Want To Save More? Try These 15 Practical Money Moves

Saving money doesn’t mean saying no to everything fun. It’s more like knowing when small habits are sneaking off with your cash. A few smart changes can shift the whole picture. It’s all about noticing patterns. Here’s a list of 15 practical moves that make it easier to save without feeling squeezed.

Automate Savings Before Spending

Start saving before you spend, and everything else gets simpler. Automatic transfers help you avoid impulsive purchases by moving cash out of reach early. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau links this approach to less financial stress—and over time, the habit becomes effortless and deeply effective.
More From The Penny Hoarder: If You Carry Credit Card Debt Every Month, Make These Money Moves

Cook At Home, But Make It Gourmet

Skip the delivery fees and turn your kitchen into something special. Cooking at home lets you stretch your budget and buy smart in bulk. More than that, it engages all five senses, giving you flavor, control and satisfaction that takeout just doesn’t deliver.
Make money easier. Sign up for The Penny Hoarder’s newsletter today.

Embrace Minimalist Fashion

Beyond cost-effectiveness, a simple wardrobe makes dressing easier. A capsule collection limits impulse buys while refining personal style. Even Steve Jobs embraced this approach to eliminate decision fatigue. By focusing on versatile, high-quality pieces, you maintain a polished look without overspending.
More From The Penny Hoarder: Our Picks for The Best Checking Accounts for This Month

Master DIY Repairs And Maintenance

Instead of paying for small fixes, why not try handling them yourself? Simple home and car repairs prevent unnecessary service fees, and online tutorials make learning new skills easy. Beyond financial savings, DIY projects provide a dopamine boost, making them unexpectedly satisfying. 
More From The Penny Hoarder: Get Your Finances Together This Year With One of Our Favorite Budgeting Apps

Optimize Grocery Shopping With A Strategy

Walking into a grocery store without a plan often leads to wasteful spending and regret. The USDA reports that Americans throw away nearly 40% of their groceries, wasting both money and resources. By shopping strategically, you maximize every dollar spent.
More From The Penny Hoarder: The 6 Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards of 2025

Ditch Brand Loyalty And Compare Prices

Store brands often mirror name-brand products in both quality and ingredients. In fact, some are made in the same places. Choosing based on price instead of loyalty avoids unnecessary markups. When you focus on value, not branding, your spending habits become both smarter and easier.
More From The Penny Hoarder: The 28 Best Side Hustles: Our Top Picks to Help You Make More Money

Find Free Entertainment That Feels Luxurious

Luxury doesn’t always come with a price tag. Free concerts, nature walks and museums can feel just as rewarding. Even six minutes of reading, according to the University of Sussex, reduces stress. When you start valuing experiences, not expenses, everyday life begins to feel richer.
More From The Penny Hoarder: The 5 Top Apps for Saving Money in 2025

Use Cashback And Reward Programs Wisely

Making purchases as usual while earning something back is a financial bonus. Cashback systems have been around since 1986, returning part of your money on qualifying expenses. That means even buying basics like food or gas becomes a smarter way to keep spending in check.
More From The Penny Hoarder: Everything You Need To Know About Debt

Cut Unnecessary Subscriptions And Negotiate Bills

It’s easy to overlook small charges, but those forgotten subscriptions add up fast. Americans lose roughly $200 per year just by ignoring them, according to a study by C+R Research. A quick audit and a few bill negotiations can save more than you’d expect, tightening your finances without a major lifestyle change.
More From The Penny Hoarder: The Top 0% Interest APR Credit Cards in 2025

Buy Used And Refurbished Instead Of New

You can maintain quality without overspending. Refurbished electronics are tested thoroughly and come at a lower cost. Likewise, thrift stores deliver unexpected finds—stylish clothes, kitchenware and more. Together, these options make second-hand shopping a smart way to save without lowering your expectations or lifestyle.
More From The Penny Hoarder: Budgeting 101: How to Budget Money

Grow Your Own Food, Even In Small Spaces

You don’t need a big yard to grow good food. A sunny spot and a few containers can do the trick. Homegrown veggies taste better, cost less and feel more satisfying. Even in a small apartment, a little garden can grow into something pretty awesome.
More From The Penny Hoarder: The Best Rewards Credit Cards to Maximize Your Spending in 2025

Take Advantage Of Workplace Benefits

Earning a paycheck is great, but maximizing workplace perks makes an even bigger impact. Many employers give free training, gym memberships and discounts that go unused. In some cases, companies even provide meals or housing, helping employees cut expenses. 
More From The Penny Hoarder: 17 Make-Your-Own-Schedule Jobs You Can Do From Home

Use Public Transportation Or Carpool

Daily solo commutes quietly pile up costs—fuel, maintenance and more. On the other hand, public transportation offers a simple way to cut spending, while carpooling helps divide expenses. Both choices reduce long-term wear on your car and keep your finances steadier. 
More From The Penny Hoarder: Our Picks for The Best High-Yield Savings Account for This Month

Embrace The Power Of The Library

Library cards unlock more than shelves—they open a world of free learning and entertainment. Books, movies and more are yours to borrow without cost. The Library of Congress alone holds over 170 million items, proving that knowledge doesn’t need a price tag or a subscription.
More From The Penny Hoarder: Free Baby Stuff for Expecting Mothers in 2025 (38 Freebies & Deals!)

Use Energy-Efficient Habits To Lower Bills

With small adjustments, you can cut utility costs without major lifestyle changes. Switching to LED bulbs, sealing windows and lowering thermostat settings can significantly reduce monthly expenses. Surprisingly, unplugging unused electronics also prevents wasted energy and saves hundreds of dollars per year.
More From The Penny Hoarder: The Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards