Stretch Your Budget: 20 Ways to Save Money Around the House
Feeling like your paycheck doesn't go as far these days? You're not alone. From groceries to gas, everyday costs are adding up — but the good news is, there are simple changes you can make at home to ease the pressure and save more each month.
1. Brew at home ☕🏠
We’ll start our list of money-saving tips with how most people start their day — a cup of coffee. Buying a $3 cup of coffee every morning adds up to over $1,000 per year. Imagine how much you’d save just by being your own barista.
2. Conserve water 🚿💧
Saving on water is one of the simplest ways to cut costs at home.
- Turn off the tap while washing dishes
- Wait for a full load before running the dishwasher
- Wait for a full load before doing laundry
- Swap baths for quick showers
- Fix leaky faucets and running toilets ASAP
- Check your hot water heater for leaks
- Adopting these simple rules could save hundreds of dollars a year!
3. Conserve electricity 💡🔌
In addition to saving hundreds of dollars per year through water conservation, you can also do the same with your electricity. Here are a few electricity-saving tips to consider:
- Unplug TVs, chargers, and other electronics when not using them
- Turn off lights when you leave a room
- Swap out old bulbs for LEDs
- Clean your dryer lint filter regularly
- Replace your furnace or AC filter periodically
- Hang clothes out to dry
- When they give out, replace your large appliances with new, efficient models
- Turn your thermostat up during summer and down during winter
- Make sure your windows and doors are sealed properly
For bigger savings that require an initial investment, consider installing solar panels or ductless mini-splits to reduce your home’s HVAC costs.
➢RELATED: How to Save Money on Air Conditioning Costs
4. Take stock before you shop 🧊🧾
Before you head to the grocery store, take a few minutes to check your refrigerator and pantry. That way, you don’t accidentally buy something you already have and end up wasting your food and money!
5. Donate 🧥❤️
Donating your items instead of selling them might sound counterintuitive, but it’s actually the opposite. In addition to helping someone in need, donating items you no longer use could offer a tax break if you itemize deductions. Just remember to ask for a tax receipt.
6. Pause on the splurges 🚭🍷
Make a list of everything you purchase on a regular basis and ask yourself if you need these items. Expensive coffees? Cigarettes? Wine or beer? If these are things you can live without, consider giving them up temporarily to save some money.
7. Start a garden 🌱🥕
Try your hand at gardening by growing your own veggies in the yard, in pots, or even herbs on your windowsill. In addition to saving money, growing your own food is also healthier than opting for store-bought options.
If you don’t have room at home, consider joining a community garden. You can also ask a friend, neighbor, or family member if they have extra space in their yard that you can use.
➢RELATED: Gardening on a Budget
8. Pack your lunch and snacks 🍱🥪
Bring your own meals to work or school to cut household costs and avoid pricey takeout. It also gives you more control over the food that you and your loved ones eat.
9. Tackle small repair tasks 🧰🛠️
Hiring a professional to perform basic maintenance might be easier than doing it yourself, but it’s also expensive. Consider performing basic maintenance tasks on your own, such as mowing the lawn, checking the car tires, changing the furnace filter, or cleaning the gutters.
➢RELATED: How to be Proactive With Car Maintenance and Repairs
10. Trade skills 🔄🤝
If you run into something you can’t handle on your own, consider swapping services with a friend or family member. Have them do some of your plumbing or electrical work while you handle their taxes or dog-sit for a weekend.
11. Carpool 🚗👥
Even if you own your own vehicle, joining a carpool can save money on gas and car maintenance. This is true for both gas and electric-powered automobiles.
12. Create your own entertainment 🎬🍿
You don’t need to go to a theater or fancy restaurant to have a good time. Consider hosting a movie night at your home, complete with homemade popcorn, soda, and other homemade snacks.
13. Shop secondhand 🛍️♻️
From clothing and household items to furniture and appliances, you can find almost anything secondhand. Stores like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity are flush with these items, as are websites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist.
14. Get crafty 🎨✂️
A great way to save money is to get crafty and become a DIY expert. Thanks to YouTube and Google, you can figure out how to make almost anything on your own, including:
- Soap
- Drapes
- Wall art
- Deodorant
- Clothing
- Candles
- Jams and jellies
- Bath salts
If you hone your skills enough, you could monetize your newfound talents by selling your crafts online or at festivals and farmers’ markets.
➢RELATED: 11 DIY Holiday Gift Ideas
15. Cancel unused subscriptions 📲🔍
If you’ve ever signed up for an auto-renewal subscription, like a streaming service, there’s a good chance you’re losing more money than you realize. You can stay on top of these costs by reviewing your subscription list every 4 to 6 months and canceling ones you no longer use.
16. Wash clothes less often 👕🔁
While I’m not saying you should avoid doing laundry, consider wearing certain items more than once before throwing them in the washer. This will save money on utilities and could also help your clothing last longer!
17. Download a budgeting app 📉📱
Creating a budget and downloading a budgeting app to track it can be an absolute game-changer. It provides an easy and convenient way to stay on top of your spending and your income.
18. Enroll in auto-pay 🧾💳
From car insurance to monthly utilities, many companies offer small discounts when you enroll in their auto-pay programs. You can also save money on convenience fees by paying via direct deposit rather than using a credit card.
19. Explore free activities 🥾🌳
Rather than paying to go to the zoo or a sporting event, there are tons of fun things you can do for free. Consider taking up hiking, birdwatching, or simply going to the park to save money on entertainment expenses.
➢RELATED: Frugal Fall Activities for the Whole Family
20. Make the most of coupons 🏷️🛒
Although it can take time and effort, couponing can save you thousands of dollars each year. You can use coupons for both online and in-person purchases, and apply them to a wide range of items, including groceries, shoes, clothing, and electronics.
Taking small steps can lead to big savings. Whether you're cutting back on utilities or getting creative with DIY projects, these habits can add up — helping you build more financial breathing room every day.
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Notice: Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Consult your attorney or financial advisor about your financial circumstances.
About the author
Jalin Coblentz has contributed to Advance America since 2023. His experiences as a parent, full-time traveler, and skilled tradesman give him fresh insight into every personal finance topic he explores.