Saving
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Inspect dimes and quarters from 1964 or earlier for silver content, since they hold value above their face amount.
They contain 90% silver.
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Pay attention to how much money you retain rather than just your income.
- One dissenting view suggests focusing on what you earn and giving every penny an assigned use.
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Check out internet hotspots from your library to avoid paying for home internet service.
- Hotspots may need to be checked out repeatedly (e.g., every few weeks).
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Save up at least 3 months' worth of living expenses in an emergency fund before buying non-essential items.
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Use multi-direct deposit to automatically route a small portion of each paycheck directly into a savings account.
Keeping money out of sight reduces the temptation to spend it.
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Reserve rooms directly with the property instead of through third-party platforms.
Third-party bookings often come with stricter rules that restrict the hotel's capacity to alter reservations or provide refunds.
- Third-party deals like those from Hotels.com or Priceline may not allow modifications.
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Keep items in your online cart overnight to create a cooling-off period that may prevent impulse purchases.
The immediate urge might fade, helping you realize you didn't actually need the item.
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- Wait several days before finalizing an online order to avoid impulse buys and judge if the item is truly necessary.3
Get library cards from various systems, such as major cities or other states, to reach a broader digital collection.
Different libraries offer distinct selections and availability of content.
- Some libraries may charge a fee for non-residents.
- Not all libraries verify addresses.
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Request specific books or audiobooks from your library if they do not currently own them.
Libraries often purchase requested items and patrons who request them may be placed first in line.
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When saving for a large goal over time, consider cutting back on smaller luxuries to boost your savings.
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Sign up for store email or text lists and loyalty programs to receive targeted coupons and discounts.
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- Leave unused but valid store coupons next to the corresponding products so other shoppers can use them before they expire.3
Buy generic brands and watch for sales on them instead of spending hours clipping coupons for name-brand items.
Name-brand coupons often only make overpriced items slightly less expensive, whereas generics usually offer a better deal.
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Request items not held by your local branch through interlibrary loan (ILL) to borrow books, audiobooks, or DVDs from other systems.
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Avoid buying items you do not need simply because they are on clearance.
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Attend free library events such as storytimes, lectures, workshops, movie nights, or community gatherings.
They provide entertainment and education at no cost.
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Borrow expensive tools, kitchen appliances, and craft equipment from library 'maker spaces' or 'libraries of things'.
It saves money on items used infrequently.
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- Borrow tools, baking equipment, gardening supplies, and other items from your local library instead of buying them.16
Set up automatic withdrawals from checking into separate savings buckets for specific goals like fun, baby, or home improvement.
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- Set up direct deposit for any extra income into a separate account to ensure it is saved.3
- Designate separate savings funds for routine annual expenses like car maintenance, home repairs, birthday gifts, and Christmas.3
Verify if items bought via coupons are things you actually need or find useful, otherwise you are just buying things because they are on sale.
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Use Subscribe and Save for specific tea flavors or items that local stores do not carry or are inconvenient to reach.
It offers a convenient way to obtain products that are difficult to locate.
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Try entering the food court through the exit doors without showing a card, claiming you are just getting food.
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Borrow museum passes, park tickets, zoo entries, and attraction vouchers from the library.
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Sign up for a digital library card online if your library allows it, even if you do not live in the immediate area.
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Avoid lifestyle inflation by maintaining your budget and continuing to save when your income rises.
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Borrow pre-loaded e-readers, tablets, or wireless hotspots from your library if you do not own these devices.
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Check if adjacent county libraries have reciprocity agreements to expand access to physical items.
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Purchase confections the day following Valentine's Day to take advantage of price reductions.
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Check the websites of your current zoo, museum, or aquarium memberships to see if they offer discounts at other institutions when you are traveling.
Zoos and similar institutions often have reciprocal locations listed as added benefits.
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Contact your local library branch to ask which partner apps and digital services they offer.
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Identify yourself as the designated driver to potentially receive free sodas or water.
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Donate excess stockpiled items to local shelters, churches, or disaster relief organizations.
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Assume large hotel chains have systems to detect and prevent reschedule-and-cancel tricks, often converting moved reservations to non-refundable status.
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