226 Simple Money-Saving Ideas for a Tight Budget

Below is a list of simple money-saving ideas that can help stretch a tight budget. Many of these ideas were adapted from tips submitted by readers who’ve tried them at home, and results may vary based on your household habits, space and budget. But everyone is sure to discover ideas they’ve never considered for trimming the budget.

Since this is a lengthy list, I’ve created a free downloadable eBook that includes 226 money-saving tips – the 125 below, plus 101 more – to reduce expenses on food, transportation, home maintenance, pet care and other household and living costs. Just enter your email address below and watch for the eBook download link in your inbox. You’ll also receive the free Dollar Stretcher newsletter in your inbox each week with more money-saving tips and articles.

Money-Saving Food Tips: In the Kitchen and at the Grocery Store

1

Set aside a portion of your monthly food budget for stocking up on sale items and deals like buy-one-get-one offers. The amount will depend on your total budget, but $100 is a common starting point. As you build your stockpile, plan weekly meals around what you already have on hand. This helps reduce how often you pay full price for ingredients.

If you don’t use your entire “stockpile” budget in a month, carry it over to the next. Over time, this approach can help lower grocery spending by reducing last-minute, full-price purchases.

2

Track how often you buy frequently used food items and how much you spend on them. Creating a simple price book lets you record prices over time, so you can recognize true sale prices and decide when it makes sense to stock up.

With this information, you’ll have a better sense of how many units to buy to last until the next sale, helping you shop more intentionally.

3

If you’re not sure you’ll eat leftovers before they spoil, freezing them can help prevent food waste. Freeze leftovers in single portions so they’re easy to use later as ready-made meals.

Every so often, plan a meal using what you already have in the freezer. It will help rotate food before quality declines and can reduce the need for last-minute grocery trips or takeout.

4

Making your own mixes for brownies, bread, pancakes, and cookies can cost less than buying store-bought mixes while offering the same convenience. Keep your recipes handy and check your mixes once a month so you can replenish anything that’s running low and have them ready when you need something quick.

5

When you’re cooking a roast or baking a ham, buy a bigger one than you need and slice some of it for lunch meat. You can freeze most of it. This way, you can save on deli counter prices and won’t have to wait in line!

6

Rather than grocery shopping weekly, try every 10 days, every other week, or once or twice a month. By shopping less often, you’ll have fewer chances to make impulse buys and overspend.

Once or twice a year, skip the grocery store for an entire month and do a pantry challenge for a bigger savings boost.

7

Toward the end of each month, look through your fridge, freezer, and pantry, and pull out anything nearing its expiration date, or move it to the front and center in your fridge and freezer. Then, look for recipes that use these items. It will reduce your last monthly shopping bill, prevent food waste, and you may discover new family favorites.

8

You can cut costs on many meals by making small changes to the amount of meat you use. For example, if you’re making spaghetti that calls for a pound of ground beef, try using 3/4 of a pound instead.

9

Many of us buy fresh produce with the best intentions—only to find it going bad before we get around to using it.

To avoid waste, limit purchases of fresh produce to items that are part of your weekly meal plan. And learn how to properly store the produce you buy most often so it lasts longer.

If you happen to buy something that doesn’t get used as planned, consider freezing it. Not all produce can be frozen (like lettuce), and some items need to be blanched or cooked first, but many items require no prep beyond peeling or chopping to be freezer-ready.

10

To save money on coffee at home, try buying stronger coffee than you normally drink (unless you already drink the strong stuff) and using fewer grounds per pot. For example, instead of using 12 scoops of medium-strength coffee, switch to a darker, stronger blend and use eight or nine scoops. You’ll get extra pots from every bag or container.

11

Store dried spices in the freezer if you don’t use them often. It helps them stay fresher longer, reducing waste. A shoebox is a convenient way to store them; it’s easy to grab from the freezer when cooking.

12

Unless your family is vegetarian, meat is typically the most expensive component of your meals. Cut down on food expenses by planning one or two meat-free meals per week.

13

Use a French fry cutter to cut a block of cheese into individual sticks. These make great snacks and are cheaper than store-bought individually wrapped ones, unless you catch them on sale.

Choosing options that don’t come in individual wrappers can often help you save.

14

To get more bang for your baking soda bucks, keep three containers on hand: one for cooking, one for controlling fridge odors, and one for laundry and other household tasks. When you open a new box, use it for cooking and rotate the others. Move the previous “cooking” box to the fridge or laundry room.

15

Here are a few ideas that can help you buy less store-bought broth.

Save your veggie scraps throughout the week by keeping a two- or three-cup container in your freezer and adding to it as you go. At the end of the week, fill your largest pot with water and the scraps and simmer for about an hour. Then strain the broth, freeze it in containers and use it in soups, rice and other dishes.

Also, save the broth from meat cooked in the slow cooker. It makes a great soup stock. Refrigerate it, skim off the fat and use it as the base for a pot of vegetable soup within a few days or freeze it for later.

16

You shell out big bucks for fancy waters and teas, but you can save some cash by making your own. Blend fruit with water, pour it into ice trays and freeze. When you’re ready for a fruity drink, simply drop some frozen cubes into your glass or pitcher. This natural flavoring not only adds a hint of vitamins but is also super refreshing on hot days.

17

If you regularly buy nonstick cooking spray for baking, consider making your own instead. Simply mix one cup of shortening, one cup of flour and two tablespoons of vegetable oil. Store the mixture in a container in the fridge. Apply it to your pans with a crumpled paper towel.

18

Rice is usually cheaper when purchased in bulk. Plus, it can help you make larger meals for less by “bulking up” your recipes. Plain rice as a side dish can be boring, but you can easily make it more interesting. Try adding leftover soup to the rice for a new meal. You can also mix in meat drippings from chicken, pork or beef. Another option is to add leftover or frozen vegetables to enhance flavor. Save money and avoid mealtime boredom simultaneously!

19

If you eat bacon, consider saving the drippings. Strain them through cheesecloth and store them in a clean glass mason jar in the fridge. You’ll have free shortening! A small amount is all you need to grease a pan for eggs, omelets, French toast and more. You can also use it with vegetables and a nice piece of fish. The subtle bacon flavor even boosts the taste of many dishes.

20

Use quick oats for more than just breakfast. Add them to ground beef before making burgers, meatloaf or spaghetti sauce. The oats will stretch the meat and help it hold together while cooking. Additionally, you can add oats to bread recipes, such as banana nut bread or muffins.

21

Keep a magnetic dry-erase board on your fridge or freezer door to keep track of expiring items. Write down everything with a “use by” date on the board. Then, check the board regularly to see what needs to be used up soon. This way, you’ll likely lose less food to spoilage.

22

Good organization is key to making the most of grocery deals and stockpiling. A simple rule to follow is “first in, first out” (FIFO). FIFO means using the oldest items first, which helps you use things up before they expire or go bad. By making this a habit, you typically won’t have to worry about expiration dates!

23

High-quality freezer bags designed to protect foods from freezer burn can be expensive. Get your money’s worth by getting more use out of them. Order a roll of thin plastic bags, similar to those you find in your grocery store’s produce or meat department. Place your meats in these bags, then place them inside your freezer bags. This way, your meat will be better protected, and because the raw meat won’t touch your freezer bags, you can reuse them. (Remember not to reuse the thin plastic bags if you use them for meat or poultry.)

Tips for Reducing Living Expenses: From Utilities to Home Maintenance

24

Keep your appliances running efficiently to save on energy bills. The fridge uses a lot of electricity, and dirty coils make it work even harder. Check your fridge’s manual to learn how and how often to clean the coils. You might also find other maintenance tips to prevent your fridge from using too much energy.

25

In addition to changing your air filters, some simple tasks can help your A/C unit run efficiently (using less electricity) and prevent service calls. If you have an outside compressor, make sure plants or other yard debris aren’t covering it. It requires good airflow to function properly. Also, occasionally add a small amount of bleach to the outdoor condensation line. You’ll usually find a designated spot on the line near the air handler for this. These simple steps can lower the cost of keeping your house cool and prolong the life of your A/C unit.

26

Spring is a great time to check your home’s windows and doors, making sure winter hasn’t damaged the weatherstripping or caulking and caused air leaks. If you discover any leaks, plug them before the summer heat (and cooling bills) set in.

27

One thing homeowners often overlook is checking the caulking around the base of their home, where the foundation meets the siding or covering. If the caulking is incomplete or insecure, water from rain, leaking gutters, or flooding can seep in, leading to costly mold growth. It’s a good idea to inspect the caulking every year, ideally after the winter thaw, and replace it if necessary. Prevention usually costs much less than a repair.

28

If you have homeowners or renters insurance but no record of your belongings, you may struggle to prove their value in case of a fire or theft. Take photos or videos of valuable items such as electronics, furniture and collectibles, and store the copies securely in the cloud or elsewhere. Create a spreadsheet or list that includes each item’s description, model number, and other relevant details. As you buy new things, update your inventory with new photos and receipts. This way, if you need to file an insurance claim, you’ll have the necessary documentation to recoup some of the loss and replace items.

29

Some Dollar Stretchers use the air bags from shipping boxes to fill the space at the bottom of windows between the storm window and the inside window. They say this helps reduce drafts.

30

Do you have a lawn to maintain? Each spring, take a few minutes to prepare your mower for summer. Sharpen the blade, replace the spark plug and air filter and change the oil. These tasks will help extend its life. If you’re uncomfortable doing these tasks yourself, hiring someone to do them can help you avoid the cost of replacing your mower too soon.

31

If you rent and your new landlord is in a hurry to get the place ready, they might be rushed to clean it. Consider offering to do the cleaning yourself in exchange for a discount on the first month’s rent. This way, you’ll save money, and your landlord will appreciate having less work to do. Just make sure your landlord agrees to a rent reduction that makes it worthwhile.

32

Replacing the furnace or HVAC filter regularly can help extend the furnace’s lifespan and reduce airborne allergens and dust. It’s essential to know how often the type of filter you have should be changed, whether monthly, quarterly, etc., and to remember to replace it. It’s easy to forget. If you write a monthly check or schedule an online payment for your electric bill, use that as a reminder to check and/or change your filter.

33

Most modern appliances contain electronic components that power surges can damage. Replacing these parts can be expensive. Surge protectors can help prevent these costly repairs.

34

Many appliance repair people warn that using your oven’s self-cleaning feature can cause it to fail sooner. In this mode, the oven must reach a very high temperature, which may cause the heating element to die prematurely. To extend your oven’s lifespan, clean it by hand and use the self-cleaning feature only when necessary.

35

Place a bucket under the drain trap of each sink in your home. Since leaks from drains or supply plumbing tend to drip from the bottom of the trap, the bucket will catch them. When you need the bucket for cleaning and find water in it, you’ll know there’s a leak. This way, you can fix it before it causes expensive damage.

36

If you have trustworthy neighbors, consider sharing the cost of lawn and home maintenance equipment, such as lawn mowers, snowblowers, or pressure washers. You can also split the maintenance costs, which lets you both care for your homes for less. Alternatively, if you need to hire a professional for a home maintenance task, ask other neighbors if they need the same service. Then check whether you can all get a group discount.

37

Some items need regular maintenance to last longer and save you money. Have you inspected your washer hoses for bulges, cleaned your dryer vent and drained your water heater to prevent sediment buildup? Consider hiring a professional to clean and check your air conditioner. When did you last have your furnace cleaned and inspected?

You don’t have to do all these tasks at once. Spread them out over the year instead. By taking the time to complete these essential tasks, you’ll realize significant long-term savings.

38

If you’re looking for cabinetry for a laundry room or garage, check with local building supply stores to see whether they offer discounts on scratched, slightly damaged, or discontinued display kitchen and bath items. Although these items might not be suitable for a kitchen or bathroom, they can be a cost-effective way to increase storage in your laundry room or garage.

39

Updating your bathroom doesn’t have to break the bank. With just a few hundred dollars and a weekend’s work, you can give it a fresh new look by repainting and replacing the sink faucets, medicine cabinet and towel racks. Add some new hand towels and rugs, and it can look like a completely different bathroom!

40

Is your porch or patio too dark? If running wiring and installing outdoor lighting fixtures is too expensive, use clear outdoor LED lights instead. (Pick up some cheap lights at an after-holiday sale.) You’ll need an outdoor outlet, but this affordable solution has a nice look.

41

If you need electrical items for your home, don’t rule out secondhand sources. Check if you have a local Habitat for Humanity ReStore. This thrift store sells building supplies, and you can often find ceiling fans, with or without a light kit, and lighting at a fraction of the cost of buying new. Habitat ensures that the items are in working order and safe to use, with no fire hazards.

42

To add extra insulation to windows in winter, some Dollar Stretcher readers say they get a roll of bubble wrap. First, they spray the inside of the window with water or glass cleaner. Next, they cut the bubble wrap to fit and place it on the interior of the wet window. The bubble wrap will still let in light and add some privacy.

43

Consult an HVAC technician about switching to a permanent, washable electrostatic air filter instead of disposable filters. They aren’t suitable for every environment, but they might work in yours. Although it’s more expensive upfront, a permanent filter can last for years. Most of the time, you can clean it by blowing out the dirt with an air compressor or hosing it down, and it’ll be good as new. If you choose a permanent filter, remember to clean it regularly and allow it to dry completely before reinstalling it.

44

Need new linens? Consider buying all-white or off-white ones. Since people tend to buy up colored linens first, you can easily find white sheets, pillowcases and towels on sale. You can also check thrift stores or discount stores for nice “matching” white linens at a fraction of the cost. Plus, you can wash all your linens together, which might mean doing fewer loads!

45

Many homeowners overlook insulating behind their light switch covers. This oversight can lead to significant heat loss in winter and cool air escape in summer. To address this, you can purchase insulation pads to install behind each light switch cover, improving home insulation and reducing energy bills. It’s an easy do-it-yourself project. Just be careful to stay clear of the electrical wires!

46

If you own small kitchen appliances or electronics such as TVs, DVD players, or gaming consoles that use standby power, especially older models, you may be wasting money on “phantom power.” These devices still use electricity even when turned off. Even phone chargers use power when not in use. Unplugging these items until needed can save you money, but it’s not always convenient. A better solution is to plug these devices into a power strip. Then, you can simply flip the switch on the strip as needed. Additionally, many power strips serve as surge protectors, helping shield your electronics from surge damage.

47

Opening your blinds, drapes, and shades in winter lets the sun warm your home for free and may slightly reduce energy bills. However, switching to thermal window treatments and leaving them closed may significantly reduce your home’s heating and cooling costs year-round (source: Energy.gov). You can also add thermal liners to your existing curtains.

48

If new thermal window treatments are too expensive, cut Mylar thermal blankets to fit windows that receive direct summer sun. A Dollar Stretcher reader uses this tip. Use painter’s tape to attach the blankets to the windows as needed. The Mylar will reflect most of the heat. When you’re ready to remove it, you can simply pull off the painter’s tape without damaging the frame. It’s not the prettiest solution, but it’s an affordable one to try.

49

A slipcover is not just for hiding old, worn-out furniture. It can also help extend the life of your nice furniture. You can easily remove it when you have company coming over to show off your beautiful, clean sofa and chairs.

50

When cooling your home, don’t overlook indoor air humidity. When the air is too humid, it can become unbearable. A dehumidifier is an affordable tool that may make your home more comfortable. By combining it with fan-generated air, you may not need an air conditioner, depending on your location. After all, air conditioners remove excess moisture from the air they condition, which is an important part of their job.

51

If you have a lawn or outdoor plants that need watering, mark the rainy days on a calendar by circling the date and adding “rained.” You’ll remember when to run the sprinklers, saving you money on water bills. Adding rain barrels can help you save even more, although they are a pricier solution.

Money-Saving Cleaning Tips

52

Ceiling fans attract dust because their circular motion creates static electricity. One TDS reader uses a simple and inexpensive anti-static spray on her fans, mixing one tablespoon of fabric softener and one tablespoon of 70% rubbing alcohol with one cup of water. If needed, double or triple the recipe to fill your spray bottle. After cleaning the fan, spray the fan blades and exterior housing with the mixture. She finds it helps go longer between cleanings, saving you the hassle of frequent ladder climbing.

53

When you finish those pricey disinfecting wipes, don’t toss the canister. You likely have old sheets, worn-out clothes or a stash of paper towels lying around the house. Cut them into wipes, fill the canister with the wipes, and then refill it with non-chlorine disinfectant.

54

To clean your carpets yourself, mix 1/2 cap (not cup) of liquid laundry detergent with about a gallon of water in a bucket. Use a stiff brush to scrub soiled areas. Make sure to get the carpet pretty wet to ensure it gets clean. Then fill a carpet-cleaning machine with hot water only—no soap. You’ll use the machine just to rinse. Finally, dry the carpet by using a fan. This method is cheap and can save you the cost of hiring a professional.

55

To easily and cheaply remove soap scum from your shower, mix borax and water to form a paste. With a soft-bristle brush, a little scrubbing will make your shower look like new.

56

If your pet has an accident in the house, mix two tablespoons of white vinegar and two tablespoons of dishwashing liquid with a quart of water. Spray the solution on the spot while it’s still damp. This cheap and effective solution will remove the odor.

57

Looking for a cheaper way to refill your ‘ready mop’ systems? Try using baby shampoo — just 1 to 2 teaspoons per gallon of water will do the trick. This tip comes from a professional cleaner at a beauty shop chain.

58

If you want to avoid store-bought furniture polish, mix one cup of olive oil with half a cup of lemon juice — or use an essential oil. Just be aware that you probably won’t need as much essential oil as lemon juice. Wipe the mixture onto furniture (a little goes a long way) and rub it off as you would regular furniture polish.

59

Got a smelly kitchen trashcan? Try this: pour some vinegar on a piece of bread, place it at the bottom of the unlined can and let it sit overnight. By morning, the smell will be gone.

60

If you live in a place with hard water, it can affect your dishwasher’s efficiency. To combat hard water damage, add half a cup of vinegar to every third or fourth load. Place a right-side-up coffee cup in the top basket to hold the vinegar, which will disperse during the wash cycle. This simple step can help keep your dishwasher running smoothly!

61

Use a clean dryer sheet to wipe down your mini-blinds about once a month. The dust will not cling to the sheet but will fall to the floor, where you can easily vacuum it up. Once a year, take your mini-blinds outside and spray them with bathroom cleaner. Let the cleaner sit for 30 minutes, then rinse the blinds off with a water hose. Instantly clean without any scrubbing or expensive cleaners!

62

Old cotton baby blankets, easily found at thrift stores, make great lint-free cleaning cloths. Cut them into 12-inch squares. They’re perfect for cleaning glass and mirrors and will help reduce your paper towel usage.

63

To eliminate cooking odors in your kitchen, fill a pan with three cups of water, one cup of vinegar, and a pinch of cinnamon. Let it boil for a few minutes. Do this after cooking food that leaves a strong smell in your home.

64

To remove rust spots from tubs and sinks inexpensively, cover the spot with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide, then sprinkle some cream of tartar on top. Let it sit for 30 minutes before wiping it off with a sponge.

65

Try this environmentally safe method for tough-to-clean toilets: regularly scrub with borax. It’s fairly inexpensive. Additionally, use a well-moistened pumice stone to scrub away hard water stains at the water level.

66

Do you love using Febreze to keep your house smelling fresh, but hate the cost? Here’s a homemade alternative:

Ingredients:
1/8 cup fabric softener
2 T. baking soda
A spray bottle

Instructions:
Pour the ingredients into a spray bottle using a funnel. Fill the bottle with hot tap water and shake well.

Tips for Cutting Laundry Costs

67

Instead of buying fabric softener, try rubbing a capful of cheap hair conditioner into a damp white washcloth. Then, toss it in the dryer with your wet clothes.

68

If you like name-brand laundry detergent but not the price, consider using it only for your nicer clothes. A cheaper store brand will do just fine for underclothes, outdoor work clothes, kids’ play clothes and similar items.

69

Here is a cheap stain remover recipe for dirt, grass, ink and food stains.

Mix the following in an old spray bottle:
1/3rd rubbing alcohol
1/3rd hydrogen peroxide
1/6th Dawn dish liquid
1/6th water

Before washing, spray the stains and then use an old toothbrush to brush the mixture in. Always label the bottle you use and make sure you know what chemicals you’re mixing, as some combinations can be harmful.

70

Dryers are hard on some types of clothing. To make T-shirts last longer, hang them to air-dry right from the washer using hangers. The same goes for expensive elastic items like bras and panties — air-drying helps preserve them. Avoid using high heat on items like denim and stretchy workout pants. Dry them until they’re damp, then let them air dry the rest of the way. By doing this, you’ll significantly reduce the number of garments you need to replace due to holes or fabric damage.

71

If you use dryer sheets, cut them in half to stretch your budget.

72

Inexpensive wool dryer balls make your clothes feel softer, wrinkle less and dry faster. Buy a set — they last a long time — or use tennis balls as an alternative.

Affordable Pest Control Tips

73

To catch fruit flies, fill a coffee cup with a small amount of orange or other sweet juice. Cut a small slit in a coffee filter and cover the top of the coffee cup. The flies will fly in to reach the juice, but struggle to fly back out.

74

To get rid of ants both inside and out, mix up the following recipe:

2 cups of sugar
1 cup of water
2 tablespoons of borax

Place all the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for three minutes. Then, using a jar lid, place the mixture in the affected room or outside where the ants are present. The ants will find the sticky liquid regardless of where you put it. Soon, the ants will be gone, as this mixture is toxic to them.

75

When spending time outdoors during mosquito season, try putting an unused fabric softener sheet in your back pocket. According to some TDS readers, the scent keeps mosquitoes away and it may save you the cost of pricey bug repellent.

76

To kill roaches inexpensively, mix sugar and baking soda in equal parts. This mixture is effective in treating most homes with just one cup. The sugar lures the roaches, and the baking soda kills them. Sprinkle the mixture in key areas around your home or place it on small plates in cabinets and under furniture.

77

Sprinkle cheap diatomaceous earth around your home to get rid of bugs. This powder kills most types of bugs, including roaches, ants, and fleas. When a bug eats it, it dehydrates and dies. Use caution around kids and pets.

Money-Saving Auto Tips

78

Mix one quart of rubbing alcohol, one cup of water and two tablespoons of liquid dish detergent to create a cheap windshield washer mixture that won’t freeze. This mixture stays liquid to temperatures well below freezing.

79

You can save significantly by keeping your vehicle for eight or even ten years. As your car gets older, you may not need to carry collision coverage on your auto insurance policy anymore. If the payout from the insurance company if your car were totaled would be less than the annual collision premiums, you might want to consider dropping it. You can then deposit the extra money into a savings fund for your next car purchase. You can’t drop your liability coverage, but you should periodically check that you’re carrying the right amount for your needs.

80

After paying off your car loan, consider putting the same monthly amount into a separate high-yield savings account. If you can drive your current car for four or five more years while saving that money, you’ll likely have enough to buy your next car outright.

81

Protecting your car’s paint job helps maintain its trade-in value. Don’t count on the spray-on wax at the car wash. Instead, have a detailer hand-wax your car at least once a year. An annual hand wax is more cost-effective than paying extra for wax at the car wash, and your car will look better as a result.

82

Many auto service people are skilled at selling you extras. For example, when you get your oil changed, they might offer to replace your cabin filter at a price that sounds like a good deal. However, some of these extras are easy and cheap for you to do yourself. Before you agree to any extra service, look up the part’s price online and check YouTube to see how difficult it is to do the job yourself

83

If you need to remove bird droppings from your car between washings, try using diluted baby shampoo. It breaks down the droppings, making them easy to wipe away.

84

Keep receipts for all maintenance and repair records on your car. Also, take photos of its exterior and interior a few times a year. If your car is ever totaled, these photos and records can help you prove its excellent condition if the insurance company offers only the average trade-in value or below-average value after an accident.

85

Using public transportation frequently, even if you own a car, can be a smart financial move. By limiting your car use to errands like grocery shopping, you’ll put fewer miles on it, which could help you keep it longer. You might also qualify for a low-mileage discount on your auto insurance. Additionally, the cost of public transit might be lower than filling up your gas tank. As an added benefit, you can use your bus or subway ride to catch up on work or simply relax instead of driving.

86

When you need another car, consider checking with local senior communities. Retirees typically take good care of their vehicles, often keeping them in a garage. Plus, they may offer you a reasonable deal.

87

You can extend the life of your windshield wipers by rubbing a paper towel soaked in vinegar over them. It removes much of the stuff trapped on the blades and helps maintain the rubber’s elasticity. You can also use a rubber protectant to prevent premature cracking.

88

A good way to find a reliable mechanic is to ask local used car dealers who they trust to work on their vehicles. Small auto shops usually charge lower prices than dealerships.

89

Clean your car battery posts regularly to remove corrosion. Then apply a thin layer of oil and rub it in thoroughly. It can help slow down corrosion.

90

Don’t let clutter build up in your truck or car’s back hatch. The weight of all that stuff can affect your gas mileage and require you to fill up more often.

91

When you feel like you need something from the store, ask yourself: “Would I still want it badly enough to walk and get it right now?” This simple question can help you avoid jumping in the car whenever a need strikes. Instead, make a list and pick up everything you need in one trip.

92

Car dealerships charge a premium to apply a protective coating to your car’s interior. You can buy a few cans of Scotchgard™ and do it yourself to protect your car’s interior and its trade-in value.

Tips for Saving on Personal Care

93

If you use natural sponges to apply makeup, check art or craft supply stores such as Michaels or Hobby Lobby. They often carry the same sponges as those at the cosmetics counter or drugstore, but at a lower price.

And, instead of using cotton squares to remove eye makeup, consider using the soft microfiber cloths that come with eyeglasses or sunglasses. You can reuse one for a few days, then wash it with your towels. These cloths are gentle on the eye area and very durable.

94

Don’t toss old socks. Instead, cut off the bottoms and save the elastic tops. Then, moisten them and put them in the freezer. If you have wrist pain, slip a frozen sock top over it for cheap relief. They also come in handy when you’re overheated and need to cool down.

95

Don’t you hate it when your face powder or blush compact breaks and becomes unusable? Don’t throw it away! Grind the leftover product into a fine powder using a spoon or similar tool. Then, mix in some rubbing alcohol to form a paste. Spread the paste back into the container and let it dry.

96

To soothe the itch of bug bites, you may not need to buy an anti-itch product from the store. Try using an aspirin paste. Mix a little water with an aspirin tablet to make a paste, then apply it to the bite. According to some TDS readers, the sting should disappear almost instantly.

97

Baking soda makes a great foot powder. It’s also handy as a dry shampoo when you’re short on time to wash and dry your hair. Simply place a couple of teaspoons of baking soda in your hands, rub it through your hair, and then brush it out over the bathtub or sink.

98

Fill an old sock with two or three cups of dry beans, then tie the end shut to make a cheap, easy, and safe heating pad. When you need relief from tired muscles or winter chills, simply microwave it for one to two minutes until it’s warm.

99

Fill a spray bottle 1/4 full of shampoo. Add water to fill the bottle. Wet your hair, then spray the shampoo solution onto it. You will get the desired suds with far less shampoo; the spray covers the entire head instead of a glob in one area.

100

Most popular name-brand over-the-counter medications have a generic version available. Stores typically display the less expensive option next to the name-brand, making it easy to find. Simply flip over the name-brand box to check the most active ingredient, which is usually listed first on the label. Then, review the less expensive option to confirm it contains the same active ingredient. Many stores offer their own brand of the same medication at a significantly lower price, and it’s often the same product.

101

To get every last bit out of “tubed” cosmetics and toiletries like face washes, lotions, foundation, and toothpaste, try cutting the tube open. This simple step can give you an extra day or a week’s worth of product before you need to replace it, depending on the item.

Money-Saving Pet Care Tips

102

To stretch expensive odor-control kitty litter, purchase cheap off-brand litter and mix it with the expensive litter — 25% cheap to 75% expensive works well. This trick is effective for both scoopable clay litter and regular clay litter.

103

You don’t need to spend money on pricey little dog training treats. Instead, try a different brand of dry food than your dog usually eats. Dogs are happy with anything that tastes different and comes from you as a reward.

104

Buy dry pet food in bulk and save. Divide the bulk into freezer bags or freezer-safe containers, and store them in the freezer until you need them. Generally, the larger bags of food cost less per pound than the smaller ones.

105

No need to spend money on an expensive dog bed. Buy a cheap dog bed cover online and fill it with an old comforter.

106

To make a dog sweater for a small dog, start with an old sweatshirt and cut off the sleeves. Then, slip one of the sleeves over your dog’s head and position the wrist cuff around its neck. Next, figure out where to cut two holes for its legs. Finally, mark the spot where you need to cut the sleeve to get the right length. For bigger dogs, you can do a similar thing using the legs of old sweatpants. Just make sure the cuff isn’t too tight around their neck.

Money-Saving Money Management Tips

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Track how much you spend on Christmas each year and divide the total by 11 “payments.” From January to November (11 months), set aside the “payment” amount. By December, you should have enough to cover most holiday expenses without going into debt. If you also spend a lot on Thanksgiving, you can use the same approach to cover those costs.

108

Extended warranties can be tempting, but if you can afford to take the risk, you’ll save money in the long run by self-insuring. Companies push them so hard because they’re highly profitable for both the store and the insurer.

One way to self-insure is to set aside the money you would’ve spent on the extended warranty in a savings account. By doing this every time you buy an appliance, you’ll have a fund ready for repairs.

109

If you plan to buy an expensive item, like a car, calculate your monthly payments and set that amount aside for six months. It will help you determine whether you can afford it comfortably and give you a six-month payment cushion.

110

Paying off loans early can save you significant interest, but you need to do it right. When you make an extra payment, ensure it applies directly to the loan principal, not to your next payment. If you’re not sure how to do this, ask your lender. Also, double-check that your loan doesn’t have any pre-payment penalties. Most loans don’t, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

111

A sinking fund is a special savings account that helps you save for specific expenses that don’t come up every month. These expenses, like insurance premiums, Christmas and birthday gifts, and property taxes, are usually paid once or twice a year. To create a sinking fund, add up all these expenses and divide the total by 12 to determine the amount to set aside each month. Consider automatically transferring it to a separate account each month to reduce the risk of using it for something else. When one of these bills is due, you’ll have enough money to pay it in full.

112

If you have many auto-renewing services, such as streaming subscriptions or your Amazon Prime or warehouse club membership, it’s easy to lose track of them. Instead of recording automatic-renewal dates on your calendar, make a note for each renewal a month before the next payment is due. This reminder will give you time to decide if you’ve used the service enough since the last renewal to make it worth keeping. Also, check whether you can downgrade to a lower-tier (and cheaper) plan.

If you like the service but don’t have time to use it, consider pausing for a few months—say, three to six—and then resubscribing. When you request a cancellation, you may be offered a discount to stay, which can make the service worth keeping.

113

Does saving for an emergency fund seem impossible? Try making a pact with your spouse or partner to skip giving each other gifts for a year, including birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. Then, use that money to build your emergency fund instead.

Miscellaneous Money-Saving Tips

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A great way to save money is to determine exactly how much product you need to ensure it works well. To do this, try cutting the amount by a quarter or half. If it still works well, continue cutting until you find the right amount. This trick works for laundry detergent, dish detergent, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and more.

115

When buying a product with replaceable parts, like a refrigerator with a built-in water filter or a printer, check the cost of those parts first. You don’t want a costly surprise the first time you have to replace a filter or ink cartridge.

116

If you have a talent or skill, you can trade with your friends who have different areas of expertise. For example, if your friend is a hair and nail professional and you’re good at cleaning, sewing, or cooking, you could offer to bake for them each week in exchange for a manicure you couldn’t otherwise afford. Or you could clean their shop once a week.

117

Sometimes, “living better for less” means paying more at first. When you buy higher-quality items, they last longer. You end up saving money because you don’t need to replace them repeatedly.

118

For affordable fun with friends, check out community events such as free outdoor concerts, minor league baseball games, and discounted museum days. You can have just as much fun and spend far less than on a dinner out.

119

If you use many zipper-type food bags, consider washing and reusing those that haven’t held raw meat. Or invest in reusable ones.

120

Turn to “dollar” stores for help with special occasions. You can affordably get everything you need: a tablecloth, plates, napkins, cups, silverware, table and wall decorations, wrapping paper, bags and tissue paper. You don’t have to break the bank to make someone feel special!

121

If you’re looking to save money on eyeglass frames, check out thrift stores for a pair you like. Then, take your prescription and frames to a discount optometry store, where they can put in your new lenses.

122

To make “select-a-size” paper towels from cheap brands, place a regular roll on its side and carefully cut it in half using a serrated knife. You now have two convenient rolls with half-sheets!

123

You don’t need to spend money on pricey foot powders or charcoal inserts for your shoes. Simply sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into your shoes every few days. It’s inexpensive and does a great job of absorbing the odor!

124

Inspect in-store clothing purchases carefully, especially clearance items that have been in the store for a while. If you find a minor flaw you can easily fix, such as a loose button or a small stain, ask for an additional discount. You might end up with a great steal.

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Before buying a new piece of clothing, try the “Cost Per Wearing” test. Ask yourself: Will I wear it often? Does it still offer good value when I divide the cost by how many times I expect to wear it?