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.
Knowing how to save money from salary or biweekly pay doesn’t have to be hard, and once you get started it can actually get pretty addicting and fun too!
Top 33 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 by decluttering your life. Decluttering is an excellent way to learn how to increase your income.
For instance, 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.
There are plenty of items you probably don’t use and could make money from, like unused appliances, electronics, and more.
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 or discount. 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.
In addition, you can create a minimalist skincare routine to save time and money on products.
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 to keep 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. In addition, 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 also 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 to cable, too many people have paid subscriptions sitting around that they barely use. Get rid of unneeded streaming services and other cable alternatives, and then watch the money start to pile up.
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 bad habits when you need to know how to stop spending money. It’s 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. Meal planning and cold lunch ideas are healthy and also easy! Put the money you save into savings or toward your debt.
10. Create a grocery list
Create a list before you go grocery shopping based on what you need at home! A list will help you avoid impulse spending, 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!
And if you prefer the old school way, you can still find coupons for everything from bottled water to pasta and other pantry staples.
11. Always compare rates
One of the best personal finance tips for different types of 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 any loose change in your house and car, and then make a deposit in your savings account or a payment if you’re in over your head with debt. A creative savings method like this might earn you anywhere from $10 to $50 or more, depending on how much change you find. Do this multiple times a year to maximize savings.
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, and then you can make changes.
15. Organize your bill due dates
Stressed with different bill due dates? Call your providers and then ask to move your bill due dates so they are all around the same time. Your payments will be the same, but paying off your bills for the month all at once can ease anxiety and help you see what money you still have to work with.
16. New month, new budget
Create a new budget for each new month as one of the creative ways to save money. No two months are quite the same, so adjust your budget accordingly.
Not a fan of budgeting? You probably need to try out a few different methods to find better budgeting that works for you.
17. Pay more than the minimum on debt
Pay way more than the minimum toward your debts whenever possible to accelerate your debt payoff. Try the debt snowball worksheet to really win with debt.
Find out more about your credit cards, how student loans work, mortgages, etc. – be sure your extra payments are going toward your principal balance, and you know how much you owe.
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.
In addition, having a payoff priority will help you create an effective plan to get rid of your debt quickly with a debt reduction strategy.
19. Get an emergency fund in place
Having an emergency fund in place makes you 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 also the pay you deserve! Understand how to ask for a raise and know what the typical pay is for your profession.
Negotiating some bills and expenses is also possible, so take a look at what you’re currently paying and see if you can find any deals.
21. Save for retirement
Probably one of the best personal finance tips out there is to start your retirement savings 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 also ensure you actually live out the life you dream of having in retirement.
22. Don’t wait to invest
When discussing investing, you don’t have to be a millionaire to begin. Start small with what you have and leverage platforms like Acorns, and also Stash, and a fav of mine, Stockpile. You’ll be surprised how quickly things add up.
23. Get the right insurance
You need 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 mess up your financial plans in the event that something unplanned happens.
Insurance helps you to be prepared, so be sure you understand the importance of life insurance and why it’s essential to have insurance for your car and home.
24. Become accountable
Accountability helps you stay on top of your goals. Find an accountability partner to keep you focused as you build wealth, and also find creative savings methods. 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 this method helps you with tracking savings. There are lots of charts you can print and then use for specific savings goals.
Whether you are trying to save your first $1,000 or want to have Christmas on a budget, 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 saving challenge! A money-savings challenge is when you save a certain amount of money depending on what the rules are.
For example, the 52 week money challenge has you save a specific amount every week for 52 weeks. When the challenge is over, 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 knowing how to automate your finances 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 free events and activities on a budget.
Who knows? You might find concerts, free museum days, and more. Find fun things to do for free with friends and family.
29. Set a daily routine for your finances
One of the best creative ways to save money is to set a daily routine schedule for your finances. Creating good money habits by daily checking in on your finances keeps you accountable and also focused on your financial goals.
30. Remember – gratitude always
Be grateful for what you have. Gratitude makes you content. And contentment curbs unnecessary spending.
When you’re tempted to go on a shopping spree or spend more than you need to, think of a few things you’re thankful for instead, and maybe even try a daily gratitude list.
31. Utility expenses
Your utility bill will cost you some money each month, but you have a lot of control over how much.
For example, consider how to save money on water by doing laundry only when needed, not just for a t-shirt or one pair of socks. And finding out how to lower electric bill expenses is simple. You can begin by turning off lights and being more aware of costs.
32. Unconventional food savings
Even if your grocery bill is as low as possible, you could save more by gardening, canning food, and eating leftovers.
Instead of putting items in your fridge and them turning into food waste, make sure you make meals that use all the ingredients you have. Learn to care for a garden and grow some vegetables. You may also can food and store it.
33. Shop thrifty
One of the best creative ways to save money? Consider shifting your spending habits. Start shopping second-hand for items like clothing and furniture, and check out thrift stores instead of department stores.
Shopping thrifty doesn’t have to be difficult, either. When you do have a shopping list, simply check out options that would cost you less for the same thing.
Expert tip
Don’t become overwhelmed with the options for saving. Instead, just pick one and go for it. Build up your confidence by adding one money saving idea to your life, and then another, and so on.
You’ll be encouraged when you see how much money you get to keep instead of spend.
How can I consistently save money creatively?
Save consistently by keeping things interesting. Try different creative ideas each month or week, and challenge yourself to save. It will seem more fun that way, and you’ll want to continue.
Something you should always consider is the purpose of budgets. Be sure to have one for your finances, even as you look for other ways to save.
Is it easy to find creative savings?
Yes, there are probably saving opportunities all around you. From spending less on electricity to decluttering, you can find ways to hold onto more of your cash. And you don’t have to overthink it too much, simply pick a way to save and get started!
Does saving creatively help me save large amounts of money?
Yes! It may seem that these savings are only small amounts, but with time and consistency, they can add up! A savings of $5 or $10 here and there can lead to more savings, and you can learn how to grow your money, too, if you invest!
Related posts to creative savings
Get creative and save more money starting today!
Cutting expenses and finding creative savings ideas to save up money is one of the best ways to get out of debt and bulk up your bank account. Try one or two tips to get started and then 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 also becoming financially successful? Enroll in our free financial courses and worksheets to start your journey to financial success!
