100 Simple Ways To Save Money at Home

With inflation so high, it’s getting harder and harder to get by.

But you don’t need a six-figure income or a finance degree to keep more of your money.

Most of the time, it comes down to small, repeatable habits that add up fast once you stack them together.

Here are 100 ways to save money at home and put more back in your pocket, from quick five-minute fixes to habits that pay off all year long.

1. Lower Thermostat Temperature

Keep the temperature lower to save a significant amount on your power bill. An HVAC system uses a lot of power, so you’ll save on energy costs when it isn’t running as often. Even two or three degrees makes a noticeable dent over a full season.

2. Seal Gaps and Cracks

Your heating and air conditioning could be leaking out through cracks and gaps. Seal them with caulk or foam sealant to reduce how often you need to use your HVAC system.

3. Unplug Unused Electronics

If you aren’t using it, why does it still need to draw power?

These items steal electricity from you by continuing to draw on it even when they aren’t being used, sometimes called “phantom load.”

A simple power strip, like this one, lets you cut several devices off at once.

4. Insulate Your Home

You need to be able to save on your power bill, and this is one of the most important ways to save money at home.

It can make a huge difference in the comfort of your home and the size of your power bill, especially in the attic where heat loss is highest.

5. Use LED Light Bulbs

These use much less electricity, and they’ll last you longer. Upgrade to LEDs as soon as you can to save, room by room, if the upfront cost is a stretch.

6. Install a Programmable Thermostat

When you can program your thermostat, you can leave it off anytime it isn’t needed.

This translates into savings on your monthly bill without you having to remember to adjust it yourself.

7. Use Natural Light

Natural light is free.

The more natural light you can get, the less power you need to use to keep lightbulbs going.

Open the curtains before you flip a switch.

8. Set Your Fridge to a Higher Temperature

Does your fridge need to be as cold as it is? You can save energy by setting the temperature just a little higher, around 37-40 degrees.

Your food will still be cold enough. Just make sure you try this before stocking your fridge with lots of expensive stuff. 

9. Fix Leaky Faucets Promptly

If you have a leak, you’re losing water and letting money go down the drain.

This is something you need to stay on top of so leaks get fixed as quickly as possible, since even a slow drip adds up to gallons over a month.

10. Air Dry Laundry

Air-drying not only saves you money on power but also on clothes.

Clothes that are air-dried get worn out more slowly, saving you from having to buy replacements.

11. Reduce Shower Time

Your shower time could be reduced, lowering both your water and power bills.

Being more efficient in the shower will still leave you clean, but it will also leave you with more money.

12. Use a Water-Saving Showerhead

If there’s a lot of water coming out of the showerhead, it will cost more than installing a low-flow one.

It helps you save on both power and water without changing your routine at all.

13. Turn off Lights When Leaving a Room

When you aren’t there, there’s no reason to have a light on.

This is a habit to get into that can save you a lot. When you leave the room, always turn it off.

14. Wash Clothes in Cold Water

This helps save clothes as well as power.

When the water doesn’t have to be heated, your clothes will last longer, and your power bill will be smaller.

15. Use a Microwave Instead of an Oven

A microwave takes just a fraction of the cooking time needed by an oven.

This can save you an enormous amount of power, especially if you cook often or just need to reheat leftovers.

16. Clean Air Filters Regularly

When your air filters are dirty, they aren’t working as well.

This makes it harder for air to get through them, which means the system has to work overtime. Keep clean filters so that less air needs to be heated or cooled.

17. Use Ceiling Fans for Cooling

A ceiling fan uses very little power, while an HVAC unit is among the most power-hungry of all your devices.

Run fans counterclockwise in summer to push cool air down.

18. Add Weatherstripping to Doors

Gaps around exterior doors let conditioned air escape all day long.

A roll of weatherstripping costs just a few dollars and takes about ten minutes per door to install, and it pairs perfectly with sealing your windows.

19. Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances

This can make a big difference over time.

Newer appliances are generally more energy efficient because they use new technology. Save power, save money, especially on big draws like your washer, dryer, and fridge.

20. Use a Slow Cooker

A slow cooker is a small kitchen device that doesn’t use much power to work.

When you use one, you can expect to use less power overall, and it makes weeknight dinners nearly hands-off.

21. Seal Ducts

Any unsealed ducts can cause heating and air conditioning to escape.

This loss of heat or cooling can cost you big, so seal up those ducts with mastic sealant or metal tape.

22. Declutter and Organize

Many people waste money because they can’t find what they need and have to buy it again. Staying organized and not bringing in more stuff can save you money and stress.

 

23. Use Reusable Bags

Instead of throwing away money on disposable bags, use reusable ones that you can use many times.

It’ll help your wallet as well as the environment.

24. Buy In Bulk

Whenever you buy in bulk, you get a volume discount.

It’s well worth it to join a bulk store to save money on staples you go through quickly, like rice, oats, or paper products.

But make sure to only buy things you need! Even if it’s cheap. 

25. Use an Indoor Drying Rack in Winter

When it’s too cold or wet to hang clothes outside, a simple indoor drying rack still saves you from running the dryer.

Set it near a sunny window or a running ceiling fan to speed things along.

26. Grow Your Own Herbs, Vegetables, and Fruit

The grocery store is one of the biggest expenses that people have in a given month, and it’s only getting more expensive.

Growing even a small container garden of herbs, tomatoes, or berries can trim your produce bill and taste better besides.

27. Cook Meals in Batches

When you cook in batches, you won’t have to cook as often. This will save you electricity and let you cook for less per meal.

28. Make Your Own Cleaning Products

Cleaning products can be unnecessarily expensive. Most are mostly water, and you can make your own with just a few ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap.

Use these DIY cleaning recipes to make it happen. 

29. Limit Paper Towel Use

Paper towels are made to be thrown away.

But the faster you use them, the faster you have to buy more. Keep a stack of old towels or rags nearby for spills instead.

30. Cancel Unnecessary Subscriptions

It can be tempting to subscribe to something, especially when you get a discount at first.

However, once you no longer need it, get rid of it quickly before it quietly renews.

31. Buy Generic Brands

These brands work in just the same way that the name brands do, but you’ll pay less to get them.

This can save you a lot on your weekly shopping trips, especially on pantry basics.

32. Use a Library for Books and Movies

We all need books and movies, but you don’t necessarily have to pay for them.

Visit the library for free books, movies, and often streaming or audiobook apps tied to your library card.

33. Create a Budget

If you have a firm budget in place, you can save money by keeping your spending within those parameters.

No budget often means no limits on your spending. This is one of the ways to save money at home that everyone should follow every month.

 

34. Buy In-Season Produce

Produce costs much less when it’s in season at the time you buy it. When it isn’t, it’s been shipped from far away and will cost more.

35. Reduce Food Waste

Most people have to throw out a lot of food because it goes bad. Track what you buy and see how much you actually use. The next time you shop, buy less of what tends to go to waste.

36. Reduce Meat Consumption

Meat is pricey, and it’s getting even pricier. When you focus more on produce, beans, and grains a few nights a week, you can save money as well as have a healthier diet.

37. Cancel Cable TV

There’s no need to have cable TV anymore for most households. A streaming service can take its place for a fraction of the amount you’ve been paying for cable.

38. Cancel Unused Memberships

Think you’ll go to the gym any time now? If you haven’t been in a while, you don’t need that membership. Get rid of it for immediate savings.

39. Choose a Staycation Over a Vacation

There are few things more expensive than a vacation. The next time you have some time off, spend it relaxing at home or exploring somewhere nearby. You’ll save money and still get in that relaxation time.

40. DIY Home Repairs

Labor costs are expensive for any work you need to do at home.

Save on that cost by doing your repairs yourself. There’s a YouTube video available on fixing virtually anything.

41. Plant Trees for Shade

When you have shade, you can keep your home from getting too hot from direct sunlight. This will mean the air conditioner won’t need to be run as often, and it’s a savings that grows every year.

42. Use a Rain Barrel for Watering Plants

Plants need plenty of water, but you don’t have to pay for it. With a rain barrel, you can collect water and use as much as you like on your plants for free.

43. Turn Off Appliances Completely

While appliances are on, even if you aren’t using them, they are often drawing power. Turn them all the way off, not just to standby, to save on your power bill.

44. Reduce Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol is empty calories, and it’s also expensive. Cutting down on alcohol, or cutting it out, can save you a lot over the course of the year.

45. Cancel Magazine Subscriptions

The pictures and articles you want are generally available online. Don’t pay for a subscription to something you can get for free.

46. Buy Used Furniture

Furniture is a huge expense, but like cars, it depreciates quickly. Buy your furniture used to pay less. It’s usually easier to afford these pieces, and you can get items used in great condition.

47. Install a Water-Saving Toilet

A low-flow toilet will still work the way a toilet should. As often as toilets are used, you can save a lot by having less water flow in every time someone uses it.

48. Use a Reusable Water Bottle

Buying bottled water actually costs more per gallon than gasoline in most places. Use water from the tap to save big by cutting out those purchases altogether.

49. Purchase Store-Brand Medications

These have the exact same active ingredients as the name brand, but they can cost half the price. Check the label to confirm the active ingredient matches before you switch.

50. Buy Used Appliances

A good appliance will work well for a long time. That’s why it can be so helpful to your wallet to buy them used. They can still work well but will cost much less than buying them new.

51. Use a Pressure Cooker for Faster, Cheaper Meals

A pressure cooker cuts cooking time way down, which means less electricity is used per meal compared to a stovetop or oven.

It’s especially handy for dried beans and tougher cuts of meat that would otherwise take hours to cook down.

52. Limit Takeout and Dining Out

It’s always less expensive to make food at home. Plan meals to eat at home so that you won’t be prone to eating out or ordering in on a tired weeknight.

53. Repair Clothing Instead of Replacing It

Good clothing is expensive, but it will eventually have holes and worn places. Instead of replacing it, learn a few basic mending techniques and keep wearing those pieces.

54. Use a Budgeting App

When you know you need a budget but have little time to create one, using an app can help you get it done. And you’ll always have your budget handy to refer to right from your phone.

Pairing an app with a written planner can help the numbers actually stick.

Read More: The 9 Best Budgeting Apps To Make Managing Your Finances Easy 

55. Buy Secondhand Clothes

Clothing can be nearly free when it’s used. There are countless places where you can buy used clothing that’s in great condition, from thrift stores to online resale apps.

56. Make Your Own Gifts

Gift buying can be a financial burden. But it doesn’t have to be. Use your skills to make things at home that you can give as gifts for much less, and often with more meaning behind them.

57. Use Public Transportation

This is one of the ways to save money at home that will save you the most. The cost of gas and vehicle upkeep can be crippling. Use public means of travel when it’s available to avoid it.

58. Track Your Spending Every Week

A budget only works if you check in on it. Set aside ten minutes each week to look at what you spent, so small leaks don’t turn into a blown budget by month’s end.

59. Buy Rechargeable Batteries

The cost of batteries is only going up, but you don’t have to pay to replace yours. Instead, buy rechargeable batteries (like these) that can be used over and over again.

60. Repair Appliances Instead of Replacing Them

When something’s broken, you replace it, right? A better way is to repair your appliances and hold onto them for much longer. Many fixes are simpler than they look.

61. Set up Automatic Savings

If you aren’t saving much, setting up an account with auto savings will keep you saving every month. You’ll get used to the amount put in savings and won’t even miss it.

62. Cancel Unused App Subscriptions

Many apps have gone to a subscription model. If you aren’t using those apps, cancel them right away so you won’t be charged again.

63. Use Public Wi-Fi

To save money, this is a great way to get plenty of internet access without running up your data plan.

64. Barter or Trade Services

Everyone has something they’re good at. You can trade that skill with other people for something you need instead of paying cash for it.

65. Cancel Unused Cloud Storage

Did you really need more storage? If you’re paying for cloud storage and don’t really need it, cancel it and stop paying for it monthly or yearly.

66. Learn Basic Furniture Touch-Up and Repair

A wobbly chair leg or a scratched tabletop doesn’t have to mean a trip to the furniture store. A little wood glue, a touch-up marker, or new felt pads can extend the life of what you already own.

67. Wash Full Loads Only

Running the washer or dishwasher half full still uses close to the same amount of water and power as a full load. Wait until you have a full load to save on both utilities.

68. Create a Shopping List and Stick To It

Before you go anywhere, make a list of what you need to buy there. This soon becomes a habit and can save you an enormous amount on impulse purchases.

 

69. Use a Programmable Coffee Maker

You don’t need your coffee maker running all the time. Program it to come on only when it’s needed to save power. Set it to make coffee in the morning so you don’t need to run get coffee on the way to work. 

70. Buy Used Kitchen Gadgets

Kitchen gadgets often get used for a while and then abandoned, so don’t spend too much on them. You can buy one used and pay much less for it.

71. Pack Snacks Before Running Errands

Hungry or thirsty errands almost always end in a gas station stop that costs way more than it should. A snack and a water bottle in the car keeps you from paying convenience-store prices.

72. Cancel Unnecessary Home Services

If you’re paying for services that you could do yourself, put an end to that practice. This can be one of the harder ways to save money at home, but it can also save you an enormous amount.

73. Install Motion Sensor Lights

Leaving on lights can be convenient, but you’ll pay a lot to leave them running. To save money, use lights that only come on with motion, so they aren’t left running when nobody’s around.

74. Swap Books and Magazines With Friends

Instead of buying every title new, start a small swap with friends, neighbors, or coworkers. You all get something new to read without anyone spending a dime.

75. Use a Reusable Coffee Filter

Buying new coffee filters all the time adds up to spending a lot. With a reusable filter, you don’t have to keep buying them or give up your coffee.

76. Can or Freeze Your Garden Harvest

If you’re already growing your own produce, don’t let extra summer harvest go to waste. Canning or freezing what you can’t eat right away stretches your garden’s savings well into the colder months.

77. Reduce Paper Usage

Move to more digital means of creating and keeping documents to save money on replacement paper and printer ink.

78. Cancel Unnecessary Insurance Coverage

If you have an insurance policy that you don’t really need, this can be a big expense. Cancel that policy, and you’ll keep saving money every month it’s gone.

79. Make Your Own Beauty Products

It’s possible today for anyone to make beauty products at home. And you can use better ingredients that will be good for your skin, often for a fraction of what the store version costs.

80. Host Potluck Dinners

When a lot of people are pitching in to a shared dinner, it costs each of them less. These dinners can be fun and may introduce you to new foods you’d never have tried otherwise.

81. Use a Water Filter

When you have a water filter, you can be confident that your water is safe to drink. This can cut down a lot on buying bottled water.

82. Buy Used Books

A book doesn’t have to be new to be a gripping read. Used books contain all the same words as new books, so save some money by buying used ones.

83. Cancel Unused Software Subscriptions

Many people subscribe to software that they need for a while, but they may forget to cancel it later. Look over your debits and see if you can cancel one you aren’t using.

84. Use a Programmable Sprinkler System

Watering often can wreak havoc on your water bill. Use a programmable sprinkler to water your plants at the ideal time. Watering at night or early morning can allow the water to soak into the soil better.

85. Limit Impulse Buying

Buying just one or two impulse items isn’t too bad, is it? Multiply those by every time you go shopping and you’ll soon see why this is a habit you need to break.

86. Cancel Unused Streaming Services

If you aren’t really using it, you’re just wasting money every month. Cancel the ones you haven’t watched in the last month or two, and rotate a single service at a time instead.

87. Make Your Own Laundry Detergent

Laundry detergent is one of the easiest household products to make yourself, usually with just a bar of soap, washing soda, and borax. It costs a fraction of the store price per load.

88. Use a Bike for Short Trips

Short trips in the car use a lot of gas, and that comes at a hefty price. When you have a short trip to make, consider biking to save money and get exercise.

89. Use a Prepaid Cell Phone Plan

This can save you from large data usage bills and keep your phone costs predictable every month.

90. Negotiate Your Internet and Phone Bill Annually

Providers often quietly raise rates after an introductory period ends. A quick call once a year asking about current promotions or a loyalty discount can knock a real amount off your bill.

91. Make Your Own Greeting Cards

These are something that is only used for a minute, but it can cost a few dollars. Make your own for an even better gesture to the recipient.

92. Share a Costco or Sam’s Club Membership

If you don’t shop in bulk often enough to justify your own membership, split one with a family member or neighbor. Most warehouse clubs allow household cards, so you both get the savings for one fee.

93. Buy Refurbished Electronics

Items like computers are so expensive that they can put a serious dent in your budget. Buying refurbished models instead is a great way to get what you need for less.

94. Cancel Unnecessary Online Memberships

How many online memberships do you have? If you have even one that you aren’t actively using, it’s time to cancel it. You likely won’t even remember it’s gone.

95. Buy Used Power Tools

Power tools can be incredibly expensive, but good tools can be used for a long time. That makes it a great choice to choose used tools that still have plenty of life in them.

96. Repair Shoes Instead of Replacing Them

Repairing shoes used to be the norm, and you can make it the norm again in your home. Things like mending, patching, and using inserts can make your shoes look and function better again.

97. Use a Programmable Pet Feeder

Are you spending too much time and money on pet food waste? A programmable feeder can free up your time and make sure your pets don’t eat too much.

98. Cancel Unnecessary Financial Services

Financial services can carry ongoing fees that add up quietly. If you don’t need them, they’re just siphoning away your money. Cancel those services quickly.

99. Make Your Own Pet Toys

Pets don’t care much about what their toys look like. Taking an old towel and tying a knot in it can be as fun for a pet as an expensive store-bought pet toy.

100. Use Public Parks for Recreation

Instead of paying for memberships or admission somewhere, you can go to the park for free. Public parks often have great facilities and won’t cost you a thing.

Bringing It All Together

You don’t have to do all 100 of these at once, and honestly, you shouldn’t try. Pick five that feel easy, put them into place this week, and layer in more as they become habit. Small changes stack up faster than most people expect, and there’s no shame in starting slow.

If you want a simple place to track what you’re saving and where it’s going, my Frugal Living Planner walks you through budgeting, meal planning, and goal setting in one spot, built for people who want a plan without feeling overwhelmed! Getting it now!

You may find that you can finally boost your savings or pay down debt.

Read More:

• 6 Eccentric Frugal Living Tips That Somehow Work
• 11 Powerful Frugal Living Tips That People Laugh At But Actually Work To Save Money 
• 20 Old-Fashioned Frugal Boomer Living Tips That You Should Still Be Doing Today