🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 141 (from laksa077)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa141.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/how-to-save-money/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/how-to-save-money/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/how-to-save-money\/","crawl_time":1772340489,"first_indexed_time":1674794194,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,capitalone!www,\/learn-grow\/money-management\/how-to-save-money\/ s443","src_root_hash":"17128411377053630141","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"How to Save Money: 33 Tips to Start Saving | Capital One","meta_descriptions":["Saving money can mean lifestyle changes—or simple tweaks. Explore how to save money at your own pace."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"How to save money: 33 tips to jump-start savings\nJanuary 26, 2023\n|\n10 min read\nWherever you are on your financial journey, you should probably keep in mind how important savings can be. For starters, having a savings account can give you extra peace of mind. It can also give you the flexibility to do things like making major purchases and taking dream vacations.\nThe good news is saving money is a skill you may be able to improve with knowledge and experience. So check out these money saving tips for boosting your savings and reaching your financial goals.\nWhat you'll learn:\nFrom minor tweaks to major savings strategies, there are lots of ways to save.\nCreating a budget can be a good first step when making a savings plan.\nMaking intentional choices and watching your expenses can help you reach your savings goals.\nReadjust your budget to save money\nBefore you cut your spending, you may first want to\ncreate a budget\nfor a wide-angle view of your financial situation. Here are some budgeting tips that could help you get started:\nTry the 50\/20\/30 budget approach.\nConsider an established budgeting strategy like the\n50\/20\/30 approach\nto balance your expenditures and savings. With this technique, your income is split into three buckets: 50% goes toward necessities, 20% toward savings and 30% toward wants.\nMake a plan to pay off debt.\nWhen you’re trying to save money, you’ll want to take your debts into account—especially those with higher interest rates. Consider different approaches like the\ndebt snowball method\nand the\navalanche method\nto see which best fits your situation.\nConsider envelope budgeting.\nWith the\nenvelope budgeting system\n—or “cash stuffing”—cash from each paycheck is separated into envelopes assigned to specific bills. Envelope budgeting can also be digitized for those who don’t want to carry physical cash. \nDownload a budgeting app.\nBudgeting apps can help you track your spending habits and make decisions about how to spend and save your hard-earned money. There are even ways to\nuse your credit card to help you budget\n. \nSave money by making habitual changes\nSometimes switching your mindset can help you further your savings goals—without drastically cutting down on spending money. Here are money saving tips to consider:\nLook for discounts.\nBefore making purchases, try to get into the habit of looking for coupons or discounts to avoid paying full price. You may be able to find discounts online, in magazines or through special sales and events. You could also add an extension to your browser like\nCapital One Shopping\n. It’s a free tool for helping you find the best deals while you’re shopping online. \nSwitch to generic brands.\nIt can be tempting to reach for brands you’re familiar with when shopping. But you can save money by switching to generic brands instead since they tend to cost less than their name-brand counterparts.\nUnsubscribe from emails.\nEver signed up for an email list in exchange for savings on an item you wanted? It can be a quick and easy way to get a discount. But if the emails keep coming and lead to spontaneous purchases, you may want to unsubscribe.\nKeep the 30-day rule in mind.\nBefore making a nonessential purchase, hold off for 30 days and put the money you would’ve spent in your savings account. If you still want it after the 30 days, you can revisit the purchase. If you don’t want it, you’ll have maintained your savings. \nContribute to your savings account automatically.\nYou may want to regularly contribute to a dedicated savings account or\nemergency fund\nthrough a\ndirect deposit\nprogram. This gives you the ability to pay yourself first before making other purchases. \nSaving money on food and drink\nWondering how to save money on groceries? Or looking to reduce how often you dine out? Here are money saving tips and strategies to help: \nPack your lunch.\nWhile convenient, eating out can add up—even if it’s only a few times a week. Try packing a lunch the night before and then put the money you would’ve spent dining out into your savings account. If you work at home, this tip is especially easy to follow. Who needs a lunchbox when you have a full fridge at your disposal?\nPlan out your meals.\nBefore you make a trip to the grocery store, plan a week’s meals around ingredients you already have in your pantry and freezer. This way, you can stick to buying only the essentials. \nStick to a shopping list.\nIt can be easy to add unnecessary items to your cart when you’re grocery shopping. That’s why making a shopping list ahead of time can help keep you focused. \nGive curbside pickup a try.\nIf sticking to a list is too hard, avoid temptation by never setting foot inside the store. Instead, place an order for curbside pickup, which could save you time and prevent impulse buys.\nBuy in bulk.\nBuying in bulk from a shopping warehouse could help you save money over time on things like paper products, cleaning supplies and freezable food items. These warehouses often charge a membership fee—consider including the fee in your budget to help you decide if it’s worth it.\nHow to save each month on bills\nSaving on utilities and other recurring bills can give you more cash for your savings account. Consider these measures for saving on your electric bill and more:\nFind ways to lower energy costs.\nYou may be able to cut down on utility bills by making small adjustments in your home. Things like turning your thermostat down a few notches in the winter and switching to energy-efficient light bulbs are minor changes that can add up to savings over time.\nCut cable TV.\nIf you’re paying for cable TV, you may be able to save by switching to a streaming service. Plus, you can earn cash back for some of these services by being a\nCapital One Savor\ncardholder.\nMonitor your subscriptions.\nSubscription services can be easy to use—and just as easy to forget about. That’s why it can help to revisit the monthly services you’re paying for and find ways to\nmanage your subscriptions\n.\nShop around for cell phone plans.\nComparing cell phone plans and providers could help you see if you’re overpaying for your service. You could also cut features you may not be using in your plan, like insurance coverage for your phone.\nRethink your gym membership.\nYou can save money by cutting out your gym membership and working out at home instead. Or consider putting a freeze on your membership during months when you can exercise outdoors.\nHow to save money on car costs\nA monthly car payment is just one of the costs associated with getting from here to there. Here are money saving tips to help reduce transportation-related expenses:\nConsider other ways to get around.\nDepending on your circumstances, you might be able to walk, bike or take public transportation—and avoid car ownership altogether. That could mean eliminating expenses like car maintenance and auto insurance from your budget.\nCompare insurance prices.\nYou may be able to save on the\ncost of car insurance\nby getting quotes from different auto insurance carriers. And you could potentially reduce the price of your current policy by making adjustments—like bundling policies or taking a safe driving course. \nBe mindful of your gas usage.\nYou could save on gas by finding the lowest prices in your area before filling up, looking for the most efficient routes before driving and joining a gas station rewards program.\nHow to save money on entertainment\nJust because you’re trying to save money doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun. Here’s how to economize while still enjoying your free time: \nGo to free events.\nLook for free events in your community to enjoy—everything from parades to art exhibitions to lectures at local universities.\nSeek out special deals and promotions.\nKeep up with some of your favorite venues and see if they offer daily specials or promotional events that you can attend at a discounted price. \nCheck out local libraries.\nYour local library can be a great resource to find low-cost or free entertainment. In addition to loaning out books, some libraries may rent out DVDs or board games. Plus, they may host fun events you can attend in your free time. \nOpt for a season pass.\nIf you\nfind you wind up at the same venue a lot—a theme park with rides, for example—compare the cost of regular admission to a season pass. It may be worth the upfront fee for a pass so you can save money on admission throughout the year. \nEarn extra money to jump-start savings\nOne possible benefit of finding ways to earn extra money: You could add those extra earnings to your savings account. Here are a few money-making ideas:\nPick up a side hustle.\nLeverage your skills to earn extra cash by doing things like freelancing, tutoring or translation work. For a more extensive list of side hustle ideas, check out this guide on\nhow to make extra money\n. \nSell your items.\nDeclutter clothes, housewares or other miscellaneous items taking up space in your home. Then consider selling them on an online marketplace or at a consignment store for extra cash that can go toward savings. \nOther ways to save money\nHere are a few other ways to save money—both now and in the future:\nContribute to your retirement.\nDon’t forget your long-term savings when you’re doing your financial planning. If your employer offers a\n401(k) match\n, you can take advantage of “free” money to put toward retirement.\nUse a cash-back rewards credit card.\nIf you generally use cash or a debit card for your purchases, you might consider using a\ncash-back rewards credit card\ninstead. The cash you could earn on your purchases may mean extra money in your pocket. Keep in mind that paying off your card’s balance in full each month could help you avoid interest charges. \nDon’t forget about your tax refund.\nAnticipating a tax refund this season? You could add some or all of your refund to your savings account. Learn more about\nhow to file your taxes\n. \nPut “unexpected” money into savings.\nConsider putting money from things like birthday presents and work bonuses into your savings account rather than treating yourself to a purchase with it.\nTry DIYing gifts.\nBuying gifts can eat into your budget. But you could still give great gifts at a fraction of the cost by taking a do-it-yourself approach.\nKey takeaways: How to save money\nThere’s no one way to save. You could start by making small changes, like sticking to a shopping list or adjusting your thermostat by a few degrees. Then you could make bigger moves, like setting up regular contributions to a retirement account.\nWhatever approach you decide to take, being intentional about saving money may help you reach your\nfinancial goals\nmore quickly.\nRelated Content\nArticle\n|\nOctober 25, 2022\n|\n8 min read\nArticle\n|\nDecember 6, 2022\n|\n5 min read\nArticle\n|\nMay 14, 2024\n|\n7 min read","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/how-to-save-money\/#default-id)\n\n[Credit Cards](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/credit-cards\/)[Checking & Savings](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/bank\/)[Auto](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/cars\/auto-financing)[Business](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/small-business\/homepage\/)[Commercial](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/commercial\/)[Benefits & Tools](unsafe:javascript:void\$0\$;)\n\nSearch\n\n[Help Center](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/help-center\/)[Locations](https:\/\/locations.capitalone.com\/)[Sign 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[![](https:\/\/ecm.capitalone.com\/WCM\/navigation\/assets\/icons\/benefits\/learn-grow.svg)](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/?external_id=LRNGRW_COF01_HUB_IT_LIN_SITE_ENT_SITE_LNK_NAV_BENEFITS_TOOLS_2024_01)\n  \n  [Learn & Grow](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/?external_id=LRNGRW_COF01_HUB_IT_LIN_SITE_ENT_SITE_LNK_NAV_BENEFITS_TOOLS_2024_01)[Check out financial learning resources](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/?external_id=LRNGRW_COF01_HUB_IT_LIN_SITE_ENT_SITE_LNK_NAV_BENEFITS_TOOLS_2024_01)\n\nGet Started With Confidence\n\n- [Credit Card Pre-Approval](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/credit-cards\/preapprove?landingPage=ehpnav)\n- [Find a Car with Auto Navigator](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/cars\/)\n- [Connect Your Money and Life](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/local\/money-and-life\/)\n\nTools to Take You Further\n\n- [Monitor Credit with 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Money](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/more-than-money\/)\n- [Privacy & Security](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/privacy-security\/)\n- [Business Resources](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/business-resources\/)\n\n[Learn & Grow](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/)\n\nSections\n\n- [Life Events](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/life-events\/)\n- [Money Management](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/)\n- [More Than Money](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/more-than-money\/)\n- [Privacy & Security](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/privacy-security\/)\n- [Business Resources](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/business-resources\/)\n\n# How to save money: 33 tips to jump-start savings\nJanuary 26, 2023\\|10 min read\n\nWherever you are on your financial journey, you should probably keep in mind how important savings can be. For starters, having a savings account can give you extra peace of mind. It can also give you the flexibility to do things like making major purchases and taking dream vacations.\n\nThe good news is saving money is a skill you may be able to improve with knowledge and experience. So check out these money saving tips for boosting your savings and reaching your financial goals.\n\n**What you'll learn:**\n\n- From minor tweaks to major savings strategies, there are lots of ways to save.\n- Creating a budget can be a good first step when making a savings plan.\n- Making intentional choices and watching your expenses can help you reach your savings goals.\n\n#### See if you’re pre-approved\nCheck for pre-approval offers with no risk to your credit score.\n\n[Get started](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/credit-cards\/preapprove\/?external_id=USCARD_PAV2001_BLG_LGRO_PAV2_WEB_GIF_CTA_D99_ZZZ)\n\n## Readjust your budget to save money\nBefore you cut your spending, you may first want to [create a budget](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/what-is-a-budget\/) for a wide-angle view of your financial situation. Here are some budgeting tips that could help you get started:\n\n- **Try the 50\/20\/30 budget approach.** Consider an established budgeting strategy like the [50\/20\/30 approach](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/bank\/money-management\/ways-to-save\/balanced-family-budget\/) to balance your expenditures and savings. With this technique, your income is split into three buckets: 50% goes toward necessities, 20% toward savings and 30% toward wants.\n- **Make a plan to pay off debt.** When you’re trying to save money, you’ll want to take your debts into account—especially those with higher interest rates. Consider different approaches like the [debt snowball method](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/debt-snowball-method\/) and the [avalanche method](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/debt-avalanche-method\/) to see which best fits your situation.\n- **Consider envelope budgeting.** With the [envelope budgeting system](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/envelope-budget-system\/)—or “cash stuffing”—cash from each paycheck is separated into envelopes assigned to specific bills. Envelope budgeting can also be digitized for those who don’t want to carry physical cash.\n- **Download a budgeting app.** Budgeting apps can help you track your spending habits and make decisions about how to spend and save your hard-earned money. There are even ways to [use your credit card to help you budget](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/credit-cards-budget\/).\n\n## Save money by making habitual changes\nSometimes switching your mindset can help you further your savings goals—without drastically cutting down on spending money. Here are money saving tips to consider:\n\n- **Look for discounts.** Before making purchases, try to get into the habit of looking for coupons or discounts to avoid paying full price. You may be able to find discounts online, in magazines or through special sales and events. You could also add an extension to your browser like [Capital One Shopping](https:\/\/capitaloneshopping.com\/). It’s a free tool for helping you find the best deals while you’re shopping online.\n- **Switch to generic brands.** It can be tempting to reach for brands you’re familiar with when shopping. But you can save money by switching to generic brands instead since they tend to cost less than their name-brand counterparts.\n- **Unsubscribe from emails.** Ever signed up for an email list in exchange for savings on an item you wanted? It can be a quick and easy way to get a discount. But if the emails keep coming and lead to spontaneous purchases, you may want to unsubscribe.\n- **Keep the 30-day rule in mind.** Before making a nonessential purchase, hold off for 30 days and put the money you would’ve spent in your savings account. If you still want it after the 30 days, you can revisit the purchase. If you don’t want it, you’ll have maintained your savings.\n- **Contribute to your savings account automatically.** You may want to regularly contribute to a dedicated savings account or [emergency fund](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/how-to-build-and-use-emergency-funds\/) through a [direct deposit](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/bank\/early-paycheck\/) program. This gives you the ability to pay yourself first before making other purchases.\n\n## Saving money on food and drink\nWondering how to save money on groceries? Or looking to reduce how often you dine out? Here are money saving tips and strategies to help:\n\n- **Pack your lunch.** While convenient, eating out can add up—even if it’s only a few times a week. Try packing a lunch the night before and then put the money you would’ve spent dining out into your savings account. If you work at home, this tip is especially easy to follow. Who needs a lunchbox when you have a full fridge at your disposal?\n- **Plan out your meals.** Before you make a trip to the grocery store, plan a week’s meals around ingredients you already have in your pantry and freezer. This way, you can stick to buying only the essentials.\n- **Stick to a shopping list.** It can be easy to add unnecessary items to your cart when you’re grocery shopping. That’s why making a shopping list ahead of time can help keep you focused.\n- **Give curbside pickup a try.** If sticking to a list is too hard, avoid temptation by never setting foot inside the store. Instead, place an order for curbside pickup, which could save you time and prevent impulse buys.\n- **Buy in bulk.** Buying in bulk from a shopping warehouse could help you save money over time on things like paper products, cleaning supplies and freezable food items. These warehouses often charge a membership fee—consider including the fee in your budget to help you decide if it’s worth it.\n\n## How to save each month on bills\nSaving on utilities and other recurring bills can give you more cash for your savings account. Consider these measures for saving on your electric bill and more:\n\n- **Find ways to lower energy costs.** You may be able to cut down on utility bills by making small adjustments in your home. Things like turning your thermostat down a few notches in the winter and switching to energy-efficient light bulbs are minor changes that can add up to savings over time.\n- **Cut cable TV.** If you’re paying for cable TV, you may be able to save by switching to a streaming service. Plus, you can earn cash back for some of these services by being a [Capital One Savor](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/credit-cards\/savor\/) cardholder.\n- **Monitor your subscriptions.** Subscription services can be easy to use—and just as easy to forget about. That’s why it can help to revisit the monthly services you’re paying for and find ways to [manage your subscriptions](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/tips-to-manage-subscriptions\/).\n- **Shop around for cell phone plans.** Comparing cell phone plans and providers could help you see if you’re overpaying for your service. You could also cut features you may not be using in your plan, like insurance coverage for your phone.\n- **Rethink your gym membership.** You can save money by cutting out your gym membership and working out at home instead. Or consider putting a freeze on your membership during months when you can exercise outdoors.\n\n## How to save money on car costs\nA monthly car payment is just one of the costs associated with getting from here to there. Here are money saving tips to help reduce transportation-related expenses:\n\n- **Consider other ways to get around.** Depending on your circumstances, you might be able to walk, bike or take public transportation—and avoid car ownership altogether. That could mean eliminating expenses like car maintenance and auto insurance from your budget.\n- **Compare insurance prices.** You may be able to save on the [cost of car insurance](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/how-much-does-car-insurance-cost\/) by getting quotes from different auto insurance carriers. And you could potentially reduce the price of your current policy by making adjustments—like bundling policies or taking a safe driving course.\n- **Be mindful of your gas usage.** You could save on gas by finding the lowest prices in your area before filling up, looking for the most efficient routes before driving and joining a gas station rewards program.\n\n## How to save money on entertainment\nJust because you’re trying to save money doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun. Here’s how to economize while still enjoying your free time:\n\n- **Go to free events.** Look for free events in your community to enjoy—everything from parades to art exhibitions to lectures at local universities.\n- **Seek out special deals and promotions.** Keep up with some of your favorite venues and see if they offer daily specials or promotional events that you can attend at a discounted price.\n- **Check out local libraries.** Your local library can be a great resource to find low-cost or free entertainment. In addition to loaning out books, some libraries may rent out DVDs or board games. Plus, they may host fun events you can attend in your free time.\n- **Opt for a season pass.** If youfind you wind up at the same venue a lot—a theme park with rides, for example—compare the cost of regular admission to a season pass. It may be worth the upfront fee for a pass so you can save money on admission throughout the year.\n\n## Earn extra money to jump-start savings\nOne possible benefit of finding ways to earn extra money: You could add those extra earnings to your savings account. Here are a few money-making ideas:\n\n- **Pick up a side hustle.** Leverage your skills to earn extra cash by doing things like freelancing, tutoring or translation work. For a more extensive list of side hustle ideas, check out this guide on [how to make extra money](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/how-to-make-extra-money\/).\n- **Sell your items.** Declutter clothes, housewares or other miscellaneous items taking up space in your home. Then consider selling them on an online marketplace or at a consignment store for extra cash that can go toward savings.\n\n## Other ways to save money\nHere are a few other ways to save money—both now and in the future:\n\n- **Contribute to your retirement.** Don’t forget your long-term savings when you’re doing your financial planning. If your employer offers a [401(k) match](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/what-is-401k-match-and-how-does-it-work\/), you can take advantage of “free” money to put toward retirement.\n- **Use a cash-back rewards credit card.** If you generally use cash or a debit card for your purchases, you might consider using a [cash-back rewards credit card](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/credit-cards\/compare\/?filter=good,personal,cash) instead. The cash you could earn on your purchases may mean extra money in your pocket. Keep in mind that paying off your card’s balance in full each month could help you avoid interest charges.\n- **Don’t forget about your tax refund.** Anticipating a tax refund this season? You could add some or all of your refund to your savings account. Learn more about [how to file your taxes](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/how-to-file-taxes\/).\n- **Put “unexpected” money into savings.** Consider putting money from things like birthday presents and work bonuses into your savings account rather than treating yourself to a purchase with it.\n- **Try DIYing gifts.** Buying gifts can eat into your budget. But you could still give great gifts at a fraction of the cost by taking a do-it-yourself approach.\n\n## Key takeaways: How to save money\nThere’s no one way to save. You could start by making small changes, like sticking to a shopping list or adjusting your thermostat by a few degrees. Then you could make bigger moves, like setting up regular contributions to a retirement account.\n\nWhatever approach you decide to take, being intentional about saving money may help you reach your [financial goals](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/financial-goals\/) more quickly.\n\n#### Related Content\n![A person records a podcast from their home office.](https:\/\/ecm.capitalone.com\/WCM\/learn-grow\/card\/lgc897_hero_how-to-make-extra-money_v1.jpg)\n\nMoney Management\n\n[How to make extra money: 13 side hustles to consider](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/how-to-make-extra-money\/)\n\nArticle \\| October 25, 2022 \\|8 min read\n\n![A person sitting down at a table writes something on a piece of paper.](https:\/\/ecm.capitalone.com\/WCM\/learn-grow\/card\/lgc892_hero_what-is-a-budget_v1.jpg)\n\nMoney Management\n\n[What is a budget and how do you create one?](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/what-is-a-budget\/)\n\nArticle \\| December 6, 2022 \\|5 min read\n\n![A father and son in denim jackets high-fiving outside.](https:\/\/ecm.capitalone.com\/WCM\/learn-grow\/card\/lgc460_hero_financial-goals_v1.jpg)\n\nMoney Management\n\n[How to set and achieve financial goals: 7 tips](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/financial-goals\/)\n\nArticle \\| May 14, 2024 \\|7 min read\n\n## You are now leaving the Capital One website\nYou're leaving the Capital one website and heading to an external site. 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Enrollment required. Savings and available coupons vary.  \n   \n Capital One Shopping Rewards are subject to terms and conditions that are available at [capitaloneshopping.com](https:\/\/capitaloneshopping.com\/our-terms\/terms-of-service) and are separate from any rewards you may be earning on a Capital One rewards credit card. Signing up for Capital One Shopping does not enroll you into any credit card rewards program.  \n   \n The Capital One Online Privacy Policy does not cover the Capital One Shopping Services. The Capital One Shopping Privacy Policy can be found at <https:\/\/capitaloneshopping.com\/our-terms\/privacy-policy>.  \n   \n The primary account holder is responsible for all charges made by any additional account user(s).  \n   \n Amazon.com and the smile logo are trademarks of Amazon.com Inc., or its affiliates.  \n   \n PayPal.com and the PayPal logo are trademarks of PayPal Holdings, Inc., or its affiliates. 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The third parties listed are solely responsible for their products and services, and all trademarks listed are the property of their respective owners.  \n   \n By clicking on some of the links provided, you may be taken to a third-party website that is not hosted by Capital One. In those cases, the owner of the website is responsible for the website content. Their privacy practices and level of security may be different from Capital One’s, so please review their policies.\n\n©2026 Capital One\n\n[Privacy](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/privacy\/)\n\n[AdChoices](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/privacy\/online-privacy-policy#collecting-using-sharing-information-accordion-button-5)\n\n[Terms & Conditions](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/digital\/terms-conditions\/)\n\n![Equal Housing Opportunity](https:\/\/ecm.capitalone.com\/WCM\/navigation\/assets\/equalhousing_desktoptablet_logo.jpg)","attrs_readable_markdown":"How to save money: 33 tips to jump-start savings\n\nJanuary 26, 2023\\|10 min read\n\nWherever you are on your financial journey, you should probably keep in mind how important savings can be. For starters, having a savings account can give you extra peace of mind. It can also give you the flexibility to do things like making major purchases and taking dream vacations.\n\nThe good news is saving money is a skill you may be able to improve with knowledge and experience. So check out these money saving tips for boosting your savings and reaching your financial goals.\n\n**What you'll learn:**\n\n- From minor tweaks to major savings strategies, there are lots of ways to save.\n- Creating a budget can be a good first step when making a savings plan.\n- Making intentional choices and watching your expenses can help you reach your savings goals.\n\n## Readjust your budget to save money\nBefore you cut your spending, you may first want to [create a budget](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/what-is-a-budget\/) for a wide-angle view of your financial situation. Here are some budgeting tips that could help you get started:\n\n- **Try the 50\/20\/30 budget approach.** Consider an established budgeting strategy like the [50\/20\/30 approach](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/bank\/money-management\/ways-to-save\/balanced-family-budget\/) to balance your expenditures and savings. With this technique, your income is split into three buckets: 50% goes toward necessities, 20% toward savings and 30% toward wants.\n- **Make a plan to pay off debt.** When you’re trying to save money, you’ll want to take your debts into account—especially those with higher interest rates. Consider different approaches like the [debt snowball method](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/debt-snowball-method\/) and the [avalanche method](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/debt-avalanche-method\/) to see which best fits your situation.\n- **Consider envelope budgeting.** With the [envelope budgeting system](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/envelope-budget-system\/)—or “cash stuffing”—cash from each paycheck is separated into envelopes assigned to specific bills. Envelope budgeting can also be digitized for those who don’t want to carry physical cash.\n- **Download a budgeting app.** Budgeting apps can help you track your spending habits and make decisions about how to spend and save your hard-earned money. There are even ways to [use your credit card to help you budget](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/credit-cards-budget\/).\n\n## Save money by making habitual changes\nSometimes switching your mindset can help you further your savings goals—without drastically cutting down on spending money. Here are money saving tips to consider:\n\n- **Look for discounts.** Before making purchases, try to get into the habit of looking for coupons or discounts to avoid paying full price. You may be able to find discounts online, in magazines or through special sales and events. You could also add an extension to your browser like [Capital One Shopping](https:\/\/capitaloneshopping.com\/). It’s a free tool for helping you find the best deals while you’re shopping online.\n- **Switch to generic brands.** It can be tempting to reach for brands you’re familiar with when shopping. But you can save money by switching to generic brands instead since they tend to cost less than their name-brand counterparts.\n- **Unsubscribe from emails.** Ever signed up for an email list in exchange for savings on an item you wanted? It can be a quick and easy way to get a discount. But if the emails keep coming and lead to spontaneous purchases, you may want to unsubscribe.\n- **Keep the 30-day rule in mind.** Before making a nonessential purchase, hold off for 30 days and put the money you would’ve spent in your savings account. If you still want it after the 30 days, you can revisit the purchase. If you don’t want it, you’ll have maintained your savings.\n- **Contribute to your savings account automatically.** You may want to regularly contribute to a dedicated savings account or [emergency fund](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/how-to-build-and-use-emergency-funds\/) through a [direct deposit](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/bank\/early-paycheck\/) program. This gives you the ability to pay yourself first before making other purchases.\n\n## Saving money on food and drink\nWondering how to save money on groceries? Or looking to reduce how often you dine out? Here are money saving tips and strategies to help:\n\n- **Pack your lunch.** While convenient, eating out can add up—even if it’s only a few times a week. Try packing a lunch the night before and then put the money you would’ve spent dining out into your savings account. If you work at home, this tip is especially easy to follow. Who needs a lunchbox when you have a full fridge at your disposal?\n- **Plan out your meals.** Before you make a trip to the grocery store, plan a week’s meals around ingredients you already have in your pantry and freezer. This way, you can stick to buying only the essentials.\n- **Stick to a shopping list.** It can be easy to add unnecessary items to your cart when you’re grocery shopping. That’s why making a shopping list ahead of time can help keep you focused.\n- **Give curbside pickup a try.** If sticking to a list is too hard, avoid temptation by never setting foot inside the store. Instead, place an order for curbside pickup, which could save you time and prevent impulse buys.\n- **Buy in bulk.** Buying in bulk from a shopping warehouse could help you save money over time on things like paper products, cleaning supplies and freezable food items. These warehouses often charge a membership fee—consider including the fee in your budget to help you decide if it’s worth it.\n\n## How to save each month on bills\nSaving on utilities and other recurring bills can give you more cash for your savings account. Consider these measures for saving on your electric bill and more:\n\n- **Find ways to lower energy costs.** You may be able to cut down on utility bills by making small adjustments in your home. Things like turning your thermostat down a few notches in the winter and switching to energy-efficient light bulbs are minor changes that can add up to savings over time.\n- **Cut cable TV.** If you’re paying for cable TV, you may be able to save by switching to a streaming service. Plus, you can earn cash back for some of these services by being a [Capital One Savor](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/credit-cards\/savor\/) cardholder.\n- **Monitor your subscriptions.** Subscription services can be easy to use—and just as easy to forget about. That’s why it can help to revisit the monthly services you’re paying for and find ways to [manage your subscriptions](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/tips-to-manage-subscriptions\/).\n- **Shop around for cell phone plans.** Comparing cell phone plans and providers could help you see if you’re overpaying for your service. You could also cut features you may not be using in your plan, like insurance coverage for your phone.\n- **Rethink your gym membership.** You can save money by cutting out your gym membership and working out at home instead. Or consider putting a freeze on your membership during months when you can exercise outdoors.\n\n## How to save money on car costs\nA monthly car payment is just one of the costs associated with getting from here to there. Here are money saving tips to help reduce transportation-related expenses:\n\n- **Consider other ways to get around.** Depending on your circumstances, you might be able to walk, bike or take public transportation—and avoid car ownership altogether. That could mean eliminating expenses like car maintenance and auto insurance from your budget.\n- **Compare insurance prices.** You may be able to save on the [cost of car insurance](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/how-much-does-car-insurance-cost\/) by getting quotes from different auto insurance carriers. And you could potentially reduce the price of your current policy by making adjustments—like bundling policies or taking a safe driving course.\n- **Be mindful of your gas usage.** You could save on gas by finding the lowest prices in your area before filling up, looking for the most efficient routes before driving and joining a gas station rewards program.\n\n## How to save money on entertainment\nJust because you’re trying to save money doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun. Here’s how to economize while still enjoying your free time:\n\n- **Go to free events.** Look for free events in your community to enjoy—everything from parades to art exhibitions to lectures at local universities.\n- **Seek out special deals and promotions.** Keep up with some of your favorite venues and see if they offer daily specials or promotional events that you can attend at a discounted price.\n- **Check out local libraries.** Your local library can be a great resource to find low-cost or free entertainment. In addition to loaning out books, some libraries may rent out DVDs or board games. Plus, they may host fun events you can attend in your free time.\n- **Opt for a season pass.** If youfind you wind up at the same venue a lot—a theme park with rides, for example—compare the cost of regular admission to a season pass. It may be worth the upfront fee for a pass so you can save money on admission throughout the year.\n\n## Earn extra money to jump-start savings\nOne possible benefit of finding ways to earn extra money: You could add those extra earnings to your savings account. Here are a few money-making ideas:\n\n- **Pick up a side hustle.** Leverage your skills to earn extra cash by doing things like freelancing, tutoring or translation work. For a more extensive list of side hustle ideas, check out this guide on [how to make extra money](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/how-to-make-extra-money\/).\n- **Sell your items.** Declutter clothes, housewares or other miscellaneous items taking up space in your home. Then consider selling them on an online marketplace or at a consignment store for extra cash that can go toward savings.\n\n## Other ways to save money\nHere are a few other ways to save money—both now and in the future:\n\n- **Contribute to your retirement.** Don’t forget your long-term savings when you’re doing your financial planning. If your employer offers a [401(k) match](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/what-is-401k-match-and-how-does-it-work\/), you can take advantage of “free” money to put toward retirement.\n- **Use a cash-back rewards credit card.** If you generally use cash or a debit card for your purchases, you might consider using a [cash-back rewards credit card](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/credit-cards\/compare\/?filter=good,personal,cash) instead. The cash you could earn on your purchases may mean extra money in your pocket. Keep in mind that paying off your card’s balance in full each month could help you avoid interest charges.\n- **Don’t forget about your tax refund.** Anticipating a tax refund this season? You could add some or all of your refund to your savings account. Learn more about [how to file your taxes](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/how-to-file-taxes\/).\n- **Put “unexpected” money into savings.** Consider putting money from things like birthday presents and work bonuses into your savings account rather than treating yourself to a purchase with it.\n- **Try DIYing gifts.** Buying gifts can eat into your budget. But you could still give great gifts at a fraction of the cost by taking a do-it-yourself approach.\n\n## Key takeaways: How to save money\nThere’s no one way to save. You could start by making small changes, like sticking to a shopping list or adjusting your thermostat by a few degrees. Then you could make bigger moves, like setting up regular contributions to a retirement account.\n\nWhatever approach you decide to take, being intentional about saving money may help you reach your [financial goals](https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/learn-grow\/money-management\/financial-goals\/) more quickly.\n\nRelated Content\n\n![A person records a podcast from their home office.](https:\/\/ecm.capitalone.com\/WCM\/learn-grow\/card\/lgc897_hero_how-to-make-extra-money_v1.jpg)\n\nArticle \\| October 25, 2022 \\|8 min read\n\n![A person sitting down at a table writes something on a piece of paper.](https:\/\/ecm.capitalone.com\/WCM\/learn-grow\/card\/lgc892_hero_what-is-a-budget_v1.jpg)\n\nArticle \\| December 6, 2022 \\|5 min read\n\n![A father and son in denim jackets high-fiving outside.](https:\/\/ecm.capitalone.com\/WCM\/learn-grow\/card\/lgc460_hero_financial-goals_v1.jpg)\n\nArticle \\| May 14, 2024 \\|7 min read","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	How to save money: 33 tips to jump-start savings January 26, 2023 \| 10 min read Wherever you are on your financial journey, you should probably keep in mind how important savings can be. For starters, having a savings account can give you extra peace of mind. It can also give you the flexibility to do things like making major purchases and taking dream vacations. The good news is saving money is a skill you may be able to improve with knowledge and experience. So check out these money saving tips for boosting your savings and reaching your financial goals. What you'll learn: From minor tweaks to major savings strategies, there are lots of ways to save. Creating a budget can be a good first step when making a savings plan. Making intentional choices and watching your expenses can help you reach your savings goals. Readjust your budget to save money Before you cut your spending, you may first want to create a budget for a wide-angle view of your financial situation. Here are some budgeting tips that could help you get started: Try the 50/20/30 budget approach. Consider an established budgeting strategy like the 50/20/30 approach to balance your expenditures and savings. With this technique, your income is split into three buckets: 50% goes toward necessities, 20% toward savings and 30% toward wants. Make a plan to pay off debt. When you’re trying to save money, you’ll want to take your debts into account—especially those with higher interest rates. Consider different approaches like the debt snowball method and the avalanche method to see which best fits your situation. Consider envelope budgeting. With the envelope budgeting system —or “cash stuffing”—cash from each paycheck is separated into envelopes assigned to specific bills. Envelope budgeting can also be digitized for those who don’t want to carry physical cash. Download a budgeting app. Budgeting apps can help you track your spending habits and make decisions about how to spend and save your hard-earned money. There are even ways to use your credit card to help you budget . Save money by making habitual changes Sometimes switching your mindset can help you further your savings goals—without drastically cutting down on spending money. Here are money saving tips to consider: Look for discounts. Before making purchases, try to get into the habit of looking for coupons or discounts to avoid paying full price. You may be able to find discounts online, in magazines or through special sales and events. You could also add an extension to your browser like Capital One Shopping . It’s a free tool for helping you find the best deals while you’re shopping online. Switch to generic brands. It can be tempting to reach for brands you’re familiar with when shopping. But you can save money by switching to generic brands instead since they tend to cost less than their name-brand counterparts. Unsubscribe from emails. Ever signed up for an email list in exchange for savings on an item you wanted? It can be a quick and easy way to get a discount. But if the emails keep coming and lead to spontaneous purchases, you may want to unsubscribe. Keep the 30-day rule in mind. Before making a nonessential purchase, hold off for 30 days and put the money you would’ve spent in your savings account. If you still want it after the 30 days, you can revisit the purchase. If you don’t want it, you’ll have maintained your savings. Contribute to your savings account automatically. You may want to regularly contribute to a dedicated savings account or emergency fund through a direct deposit program. This gives you the ability to pay yourself first before making other purchases. Saving money on food and drink Wondering how to save money on groceries? Or looking to reduce how often you dine out? Here are money saving tips and strategies to help: Pack your lunch. While convenient, eating out can add up—even if it’s only a few times a week. Try packing a lunch the night before and then put the money you would’ve spent dining out into your savings account. If you work at home, this tip is especially easy to follow. Who needs a lunchbox when you have a full fridge at your disposal? Plan out your meals. Before you make a trip to the grocery store, plan a week’s meals around ingredients you already have in your pantry and freezer. This way, you can stick to buying only the essentials. Stick to a shopping list. It can be easy to add unnecessary items to your cart when you’re grocery shopping. That’s why making a shopping list ahead of time can help keep you focused. Give curbside pickup a try. If sticking to a list is too hard, avoid temptation by never setting foot inside the store. Instead, place an order for curbside pickup, which could save you time and prevent impulse buys. Buy in bulk. Buying in bulk from a shopping warehouse could help you save money over time on things like paper products, cleaning supplies and freezable food items. These warehouses often charge a membership fee—consider including the fee in your budget to help you decide if it’s worth it. How to save each month on bills Saving on utilities and other recurring bills can give you more cash for your savings account. Consider these measures for saving on your electric bill and more: Find ways to lower energy costs. You may be able to cut down on utility bills by making small adjustments in your home. Things like turning your thermostat down a few notches in the winter and switching to energy-efficient light bulbs are minor changes that can add up to savings over time. Cut cable TV. If you’re paying for cable TV, you may be able to save by switching to a streaming service. Plus, you can earn cash back for some of these services by being a Capital One Savor cardholder. Monitor your subscriptions. Subscription services can be easy to use—and just as easy to forget about. That’s why it can help to revisit the monthly services you’re paying for and find ways to manage your subscriptions . Shop around for cell phone plans. Comparing cell phone plans and providers could help you see if you’re overpaying for your service. You could also cut features you may not be using in your plan, like insurance coverage for your phone. Rethink your gym membership. You can save money by cutting out your gym membership and working out at home instead. Or consider putting a freeze on your membership during months when you can exercise outdoors. How to save money on car costs A monthly car payment is just one of the costs associated with getting from here to there. Here are money saving tips to help reduce transportation-related expenses: Consider other ways to get around. Depending on your circumstances, you might be able to walk, bike or take public transportation—and avoid car ownership altogether. That could mean eliminating expenses like car maintenance and auto insurance from your budget. Compare insurance prices. You may be able to save on the cost of car insurance by getting quotes from different auto insurance carriers. And you could potentially reduce the price of your current policy by making adjustments—like bundling policies or taking a safe driving course. Be mindful of your gas usage. You could save on gas by finding the lowest prices in your area before filling up, looking for the most efficient routes before driving and joining a gas station rewards program. How to save money on entertainment Just because you’re trying to save money doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun. Here’s how to economize while still enjoying your free time: Go to free events. Look for free events in your community to enjoy—everything from parades to art exhibitions to lectures at local universities. Seek out special deals and promotions. Keep up with some of your favorite venues and see if they offer daily specials or promotional events that you can attend at a discounted price. Check out local libraries. Your local library can be a great resource to find low-cost or free entertainment. In addition to loaning out books, some libraries may rent out DVDs or board games. Plus, they may host fun events you can attend in your free time. Opt for a season pass. If you find you wind up at the same venue a lot—a theme park with rides, for example—compare the cost of regular admission to a season pass. It may be worth the upfront fee for a pass so you can save money on admission throughout the year. Earn extra money to jump-start savings One possible benefit of finding ways to earn extra money: You could add those extra earnings to your savings account. Here are a few money-making ideas: Pick up a side hustle. Leverage your skills to earn extra cash by doing things like freelancing, tutoring or translation work. For a more extensive list of side hustle ideas, check out this guide on how to make extra money . Sell your items. Declutter clothes, housewares or other miscellaneous items taking up space in your home. Then consider selling them on an online marketplace or at a consignment store for extra cash that can go toward savings. Other ways to save money Here are a few other ways to save money—both now and in the future: Contribute to your retirement. Don’t forget your long-term savings when you’re doing your financial planning. If your employer offers a 401(k) match , you can take advantage of “free” money to put toward retirement. Use a cash-back rewards credit card. If you generally use cash or a debit card for your purchases, you might consider using a cash-back rewards credit card instead. The cash you could earn on your purchases may mean extra money in your pocket. Keep in mind that paying off your card’s balance in full each month could help you avoid interest charges. Don’t forget about your tax refund. Anticipating a tax refund this season? You could add some or all of your refund to your savings account. Learn more about how to file your taxes . Put “unexpected” money into savings. Consider putting money from things like birthday presents and work bonuses into your savings account rather than treating yourself to a purchase with it. Try DIYing gifts. Buying gifts can eat into your budget. But you could still give great gifts at a fraction of the cost by taking a do-it-yourself approach. Key takeaways: How to save money There’s no one way to save. You could start by making small changes, like sticking to a shopping list or adjusting your thermostat by a few degrees. Then you could make bigger moves, like setting up regular contributions to a retirement account. Whatever approach you decide to take, being intentional about saving money may help you reach your financial goals more quickly. Related Content Article \| October 25, 2022 \| 8 min read Article \| December 6, 2022 \| 5 min read Article \| May 14, 2024 \| 7 min read
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For starters, having a savings account can give you extra peace of mind. It can also give you the flexibility to do things like making major purchases and taking dream vacations. The good news is saving money is a skill you may be able to improve with knowledge and experience. So check out these money saving tips for boosting your savings and reaching your financial goals. What you'll learn: - From minor tweaks to major savings strategies, there are lots of ways to save. - Creating a budget can be a good first step when making a savings plan. - Making intentional choices and watching your expenses can help you reach your savings goals. #### See if you’re pre-approved Check for pre-approval offers with no risk to your credit score. [Get started](https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/preapprove/?external_id=USCARD_PAV2001_BLG_LGRO_PAV2_WEB_GIF_CTA_D99_ZZZ) ## Readjust your budget to save money Before you cut your spending, you may first want to [create a budget](https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/what-is-a-budget/) for a wide-angle view of your financial situation. Here are some budgeting tips that could help you get started: - Try the 50/20/30 budget approach. Consider an established budgeting strategy like the [50/20/30 approach](https://www.capitalone.com/bank/money-management/ways-to-save/balanced-family-budget/) to balance your expenditures and savings. With this technique, your income is split into three buckets: 50% goes toward necessities, 20% toward savings and 30% toward wants. - Make a plan to pay off debt. When you’re trying to save money, you’ll want to take your debts into account—especially those with higher interest rates. Consider different approaches like the [debt snowball method](https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/debt-snowball-method/) and the [avalanche method](https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/debt-avalanche-method/) to see which best fits your situation. - Consider envelope budgeting. With the [envelope budgeting system](https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/envelope-budget-system/)—or “cash stuffing”—cash from each paycheck is separated into envelopes assigned to specific bills. Envelope budgeting can also be digitized for those who don’t want to carry physical cash. - Download a budgeting app. Budgeting apps can help you track your spending habits and make decisions about how to spend and save your hard-earned money. There are even ways to [use your credit card to help you budget](https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/credit-cards-budget/). ## Save money by making habitual changes Sometimes switching your mindset can help you further your savings goals—without drastically cutting down on spending money. Here are money saving tips to consider: - Look for discounts. Before making purchases, try to get into the habit of looking for coupons or discounts to avoid paying full price. You may be able to find discounts online, in magazines or through special sales and events. You could also add an extension to your browser like [Capital One Shopping](https://capitaloneshopping.com/). It’s a free tool for helping you find the best deals while you’re shopping online. - Switch to generic brands. It can be tempting to reach for brands you’re familiar with when shopping. But you can save money by switching to generic brands instead since they tend to cost less than their name-brand counterparts. - Unsubscribe from emails. Ever signed up for an email list in exchange for savings on an item you wanted? It can be a quick and easy way to get a discount. But if the emails keep coming and lead to spontaneous purchases, you may want to unsubscribe. - Keep the 30-day rule in mind. Before making a nonessential purchase, hold off for 30 days and put the money you would’ve spent in your savings account. If you still want it after the 30 days, you can revisit the purchase. If you don’t want it, you’ll have maintained your savings. - Contribute to your savings account automatically. You may want to regularly contribute to a dedicated savings account or [emergency fund](https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/how-to-build-and-use-emergency-funds/) through a [direct deposit](https://www.capitalone.com/bank/early-paycheck/) program. This gives you the ability to pay yourself first before making other purchases. ## Saving money on food and drink Wondering how to save money on groceries? Or looking to reduce how often you dine out? Here are money saving tips and strategies to help: - Pack your lunch. While convenient, eating out can add up—even if it’s only a few times a week. Try packing a lunch the night before and then put the money you would’ve spent dining out into your savings account. If you work at home, this tip is especially easy to follow. Who needs a lunchbox when you have a full fridge at your disposal? - Plan out your meals. Before you make a trip to the grocery store, plan a week’s meals around ingredients you already have in your pantry and freezer. This way, you can stick to buying only the essentials. - Stick to a shopping list. It can be easy to add unnecessary items to your cart when you’re grocery shopping. That’s why making a shopping list ahead of time can help keep you focused. - Give curbside pickup a try. If sticking to a list is too hard, avoid temptation by never setting foot inside the store. Instead, place an order for curbside pickup, which could save you time and prevent impulse buys. - Buy in bulk. Buying in bulk from a shopping warehouse could help you save money over time on things like paper products, cleaning supplies and freezable food items. These warehouses often charge a membership fee—consider including the fee in your budget to help you decide if it’s worth it. ## How to save each month on bills Saving on utilities and other recurring bills can give you more cash for your savings account. Consider these measures for saving on your electric bill and more: - Find ways to lower energy costs. You may be able to cut down on utility bills by making small adjustments in your home. Things like turning your thermostat down a few notches in the winter and switching to energy-efficient light bulbs are minor changes that can add up to savings over time. - Cut cable TV. If you’re paying for cable TV, you may be able to save by switching to a streaming service. Plus, you can earn cash back for some of these services by being a [Capital One Savor](https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/savor/) cardholder. - Monitor your subscriptions. Subscription services can be easy to use—and just as easy to forget about. That’s why it can help to revisit the monthly services you’re paying for and find ways to [manage your subscriptions](https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/tips-to-manage-subscriptions/). - Shop around for cell phone plans. Comparing cell phone plans and providers could help you see if you’re overpaying for your service. You could also cut features you may not be using in your plan, like insurance coverage for your phone. - Rethink your gym membership. You can save money by cutting out your gym membership and working out at home instead. Or consider putting a freeze on your membership during months when you can exercise outdoors. ## How to save money on car costs A monthly car payment is just one of the costs associated with getting from here to there. Here are money saving tips to help reduce transportation-related expenses: - Consider other ways to get around. Depending on your circumstances, you might be able to walk, bike or take public transportation—and avoid car ownership altogether. That could mean eliminating expenses like car maintenance and auto insurance from your budget. - Compare insurance prices. You may be able to save on the [cost of car insurance](https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/how-much-does-car-insurance-cost/) by getting quotes from different auto insurance carriers. And you could potentially reduce the price of your current policy by making adjustments—like bundling policies or taking a safe driving course. - Be mindful of your gas usage. You could save on gas by finding the lowest prices in your area before filling up, looking for the most efficient routes before driving and joining a gas station rewards program. ## How to save money on entertainment Just because you’re trying to save money doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun. Here’s how to economize while still enjoying your free time: - Go to free events. Look for free events in your community to enjoy—everything from parades to art exhibitions to lectures at local universities. - Seek out special deals and promotions. Keep up with some of your favorite venues and see if they offer daily specials or promotional events that you can attend at a discounted price. - Check out local libraries. Your local library can be a great resource to find low-cost or free entertainment. In addition to loaning out books, some libraries may rent out DVDs or board games. Plus, they may host fun events you can attend in your free time. - Opt for a season pass. If youfind you wind up at the same venue a lot—a theme park with rides, for example—compare the cost of regular admission to a season pass. It may be worth the upfront fee for a pass so you can save money on admission throughout the year. ## Earn extra money to jump-start savings One possible benefit of finding ways to earn extra money: You could add those extra earnings to your savings account. Here are a few money-making ideas: - Pick up a side hustle. Leverage your skills to earn extra cash by doing things like freelancing, tutoring or translation work. For a more extensive list of side hustle ideas, check out this guide on [how to make extra money](https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/how-to-make-extra-money/). - Sell your items. Declutter clothes, housewares or other miscellaneous items taking up space in your home. Then consider selling them on an online marketplace or at a consignment store for extra cash that can go toward savings. ## Other ways to save money Here are a few other ways to save money—both now and in the future: - Contribute to your retirement. Don’t forget your long-term savings when you’re doing your financial planning. If your employer offers a [401(k) match](https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/what-is-401k-match-and-how-does-it-work/), you can take advantage of “free” money to put toward retirement. - Use a cash-back rewards credit card. If you generally use cash or a debit card for your purchases, you might consider using a [cash-back rewards credit card](https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/compare/?filter=good,personal,cash) instead. The cash you could earn on your purchases may mean extra money in your pocket. Keep in mind that paying off your card’s balance in full each month could help you avoid interest charges. - Don’t forget about your tax refund. Anticipating a tax refund this season? You could add some or all of your refund to your savings account. Learn more about [how to file your taxes](https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/how-to-file-taxes/). - Put “unexpected” money into savings. Consider putting money from things like birthday presents and work bonuses into your savings account rather than treating yourself to a purchase with it. - Try DIYing gifts. Buying gifts can eat into your budget. But you could still give great gifts at a fraction of the cost by taking a do-it-yourself approach. ## Key takeaways: How to save money There’s no one way to save. You could start by making small changes, like sticking to a shopping list or adjusting your thermostat by a few degrees. Then you could make bigger moves, like setting up regular contributions to a retirement account. Whatever approach you decide to take, being intentional about saving money may help you reach your [financial goals](https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/financial-goals/) more quickly. #### Related Content ![A person records a podcast from their home office.](https://ecm.capitalone.com/WCM/learn-grow/card/lgc897_hero_how-to-make-extra-money_v1.jpg) Money Management [How to make extra money: 13 side hustles to consider](https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/how-to-make-extra-money/) Article \\| October 25, 2022 \\|8 min read ![A person sitting down at a table writes something on a piece of paper.](https://ecm.capitalone.com/WCM/learn-grow/card/lgc892_hero_what-is-a-budget_v1.jpg) Money Management [What is a budget and how do you create one?](https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/what-is-a-budget/) Article \\| December 6, 2022 \\|5 min read ![A father and son in denim jackets high-fiving outside.](https://ecm.capitalone.com/WCM/learn-grow/card/lgc460_hero_financial-goals_v1.jpg) Money Management [How to set and achieve financial goals: 7 tips](https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/financial-goals/) Article \\| May 14, 2024 \\|7 min read ## You are now leaving the Capital One website You're leaving the Capital one website and heading to an external site. It may have different privacy and security policies, so take a moment to check them out. 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Readable Markdown	How to save money: 33 tips to jump-start savings January 26, 2023\\|10 min read Wherever you are on your financial journey, you should probably keep in mind how important savings can be. For starters, having a savings account can give you extra peace of mind. It can also give you the flexibility to do things like making major purchases and taking dream vacations. The good news is saving money is a skill you may be able to improve with knowledge and experience. So check out these money saving tips for boosting your savings and reaching your financial goals. What you'll learn: - From minor tweaks to major savings strategies, there are lots of ways to save. - Creating a budget can be a good first step when making a savings plan. - Making intentional choices and watching your expenses can help you reach your savings goals. ## Readjust your budget to save money Before you cut your spending, you may first want to [create a budget](https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/what-is-a-budget/) for a wide-angle view of your financial situation. Here are some budgeting tips that could help you get started: - Try the 50/20/30 budget approach. Consider an established budgeting strategy like the [50/20/30 approach](https://www.capitalone.com/bank/money-management/ways-to-save/balanced-family-budget/) to balance your expenditures and savings. With this technique, your income is split into three buckets: 50% goes toward necessities, 20% toward savings and 30% toward wants. - Make a plan to pay off debt. When you’re trying to save money, you’ll want to take your debts into account—especially those with higher interest rates. Consider different approaches like the [debt snowball method](https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/debt-snowball-method/) and the [avalanche method](https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/debt-avalanche-method/) to see which best fits your situation. - Consider envelope budgeting. With the [envelope budgeting system](https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/envelope-budget-system/)—or “cash stuffing”—cash from each paycheck is separated into envelopes assigned to specific bills. Envelope budgeting can also be digitized for those who don’t want to carry physical cash. - Download a budgeting app. Budgeting apps can help you track your spending habits and make decisions about how to spend and save your hard-earned money. There are even ways to [use your credit card to help you budget](https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/credit-cards-budget/). ## Save money by making habitual changes Sometimes switching your mindset can help you further your savings goals—without drastically cutting down on spending money. Here are money saving tips to consider: - Look for discounts. Before making purchases, try to get into the habit of looking for coupons or discounts to avoid paying full price. You may be able to find discounts online, in magazines or through special sales and events. You could also add an extension to your browser like [Capital One Shopping](https://capitaloneshopping.com/). It’s a free tool for helping you find the best deals while you’re shopping online. - Switch to generic brands. It can be tempting to reach for brands you’re familiar with when shopping. But you can save money by switching to generic brands instead since they tend to cost less than their name-brand counterparts. - Unsubscribe from emails. Ever signed up for an email list in exchange for savings on an item you wanted? It can be a quick and easy way to get a discount. But if the emails keep coming and lead to spontaneous purchases, you may want to unsubscribe. - Keep the 30-day rule in mind. Before making a nonessential purchase, hold off for 30 days and put the money you would’ve spent in your savings account. If you still want it after the 30 days, you can revisit the purchase. If you don’t want it, you’ll have maintained your savings. - Contribute to your savings account automatically. You may want to regularly contribute to a dedicated savings account or [emergency fund](https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/how-to-build-and-use-emergency-funds/) through a [direct deposit](https://www.capitalone.com/bank/early-paycheck/) program. This gives you the ability to pay yourself first before making other purchases. ## Saving money on food and drink Wondering how to save money on groceries? Or looking to reduce how often you dine out? Here are money saving tips and strategies to help: - Pack your lunch. While convenient, eating out can add up—even if it’s only a few times a week. Try packing a lunch the night before and then put the money you would’ve spent dining out into your savings account. If you work at home, this tip is especially easy to follow. Who needs a lunchbox when you have a full fridge at your disposal? - Plan out your meals. Before you make a trip to the grocery store, plan a week’s meals around ingredients you already have in your pantry and freezer. This way, you can stick to buying only the essentials. - Stick to a shopping list. It can be easy to add unnecessary items to your cart when you’re grocery shopping. That’s why making a shopping list ahead of time can help keep you focused. - Give curbside pickup a try. If sticking to a list is too hard, avoid temptation by never setting foot inside the store. Instead, place an order for curbside pickup, which could save you time and prevent impulse buys. - Buy in bulk. Buying in bulk from a shopping warehouse could help you save money over time on things like paper products, cleaning supplies and freezable food items. These warehouses often charge a membership fee—consider including the fee in your budget to help you decide if it’s worth it. ## How to save each month on bills Saving on utilities and other recurring bills can give you more cash for your savings account. Consider these measures for saving on your electric bill and more: - Find ways to lower energy costs. You may be able to cut down on utility bills by making small adjustments in your home. Things like turning your thermostat down a few notches in the winter and switching to energy-efficient light bulbs are minor changes that can add up to savings over time. - Cut cable TV. If you’re paying for cable TV, you may be able to save by switching to a streaming service. Plus, you can earn cash back for some of these services by being a [Capital One Savor](https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/savor/) cardholder. - Monitor your subscriptions. Subscription services can be easy to use—and just as easy to forget about. That’s why it can help to revisit the monthly services you’re paying for and find ways to [manage your subscriptions](https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/tips-to-manage-subscriptions/). - Shop around for cell phone plans. Comparing cell phone plans and providers could help you see if you’re overpaying for your service. You could also cut features you may not be using in your plan, like insurance coverage for your phone. - Rethink your gym membership. You can save money by cutting out your gym membership and working out at home instead. Or consider putting a freeze on your membership during months when you can exercise outdoors. ## How to save money on car costs A monthly car payment is just one of the costs associated with getting from here to there. Here are money saving tips to help reduce transportation-related expenses: - Consider other ways to get around. Depending on your circumstances, you might be able to walk, bike or take public transportation—and avoid car ownership altogether. That could mean eliminating expenses like car maintenance and auto insurance from your budget. - Compare insurance prices. You may be able to save on the [cost of car insurance](https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/how-much-does-car-insurance-cost/) by getting quotes from different auto insurance carriers. And you could potentially reduce the price of your current policy by making adjustments—like bundling policies or taking a safe driving course. - Be mindful of your gas usage. You could save on gas by finding the lowest prices in your area before filling up, looking for the most efficient routes before driving and joining a gas station rewards program. ## How to save money on entertainment Just because you’re trying to save money doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun. Here’s how to economize while still enjoying your free time: - Go to free events. Look for free events in your community to enjoy—everything from parades to art exhibitions to lectures at local universities. - Seek out special deals and promotions. Keep up with some of your favorite venues and see if they offer daily specials or promotional events that you can attend at a discounted price. - Check out local libraries. Your local library can be a great resource to find low-cost or free entertainment. In addition to loaning out books, some libraries may rent out DVDs or board games. Plus, they may host fun events you can attend in your free time. - Opt for a season pass. If youfind you wind up at the same venue a lot—a theme park with rides, for example—compare the cost of regular admission to a season pass. It may be worth the upfront fee for a pass so you can save money on admission throughout the year. ## Earn extra money to jump-start savings One possible benefit of finding ways to earn extra money: You could add those extra earnings to your savings account. Here are a few money-making ideas: - Pick up a side hustle. Leverage your skills to earn extra cash by doing things like freelancing, tutoring or translation work. For a more extensive list of side hustle ideas, check out this guide on [how to make extra money](https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/how-to-make-extra-money/). - Sell your items. Declutter clothes, housewares or other miscellaneous items taking up space in your home. Then consider selling them on an online marketplace or at a consignment store for extra cash that can go toward savings. ## Other ways to save money Here are a few other ways to save money—both now and in the future: - Contribute to your retirement. Don’t forget your long-term savings when you’re doing your financial planning. If your employer offers a [401(k) match](https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/what-is-401k-match-and-how-does-it-work/), you can take advantage of “free” money to put toward retirement. - Use a cash-back rewards credit card. If you generally use cash or a debit card for your purchases, you might consider using a [cash-back rewards credit card](https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/compare/?filter=good,personal,cash) instead. The cash you could earn on your purchases may mean extra money in your pocket. Keep in mind that paying off your card’s balance in full each month could help you avoid interest charges. - Don’t forget about your tax refund. Anticipating a tax refund this season? You could add some or all of your refund to your savings account. Learn more about [how to file your taxes](https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/how-to-file-taxes/). - Put “unexpected” money into savings. Consider putting money from things like birthday presents and work bonuses into your savings account rather than treating yourself to a purchase with it. - Try DIYing gifts. Buying gifts can eat into your budget. But you could still give great gifts at a fraction of the cost by taking a do-it-yourself approach. ## Key takeaways: How to save money There’s no one way to save. You could start by making small changes, like sticking to a shopping list or adjusting your thermostat by a few degrees. Then you could make bigger moves, like setting up regular contributions to a retirement account. Whatever approach you decide to take, being intentional about saving money may help you reach your [financial goals](https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/financial-goals/) more quickly. Related Content ![A person records a podcast from their home office.](https://ecm.capitalone.com/WCM/learn-grow/card/lgc897_hero_how-to-make-extra-money_v1.jpg) Article \\| October 25, 2022 \\|8 min read ![A person sitting down at a table writes something on a piece of paper.](https://ecm.capitalone.com/WCM/learn-grow/card/lgc892_hero_what-is-a-budget_v1.jpg) Article \\| December 6, 2022 \\|5 min read ![A father and son in denim jackets high-fiving outside.](https://ecm.capitalone.com/WCM/learn-grow/card/lgc460_hero_financial-goals_v1.jpg) Article \\| May 14, 2024 \\|7 min read
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