When money’s tight, saving might feel out of reach. Rent, groceries and everyday expenses can take up a lot of your paycheck. But the truth is, building savings doesn’t have to start big. It just has to start. The easier and simpler you make saving, the more likely you are to stick to it. That’s why the best strategies rely less on sacrifice and more on impact.
Getting started can be the hardest part. Let’s explore some of the practical and easy strategies you can use to help you save money and build financial security.
15 easy ways to save money
1. Make it invisible.
Seeing the balance of your savings account every time you check your banking app can make it harder to leave it untouched. Make it invisible to remove the temptation to dip into it. You can move your savings into a separate account — or even a separate bank. Some financial institutions let you “hide” accounts from view or restrict the amount you can withdraw in a month, making it easier to protect your progress.
2. Automate your savings.
You can set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings to make stashing cash easy. Then call or use the online banking feature on your bank’s website to set up a transfer schedule. It removes the friction of manually putting money away and helps ensure you don’t forget.
If you get paid through direct deposit, you might be able to split your paycheck so some money automatically goes into your savings account — so you can send part of your paycheck straight to savings before you ever see it.
3. Pay yourself first.
Instead of saving whatever’s left at the end of the month, pay yourself first. Treat putting money into savings like any other monthly expense like paying the utility bill or rent. It doesn’t need to be a lot of money, even saving a few dollars is better than nothing and it helps you get in the habit of setting money aside.
As you work toward your goals and start incorporating these money saving tips, you may find yourself with a little extra cash in your monthly budget. As your personal finances grow and change, the amount you save can grow as well.
4. Ask about discounts and use coupons.
A lot of companies offer discounts to teachers, students, military members and first responders. However, you probably have to ask to receive these discounts. If you’re a member of one of these groups, whether you’re shopping online or in-person, it never hurts to ask if they offer a discount.
You can also use browser extensions and apps to find coupons or promo codes. Just keep in mind that a discount is only saving you money if you already planned to buy the item.
5. Use cash not cards.
Overspending is easier when all it takes is a swipe. Credit cards can make it hard to visualize how much you’re actually spending. Using cash makes money feel more tangible and helps cut down on impulse purchases.
If you have a spending limit you want to stay under, visit an ATM and take out only that amount. Leave your credit cards at home and use cash to avoid overspending when you’re out.
6. Gamify your savings.
It can take a while before you see real progress toward your savings goal and this can be discouraging. However, turning your savings journey into a game or challenge can keep you engaged and on track to your long-term goals. There are a ton of savings and budgeting apps that use this “gamification” to help you save.
If you want low-tech options, there are other challenges you can try. The 52-Week Challenge has you start by saving $1 the first week, $2 the second week and so on. If you complete the challenge you’ll have saved $1,378.
7. Cancel your subscriptions.
More than 80% of people pay for a subscription that they don’t use. If you’re looking for a quick way to start saving, go through your bank account statements and look for forgotten subscriptions. This could be streaming services, gym memberships, apps and more. They may seem inexpensive but they can add up quickly. Clicking cancel or unsubscribe can put a lot of money back in your wallet.
8. Learn to say no.
Saying no to plans can be hard, but it’s key to sticking to a budget. This doesn’t mean you have to cut everything fun out of your budget. In fact, finding a balance between enjoying life now and saving for your future can be key in keeping you on track. But if you want to reach your financial goals, you’ll have to say no to things that don’t fit the budget. Keeping your personal finance goals in mind and what they’ll mean for your future can help take some of the sting out of missing out.
9. Track your spending.
It’s easy to dismiss spending a few dollars here and there. After all, it’s just a few dollars and it doesn’t seem like it would make much of a difference.
But little purchases add up and can quietly drain your budget. To combat this, try tracking when you spend money in a notebook or on your cell phone. You’ll likely find that you bought some things you didn’t need or even want.
Taking a moment to write down what you’re spending gives you an extra second to think about if this is something that’s important or brings you joy. While your morning coffee might be a keeper, you’ll find some other non-essential purchases you won’t even miss.
10. Build your emergency fund first.
A solid emergency fund can act as a financial safety net. Many experts advise people to have three to six months’ worth of expenses saved — but this isn’t always realistic as a starting goal. Saving $500 to $1,000 can be a good short-term goal and can help you be more prepared for emergencies like an urgent car repair.
11. Build a better budget.
The word “budget” can be anxiety inducing. When you think of budgeting you may think of scraping by or just making due. However, a budget can be a powerful tool for freedom. You can use it to map where your money goes and whether that aligns with your short-term and long-term goals.
There are a ton of budgeting apps that can help you build a budget that works for you. Your budget helps you keep track of your dollars and ensure that you’re spending on things that are important to you. If you’re spending more than the amount of money you earn, it may be time to reevaluate and either increase your income or adjust your spending habits.
12. Look for ways to reduce your spending.
One of the fastest ways to find more money to save it is to look at your monthly bills and see where spending could be reduced. It can be as simple as sticking to a shopping list at the grocery store or turning down your thermostat. You can also do things like shop around for cheaper car insurance, start taking public transportation to save on gas or make your home more energy efficient to lower your electricity bill. Reducing your spending can help you reach your financial goals faster.
13. Pay off debt.
Debt payments are one of the biggest drains on personal income, which can make it hard to save. If you want to boost your savings, getting out of debt will make it much easier.
Even with hefty student loans, credit card debt or a mortgage, you can use tactics like refinancing to lower your payments or the debt avalanche method to knock out your higher interest rate debts first.
Paying off your debt can also help you rebuild your credit score, which will save you money in the long run by helping you qualify for lower interest rates.
14. Round up your purchases.
Some banks and budgeting apps make it easy to save without even thinking about it. When you enable “round-up savings,” every purchase you make is rounded up to the nearest dollar and the change is transferred to a savings account. So, if you bought something for $2.75, the $0.25 would automatically go to your savings.
It helps turn everyday spending into a savings opportunity. Even if it’s only a few dollars a week, you’re making progress toward your goal with almost no effort. It’s a good way to build momentum and to see that every little bit does make a difference.
15. Set a savings goal.
Staying motivated is easier when you have a goal in mind. Instead of putting money aside for general savings, give your goal a name like “vacation fund,” “emergency cushion” or “new car down payment.” When your savings is tied to a personal goal, your contributions feel more meaningful which can help you stick to your plan.
Setting goals can also help you keep track of progress and plan realistically. You can break it into smaller milestones and celebrate the wins along the way. Whether you want to save $500 or $5,000, having a clear target can help keep you motivated.
Benefits of Saving
Less stress
Unexpected expenses are a part of life — car repairs, medical bills or sudden job loss can happen to anyone. Having savings set aside can make these moments feel less overwhelming and help you avoid charging a credit card or taking on extra debt to help get you through. An emergency fund can help turn it into a manageable inconvenience. Instead of worrying how you’ll afford it, you can dip into your savings and tackle the expense.
More flexibility
Savings can give you a little extra breathing room to take a break, move to a new place or just make choices that feel right to you. Whether it’s making a large purchase, or taking time to search for a better job, having some money set aside gives you the ability to move through life on your terms.
More confidence
Watching your savings grow can be empowering. Each time you contribute to your savings account you’re planning for your future and taking steps toward what matters most to you. Saving can help shift how you see your personal financial situation. It becomes less about reacting to problems and more about moving toward your goals.
More room to do what you love
Building a savings account isn’t just about emergencies and big life changes. It also lets you say yes to more things you care about — a weekend trip, a gift for a loved one or even a class you’ve been wanting to take. When you have savings you can enjoy these things without guilt or stress. Saving isn’t about missing out, but instead creating space to build the kind of life you want.
Options for Quick Cash When Savings Are Low
Even the best savers run into emergencies. If your savings are low and you need money now, consider these options to source cash responsibly:
Make Money Fast
Leverage opportunities like selling unused items, offering gig work (ridesharing, delivery services), or freelancing online to generate quick income. It might not solve long-term issues, but when you need money fast, it could help with pressing expenses. Be sure to take precautions against online scams and potentially dangerous situations when looking for a side gig.
Borrow from Friends or Family
Although delicate, borrowing from someone you trust can be a flexible, interest-free solution. Open communication and clear repayment terms are essential to maintaining relationships.
Payday Loan Alternatives
Short on funds? You can avoid payday loans and cash advances by exploring alternatives for quick loans that may offer more flexible repayment terms and lower costs.
Installment Loans
For larger, one-time expenses, installment loans provide a lump sum, which can then be repaid in smaller, manageable amounts over time.
Lines of Credit
A line of credit offers access to funds as you need them, up to a set limit. Once you repay what you borrow, those funds become available again to withdraw as needed.
Emergencies happen, and having a backup plan helps reduce stress during these times. If you’re considering borrowing options, always plan repayment to avoid further challenges.
By combining smart saving habits with sound financial tools, you can protect yourself from unexpected expenses and build financial resilience.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, tax or legal advice.
