Looking for money hacks to achieve all your personal finance goals? These money hacks (money-making and money-saving hacks) will help you earn extra money and save some money. Read on to learn about some simple ways to make your money work for you.
Shopping Money Hacks
When it comes to money, most of us are always looking for ways to save. And while there are a lot of money-saving tips out there, some of them can be a little inconvenient or time-consuming. But what if I told you that there were some simple money hacks that could help you save money on your shopping without making any big changes?
Here are shopping money hacks that can help you save on your next shopping trip.
Saving Money with Discounted Gift Cards
Did you know that you can buy discounted gift cards? I didn’t think it was possible. One of the card resellers I recommend is Raise. They sell a wide variety of gift cards. It’s unbelievable. I was shocked when I was introduced to Raise by my friend. They sell gift cards for Target, Walmart, Amazon, Sephora, Hotels.com, Uber, etc. You’ll even get an extra 15% off discounted gift cards (excluding cash-back gift cards) if you join now!
You can also find discounted gift cards at Costco or Sam’s Club! If you’re already a member, check their online stores to see what gift cards they offer!
Sign up for Cash Back Sites
If you already shop online, sign up for cashback sites. This money hack is one of the easiest ones on this list. Most major retailers are partnered with these sites. The great part is that signing up is completely free! Usually, these sites will have cashback extensions that will make the cashback process easier.
They’re easy to use – all you have to do is shop as normal, and the extension will automatically track your purchases and provide you with cashback rewards. Cashback sites provide a great way to earn free cash just by shopping online. So why not install one today and start earning rewards?
I like to install several cashback extensions to compare which service offers the highest cashback rate. I’ve received more than $200/year in cash back. Here are the cashback services that I personally use:
Rakuten– Get a $10 Welcome Bonus when you spend $25 or more.
Join Rakuten now and earn a $10 welcome bonus!
Honey– Get $5 worth of gold points when you sign-up.
Search Or Install Extensions To Save More Money
Always compare prices with other retailers when shopping online. Here are some of the tools I use to compare prices in order to make better purchasing decisions:
Google Shopping
I like to search on Google Shopping to see which retailer has the lowest price/great deal. I avoid stores not marked as “trusted store.”
The Camelizer (For Amazon Shoppers)
Installing The Camelizer extension may save you money if you’re an Amazon shopper. Amazon adjusts its product prices according to the market supply and demand. The Camelizer will show you a price history chart to help you determine whether you’re getting a good deal.
The app helped me avoid buying products undergoing a price increase numerous times.
Buy Clothes From ThredUP
I wish I had known about this store earlier. ThredUP is an online consignment store where you’ll find second-hand clothes for less. You’ll find all sorts of fashion items, from fast fashion to designer brands. I got a pair of Lululemon leggings for $20. I like how thredUP has a condition filter where you can search for clothing that is “new with tags” or “like-new.” If you buy clothing regularly, shopping at thredUp will help you save so much money.
Bring your Own Reusable Bags
Not only is it important to bring your own reusable bags to save money, but it’s also important for the environment.
They’re a great way to reduce the amount of plastic waste produced each year. By bringing your own reusable bag when you shop, you can help reduce the number of disposable bags that end up in landfills.
Some stores may offer discounts for customers who bring their own bags. Not only are you helping the environment, but you’re also saving money!
So if you shop at the grocery store frequently, bringing your own bag can save you money in the long run!
Buy Essentials In Bulks Or Order As A Subscription
If you’re buying essentials monthly, consider buying them in larger quantities. Costco and Sam’s Club are the best place when you want to purchase necessities in bulk. Not a member? Use the Amazon Subscribe & Save program. You don’t need to be enrolled in Amazon Prime to use this program.
30-Day Rule
We all know the feeling of impulse shopping and buying something we later regret. The 30-day rule is a great way to avoid spending too much money! When you find yourself considering an item on your list, stop and think about it for 30 days before making that purchase decision. After 30-days if you still think that the item is worth it, go ahead and make the purchase.
This rule has helped me to be more mindful of how I spend money.
Answer Surveys
You can earn extra cash by answering surveys very easily. All you need to do is find a survey site and sign up for an account. Once you’re registered, simply complete the survey and get paid. It’s that simple! You can answer them while watching tv. Some survey sites will reward you for watching videos as well.
Survey sites I recommend include Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, and InboxDollars. Although answering to survey won’t make you hundreds of dollars, think of it as a way to earn a few dollars.
Switch To A Cash Back Credit Card
Did you know that some cards offer cash back for purchases made using that credit card? You can earn money just by making your everyday purchases. Chase Freedom Unlimited is a great cash-back credit card with no annual fee. You’ll receive 1.5% cash back on purchases you make with the card (3% for restaurant and drugstore purchases). Right now, you can earn a $200 bonus if you spend $500 in your first three months after opening your new account and 5% cash back on gas station purchases. For more information, check the Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card page.
Tip: Stack your cashback! Use a cashback service mentioned earlier and purchase using a cash-back credit card.
Use Trim To Save Money
Trim is a service that will help you find ways to save. These include negotiating bills (including utility bills), looking for recurring monthly subscriptions, and negotiating with banks for lower interest rates and bank fees.
Using Trim made me realize I was spending so much on streaming services. Also, there were gym memberships that I had completely forgotten about! Cutting down on subscriptions alone saved me about $40 a month. That’s $480 a year!
According to Trim, “Trim users save an average of $620.”
Note: The bill negotiation feature costs money. However, if you think about it, you may save a lot of money in the long term.
Get A 90-Day Prescription For Medication
Do you have any prescribed meds you take regularly? Ask your pharmacy if they can fill out a 90-day supply for your prescription. Most of the time, it will cost less than having to fill out monthly. Some pharmacies will even ship the medication to your house! You’ll be able to save time and money at the same time!
Save on Gas
Did you know that you can save money on gas easily? It’s true! In fact, following just a few of these money-saving tips can help you cut down your gas bill. So read on to learn more about how to save money on gas.
Install A Gas Discount App
Install a gas app to see which gas stations have the lowest price in your area. Some app recommendations include GasBuddy and GasGuru. Note that some prices are not always accurate (but are generally near).
Join A Fuel Reward Program
Joining a gas reward program can save you some money. Some programs include Exxon Mobil Rewards+, Shell Fuel Rewards, BPme Rewards, Circle K Easy Rewards, and Kroger Fuel Points. Check if the gas station you usually fill has a reward program.
Join Membership For Discounted Gas
Costco, Sam’s Club, and Walmart+ offer discounts on fuel for their members. When it comes to discounted gas, I highly recommend joining Walmart+ if you’re not already a Costco or Sam’s Club member. It’s a great way to save on gas money.
You can save on gas not only at Walmart gas stations but also at select Exxon, Mobil, Sam’s Club, and Murphy gas stations.
One of the features I love about Walmart+ is that I don’t have to swipe my credit card at the gas station. I’ve already experienced card skimming at a gas station and don’t want it to happen again. Walmart+ lets you save your credit card to your Walmart account and use that card to finish your purchase. (Note that some gas stations may not have this transaction method, so check beforehand.)
Start Investing
There are a lot of reasons why you should start investing. For one, if you start early, you can let compound interest work its magic and watch your money grow exponentially. Additionally, by investing in things like stocks or mutual funds, you help contribute to the overall economy and can potentially see greater financial gain in the long run. Finally, when it comes to retirement planning, most experts agree that you should invest as much money as possible as soon as possible to ensure financial freedom.
Investing sounds pretty complicated and confusing. In fact, I had no idea where to start.
Here are some investing services that help make investing simple and easy.
Acorns
Acorns is one of the investment services that I recommend you start with. Acorns automatically invest spare change whenever you shop with a credit or debit card. So if you buy $30.20 at a grocery store, Acorns will invest $0.80. You just have to attach Acorns to the credit or debit card you already use. It’s so much fun watching your spare change grow!
Ally
Ally is an online investment service that’s great for beginners. First, you choose how to invest:
- Self-Directed Trading- invest by yourself
- Robo Portfolios- have a Robo-advisor manage for you
- Wealth Management- have an advisor help guide you
If you prefer having a hands-off approach, choose Robo Portfolios. Robo Portfolios will help recommend you a portfolio and manage investments for you.
Note: Robo Portfolios require $100 to open an account.
Fundrise
Already investing in stocks and bonds or looking for a way to invest $10 a month? Try Fundrise, where you can invest in real estate without purchasing a property and becoming a landlord.
You can start with $10 per month.
Investing with this service is a great way to diversify your investment portfolio.
Making your money work for you is one of the smartest things you can do with your finances. By investing in a diversified mix of assets, you can help ensure that your money will grow over time, even if the stock market takes a downturn.
Regardless of which approach you choose, make sure that you are comfortable with the risks involved. No investment is without risk, so it’s important to understand the potential downside before making any decisions. But by investing wisely, you can help ensure that your money will work for you now and into the future.
Check Your 401(k)
You should check your 401k for hidden fees because they can eat away at your retirement savings. 401k plans have a lot of different fees, and it’s important to be aware of them all so you can choose the right plan and make the most of your money. Some common fees are investment-related fees, administrative fees, and fund management fees.
Fees can reduce the amount of money you have available for retirement, so it’s important to be vigilant about them. By knowing what to look for, you can avoid high-fee plans and save money in the long run.
Buy Term Life Insurance
Term life insurance is one of the best investments you can make. It’s affordable, and while you’re young and healthy, you’re likely to get the best rates. It provides protection for a specific period of time (the term) and pays a benefit if you die during that time. It’s a good choice for someone who wants coverage for a specific period, such as 10 or 20 years. Term life insurance is usually much less expensive than permanent life insurance, such as whole or universal life insurance. Plus, if something happens and you need coverage, it’s there. Buying term life insurance at a younger age is a smart way to protect your family’s future.
Sign Up For Restaurant Loyalty Rewards
Does your go-to restaurant have any membership programs?
If so, sign up for the program. These restaurants include Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Dunkin Donuts, IHOP, Panera, P.F. Chang’s, McDonald’s, and Starbucks. You may earn a free meal or drink! Some may even offer you a free birthday reward.
Check Out The Library
Did you know you can borrow e-books, magazines, and movies from the library? Some libraries offer digital media that you can borrow from your home without the need to physically go to the library.
Check your local public library website and see if they offer these options. Check other libraries within your state if your local library doesn’t provide these services. You can often receive a library card for free if you live in the same state.
Create a Monthly Budget
Budgeting is the key to a successful money management system. When you have a plan for your money, you are less likely to spend impulsively and more likely to save money each month. This will help you stay on track with your spending and reach your financial goals.
Budget Worksheet
One way to create a budget is to use a budget worksheet. A budget worksheet will help you track your income and expenses each month. There are many different types of budget worksheets available online, or you can create your own.
To create your own budget worksheet, start by listing your income sources at the top of the sheet. Next, list your regular expenses, such as rent or mortgage, car payments, insurance, and utilities. Then list your variable expenses, such as groceries, entertainment, and clothing. Finally, total up your expenses and subtract them from your income. This will give you a better understanding of how much money you have left each month to save or invest.
If you find that you are not meeting your financial goals each month, consider revising your budget. You may need to make some sacrifices in order to free up more money for savings or investments. But remember, it is important to have a budget in order to stay on track with your money goals!
50-30-20 Budget Rule
Another great monthly budgeting technique is the 50-30-20 rule, where you allocate 50% of your money to necessities, 30% to discretionary spending, and 20% to savings. This breakdown can help you stay on track with your spending and reach your financial goals. You may need to make some sacrifices in order to free up more money for savings or investments.
Qube Money
Prefer a digitalized, more easily followable budgeting method? Try out Qube Money.
Qube Money is a digitalized version of the cash envelope budgeting method.
The cash envelope budgeting method is a way to make sure you don’t spend more money than you have. You put money in different envelopes for different things, like groceries or entertainment, and when the money runs out, you stop spending.
Qube Money is a “full-suite mobile banking solution” where you can pair digital envelopes with the Qube Money debit card. With Qube Money, you can split your money into separate categories (or digital envelopes) you can create budgets and track expenses easily by using the app and Qube Money debit card. The app and debit card combo makes it easy to track your spending and stay on top of your finances.
It’s important to find a budgeting technique that best suits you. Find one that you’ll be able to stick to. There are many other budgeting techniques, so it’s important to find one that fits your lifestyle and personality.
Switch to Refillable Water Bottles
Not only are plastic water bottles bad for the environment, but they’re also really expensive in the long run. By switching to a refillable bottle, you can save money and help reduce waste.
If you switch to refillable water bottles, you can save money in the long run. A single disposable water bottle costs about $0.25, but a reusable water bottle costs about $10. If you drink two bottles of water per day, you would save about $180 per year by switching to a reusable water bottle!
Grocery Budget
If you’re looking for ways to save money, one of the best things you can do is set a grocery budget. When you have a budget in place, you’ll be less likely to overspend and more likely to stick to your spending goals. Just as I’ve written in the creating a monthly budget section, find a way that’ll help you stick to the budget such as creating a list of items you need before shopping.
Here are some ways you can save on groceries.
Try Meal Planning
Planning your meals ahead of time will help you avoid buying expensive convenience foods. A meal plan will help you stay organized and make sure you’re not wasting any food.
This takes some time to get used to, but it’s worth the effort in the end.
Compare Prices between Different Stores
Comparison shopping is a great way to get the best deals on groceries. By price comparing, you can ensure that you are getting the best prices on the items you need. There are a few different ways to compare prices between stores.
The easiest way to compare prices is to use a price comparison app. There are several apps such as Flipp that allow you to compare grocery store prices. Simply enter the item and the store that you want to compare and the website will show you the prices for each store.
Another way to compare prices is to use a grocery store flyer. Most grocery stores provide flyers with their weekly specials. Compare the prices of the items you need against other local grocery stores.
By comparing prices, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible on the items you need.
Use Coupons and Discounts
One money hack for saving money on groceries is to use coupons and discounts. There are a number of ways to get coupons, including subscribing to email lists, downloading coupon apps, or checking in-store flyers.
Once you have your coupons, be sure to read the fine print so that you know exactly what the coupon can be used for. Most coupons are valid for a certain period of time, so be sure to use them before they expire.
You can also use discounts to save money on groceries. Many stores offer discounts for seniors, military members, and students. Be sure to ask about any discounts that may be available at the store where you shop.
Save Your Receipts And Earn Cash Back In-Store
Did you know that cash backs are not only for online shopping?
Money-saving apps such as cashback apps can also be used to save money on in-store groceries. These apps offer a money-back on certain items or brands, which can add up over time. To use a cashback app, simply find one that offers cash back on the groceries you usually buy. Most apps will give you money back by submitting a receipt or by linking your grocery store loyalty card.
With Ibotta, you can earn cashback even when you buy in-store. All you have to do is add the offers you plan to shop for, go grocery shopping, take a photo of your receipt, and submit!
If you sign up now, you can get $5 when you spend $15 (only for new users). That’s free money just by signing up and doing your regular grocery shopping! For more money-saving apps, be sure to check out my other article on the best apps to save money on groceries.
Order Groceries For Pick-Up
It’s so easy to overbuy when you’re at the grocery store. Ordering groceries for pick-up (not delivery) has helped me prevent overbuying and switching to similar products at a lower price. Yes, ordering pick-up usually costs money, but you’ll probably save more than that additional cost.
If you want to save money on your groceries, there are a few simple things you can do. By following the tips mentioned above, you can easily slash your grocery budget without making any big sacrifices.
Read Personal Finance Books
There are a lot of money hacks that you can use to save and make money, but if you want to really understand money and how it works, you need to read personal finance books. These books will help you learn about budgeting, investing, saving money, and more. They can teach you the basics of money management and give you the tools you need to start building wealth. So if you’re serious about improving your finances, start reading finance books today!
Some of my recommendations include:
Rich Dad Poor Dad
If you’re looking for ways to improve your financial situation, then you need to read Rich Dad Poor Dad. This book will teach you how to think like a rich person and make money work for you instead of the other way around. You’ll learn how to create passive income streams, invest in assets, and much more.
The Millionaire Next Door
This book is a classic for a reason: it will change the way you think about money and wealth. Written by two professors who studied millionaires for over two decades, this book dispels myths about wealth and reveals the secrets of those who have built their fortunes slowly and steadily.
You’ll learn that most millionaires are not showy or flashy – they’re actually quite frugal! – and that the key to becoming wealthy is to focus on building strong financial habits.
I Will Teach You to Be Rich
In this book, Ramit Sethi shares his “no-BS 6-week program” for becoming wealthy without having to make drastic changes to your lifestyle. This book especially helped me learn how to automate my finance easily.
The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness
Ever started to budget but couldn’t stick to it. This book will help you to understand the psychological effects of money and how it can affect not just your personal finance but every other area of your life as well. Once you learn how to manage and control your money psychology, you can get ahead financially and achieve all your money goals.
The Simple Path to Wealth: Your road map to financial independence and a rich, free life
The best way to amass wealth is to start with a plan and to keep things simple. This book offers a straightforward plan that can be easily implemented and followed. It doesn’t require any special knowledge or skills, and it’s flexible enough to accommodate different lifestyles and budgets. The Simple Path to Wealth provides readers with the tools they need to achieve financial independence and retire sooner rather than later.
Personal finance books are a great way to start learning about money and how to manage it. However, you shouldn’t just read one book and think you have everything figured out. You should read many books and find what best suits you. There is no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to money, so you need to find the approach that works for you.
Best Money-Saving Skills
Just because money is tight doesn’t mean you have to live like a pauper. In fact, there are plenty of money-saving skills you can learn that will help stretch your budget and allow you to live a comfortable life.
Cook at Home
Cooking at home is a great way to save money. You can make simple, affordable meals at home that are healthier and tastier than anything you could order in a restaurant.
Plus, you’ll save money on food costs by cooking at home. Restaurants typically charge high prices for their dishes, while the ingredients for homemade meals are much cheaper.
Another benefit of cooking at home is that you’ll know exactly what’s in your food. You’ll avoid the processed foods and additives often found in restaurant meals.
Homecooked meals are also typically healthier than restaurant meals. They’re lower in fat and calories and they’re free of unhealthy additives. So not only will cooking at home help you save money, but it will also help you stay healthy!
Being healthy can save you money in a number of ways. For one, you’ll likely spend less money on doctor’s visits and medication if you’re healthy. Additionally, eating healthy can help you avoid expensive illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. By making simple changes to your diet and lifestyle, you can improve your health and save money at the same time!
So if you’re looking to save money, cook at home! You’ll be surprised by how delicious and affordable your meals can be.
DIY Skills
DIY skills are a great way to save money. By doing things yourself, you can avoid paying for labor costs. Here are a few DIY skills that can help you save money:
Car Maintenance
Basic car maintenance tasks, such as changing the oil and air filter, can help you save money in the long run.
Home Maintenance
Regular home maintenance tasks, such as changing the air filter and checking the smoke detectors, can help you catch problems early and prevent them from becoming bigger issues.
Kitchen Repairs
Minor kitchen repairs, such as fixing a leaky faucet or replacing a light switch, can be done yourself for a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional.
Electrical Repairs
Electrical repairs, such as fixing a blown fuse or replacing a light bulb, can be safely done by most people with basic electrical knowledge.
Plumbing Repairs
Minor plumbing repairs, such as fixing a leaky faucet or unclogging a drain, can often be done easily with household items.
Some companies can charge you more for a simple repair, just because they can. Sadly, I’ve had this happen to me and wouldn’t have known if my friend didn’t tell me!
If DIYing is not for you, you could always ask around and find a trusted friend or family member who can do the repair for you at a fraction of the cost. Or, if that’s not an option, you can check online for video tutorials on how to do it yourself. There are plenty of resources available online, and most repairs are actually pretty simple.
So don’t be afraid to try it yourself – you may be surprised at how easy it is! And if all else fails, there’s always professional help available.
Negotiation Skills
There are definitely times when it’s worth trying to negotiate a better price on something, such as a utility bill. Learning how to negotiate can save you a lot of money in the long run.
When negotiating money, it’s important to be mindful of how much you’re asking for. If you ask for too much, you may risk alienating the person or organization you’re speaking with. It’s best to ask for a little less than what you want, and then compromise if necessary. By negotiating sparingly, you’ll maintain better relationships and get closer to the money you deserve.
Do you prefer for someone else to negotiate for you? Ask a friend or family member that have experience in negotiating bills or join a bill negotiation service such as Trim and Billshark.
Start a Side Hustle
Starting a side hustle money hack is one way to make some extra money on the side. This can be a great way to earn some extra money, especially if you are looking for ways to make more money without having to work longer hours. There are many different ways to start a side hustle money hack, and here are some of the best ones.
Start a Blog
Starting a blog is a great side hustle because you can make money while you’re working on your own schedule. You can also earn money from ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. Plus, there are a number of ways to monetize your blog content. For example, you could sell digital products or courses, or offer consulting services.
Offer Freelance Service
Freelancing can be a great way to make money on the side or even transition into a full-time career. One of the best parts of freelancing is that you can make money doing something you love and work from home (or anywhere you want). Sometimes freelancing can make more money than you would at a traditional job.
There are many online marketplaces and job boards that allow you to freelance your skills. Some of the most popular sites include Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr. These sites allow you to post your services, find projects, and get paid.
Freelancing can also help you learn new skills and grow your business skillset which can help your future career.
Rent Out a Room on Airbnb or Vrbo
If you don’t mind having some roommates, earn extra money by renting out a room on Airbnb. Not only will you earn some extra cash, but you can cut your housing costs.
Note that when renting out a room on Airbnb, it’s important to be aware of the risks involved. For example, you’ll need to be careful about who you rent to and may want to require a security deposit. Additionally, you’ll need to be sure that your insurance policy covers short-term rentals.
Tasking on TaskRabbit
A great side hustle for active people would be to find a task on TaskRabbit. This service allows users to outsource small tasks and errands to other users. Tasks include active ones ranging from running errands to helping to move.
It’s essential to consider your interests and skills when looking for a side hustle. You’ll likely lose motivation if you’re not passionate about something. If you have skills or experience in a certain area, chances are there’s a way to monetize them.
So, it’s important to think about what you’re good at and what you enjoy doing, and then research related tasks.
Start a Home-Based Business
There are a number of reasons why starting a home-based business can be a great idea. For starters, you have complete control over your business. This means you can set your own hours, make your own decisions, and be your own boss. Additionally, you can save money on office costs since you’re working from home.
Another benefit of running a home-based business is that you can often tax deductions for things like home office supplies and internet service. And, if your business grows enough, you may be able to transition it into a full-time career.
There are many different types of home businesses to choose from, so it’s important to do your research before starting one. There are also a number of resources available to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. These include online forums, books, and podcasts. So, there are plenty of options available to help you get started on the right path.
A great place to start a home-based business is to start an Etsy shop. For Etsy shop ideas and tips for a successful shop read this post.
Drive for a Rideshare Service
Working for a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft is a great side hustle because it’s a flexible way to make money. You can work as much or as little as you want, depending on how much money you need. You can also choose your own hours, which is great if you have other commitments. Plus, it’s a great way to meet new people and explore new places.
Flip Items
Flipping is a great side hustle because it’s relatively easy to get started and doesn’t require a lot of money or experience. You can buy items at garage sales or thrift stores for a fraction of the original price and resell them online or at flea markets for a profit.
Flipping is also a great way to declutter your home and earn some extra money. A variety of places works well, such as eBay, Craigslist, or consignment stores. I recommend searching for successful people that flip items and learning their tips and tricks before starting.
Become a Pet Sitter
Pet sitting is a great side hustle especially if you already have pets yourself. You can charge by the hour or by the visit and work as much or as little as you want, depending on your availability.
A great place to start is signing up on Rover. At Rover, you can choose if you want to care for animals overnight, dog walk, hold a daycare, or house sit and check up on pets at the owner’s house.
What Next?
So those are some of my best tips on money hacks to change your financial future. If you want to learn more, be sure to check out my other related posts. And remember, the key to saving money is all about being intentional with your spending. So take a close look at your budget and see where you can cut back so that you can start saving for your future goals.
Thanks for reading and I hope this post helped you learn a thing or two about easy money hacks! Be sure to save and share this post so that others can benefit from these tips as well.
