10 surprising ways you can save money every day

Saving money doesn’t have to mean making drastic changes to your lifestyle or living like a hermit. Often, small, everyday measures can add up to major savings over time. Here are ten surprising ways to save money every day—without sacrificing the little things that make you happy.

1. Change up your coffee game

The daily coffee run is a ritual for most people, but it adds up. One small change you can make is to invest in a quality reusable coffee cup to get a discount (which most coffee shops offer when you bring your own), saving you a little coin each visit. Plus, it’s better for the environment—a win-win!

If you want to really save, make your own coffee at home. That will save you a surprising amount of money, and will save you time, too. The national average cost of a cup of coffee is $3.08, so even if you just skip one cup a week it’ll put over $160 back in your pocket!

2. Embrace the power of meal prep

Impulsively eating out can drain your bank account fast. Spend a little time each week planning and preparing your meals. It’ll save you money and it encourages healthier eating habits. Batch cooking and freezing meals can make weeknight lunches and dinners fast and easy, and helps you just say no to the temptation of takeout.

3. Use cashback and reward apps

Apps like Rakuten, Honey, and Ibotta offer cashback on everyday purchases. They’re easy to use and can save you money on everything: groceries, clothes, and even travel. All you have to do is shop through the app or use the browser extension and watch the savings add up over time. Buying toilet paper? Cash back. Tank of gas? Cash back! Back to school shoes for your kids? You guessed it… more cash back.

4. Unsubscribe from marketing emails

Companies are getting really good at targeting you with products based on what you search for online. They’ll send you tempting deals in your inbox for products you’re already interested in, and that can make it way too easy to click the ‘buy’ button. Unsubscribe from marketing emails so you aren’t tempted by flash sales and special offers.

5. Implement the 30-day rule

When you feel that all-consuming urge to make an impulse purchase, give yourself 30 days to think about it. A lot of the time, you’ll probably lose interest or realize you don’t need that item after all. This tactic can really help you cut back on unnecessary spending.

6. DIY cleaning products

Commercial cleaning products are expensive and usually full of chemicals. Save money and keep things natural by making your own cleaning solutions. Simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice can tackle most of your household cleaning tasks very effectively.

7. Optimize your utilities

Small changes in how you use energy and water can lead to big savings. Turn off lights when you leave a room, unplug electronics when you’re not using them, and fix any leaky faucets. It’s also a good idea to upgrade to energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs when you get ready to replace them—the savings add up over time.

8. Shop with a list

Going grocery shopping without a list can lead to impulse buys and wasted food. Plan your meals for the week, make a list of what you need to buy, and stick to it. This is a great way to make sure you only buy what you need. It also helps you avoid the pull of items that look appealing in the moment but that you don’t actually need.

9. Use public transportation or carpool

If possible, use public transportation or carpool to work. That can help you save money on gas, parking, and even car maintenance. If you live in a city with a good public transit system, it might even be worth considering whether you can give up your car altogether.

10. Get into thrifting and secondhand shopping

Before you buy something new, check out thrift shops, consignment shops, or and you can also pick up extra cash by selling things you no longer use on marketplaces like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. You can find gently used items at a fraction of the cost of buying them new. This works especially well for clothing, furniture, and even electronics.

If, after all these saving tactics, you find yourself still needing extra cash, Brigit can help. You can get Instant Cash¹ to cover you when you need it, right in the Brigit app.

¹Not all users will qualify for advances; Depending on eligibility, advances range from $50–$250. Monthly subscription required; ranging from $8.99–$14.99. Cancel anytime. Instant Cash is not available in all states.