Are You Doing These 7 Uncommon Money-Saving Tricks? You Should Be

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You feel like you’ve already exhausted all your options when it comes to saving money. But what if you just needed a few new ideas to really transform your financial health? Here are seven less common but still powerful money-saving tricks you should probably start doing.

Sign Up for Reward Programs

Many businesses have their own loyalty programs that also offer discounts, rewards, or cash back. But most customers either ignore these or don’t use them to the fullest. Be sure to register for loyalty cards at your favorite stores and restaurants — but don’t overdo it and register for every store, as that could backfire and convince you to spend more to “save” or get rewards.

Use Cashback Apps

Speaking of simple ways to save while you’re spending money, cashback apps are excellent for finding savings before you check out. Apps like Rakuten and Honey can save you money on purchases you’re already making. Just shop through these apps or upload your receipts to get cash back. It doesn’t seem like much initially, but once you consider how often you shop somewhere, it actually translates to considerable saving over time.

Buy In Bulk (Wisely)

Bulk purchasing can be a money-saving strategy, and it’s arguably a common one. But the way many people buy in bulk doesn’t actually save them much — you have to know how to do it. Buy non-perishables that you know you are definitely going to use, like toilet paper, canned goods, or cleaning supplies. We also recommend calculating the unit price to make sure the deal is better than buying smaller quantities.

Use Cashback Credit Cards

If you’re smart about your spending, consider using a cashback credit card for everyday purchases. Many cards offer a percentage of your spending back as cash rewards. We don’t recommend signing up for credit cards solely for the cashback perks. But if you’re in the market for a new one, it’s likely safe to sign up for one that pays you to use it — provided you pay it off at the end of the month.

Shop Off-Season

Timing your purchases can lead to significant savings. A good option is to buy winter clothes in the spring or summer to get some major discounts on things you’ll wear in a few months. Many people also buy decorations and sometimes even gifts after the holiday season, since this is when the demand for them will be the lowest.

Check Out Local Community Events

Many cities offer free or low-cost community events, such as concerts, movie nights, and festivals. These events often provide entertainment without the hefty price tag of the average outing. Couple these with a picnic or have dinner at home and you have a budget night out that doesn’t feel like you’re compromising on fun.

Consider Refinancing Your Loans

This is a unique trick, but one that could work considerably well for those who benefit from it. Even a small reduction in your rate can save you hundreds or thousands over the life of the loan. Just be sure to shop around and compare offers to find the best deal