Key takeaways
One of the easiest ways to save money daily is to cut unnecessary expenses, such as unused subscriptions.
Save money by joining loyalty programs at stores you visit often and using cashback credit cards to earn rewards on your spending.
Set up automatic bill payments to avoid late fees and switch to a fee-free bank account to minimize banking costs.
By creating and maintaining an up-to-date budget, you’ll identify areas where you can save and ensure your spending aligns with your financial goals.
Saving money every day doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, with all the money-saving apps available, you might find it as simple as tapping a few buttons on your smartphone.
While technology can help automate your savings, the most important thing you can do to save money every day is to change your financial behavior. By becoming more mindful of your spending habits, you’ll consciously evaluate each purchase and resist the temptation to overspend.
These 12 daily money-saving tips will show you how cutting costs can be an effortless part of your lifestyle rather than a daunting task.
1. Join loyalty programs to reap rewards
Customer loyalty cards and programs can save you money on gas and groceries or at other retailers. Consider signing up for rewards programs at the stores and restaurants you visit most often.
Be careful not to let the promise of earning points on your loyalty card lure you into spending money you could otherwise save. Ultimately, earning that free cup of coffee or lunch with your 10th purchase won’t save you money if it gets you to spend more than you planned in the first place.
2. Shop with a cash-back credit card or cash-back apps
Use a cash-back credit card to earn more for everyday purchases. Some cards pay you a certain amount of cash back on any purchase, no matter where you shop.
Tips for cash-back optimization:
Strategize your spending: Some credit cards offer rotating bonus categories. Plan your purchases to align with these categories, such as groceries, gas or dining out.
Don’t ignore big-ticket items: Large purchases, such as furniture or electronics, can yield significant cash back when using the right tools.
Compare rates: When shopping online, use a browser extension like PayPal Honey or Rakuten to compare cash-back rates across multiple platforms.
Be careful not to spend more than you can afford to pay off each month. The money you’ll pay in additional interest will cost you more than you’re earning in cash back.
3. Cancel subscriptions you aren’t using
We’re turning into a nation of subscribers — for everything from online music and movie streaming to software and podcasts. A simple and quick way to save money is to cancel subscriptions you don’t use.
Subscription management hacks:
Use a subscription tracker: Apps like Rocket Money or Bobby identify recurring charges, making it easier to cancel or even renegotiate terms.
Downgrade instead of canceling: If you love a service but rarely use it, see if a cheaper plan meets your needs.
Split costs: Share streaming accounts or other services with family members or friends to reduce costs for everyone. Be sure to check service terms before sharing outside your household, as many services are cracking down on sharing.
4. DIY when you can
There’s no question that convenience is sometimes worth the additional cost, especially if it helps you save the most precious asset of all: time. However, if you’re serious about conserving your funds, try limiting those extra expenses by opting for DIY options whenever you can.
From basic home maintenance to meal preparation, DIY approaches can help reduce costs while building practical knowledge. YouTube is a goldmine of tutorials for everything from plumbing fixes to crafting. Use these free resources to build skills and confidence.
5. Set up automatic bill payments
With busy lives and packed schedules, it’s easy to forget to pay some bills on time. Late fees can be costly. You can set up automatic payments (also known as autopay) for many of your bills to ensure they’re paid on time and avoid late fees.
Typically, you can use autopay for many recurring expenses, such as your mortgage, car loan, insurance payments, credit cards and utilities. Your bank may have an automatic bill pay feature, which will allow you to set up payment at an agreed-upon date for each bill. Some vendors offer an autopay feature that will allow you to authorize them to take their payments from your checking account on a date you specify.
Another advantage of autopay is the time you’ll save by not having to manually pay your bills each month. You can also potentially improve your credit score by building a history of consistent on-time payments.
To avoid overdraft fees, you’ll need to be careful to schedule your automatic bill payments on dates when you know there will be enough money in your account to cover your bills.
6. Switch bank accounts
Banks make a lot of money from fees, and many of the fees hit people who struggle to pay their bills month to month. If you’re getting hit with overdraft fees and minimum balance requirements, consider switching banks to take advantage of a fee-free account.
Nearly half (47%) of non-interest checking accounts are free accounts. It’s possible to find an account without a fee if you want to save some money. You can use Bankrate’s bank reviews to compare banks and find the right one for you.
If you’re comfortable with your current bank, call and ask for ways to avoid fees such as switching to a different version of a checking or high-yield savings account or maintaining a minimum balance.
7. Look for extra cash lying around in your budget
It’s difficult to save money daily without knowing your income and what you’re spending. Budgeting can give you an idea of where your money is going.
Several apps and websites can help you learn how to budget or manage one if you aren’t used to tracking your money.
“If you’re new to budgeting, YNAB (You Need a Budget) is a fantastic tool to get started,” says Josh Katz, CPA and founder of Universal Tax Professionals. “The app helps you give every dollar a job, whether it’s covering bills, saving for future expenses or treating yourself. The focus is on proactive budgeting, helping you stay in control and reduce financial stress.
“By syncing your bank accounts and tracking your spending in real time, YNAB simplifies the process and teaches you to prioritize saving and paying down debt efficiently.”
There are many similar alternatives to YNAB, allowing most people to find an option that works well for them.
If you already have a budget in place, make sure to update it regularly to reflect your current income and expenses. You may find you have more money left over after your essential expenses are covered that you could be contributing to savings or investing goals.
8. Carefully scrutinize your spending
Which is more important: spending on lunch every day or putting that money toward saving for your dream home? By making sure your spending aligns with your goals, you’ll stay focused on saving for what’s important to you.
Journaling every expense is one way to force yourself to think carefully about every purchase. Another way is to write down your financial goals, establishing a specific savings target for each one.
For example, you might have a written goal of saving $1,000 in the next three months to add to your emergency fund. These milestones can motivate you to avoid unnecessary spending in favor of long-term objectives.
Tips for shopping mindfully:
Unsubscribe from promotional emails: Avoid the temptation of flash sales by reducing exposure to marketing emails.
Shop with a list: Whether at the grocery store or the mall, a list helps you stay focused and avoid impulse buys.
Wait before purchasing: For non-essential items, apply the “30-day rule” to assess whether you really need them.
9. Make every cent matter
When you’re trying to save cash every day, no amount of money is insignificant. Even small coupons can make a difference over time. Review receipts and make sure you’re charged the proper amount. Set aside loose change to cash in at the bank. Attention to the little details will help you grow your savings efforts over time.
Everyday savings strategies:
Buy in bulk: Non-perishable items like toilet paper, toothpaste and canned goods are often cheaper per unit when purchased in larger quantities.
Use refillable products: Invest in reusable water bottles, coffee cups and shopping bags to save money and reduce waste.
Make “no-spend” days a habit: Challenge yourself to go one or two days a week without spending money.
10. Do one inconvenient thing to save money
It could be eating cereal at home instead of going out to buy a breakfast sandwich. It could be using the free parking and walking the rest of the distance instead of taking the closer, paid parking. Whatever small sacrifices you can make add up over time.
You might be surprised at how much you can build your savings by going slightly out of your way to save a little bit of money every day.
11. Make your lunch ahead of time
Dining out for lunch, or getting delivery or carryout, is an expensive habit. Planning ahead by making your lunch the night before can help you save a lot of cash, especially if you tend to eat out daily. Meal planning for the week on Sunday night can also help you save money during the week.
Meal prep hacks:
Create a theme: Simplify planning by assigning themes to each day, such as “Taco Tuesday” or “Pasta Friday.”
Freeze extras: Make double batches of soups, casseroles or chili to store for busy days.
Prep snacks: Having healthy, pre-portioned snacks on hand reduces the temptation to buy overpriced snacks from vending machines or gas stations.
12. Delay purchases
The instant gratification you get from making a purchase might override your sense of urgency to save money. However, postponing your purchase may help you plan your spending and savings more intentionally.
One way to delay your spending is to practice the 30-day savings rule, which requires you to wait 30 days before making an impulse purchase. This gives you time to reflect on whether the item satisfies a genuine need or is simply an impulse purchase that will negatively impact your larger financial goals.
Next steps
After you’ve started accumulating cash with these daily money-saving tips, you’ll likely want to safeguard and build your wealth.
You could start by building an emergency fund of three to six months’ expenses. You could use some of your savings to pay down any high-interest debt you’re carrying. Or, use your extra cash to fund your retirement savings through accounts like a 401(k) or Roth IRA.
The bottom line
Building strong financial habits doesn’t always require drastic lifestyle changes. By making informed choices and focusing on sustainable practices, you can work toward your financial goals while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Remember that small, consistent actions often lead to the most lasting financial progress.