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We all know we should be saving money, but life happens, and we get caught up in the day-to-day, spending money instead of saving it.
With bills to pay, unexpected expenses popping up, and the lure of going out to eat and buying the coolest new gadget or clothes, saving money from our paycheck each week can often take a backseat.
But what if I told you there were easy ways that you could save 20% or more from your paycheck without any effort?
By making a few small changes in your daily life, you could significantly increase the amount you can save from your paycheck.
I’m not talking about budgeting and counting every penny; these 24 tips are all about making saving easy.
You won’t even feel like you’re working at saving money because they become part of your routine.
I have chosen these 24 easy ways to save 20% or more from your paycheck because they require the least effort and will save you the most money.
So get ready to learn how to boost your savings without effort while still enjoying the things you love.
1. Unplug Your Gadgets
Unplugging electronics and turning off lights when not in use is a very easy way to save money right away and continuously.
If you can see the lights on the device, it is using electricity, and this simple step can save you up to 10% on your electricity bill each month.
To make this easier, many surge protectors have the option of flipping a switch to turn off all devices. They even have an outlet that doesn’t turn off your device, so your DVR records the shows you want.
2. Brew Your Coffee
You don’t have to give up that $5 Latte each day; just make it yourself.
Buying coffee drinks can quickly add up, and brewing your own coffee at home can give you an extra $20-$30 to put toward your savings each week.
Plus, without needing to stop for coffee, you will have an extra 10-15 minutes that you can use to further improve your life.
3. Rotate Streaming Services
Instead of paying for multiple streaming services, rotate between them each month so you will only be paying for what you actually watch.
This could provide you with an additional $20 to $50 monthly to set aside from your paycheck. If that sounds too extreme, sign up for one service for six months, then cancel and switch to another. Keep a list of new series or movies on the other services, so you don’t waste time browsing.
4. Smarter Thermostat
Have you gone to work and left the thermostat on high all day?
By investing in a smart thermostat, you can save 10% to 15% on your monthly heating and cooling bill by programming it to adjust the temperature at different times of day and according to your specific preferences.
5. Change the Temperature
While you’re at it, change the temperatures you are currently using. Instead of keeping your house at 70 in the summer, change it to 72. Instead of 72 in the winter, lower it to 70. Doing this could save you around 2% every day, which really adds up over time.
6. Clean Those Filters
Okay, this one does take a little effort, but it is well with it when you see the money you can save.
Cleaning your air filters each month to run more efficiently can save you up to 15% on your energy bill. Dirty filters force your system to work harder to clean the air, which costs you more money. Plus, the harder the system works, the shorter its lifespan, saving you money there too.
7. Cook Some Meals
Eating out these days can be expensive, but cooking meals at home can save you $10 or more per meal per person.
You can even prepare the same meals you would normally order at restaurants but for a fraction of the cost.
To save even more money, consider going meatless some days a week and building your meals around low-cost items, like rice, beans, and pasta.
8. Membership Discounts
Check if any of your memberships or subscriptions have an offer for a cheaper option if you buy an annual plan.
Many companies offer discounts to customers who pay upfront for a year, so take advantage of these deals.
9. Additional Member Discounts
It is smart to check to see what other discounts you get by shopping with or belonging to a certain company. For example, with my American Express card, I get a monthly credit on streaming services.
With my free Marriott rewards account, I get bonus points on rental cars that I can use for free hotel stays.
10. Stop Buying Bottled Water
If you buy bottled water from convenience stores or even from the grocery store, you are wasting money that you could be saving each paycheck.
Investing in a reusable water bottle will save you $1 to $2 every time you fill it up instead of purchasing a disposable water bottle.
11. Bring Your Lunch
Eating out for lunch every day can cost you at least $10 more every day compared to taking a brown bag lunch you make at home.
Even if you only bring your lunch three times a week, you could save more than $700 in a year. And here is an easy way to pack your lunch: use leftovers from the meals you make for dinner.
12. Save with Apps
Cashback and coupon apps are great ways to save money on groceries and other everyday purchases.
You can earn money back on items you already buy, and although it may not seem like much at first, but every little bit adds up over time.
Popular apps include Shopkick, Ibotta, Fetch, Receipt Hog, Rakuten, and more.
13. Quit the Gym
Gym memberships can be expensive, and sometimes, we never even use them, but we keep paying for them month after month.
You can drop your gym membership and start finding new ways to exercise for free, such as running or walking in your neighborhood or working out at local community centers.
14. Ride with Friends
By carpooling with friends and coworkers, you can save on gas, parking, and the cost of hiring a ride service, which can really add up each week.
The amount you can save from your paycheck each week from this one idea could surprise you; give it a try!
15. Think Thriftily
We all like to wear new clothes but instead of buying new items, try shopping at thrift stores for clothing.
You can still find great, trendy, and fashionable pieces that you will love for a fraction of the cost.
If a thrift store is too extreme for you, start shopping at discount retailers like TJ Maxx, Ross, and even Target.
16. Stock Up
The cost of paper products and other essentials has skyrocketed in the last few years, so to save money on them, buy in bulk.
You can save an average of 27% if you buy essential items in bulk as opposed to buying them individually.
17. Grow Your Food
Here’s another tip that does take a little effort, but you don’t have to go all out to save some money, and who knows, you might enjoy it.
You can plant a small garden in your yard or even just grow a few herbs in pots on your windowsill to save money on groceries every week.
18. Exchange Entertainment
This can be a really fun way to save some money, enjoy time with friends, and even try new things.
Instead of paying for expensive entertainment, why not organize book, game, or DVD swaps with friends?
19. Save Water
Saving water is a great way to save money every month on your utility bills.
Some easy ways to use less water are to check your home for leaky faucets, take shorter showers, and use low-flow toilets and showerheads. Also, consider doing only full loads of laundry.
20. Rotate Your Wardrobe
Instead of always buying new clothes, why not have a clothing swap with your friends or family?
You can switch up your style and have a continuous closet of different clothes while taking the money you would have spent and adding it to your savings.
21. Review Insurance Policies
When it is time to renew any of your insurance policies, don’t automatically renew them without comparing rates from other companies!
You may be able to find a better deal and save money on your monthly premiums. Additionally, you should ask your agent if any new discounts could help you to lower your premium. Taking a defensive driving course, or installing an alarm could help lower your bill.
22. Drop Apps
Take a look at your phone and see if any apps are costing you money every month that you can live without.
Switching to free versions of paid apps or dropping them completely will save you money in the long run.
23. Make Leftover Meals
Do you have leftovers in the fridge that no one ever eats?
Instead of letting them go to waste, a couple nights each week, plan to make a meal out of them to save money on groceries. The way I do this is for any meal I’m making for the first time, I buy only enough to make the meal once.
If I love it, I make a note so that next time, I buy more so I have leftovers. If I don’t love it, then I limit my food waste.
24. Save Fuel
Did you know you can save money by driving your car differently?
You can boost your gas mileage and pocket some savings by avoiding slamming on the brakes or accelerating too fast. Keeping your tires inflated and removing extra weight also helps.
The best tool I use is called Upside. It’s a free app that gives you cash back every time you fill up. The amount varies from $0.01 to $0.25 per gallon. They offer bonuses on top of this as well. One time, I was able to earn close to $1 off per gallon.
25. Automate Savings
Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to a savings account that has a higher interest rate.
This way, you can save money without even thinking about it and earn some extra cash through interest.
26. Think Before You Buy
When shopping, take a moment to pause and think before making any purchases.
If you resist the impulse to buy the item, take the money you almost spent and add it to your savings.
Pat yourself on the back for this one!
27. Remove Saved Payment Information
It’s convenient to have websites save your payment information so you can simply click and buy. But they don’t offer this feature because it saves you time. They do it because you are more likely to overspend.
You get excited, fill up your cart with things you think you need, then click a button and you’re done. If you had to type in your information and see how much you are spending, you might delete some things from your cart.
Slash Your Monthly Bills
With inflation rising, your monthly bills are likely getting out of control. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take.
Use this guide to help you save up to $7,000 a year on your monthly bills.
SLASH YOUR MONTHLY BILLS AND SAVE
How To Save $3,000 Quickly
Are you in need of cash right now?
There are many things you can do, but not everything will give you cash fast.
Here are some simple things you can do to earn a quick $3,000.
I have over 15 years experience in the financial services industry and 20 years investing in the stock market. I have both my undergrad and graduate degrees in Finance, and am FINRA Series 65 licensed and have a Certificate in Financial Planning.
Visit my About Me page to learn more about me and why I am your trusted personal finance expert.