5 Money-Saving Hacks They Don’t Teach You (That Actually Work)

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Want to know some real money-saving hacks that they don’t teach you but actually work?

I don’t gatekeep! These work for me and hopefully will work for you, too.

1. The 72-Hour Rule

Impulse buying is sneaky. One strategy that’s worked wonders is the 72-hour rule. When I want something that isn’t essential, I jot it down, usually on my phone, and wait three days. If I still want it after 72 hours, I will consider buying it.

But honestly? I end up not buying it about 80–90% of the time. It’s eye-opening to see, at year’s end, just how much I didn’t spend.

2. Buy Reusable Items

Swap out single-use items for reusable alternatives; it’s a long-term win.

Think steel water bottles, reusable K-Cups, and dish towels instead of paper towels. These small swaps may not seem significant, but over time, they add up financially and environmentally. And if you’re starting out, even a free plastic sports bottle from an event can hold you over.

3. Say No to Coupons (Sometimes)

Coupons can trick you into spending on things you don’t actually need.

If you wouldn’t normally buy it without the discount, skip it. I learned this the hard way. After a spree of “great deals,” I was stuck with clutter I didn’t use. These days, I prefer paying full price for something I actually want over buying cheap stuff I’ll never touch.

4. Do It Yourself

Before calling a professional, I always ask: Can I do this myself?

If a repair costs the same as the tool to fix it, I buy the tool. Not only do I save money now, but I also gain a skill and save even more next time. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about fixing it yourself.

5. Compare Unit Prices

Next time you’re grocery shopping, look past the total price and check the price per ounce or per unit.

Often, what looks cheaper isn’t. Comparing unit prices eliminates the guesswork and can help you save in subtle but significant ways over time.