25 Interesting And Trivial Hacks That Technically Saves You Money

When it comes to saving money, we often think of big commitments—canceling subscriptions, budgeting, or even cooking at home. But on Reddit, users have been sharing the tiny, sometimes silly things they do to save a few bucks here and there in response to the question: “What’s the little effortless, stupid thing you do that TECHNICALLY saves you money?”

#1

Image source: ztreHdrahciR, cottonbro studio

Re-wear clothing a few times before laundering (not socks underwear t-shirts).

#2

Image source: Puzzleheaded-Emu-138, Go to Alexander Grey’s profile Alexander Grey

Mend our clothes – patching, darning. Well, not the formal office wear (my office has a rather strict dresscode) or going-out dressy things, of course , but all home and casual stuff. Wear thiccc slippers and warm jumpsuits at home not to switch on the heated floors and other heaters. Open windows rather than switch on a kitchen hood while cooking when the weather is warm. Hanging out the laundry instead of using dryer (in warm and dry months).

#3

Image source: looney417, Monstera Production

If i go outside and play all day, i don’t have consumerist urges to buy stupid s**t.

#4

Image source: misterfuss, Nathan Dumlao

When our dishwasher is full and ready to be started, I set an alarm on my watch for 9pm. I start the dishwasher when the alarm goes off since the electricity rate goes down after 9pm. Edited to add that I live in California and my electric company is Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E).

#5

Image source: jbblue48089, RDNE Stock project

I use only two tablespoons of laundry detergent in most wash cycles, use a solid shampoo bar, solid soap bars, and a solid dish soap bar in the kitchen. Bars last far longer, take up less space, and I’m not paying for product that’s mostly water.

#6

I only use a coupon if it is A: something I was already planning on buying and B: makes the item cheaper than the other brands.

Image source: apadley

#7

Image source: MrPerfectionisback, Bluewater Sweden

Fill my water bottle at work.

#8

Image source: SmartQuokka, Photo By: Kaboompics.com

Save the water before the hot water warms up.

#9

When I go shopping, my mantra is “if I have to think about it, I don’t really want it”. 9/10 times, I talk myself out of buying whatever it is.

Image source: bowandbat

#10

Image source: bannana, Change C.C

Save all my chicken bones from my chicken to make stock.

#11

Image source: Horror_Bus_2555, Ryan Quintal

I take the tops and tails of the sliced tomatoes from work with blessings from boss. Haven’t bought a tomato in years. I get 3 free coffee a day at work so I take one home in a yeti. Haven’t bought one in years. My coffee mug at home us a mug from work we’re the handle broke off so I took it and glues it back on, same with my teapot.

#12

Staying the f**k home. Image source: getfocused12

#13

Image source: Agile_makes_no_sense, cottonbro studio

Write every transaction down in a spiral notebook using a pen. The process makes every purchase feel tangible and immediate. It also gives me time to reconsider buying something.

#14

Image source: sbinjax, Priscilla Du Preez

I have a vegetable garden. I estimate I have saved about $4.28 in food costs so far this year.

#15

Image source: dannysims, David Gomes

When grocery shopping, i look at the unit prices vs sticker prices. You’d be amazed at how many equivalent products are right next to each other on the shelf and one is 2-3x more expensive than the other.

#16

This is a judgement free zone, right? My city does a large trash pickup day once a month. I take my boys hunting for treasures that night. I’ve sold many of the found treasures online for a hefty profit. I might even head to the wealthier areas as they put very nice things out.

Image source: himtopp

#17

Image source: Im_Not_Here2day, Dmitry Alexandrovich

Buy a reliable car, do routine maintenance like oil changes and don’t replace it until it is more expensive to keep than replace. I have a ‘93 camry that still runs great and still requires few repairs.

#18

Library card.

Image source: NOGOODGASHOLE

#19

Image source: fly4fun2014, Phil Desforges

Turn the lights off when you leave. Fix the dripping faucet.

#20

Image source: westport116, Tuur Tisseghem

I try to not buy stuff i don’t need. Very simple but often overlooked.

#21

Image source: pdxarchitect, Photo By: Kaboompics.com

When my dog tears up a stuffed toy, I put all the stuffing back in and sew up the hole with some upholstery thread. Occasionally if the toy is completely shredded I will swap arms and legs from toy to toy to make new animals.

#22

I saw a video in a store like TJ Maxx or whatever and it described all the items in there as waiting to become goodwill donations and it really made me rethink how I view stores and how much new c**p I need.

Image source: racheldotpsd

#23

Image source: Unlucky-Grocery-9682, Ella Olsson

Eat at home and meal prep. Shop the sales I don’t buy coffee, water or drinks out. I carry a small thermos.

#24

Image source: breadexpert69, Darina Belonogova

Cut my own hair.

#25

Ride the bus. It drops me off a few blocks from my job in downtown. Driving gets expensive and a bus fare is a lot less than paying for parking and gas.

Image source: blankisdead