15 Money Hacks That Will Save You $500+ This Month

Struggling to stretch your paycheck? You’re not alone. The cost of living keeps rising, but that doesn’t mean your expenses have to follow suit. With just a few intentional tweaks, you can easily put $500 or more back into your pocket this month.

These 15 money-saving hacks are simple, smart, and surprisingly effective. Let’s dive in.

1. Unsubscribe from Unused Subscriptions

Streaming services, apps, gym memberships- these small monthly charges can quietly eat up your budget.

Hack: Go through your bank or credit card statement. Cancel anything you haven’t used in the last 30 days.

Savings: $30–$80/month

2. Use Cash for Daily Spending

Using cash instead of cards helps you feel your spending.

Hack: Withdraw a weekly allowance for things like coffee, snacks, and eating out. When the cash is gone, stop spending.

Savings: $50–$100/month

3. Automate a 30-Day Savings Rule

Impulse purchases kill budgets.

Hack: When tempted by a non-essential item, wait 30 days. If you still want it then- and can afford it- buy it. Most times, the desire fades.

Savings: $50–$150/month

4. Cook at Home 4 More Times a Week

Dining out or ordering in costs 3–5x more than cooking.

Hack: Meal plan for the week, batch cook, or prep ingredients in advance.

Savings: $100–$200/month (just by replacing 4 takeout meals)

5. Use Grocery Pickup or Delivery

Yes, it can save money!

Hack: Ordering online helps you avoid impulse buys and stick to your list. Many stores offer free pickup or discounted first-time delivery.

Savings: $25–$50/month

6. Cut the Fancy Coffee Habit

That $5 coffee adds up fast.

Hack: Brew at home. Invest in a good travel mug and learn to make your favorite drinks. You can even prep cold brew for the week.

Savings: $60–$100/month

7. Declutter and Sell Stuff You Don’t Use

Chances are, you have valuable things collecting dust.

Hack: List unused clothes, gadgets, kitchen tools, or furniture on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Poshmark.

Savings: $100+ (one-time, but repeatable)

8. Negotiate Your Bills

Most people don’t realize they can negotiate services.

Hack: Call your internet, phone, or cable provider. Ask for loyalty discounts or switch to a cheaper plan. Mention competitor prices.

Savings: $20–$75/month

9. Use Cashback and Rebate Apps

If you’re going to spend anyway, why not get paid for it?

Hack: Use apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, or Honey when shopping online or in-store. Stack with coupons for double savings.

Savings: $20–$50/month

10. Do a No-Spend Weekend (or Week)

Challenge yourself to use what you already have.

Hack: Plan free activities, eat from your pantry, and avoid stores altogether for a few days.

Savings: $50–$100/month

11. Refinance or Consolidate Debt

High-interest debt is a money drain.

Hack: If you have credit cards or loans, look into balance transfers, consolidation, or lower-interest options. Even a few percentage points make a difference.

Savings: $30–$100/month in interest

12. Switch to Generic Brands

Brand-name doesn’t always mean better.

Hack: Try store-brand versions of staples like rice, pasta, medicine, and cleaning products.

Savings: $20–$40/month

13. Use Public Transport or Carpool

Gas, parking, and wear-and-tear add up fast.

Hack: Walk, bike, take the bus, or ride with a friend a few times a week instead of driving everywhere.

Savings: $50–$150/month

14. Pause Online Shopping Temptation

Retailers are sneaky.

Hack: Remove saved credit card info from websites. Unsubscribe from promotional emails. Avoid “browsing” when you’re bored.

Savings: $50–$100/month

15. Track Every Dollar for 30 Days

Awareness is half the battle.

Hack: Use a budgeting app (like Mint or YNAB) or a simple notebook to track daily spending. You’ll naturally reduce waste.

Savings: $50–$100/month