20 Easy Ways to Save Money That You Haven’t Tried Yet
We all know the classics when it comes to saving money: cut the daily coffee runs, unsubscribe from unused memberships, and stop impulse shopping on Amazon. But let’s be real—sometimes that advice just isn’t enough. Or it’s too boring. Or you’ve tried it already and it didn’t make a dent in your budget.
If you’re looking for fresh, lesser-known ways to save cash, this guide is for you. Whether you’re saving for a trip, trying to crush debt, or just want more breathing room in your budget, here are easy and surprisingly clever ways to save money that most people overlook.
1. Audit Your Subscriptions With an App
You might be surprised how much you’re spending on subscriptions every month. That $6.99 here and $12.99 there adds up quickly. But going through your bank statements manually? Ugh, no thanks.
Instead, try a free app like Rocket Money (formerly Truebill) or Trim. These apps scan your accounts, identify your recurring subscriptions, and can even cancel them for you. No awkward phone calls needed.
They also help you negotiate bills, track spending, and set savings goals. Seriously, these apps are like a personal finance assistant in your pocket.
2. Use a Grocery Rebate App Every Time You Shop
You’ve heard of clipping coupons, but what about getting paid for buying groceries?
Apps like Ibotta and Fetch Rewards give you cash back just for uploading your receipt or linking your store loyalty card. No coupon clipping required. You can earn rewards on everyday items like milk, bread, snacks, and even wine (yes, really).
It’s easy money for doing what you were already going to do anyway—buy food.
3. Switch to a High-Yield Savings Account
Your current savings account might be making you, like, 0.01% in interest. That’s practically nothing.
Instead, look into a high-yield savings account with online banks like SoFi, Ally, or Marcus by Goldman Sachs. Some accounts are offering over 4% interest these days!
It’s a simple switch that can seriously grow your money without any extra work.
4. Join Local “Buy Nothing” or Community Groups
The Buy Nothing Project is a global movement of hyper-local Facebook groups where people give away things they don’t need—for free. Think furniture, clothes, books, kitchen gadgets, baby gear, and more.
Just search “[Buy Nothing + your neighborhood]” on Facebook and join. It’s also a great way to give back or connect with neighbors. Plus, less stuff ends up in landfills. Win-win.
5. Use a Browser Extension That Finds Better Deals
When you shop online, browser extensions like Honey or Capital One Shopping automatically apply coupon codes at checkout and alert you if the item is cheaper elsewhere.
These tools do all the work in the background. You literally just install them once and save money without lifting a finger.
6. Share Streaming Accounts—Legally
We’re not saying to break any rules. But many streaming services do allow multiple users under one account—like Netflix, HBO Max, and Spotify Premium Family. Just make sure you’re staying within their sharing policies.
Split the cost with roommates, family, or friends. You’ll all save, and everyone still gets their own profile.
7. Opt for Refillable Versions of Household Products
This is one of those things people don’t usually think about until they’ve wasted $100 on single-use containers. From hand soap to cleaning sprays and even shampoo, refillable options are way cheaper in the long run.
Look into brands like Blueland for eco-friendly refills, or just buy bulk sizes of your favorite products and reuse old bottles. Your wallet (and the planet) will thank you.
8. Use a Library Card for Way More Than Books
If you haven’t visited your local library lately, you’re missing out. Libraries today offer way more than just books. With a free library card, you can often get:
- Free streaming with Kanopy or Hoopla
- Access to newspapers and magazines online
- Audiobooks and e-books
- Free passes to museums and parks
- Courses like LinkedIn Learning or Rosetta Stone
It’s basically a secret money-saving superpower.
9. Round Up Your Purchases to Save Automatically
Some banks and apps let you “round up” your purchases to the nearest dollar and save the change. It’s like throwing your spare coins into a jar, except digital.
Try apps like Acorns or check if your bank offers a similar feature (like Bank of America’s Keep the Change).
You won’t even notice the difference day to day—but you will notice the savings after a few months.
10. Cancel Auto-Renew on Everything
Don’t let companies renew your payments without asking. Turn off auto-renew on your:
- Streaming services
- App subscriptions
- Gym memberships
- Online services like domain hosting or cloud storage
This way, you’re forced to decide if you actually want to pay for it again. No more “Oh, I forgot I was still subscribed to that.”
Read More:
- What is the Main Benefit of Yoga: Achieving Balance in Mind, Body, and Soul
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11. Do a Pantry Challenge Once a Month
Challenge yourself to use only what’s already in your pantry, freezer, or fridge for a week. You’d be surprised how many meals you can cobble together from the stuff you already have.
This little “pantry challenge” saves money, reduces waste, and forces you to get creative. Check out Budget Bytes for awesome recipes using pantry staples.
12. Switch to Generic Brands (Yes, Really)
You don’t need to buy the brand name version of everything. Generic or store-brand products are often made in the same factories as the big-name ones.
Next time you shop, try switching:
- Medications (think ibuprofen, allergy meds)
- Pantry staples (pasta, beans, rice, cereal)
- Toiletries
- Cleaning products
You’ll often save 30-50% instantly.
13. Look for Credit Card Offers With Bonus Cash
Some credit cards offer a $200–$500 cash bonus just for signing up and spending a certain amount. If you’re already going to spend that much on groceries or bills, it’s basically free money.
Check out comparison sites like NerdWallet or The Points Guy for the best current offers.
Just remember: only do this if you pay off your balance in full every month. No point earning a bonus if you’re drowning in interest.
14. Do a No-Spend Weekend (Or Week)
Pick a weekend (or a whole week) and challenge yourself to spend zero dollars. You’ll be surprised how creative you get with free fun, at-home meals, and stuff you already have.
It’s a good reset for your spending habits, and a sneaky way to pad your savings account.
Need inspiration? Browse the Free Events Near You section of Eventbrite.
15. Rent or Borrow Before You Buy
Need a drill for a weekend project? A tent for a camping trip? A fancy dress for one event?
Don’t buy it—borrow it. Use services like:
- Fat Llama (rent anything from people nearby)
- Library of Things (UK-based, expanding)
- Rent the Runway (for clothing and accessories)
- Home Depot tool rental
It’s like Netflix, but for stuff.
16. Buy Gift Cards for Yourself at a Discount
You can save 5–20% just by buying gift cards to places you already shop at—think Amazon, Target, Starbucks, and more.
Check out:
Buy a discounted gift card, then use it like normal. It’s free savings on top of what you’d spend anyway.
17. Use Price Drop Refunds (Automatically)
Some stores and credit cards offer price protection—if something you buy drops in price shortly after, you can get a refund of the difference.
But who has time to track that manually?
Apps like Paribus (now part of Capital One) automatically track your purchases and file refund claims for you. It’s like having a watchdog for your receipts.
18. Pause Your Bills When You’re Away
Going on vacation or out of town? Pause services like:
- Gym memberships
- Streaming services
- Internet or cable (if you can)
- Newspaper subscriptions
- Meal kits
Many companies will let you freeze or pause without canceling completely. That way, you don’t pay for stuff you’re not using.
19. Negotiate Literally Everything
You can negotiate more than just your salary. Try it with:
- Medical bills (especially if you’re uninsured)
- Rent (especially if renewing)
- Internet or cable bills
- Car insurance
- Hotel rates or Airbnb stays
Seriously. Call and say, “Is there any way to lower my rate?” You’d be amazed at how often it works.
20. Sell Your Data (Safely)
This one might sound weird, but companies are willing to pay for your opinion or browsing data. If you’re comfortable with it, check out:
You can earn small amounts passively while using your phone or browsing the internet. Just be sure to read the privacy policies first.
Final Thoughts: Saving Money Doesn’t Have to Suck
Saving money doesn’t mean cutting out all fun or living like a monk. With just a few creative tweaks and the right tools, you can keep more cash in your pocket without overhauling your lifestyle.
Try a few of these lesser-known tips, and watch your savings grow faster than you expected.
Have any weird or wonderful money-saving tricks of your own? Share them in the comments at The World’s Eye—we’d love to feature them in a future article!
