If one of your goals is to save money this year [1], then make a few changes here and there to save a little or a lot. Remember the little things do add up! Read this list below on suggestions for saving money [2] and pick a few for 2019.
— Additional reporting by Emily Co
Bring lunch to work
Take public transportation
Drop your landline and rely on your cell phone
Reassess your savings accounts
Make your gifts
Make your own cleaning products, like detergent and carpet cleaner
Cook more and eat out less often
Be aware of bank fees
Make a list before grocery shopping
Grocery shop at lower-priced supermarkets like ethnic stores
Buy generic products
Don't go to the grocery store when hungry
Entertain indoors
Explore free activities on the weekend
Shop your wardrobe
Wait on purchases before buying them
Get a home energy audit
Seal up air leaks in your home to cut heating and cooling costs
Buy generic medicine
Use your health benefits
Skype instead of making long-distance calls
Turn roaming off and rely on WiFi when traveling
Know the right things to buy in bulk
Reassess your internet and cable provider and see if you can find a cheaper plan
Turn off lights that aren't in use
Unplug electronics when not in use
Use cold water to wash your clothes
Hang dry your clothing instead of tumbling it in the dryer
Hand-wash your clothing instead of taking it to the dry cleaner when possible
Drink tap water instead of bottled water. Consider investing in a filter.
Cancel cable and watch your favorite shows online
Work out outdoors, play sports, or go to a friend's gym instead of paying for a gym membership
Shop at the farmers market
Swap clothes, bags, and accessories with friends
Google coupons before buying something online
Renegotiate your cell phone plan, find a new carrier, or cancel some features to save money
Use a prepaid phone instead of signing up for a phone plan
Read books and magazines from the library
Make your own coffee at home
Return the purchases you need to return
Sell your old things
Buy used items
Automate payments so you won't forget and be charged with late fees
Negotiate a lower APR
Upcycle your old items instead of throwing them away
Always comparison shop
Find a good rewards credit card and use it smartly
Book trips early
Stock up on holiday decor after the holidays
Don't feel obligated to say yes to every invitation (this includes weddings, dinners, events, etc.)
Eat right and exercise and get enough sleep, so you won't have to pay with your health
Pay bills online to save on postage
Stop smoking
Stop drinking soda
Compare gas prices to find the most affordable gas with sites like GasBuddy.com
Get beauty treatments from trainee beauticians
Keep plastic takeout containers for future use
Wash dishes in a full dishwasher
Avoid out-of-network ATMs
Keep track of your money with a spreadsheet or Mint.com
Plan out your meals for the week
Refill printer ink instead of buying new cartridges
Brush and floss every day and take care of your teeth to prevent pricey dental bills
Keep your receipt or take a picture of it in case you want to return an item
Vacation closer to home
Don't check in your luggage
Check out Airbnb instead of hotels
Travel during an off-peak season or time
Travel to an underrated place instead of famous tourist spots
Use reusable grocery bags
Find a place with lower rent or get roommates
Join loyalty programs
Wait for daily deals for services you like, such as dental cleaning or a massage
Feed your pet the right foods and keep it in shape to reduce vet bills
Work toward getting a better credit score so you'll be quoted cheaper rates
Review your receipts to make sure you're not being charged for odd items
Check your bank account daily to make sure there aren't any weird charges
Always try to wait for a sale before buying something
Don't use your credit card overseas unless it doesn't have foreign transaction fees
Rent movies instead of going to the theater
