Do you want to learn how to save money every day?
Yes, it’s true: you can save money every day, but you have to be intentional about it because it takes dedication. The path to financial well-being isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon built on consistent, mindful choices. Some people want to save a lot of money in a short time, and while that’s a nice goal to have, it’s pretty hard to not lose track. This ‘all-or-nothing’ approach often leads to burnout, causing people to abandon their saving goals altogether after a few weeks of extreme austerity. The real secret is embracing the power of small, cumulative actions.
I’m a strong believer that you can save money every day if you start small and make tiny lifestyle changes each time you can. Think of it like learning a new skill or building muscle at the gym; you don’t start by lifting the heaviest weight. You start with what’s manageable and gradually increase the difficulty. A study from 2019 said that the average American spends around $160 per day. It’s a staggering figure that can feel overwhelming, but within that number lies a huge opportunity for improvement.
Of course, that includes rent or mortgage, utilities, gas, transportation costs, groceries, and other essential things, but you can always find an opportunity to save some money; you just have to find it. Many of these savings are hidden in plain sight, disguised as minor habits or convenience purchases. That daily coffee, the subscription you forgot about, or the brand-name product you buy out of habit—these are the “money leaks” that, when plugged, can collectively make a huge difference to your bottom line without drastically altering your quality of life.
I tried a few things for the last couple of months, and I noticed that I did manage to save money every day by applying the very principles I’m about to share. The results were not just financial; they brought a sense of control and empowerment. I know that this might be your financial goal too, so if you want to learn how to spend less and save more each day, transforming your financial future one small decision at a time, keep reading!
1. Unplug your devices
The first thing you have to do to save money every day is to identify the devices that are idle but plugged in and unplug them. They’re also known as vampire energy drainers, and although you might not use them, letting them plug in is going to raise your electricity bill and affect the planet. These electronics continue to draw a small but steady stream of power to maintain a standby mode, power a small display clock, or listen for a signal from a remote control. This is a classic case of paying for something you are not actively using.
So inspect your home and identify if there are any electronic devices such as computer cords, phone chargers, hair dryers, and coffee pots plugged in because they use up a ton of energy. Don’t forget to check on your television, gaming consoles, smart speakers, and even the microwave. Anything with a digital clock or a standby light is a potential culprit. Making a quick sweep of your home before you go to bed or leave for work to unplug these items can become a simple, money-saving daily ritual.
Believe it or not, you could be saving around 10–20% of your bill each month if you just unplug your devices. This is always a good and environmentally friendly thing to do, but it is even more important when you leave your home for a few days. Before a vacation, a thorough unplugging session can save a surprising amount of money and reduce your carbon footprint while you’re away. It’s a win for your wallet and a win for the environment.
Another thing you could do is to use smart power cords and opt for the energy-saving features of your devices, such as sleep mode on your smartphone, laptop, and computer. A smart power strip is particularly useful for entertainment centers or home offices. It can automatically cut power to peripheral devices (like a printer or speakers) when the main device (the computer) is turned off. This automates the process, so you don’t even have to think about it.
This tiny change can help you save up to $25 a month, and while that might not seem like a big deal to some people, it can add on, especially when combined with the other tips I’m going to share with you today. That’s $300 a year that could go towards a vacation, paying down debt, or building your emergency fund—all from flipping a few switches and pulling a few plugs.
2. Cold water and laundry
Did you know that you could save money every day if you did your laundry in cold water? It’s one of the easiest changes to make with an immediate impact on your energy bill. Roughly 90% of the energy consumed by a washing machine is used just to heat the water. Of course, don’t follow this tip if your clothes are covered in mud or any other thing that’s hard to remove. For heavily soiled items or oily stains, hot water is still your best bet. But for the vast majority of our laundry loads, which just need a refresh from daily wear, cold water is perfectly sufficient. Modern laundry detergents are specifically formulated with enzymes that work just as effectively, if not more so, in colder temperatures.
Beyond the cost savings, washing in cold water is significantly better for your clothes. Hot water can cause fabrics to shrink, colors to fade, and certain materials to break down faster. By switching to cold, you’re not only saving on your utility bill but also extending the life of your wardrobe, which saves you even more money in the long run by reducing how often you need to replace items. You can save even more if you skip putting them in the dryer and hang them instead. Your dryer is probably one of the highest energy-consumer appliances in your home, and you could save over $100 per year by letting your clothes air-dry, especially in the summer. During colder months or on rainy days, a simple indoor folding rack can get the job done just as well.
Have you ever tried to save money every day? This simple two-part laundry habit—washing cold and air-drying—is a powerful combination that requires almost no effort but yields consistent, noticeable savings month after month.
3. Say goodbye to coffee shops
If you love coffee as much as I do, you probably spend a few dollars every day on your cup of java. That morning ritual of stopping by your favorite café can feel essential, a small treat to start the day. While coffee is amazing for helping you get out of bed or beat that mid-day slump, it can be pretty expensive to purchase your beverage from a coffee shop each day. The cost is more than just the price on the menu; it includes the fuel to get there, the temptation of buying a pastry, and the daily tip.
Do you have a favorite barista who knows exactly what kind of beverage you like? I’m sorry to disappoint you, but those dollars spent on coffee and on tipping the employee aren’t necessities, and you could easily live without them. Let’s do the math: a $5 coffee, five days a week, is $25 per week. That’s $100 a month and a staggering $1,300 a year. Think about what else you could do with that money! It’s not about giving up good coffee; it’s about becoming your own favorite barista and keeping that money in your pocket.
Believe it or not, studies discovered that the average American can spend up to $1,100 on coffee every year, and imagine how nice it would be to get that much-needed appliance or a vacation with that much money. The initial investment in a quality home coffee setup pays for itself remarkably quickly. You don’t have to sacrifice quality or flavor to save money.
Instead of going out to make your cup of java, invest in a high-quality coffee machine that will prepare your beloved beverage each day for you. Whether you prefer a simple drip coffee maker, a sophisticated French press, or the convenience of a pod system, there’s an option for every budget. Buying whole beans in bulk and grinding them yourself can further reduce costs and dramatically improve the taste. If you prefer flavored coffee and you’d love to drink it the first moment you wake up, I recommend you get this Nespresso Vertuo, because you’ll be able to save money every day thanks to this (and trips to the coffee shops as well). You’ll master your perfect brew in no time, and your wallet will thank you for it.
4. Daily spending
If you want to save money every day, you have to be mindful of how much you spend each time. It’s nearly impossible to plug leaks in your budget if you don’t know where the leaks are in the first place. This is where tracking your spending becomes a non-negotiable first step. You can either use the notes on your phone to keep track of your spending or use a budgeting app. Other options include a dedicated small notebook you keep in your pocket or a simple spreadsheet on your computer. The tool doesn’t matter as much as the habit itself. This will help you get a perspective on your daily expenses and identify all the areas you can cut back on.
One of the best things someone once told me is that saving money isn’t hard, especially if you know where your money is going. Tracking isn’t about judging yourself; it’s about gathering data. It’s an act of financial awareness that illuminates your true spending patterns, which are often different from what you *think* they are. You might be shocked to discover how much you spend on vending machine snacks, app subscriptions, or takeout. This might be annoying after a while, but keeping track of your expenses for a couple of weeks or months is going to help you have a better idea of how to set your budget. Once you see in black and white that you spent $75 on ride-sharing services last month, it becomes much easier to decide to walk more or take public transport.
We have many other tips on how you could save money every day, so keep reading! But remember, this particular tip is the foundation upon which all others are built. Knowledge is power, and knowing your spending habits is the most powerful financial knowledge you can have.
5. Get rid of clutter
Have you ever thought about the fact that you could be losing money just because you have too much clutter at home? The connection might not be obvious at first, but it’s very real. Clutter costs you money in hidden ways: you might buy duplicate items because you can’t find the one you already own, or you might be paying for a storage unit to house things you never use. You should dedicate 15 to 30 minutes every day to organizing your cupboards, closets, or drawers that might need your attention. Tackling one small area at a time makes the process less overwhelming and more sustainable.
Cleaning your home will help you identify all the items you have and no longer need. This process of decluttering isn’t just about tidying up; it’s about taking inventory of your assets. That old tablet, the clothes your kids have outgrown, the kitchen gadget you used once—these are all cash sitting idle in your home. Take this as an opportunity to sell the items you don’t use. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Poshmark, or local consignment stores make it easier than ever to turn your unwanted stuff into money. You might make a pretty decent profit, so don’t waste this opportunity. Even if you only make a few dollars per item, it adds up quickly and directly contributes to your savings goals.
6. Wait before you buy
Another way to save money every day is by letting go of impulse buying. This is perhaps one of the most challenging habits to break because it’s often driven by emotion rather than logic. Retailers are experts at triggering these emotional responses with flash sales, limited-time offers, and enticing displays. While making a purchase that wasn’t planned out before sounds like something fun and exciting, the best thing is to make an effort to break this habit. The momentary thrill of an impulse buy is often followed by buyer’s remorse and a lighter wallet.
I know I’ve talked about this multiple times, but one way to make sure you don’t overspend is by following a budget. However, if there’s something you want to buy but you’re not exactly sure about the purchase, you can wait 30 days before you make a decision. This is often called the “30-day rule.” When you feel the urge to buy something non-essential, instead of clicking “purchase” or heading to the checkout, write the item down on a list. Set a calendar reminder for 30 days in the future. This mandatory cooling-off period is incredibly effective.
This 30-day period will help you have a clear idea of whether that potential purchase is a necessity or a simple desire. More often than not, by the time the 30 days are up, the initial urgency and excitement will have faded completely. You’ll realize you didn’t need the item after all, and you just saved yourself some money without feeling deprived. If you still genuinely want and can afford it after a month, you can make the purchase with confidence. Do you have any tips on how to save money every day? This one is a game-changer for mastering self-control.
7. Put cash aside
Another way to save money every day is to put some cash aside each time you have the chance. This is about making saving a physical, tangible act. The abstract nature of digital banking can make it hard to feel connected to your savings goals. A simple glass jar on your counter can change that. You can put $1 in a jar every time you get a bill or two coins that are worth 50 cents each (it doesn’t matter where it’s from). You could also try the “spare change challenge,” where you empty all the coins from your wallet or purse into the jar at the end of each day. It feels small, but it adds up surprisingly fast.
If you don’t want to put your money in a jar because you’ll be tempted to take it out, I recommend you get this piggy bank. The best thing about it is that you need to break it open, so it will keep you on track. This creates a powerful psychological barrier. You’re forced to commit to your long-term goal because accessing the money for a short-term whim would mean destroying your progress. Check it out here! The visual progress of seeing the jar or piggy bank fill up is a powerful motivator.
Financial experts say that saving a small amount of money each time you can is a wonderful way to make some savings. It builds the “muscle” of saving consistently. If you put in $1 each day, you’ll have $30–31 at the end of the month. That’s over $365 a year! You can also put $5 if you want, but make sure it’s constant so that you have a visual representation of your daily savings. Connect this saving to a specific, fun goal, like a concert ticket or a dinner at a fancy restaurant, to make it even more rewarding.
8. Cook and eat at home
Food is expensive all the time, in both grocery stores and restaurants. It’s one of the biggest variable expenses for most households, which also means it’s one of the areas with the most potential for savings. So why not save some money every day and cook your meals at home? Even though this habit can be rather hard to form at first, especially with a busy schedule, it will help you eat nutritious and healthy foods while on a budget. The cost of a single restaurant entree can often cover the ingredients for several home-cooked meals.
You can save more money when you go to the grocery store by only doing it once a week, and don’t forget to buy items in bulk and use grocery coupons whenever you can. A crucial part of this strategy is to never shop hungry and to always have a list. Without a list, the grocery store is a minefield of impulse buys. Stick to the plan. Also, focus on reducing food waste. Use your leftovers for lunch the next day, learn to repurpose ingredients, and freeze food that is close to its expiration date.
Once your groceries are in your fridge and pantry, make it a weekly ritual to set aside time to prepare your meals ahead of time. This is often called “meal prepping.” You can cook large batches of staples like rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken on a Sunday. Then, throughout the week, you can quickly assemble healthy and delicious meals without the temptation of ordering takeout. The majority of grocery stores have apps where you can see discounts and limited-time offers, so take a look at these local store apps or supermarket fliers to see what’s new. You can then plan your meals for the next week while focusing on budget-friendly options.
This doesn’t mean you have to give up eating out completely, because that can be pretty fun. The goal is to make dining out a deliberate treat rather than a daily default. Make sure you save money every day by cooking your meals at home and saving those going out extravaganza for special occasions, such as the weekends. This makes those restaurant meals feel more special and rewarding, too.
9. Carry cash
You probably know about this tip by now, but if you want to save money every day, you might want to start carrying cash. In our increasingly digital world, this might seem counterintuitive, but it’s a powerful psychological trick. Actively paying the bills when you want to purchase something will make you aware of how much money you have to say goodbye to, and it will surely make you think critically the next time you plan on getting something. Swiping a plastic card is an abstract action, detached from the reality of the money leaving your account. Handing over physical bills, however, triggers a psychological concept known as the “pain of paying,” making the expense feel more real and significant.
For an even more structured approach, try the cash envelope system for your variable spending categories. At the beginning of the week or month, withdraw a set amount of cash for groceries, entertainment, or dining out, and place it in labeled envelopes. Once the cash in an envelope is gone, you cannot spend any more in that category until the next period. This creates a hard limit that a debit or credit card simply can’t enforce, forcing you to be more resourceful and mindful of every dollar.
10. No more late payments
If you’ve paid your bills late before, you already know that they come with a fee. Don’t worry, I did that too. These fees are essentially throwing money away for no reason other than disorganization. A single $35 late fee on a credit card might not seem catastrophic, but if it happens a few times a year across different bills, you could be wasting hundreds of dollars. If you completely forget about them and you’re way overdue, your credit score might suffer. That means you’ll have to pay a higher interest rate or take out an auto loan in the future. A lower credit score can also lead to higher insurance premiums and even affect your ability to rent an apartment.
Even though this isn’t technically a tip on how to save money every day, it will still help you save more and have a good credit score in the long run. Preventing these unnecessary expenses is a core part of a healthy financial plan. With that being said, to avoid any other inconvenience due to late payments, you can set your bills on autopay. This is the simplest way to ensure that at least the minimum payment is made on time, every time, protecting you from fees and credit score damage.
Are you scared that you might hit a cash flow crisis? Don’t worry; set up a calendar reminder for the same credit card’s due date every month and let bills automatically charge that specific card. A great strategy is to set two reminders: one for a few days before the due date, giving you time to check your account balance, and another on the actual due date. This system provides a safety net while keeping you in control of your finances and preventing you from ever paying a late fee again.
11. Remove your credit card information
If you have your credit card information saved on your device or a specific shop’s website, it’s hard to save yourself from making a purchase. Online retailers have perfected the art of the frictionless checkout process. They want to make it as easy as possible for you to go from “I want that” to “Your order is confirmed.” Believe it or not, this simple information might seem seamless, but it can lead to more impulse buys. By saving your payment details, you’re removing the last barrier between you and an unplanned expense.
As I’ve previously said, you can save money every day, but you have to be intentional about it. This tip is about intentionally re-introducing a little bit of friction into the buying process. So un-store your data from your device, and you’ll be asked to add it again each time you want to order something online. Take a few minutes to go through your favorite online stores, your web browser’s autofill settings, and any payment apps, and delete your saved credit card numbers.
The simple gesture of grabbing your card and then typing in the info might be just enough to quickly think about whether that’s a necessary purchase or a simple desire. That brief pause—the act of getting up, finding your wallet, and manually entering 16 digits, the expiration date, and the security code—is your window of opportunity. It gives your rational brain a moment to catch up with your impulsive brain and ask, “Do I really need this? Is this in my budget?” It’s a small hassle that can save you a significant amount of money.
12. Get a gift card
If you have a budgeted item and you like to splurge on it, such as going out to lunch, and you notice that you’re overspending, take a few moments at the beginning of the month and think about how much you plan on paying for that thing or service you want. This strategy is about creating a hard spending limit for a specific category where you tend to go overboard. It’s a way to enjoy your favorite treats without letting them derail your entire budget. For example, if you decide you can afford to spend $100 on lunches out for the month, this tip provides a clever way to enforce that limit.
When you have a clear amount, get a gift card for the designated amount. This could be a general-purpose Visa gift card or a specific gift card for your favorite coffee shop or lunch spot. Use that gift card, but only until is depleted. Once the balance hits zero, your spending in that category is done for the month. After that, tell yourself that you’re not allowed to make any further purchases. That’s a smart way to save money every day and still feel like you treat yourself. It combines the psychological benefits of the cash envelope system with the convenience of a card, allowing for guilt-free spending within a pre-approved limit.
13. Have no-spend days
Have you ever tried to have no-spend days? This is a powerful challenge that can reset your perspective on spending. It’s not about deprivation; it’s about creativity and resourcefulness. Whether you want to try this for a single day, a week, or a month, it’s good to take a break from spending money and analyze your shopping habits. A no-spend day means you don’t spend any money on non-essential items. No morning latte, no online shopping, no buying lunch, no convenience store snacks.
Unless you don’t need to make necessary payments, such as going to the grocery store, paying bills, or paying rent, debt, or mortgage, save at least a day a week when you don’t spend any money. Use this as an opportunity to enjoy free activities. You can raid your pantry and cook a creative meal, read a book you already own, go for a hike or a walk in a park, watch a movie at home, or work on a hobby that doesn’t require new supplies. This challenge forces you to appreciate what you already have. It will be like a detox for your wallet, and trust me, you’ll benefit from it! This will give you the chance to rethink your financial goals and commit to them.
14. Apps that can help you increase savings
You’ll be happy to know that some apps can help you save money every day. While many of these tips focus on changing your active habits, technology can also be a fantastic partner in your savings journey by automating the process. Swagbucks, for instance, is a fantastic app you could download on your smartphone because it will give you cash back for all those shopping sprees. Similarly, browser extensions like Rakuten or Honey can automatically apply coupon codes at checkout or give you cash back on purchases you were already planning to make.
Beyond cashback, there are apps designed for “microsaving.” These services connect to your bank account and automatically round up your purchases to the nearest dollar, transferring the spare change into a savings or investment account. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it method that allows you to save small amounts consistently without even noticing. This will put cash back in your wallet by giving you points each time you shop online. Once you have enough points, you can treat yourself to a gift card at the retailers you like, such as Walmart or Amazon. Using these tools means you’re earning or saving money in the background, complementing all the other intentional efforts you’re making.
15. Unsubscribe from retailer notifications
If you already have a problem with shopping, those app notifications, texts, and emails you might be receiving from your favorite retailers could cause you serious financial issues. This is not an accident; it’s a deliberate marketing strategy. These messages are designed to create a sense of urgency and a fear of missing out (FOMO). “Flash Sale Ends Tonight!” and “24-Hour Special Offer!” are crafted to make you feel like you have to act now. They might be telling you everything about the latest discounts and sales, but that could make you tempted to engage in a little shopping spree.
If you can’t avoid looking at those sales and then being sad that you can’t get the things you’ve put your eyes on, it might be better to unsubscribe from all those retailer notifications. Take 15 minutes and go through your inbox. Hit the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of every single promotional email. Do the same for text message alerts and turn off push notifications from shopping apps on your phone. This puts you back in control. You get to decide when you need something and when to look for it, rather than having temptation pushed on you multiple times a day.
It might be hard at first, but this could be a good thing for you. You’ll be surprised at how much mental peace it brings. Making such a dramatic change could also help you save money every day as well as have a better emotional balance. Out of sight, out of mind is a powerful principle when it comes to curbing impulse spending.
16. Eat less meat
Another way to save money every day is to be more mindful of the things you put on your plate. Specifically, reducing your meat consumption can have a significant impact on your grocery bill. Experts say that eating less meat can help you spend less at the grocery store since fruit, veggies, and other plant-based foods are more affordable. Compare the price per pound of beef or chicken to that of lentils, beans, or tofu; the difference is often substantial. These plant-based proteins are not only cheaper but also incredibly versatile and nutritious.
You don’t have to say goodbye to meat, don’t worry, but find a few meals or maybe a day in the week when you could have vegetarian meals that are budget-friendly, affordable, tasty, and still meet your nutritional goals. An easy way to start is by adopting “Meatless Mondays.” This one small change can introduce you to a world of new recipes and flavors. Explore dishes like hearty lentil soup, black bean burgers, chickpea curries, or simple pasta with a rich vegetable sauce.
Doing so will help you save money every day and spend less time in the kitchen prepping those meals. If you can’t think of amazing recipes, I recommend you try baking your favorite veggies in the oven and pair them with plant-based burgers. Serve them with Greek yogurt, parsley, olive oil, and garlic dip, and it will be your favorite lunch or dinner! This is not just a financial tip; it’s also a choice that’s often better for your health and the environment, giving you even more reasons to feel good about it.
Which one of these tips to save money every day do you think is the most useful? Are there any that surprised you? The key is not to get overwhelmed and try to implement all of them at once. Pick one or two that seem most achievable for you right now and focus on making them a consistent habit. Leave a comment below and let us know which you’re going to try first! Do you have any other tips on how to save money every day? Share them with us! Your experience could be exactly what someone else needs to hear to start their own savings journey.
If you’d like to read something else from The Price Makers, here’s another fantastic article for you to check out: Think Twice Before Buying These 8 Groceries on Sale
