Looking to save some serious cash?
Well, then you are in luck because these are the ultimate random money-saving life hacks that can actually work to save you money.
Super Glue and Baking Soda
Dusting baking soda on top of super glue hardens it almost instantly, making it a resin-like substance that can fill cracks, dents, and holes and be painted and sanded.
This random but very useful hack saves cracked plastic totes, shoe soles, and even car upholstery from dings and glass chips.
Go to Yard Sales in the Right Neighborhoods
Only go to yard sales in the rich neighborhoods.
The goodwill next to a rich neighborhood also tends to have newer clothes from expensive brands.
Buying secondhand is the way to go, and thrift stores and yard sales are great places to score amazing finds.
Certain neighborhoods and areas are known for good sales, so find those places and make them your regular shopping spots.
Use the Library
Use the library for books, CDs, DVDs, and now audiobooks.
Many people don’t realize just how much their local public library offers.
Besides books, libraries frequently provide notary services, tax forms and classes, access to huge online resources, local entertainment and museum passes, free tools, seeds, free tutoring, and some even have 3D printers.
Ask your librarians what services they provide; it’s probably way more than you think.
YouTube Is Your Best Friend
There is a YouTube video for everything.
Being able to do your own repairs and DIY will save you a lot of money and is one of the best life hacks around. You can find out how to fix vehicles and learn how to do home repairs.
Always Check the Unit Price
Check the per-unit price instead of the displayed price. The per-unit price is the real price, and it’s the only way to truly compare value across different product sizes and brands.
Switch to a Cheaper Phone Plan
Going from paying $98 to $21 a month for phone service is entirely possible by switching to a prepaid carrier.
There are services that offer bring-your-own-phone options, and affordable smartphones can be found on Amazon for around $120. It may not be a super fancy phone, but one that does what you need it to do.
Use Half the Recommended Amount of Detergent
Use half the recommended amount of laundry products.
You don’t need as much product as the label tells you.
Powder detergent is also worth considering. It’s just as effective and super cheap compared to liquid detergent because you’re not paying for water.
Reusable Water Bottles and Coffee From Home
Refillable water bottles and taking your own coffee to work will save you so much money, and you won’t ever be thirsty. Buy it once, and you’ll save a lot of money. You can also buy them used, and that makes it even more frugal.
Adopt a “Broke” Mindset
Convincing yourself you’re broke pretty much all the time is a surprisingly effective money-saving strategy.
When you think you have close to zero dollars, you reconsider every single purchase in a more survivalist, less logical way.
That said, there is definitely a healthy balance to maintain, as this mindset can cause added stress if taken too far.
Drink Water
Get in the habit of drinking water.
Not only is it far cheaper and healthier than sugary drinks, but you save on future medical bills.
Make Your Own Meals
Making your own meals is one of the best money-saving life hacks out there.
Buying a nice set of glass containers for meal prepping is also worth it (the plastic ones are cheap and lightweight but eventually stain, crack, and warp).
Glass cleans more easily, holds up to dishwashers, and many brands are also microwave safe.
Eat Beans and Rice
Rice, beans, and some cheap meat go a long way in a budget household. They are also very healthy and a great way to get protein and fiber.
Buying rice and beans in bulk is highly recommended.
Seasonings can make even the simplest versions of these dishes comforting and filling, which is a true staple for budget-conscious cooking.
Use a Voltage Meter To Test Batteries
Using a voltage meter to check batteries is a great way to avoid throwing out batteries that still have life in them.
As long as batteries are all about the same level, anything registering above .5V will still work.
Save Your Warranty Paperwork
Save all warranty paperwork for expensive items, keeping them in a folder with receipts in a filing cabinet.
It may seem excessive, but it pays off.
It’s entirely possible to get a brand new replacement product years later, paying only for shipping.
Start at Community College
Going to community college first and then transferring to a university once you know what degree to pursue can save a significant amount on student loan debt. Many people have done this and saved a lot of money on their college education.
Sit and Wait Before Buying
When you stumble upon something you like and want to buy, like clothes, appliances, or tools, that you didn’t already need beforehand, sit on it for at least a week before going back and buying.
This makes it easy to tell whether it’s really something you want and need, or just a heat-of-the-moment thing.
Meal Prep Every Week
Creating a list of meals every Sunday for the week is a great way to save money.
Prepping meals can help you feed a family of four for about $200 per week, including three healthy meals a day plus snacks and desserts.
Taking advantage of the coupon list at your local grocery store helps too.
Stop Eating Out
Stopping to eat out and learning to cook at home can result in massive savings.
A family of four with two adults can easily spend well over $100 per restaurant visit, including two drinks and tip.
Twice a week, that’s $800 a month, which is more than what a typical grocery bill totals per month.
Buy Used Cars With Cash
Only buying used cars with cash from savings is a powerful financial move.
It means no car loan, no depreciation on a new car, and having cash lets you look for deals and puts you in a position to negotiate.
Always Search for Coupon Codes
Google for coupon codes before buying anything online.
It takes some trial and error, but sometimes you find gems, including codes for 60% off that actually work.
Overpay Your Mortgage
Mortgage companies typically allow you to pay up to 10% extra per year.
For every extra amount paid monthly on a 25-year mortgage at 5% interest, the savings on total interest paid can be dramatic.
From experience, this works! Some people have knocked two years off a 25-year mortgage without paying hundreds extra each month.
Use the Debt Snowball Method
The debt payoff snowball method is a proven way to get out of debt faster.
Pay the minimum on the highest balances and put any extra money toward the smallest balance.
Once the smallest one is paid off, move those payments to the next smallest, and keep adding the money paid on the lower cards to the next one.
Rinse and repeat until done.
Sell Everything You No Longer Use
Don’t throw away or let unused items collect dust. Just about everything is worth something to somebody. There’s also the added bonus of having a cleaner, less cluttered house.
Get Housing Through Work
Some jobs at wilderness lodges or resorts come with accommodation for little to no cost, plus meals included.
This makes it possible to bank enough money that, without rent and major expenses, covering the rest of the year becomes very manageable.
Find Free or Cheap Items Online
Picking up free or super cheap items from Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, especially out of season, can be like treasure hunting that pays off regularly.
Hydroponic setups, gardening supplies, furniture, and more can all be found this way.
It’s also worth noting that offering something for free attracts a lot of flaky people who don’t show up, but when you charge a nominal amount, it’s easier to find a reliable taker.
Fix Car Dents With Hot Water
Dents and minor bumps on a car are usually solved by pouring hot water on the dent and lightly pushing from the inside.
This works particularly well for bumpers and rear panels.
Don’t Let Yourself Spend Your Raises
Each time you receive a raise at work, take the difference and set an automatic transfer into a high-yield savings account at a separate bank from your checking account, so you never miss it.
The money builds faster than you think because it’s not easily accessible, and the several-day transfer window makes impulse buying less likely.
Even transferring $5 per week adds up over time.
