get an emergency fund in place
If you have an emergency fund in place, you are less likely to leverage debt to deal with an unplanned situation. Another of my favorite personal finance tips is to start with $1,000.
Once you're able to get rid of your high-interest debt, increase it to 3 and then 6 months of your basic living expenses.
20. Negotiate everything
Got a job offer on the table? Negotiate more than just your salary—think vacation days, bonuses, work hours, etc. The most beneficial and creative way to save money is to know your worth and get the benefits and pay you deserve!
21. Save for retirement
Probably one of the best personal finance tips out there is to start saving for retirement as soon as you are able. If your employer offers a match, take it—it's free money. Having a long-term plan for retirement savings will ensure you actually live out the life you dream of having in retirement.
22. Don't wait to invest
When it comes to investing, you don’t need to be a millionaire to get your foot in the door. Start small with what you have and leverage platforms like Acorns, Stash, and a fav of mine, Stockpile. You'll be surprised how quickly things add up.
23. Get the right insurance
Be sure you have the right type and adequate amount of insurance in place: auto, health, disability life, home, renter's, pet, etc. Not having insurance or having inadequate insurance can derail your financial plans in the event that something unplanned happens.
24. Become accountable
Accountability helps you stay on top of your goals. Find an accountability partner to keep you focused as you build wealth. You are more likely to succeed when you put your goals out there.
25. Create a money-savings chart
Money-savings charts are another way to hold yourself accountable and helps you track your savings. There are many types of charts you can print and use for specific savings goals.
Whether you are trying to save your first $1,000 or want to save for Christmas, these charts will help you attain your goal more easily.
26. Try a money-savings challenge
One of the most fun and creative ways to save money is participating in a money-savings challenge! A money-savings challenge is when you save a specific amount of money depending on the rules.
For example, the 52-week savings challenge has you save a specific amount every week for 52 weeks. By the end of the challenge, you save $1378! Pick a challenge that excites you and that you can incorporate into your monthly budget.
27. Automate your savings
It's much too easy to forget to transfer over your weekly savings deposits. That's why automating your savings will ensure you are consistently saving money every week.
You can set up a specific amount or even a percentage of your paycheck. Set up automatic transfers to bulk up your savings fast.
28. Find free things to do
We all need to have fun, but going out can get costly. However, you wouldn't believe how many cheap and free things there are to do. Simply google free things to do and the name of your town and find fun things to do on a budget.
29. Set a daily routine for your finances
One of the best creative ways to save money is to set a daily routine for your finances. Creating good money habits by daily checking in on your finances keeps you accountable and focused on your financial goals.
30. Remember - gratitude always
Be grateful for what you have. Gratitude makes you content. And contentment curbs unnecessary spending.
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Get creative and save more money
Cutting expenses and finding creative ways to save up money can help you pay off debt faster and bulk up your bank account. Try one or two tips to get started and build from there. Once you see how much you save, you'll be motivated to do more!
Interested in getting out of debt, saving money, and becoming financially successful? Enroll in our Free financial courses and worksheets to start your journey to financial success!