11. Use cashback and deal apps
If you’re shopping anyway, you might as well get something back for it.
Apps like Rakuten, Fetch, and Ibotta give you cashback or points just for buying what you were already planning to buy.
I keep mine running in the background so I don’t even have to think about it—and yep, it actually adds up.
12. Cook in batches and freeze leftovers
One of the cheapest ways to live is to cook once and eat twice (or three times).
Make a big pot of something—soup, chili, pasta—and freeze extra portions.
It saves time, cuts food waste, and stops you from ordering takeout “just because there’s nothing ready.”
13. Compare prices before you buy
Before you click “buy now,” take 10 seconds to check another site—or even a local store.
You’d be surprised how often the same item is cheaper somewhere else.
Pro tip: Use browser extensions like Honey or Capital One Shopping to compare automatically.
14. Borrow instead of buying
Need a power drill for one afternoon? Or a fancy dress for one event?
Ask around before you drop cash on something you’ll use once.
Libraries, neighbors, friends, or even Buy Nothing groups are amazing for one-time-use stuff.
15. Make coffee at home
I’m not here to hate on your caffeine habit—but buying it out every day? That adds up fast.
Get yourself a cute mug and make it a ritual.
You’ll save $3–$5 a day without skipping your morning fix.