🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 184 (from laksa101)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa184.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.moneykey.com/blog/money-saving-tips/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.moneykey.com/blog/money-saving-tips/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/money-saving-tips\/","crawl_time":1775302023,"first_indexed_time":1557856112,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,moneykey!www,\/blog\/money-saving-tips\/ s443","src_root_hash":"13115714031355430184","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"6 Simple Money Saving Tips to Help Save Each Month | MoneyKey","meta_descriptions":["Saving money can be difficult when you're living paycheck to paycheck, but it’s not impossible. Read our blog to learn about our six simple money-saving tips."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"When you’re living on a shoestring budget from month to month, saving money can seem like a monumental task. After paying for bills and all your necessary expenses, you may have some trouble making significant contributions to your savings.\nAccording to a 2018 Urban Institute survey, many American families are struggling to\ncover their basic needs\n, like food, health care, housing, or utilities. About 40 percent of those surveyed reported their family struggled to meet at least one basic need during 2017. So, if you’re having trouble with meeting some of your basic necessities, how can you be expected to start saving?\nWhile there’s no magical fix to your financial troubles, trying to incorporate a few simple money saving tips into your lifestyle may help you on your way to accomplishing your saving goals. You may still experience challenges, and some months may go better than others—after all, it’s not always easy to plan for emergencies and unexpected expenses. This shouldn’t stop you from discovering how to live frugally and save money on a tight budget.\nTo help you confront this money saving challenge head-on, here are a six money saving tips for you to try to slowly incorporate over the next few months.\n1. Set Reasonable Goals\nThe first step to saving is to get financially organized by evaluating your budget, pinpointing exactly how you’re spending money, and identifying problem areas. You can find free or cheap budgeting apps to help with this task, or check out our\nultimate budgeting guide\nif you need some help creating your budget.\nOnce you have set a budget, it’s time to start tracking your expenses. You also can create a money saving chart, which sets out incremental savings goals for you over a certain period of time. If you’re looking for a regimented challenge to help keep you on track, try out the\n52-week challenge\n. The goal is to start by saving $1 in Week 1, $2 in Week 2, $3 in Week 3, and so on, until you’ve accumulated $1,378 by the end of the year.\n2. Take Advantage of Personal Finance Apps\nOne of the best money saving tips is to let your apps do the work for you. There are a number of great\npersonal finance apps\nthat will help with everything from budgeting, saving, and even investing. Two of these that we love are\nIbotta\nand\nAcorns\n.\nIbotta helps users earn cash back on in-store and mobile purchases at various businesses with a receipt and\/or purchase verification. The money adds up slowly, but all you’re required to do is watch occasional adds or provide brief feedback.\nAcorns is an investment app that rounds your purchases up to the nearest dollar and automatically invests the change on your behalf for a relatively low fee. It’s a great way to start saving and investing your change digitally, without having to constantly engage with the process.\n3. Find Cheap Entertainment\nWhether it’s going out to a bar, movie, or restaurant, a night out on the town can cost you a pretty penny. But your fun weekend excursion doesn’t have to such a drain on your finances. When looking for fun weekend activities, check out your local library, community center, or any other local organizations to see what’s going on around town. Some performing arts centers also offer Pay What You Can promotions for certain shows, allowing you to watch productions for what’s affordable to you. If nothing catches your eye, design your own\nmoney-free weekend\n.\nIf you do plan to spend on a night out, take a look at\nGroupon\nor\nLiving Social\nto help mitigate some of these costs. Only buy the vouchers you know you’ll use, and don’t use the presence of a great deal as an excuse to overspend.\n4. Food for Thought\nIt’s normal to occasionally fall victim to temptation when it comes to food, springing for that extra lunch outing that you hadn’t originally budgeted for. But if you’re trying to cut back on your spending, it’s time to buckle down, take a hard look at what you’re spending on food each month, and find ways to whittle this number down. The most obvious place to start is to\ncut down on eating out\n. While you may not have to worry much about a single $8 lunch outing, this adds up quickly when you make it a habit.\nWhen you’re shopping to cook at home, start by putting together a\nmeal plan\n, and make a list of meals for the upcoming week. Try to select dishes that share ingredients so you can buy them in larger quantities and ensure they get used up. If you’re looking for money saving tips specifically geared towards your grocery bills, check out our guide on\nsaving at the grocery store\nto make sure you get the most out of your grocery trips. You may also want to look for tips on how to get the most out of your grocery coupons.\n5. Target Transportation\nThe best way to reduce your transportation expenses is to walk, bike, or take public transportation when you can. Depending on your job or where you live, these alternatives won’t always be feasible, but use them when you can. You can also commute with co-workers or set up a carpool system with other parents to get your kids to and from school.\nFor some those who need to drive and don’t live near any co-workers, walking, biking, or carpooling may not be viable money saving tips. This doesn’t mean you can’t see any savings on some of your regular car expenses. Check out sites like\nGift Card Granny\nand\nCardpool\nto find cheap gift cards for gas and automotive services. You also can download apps like\nGasBuddy.com\n, which will tell you where the cheapest gas stations are in your vicinity.\n6. Switch to Cash\nWhile you may be forced to pay for larger expenses like rent and utility bills by check or e-transfer, using cash for smaller, more frequent purchases can help you control your spending habits. If you’re looking for money saving tips designed to help you to stick to cash, try implementing the\nenvelope system\n. The general principle is to assign each envelope a different portion of your budget, fill each one with the designated amount, and restrict yourself to whatever is in the envelope. This should help you regulate your spending, and a quick look into your envelope will tell you how much you have left to spend for that portion of your budget.\nMoney left over in some of your envelopes at the end of the month? Congratulations! Put it into a savings fund (or piggy bank) and start growing your savings.\nUse these money saving tips to keep a healthy focus on your finances\nWhen you’re dealing with low income and struggling to make ends meet, the prospect of saving money can feel out of reach. But this doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Use the money saving tips we’ve listed to maintain visibility into your financial situation and start implementing these techniques to cut costs and grow your savings. Once you start to successfully implement healthy financial practices, you may have an easier time paying for essential expenses like your grocery bills, rent, and\nonline loan\npayments. You can also check out\nour blog\nfor more tips on budgeting, saving, and how to have more control over your finances.\nWhat are some money saving tips that have helped you trip your budget?\nPosted in:\nFinancial Tips\nDisclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or other professional advice. For full details, see MoneyKey's\nTerms of Use\n.","attrs_markdown":"Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of [website accessibility](https:\/\/userway.org\/)\n\n[Redeem Mail Offer](https:\/\/apply.moneykey.com\/mail-offer\/)\n\n[Apply Now](https:\/\/secure.moneykey.com\/apply\/stateselection\/) [Login](https:\/\/secure.moneykey.com\/statelogin\/)\n\n[![MoneyKey](https:\/\/cdn.moneykey.com\/images\/logo\/logo.webp)](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/)\n\n- [Loans](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/money-saving-tips\/)\n  - [Online Loans](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/online-loans\/)\n  - [Installment Loans](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/installment-loans-online\/)\n  - [Line of Credit](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/line-of-credit-loans-online\/)\n- [Products & Services](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/products-services\/)\n- [States](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/money-saving-tips\/)\n  - [Alabama](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/line-of-credit-loans-online\/cc-flow-rates\/alabama\/)\n  - [Alaska](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/line-of-credit-loans-online\/cc-flow-rates\/alaska\/)\n  - 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***\n  - [Utah](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/installment-loans-online\/utah\/)\n  - [Wisconsin](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/installment-loans-online\/wisconsin\/)\n  - [Wyoming](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/line-of-credit-loans-online\/cc-flow-rates\/wyoming\/)\n- [Resources](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/money-saving-tips\/)\n  - [Resources](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/resources\/)\n  - [About](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/about\/)\n  - [FAQs](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/faq\/)\n  - [Local Financial Assistance](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/financial-assistance\/)\n  - [Blog](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/)\n  - [Reviews](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/reviews\/)\n  - [Articles](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/articles\/)\n  - [Scholarship](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/scholarship\/)\n  - [Affiliate Program](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/affiliate-marketing-program\/)\n  - [Glossary](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/resources\/glossary\/)\n- [Contact](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/contact-us\/)\n\n- [Redeem Mail Offer](https:\/\/apply.moneykey.com\/mail-offer\/)\n- [Apply Now](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/money-saving-tips\/)\n- [Login](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/money-saving-tips\/)\n\n# 6 Simple Money Saving Tips to Help Save Each Month\nPublished on April 20, 2019\n\n[MoneyKey](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/ \"Go to MoneyKey.\")\n\n\\>\n\n[MoneyKey Blog](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/ \"Go to MoneyKey Blog.\")\n\n\\>\n\n[Financial Tips](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/category\/financial-tips\/ \"Go to the Financial Tips Category archives.\")\n\n\\>\n\n6 Simple Money Saving Tips to Help Save Each Month\n\n![6 Simple Money Saving Tips to Help Save Each Month](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/a3-lazy-load\/assets\/images\/lazy_placeholder.gif)\n\n![6 Simple Money Saving Tips to Help Save Each Month](https:\/\/cdn.moneykey.com\/images\/blog\/posts\/6-money-saving-tips.webp)\n\nWhen you’re living on a shoestring budget from month to month, saving money can seem like a monumental task. After paying for bills and all your necessary expenses, you may have some trouble making significant contributions to your savings.\n\nAccording to a 2018 Urban Institute survey, many American families are struggling to [cover their basic needs](https:\/\/www.marketwatch.com\/story\/40-of-americans-struggle-to-pay-for-one-basic-need-like-food-housing-or-health-care-2018-08-28), like food, health care, housing, or utilities. About 40 percent of those surveyed reported their family struggled to meet at least one basic need during 2017. So, if you’re having trouble with meeting some of your basic necessities, how can you be expected to start saving?\n\nWhile there’s no magical fix to your financial troubles, trying to incorporate a few simple money saving tips into your lifestyle may help you on your way to accomplishing your saving goals. You may still experience challenges, and some months may go better than others—after all, it’s not always easy to plan for emergencies and unexpected expenses. This shouldn’t stop you from discovering how to live frugally and save money on a tight budget.\n\nTo help you confront this money saving challenge head-on, here are a six money saving tips for you to try to slowly incorporate over the next few months.\n\n## **1\\. Set Reasonable Goals**\nThe first step to saving is to get financially organized by evaluating your budget, pinpointing exactly how you’re spending money, and identifying problem areas. You can find free or cheap budgeting apps to help with this task, or check out our [ultimate budgeting guide](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/articles\/ultimate-budgeting-guide\/) if you need some help creating your budget.\n\nOnce you have set a budget, it’s time to start tracking your expenses. You also can create a money saving chart, which sets out incremental savings goals for you over a certain period of time. If you’re looking for a regimented challenge to help keep you on track, try out the [52-week challenge](https:\/\/thethriftycouple.com\/52-week-money-saving-goal-chart\/). The goal is to start by saving \\$1 in Week 1, \\$2 in Week 2, \\$3 in Week 3, and so on, until you’ve accumulated \\$1,378 by the end of the year.\n\n### **2\\. Take Advantage of Personal Finance Apps**\nOne of the best money saving tips is to let your apps do the work for you. There are a number of great [personal finance apps](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/personal-finance-apps-2019\/) that will help with everything from budgeting, saving, and even investing. Two of these that we love are [Ibotta](https:\/\/ibotta.com\/) and [Acorns](https:\/\/www.acorns.com\/).\n\nIbotta helps users earn cash back on in-store and mobile purchases at various businesses with a receipt and\/or purchase verification. The money adds up slowly, but all you’re required to do is watch occasional adds or provide brief feedback.\n\nAcorns is an investment app that rounds your purchases up to the nearest dollar and automatically invests the change on your behalf for a relatively low fee. It’s a great way to start saving and investing your change digitally, without having to constantly engage with the process.\n\n### **3\\. Find Cheap Entertainment**\n![find cheap entertainment as a money saving challenge](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/a3-lazy-load\/assets\/images\/lazy_placeholder.gif)![find cheap entertainment as a money saving challenge](https:\/\/cdn.moneykey.com\/images\/blog\/posts\/find-cheap-entertainment-as-a-money-saving-challenge.webp)\n\nWhether it’s going out to a bar, movie, or restaurant, a night out on the town can cost you a pretty penny. But your fun weekend excursion doesn’t have to such a drain on your finances. When looking for fun weekend activities, check out your local library, community center, or any other local organizations to see what’s going on around town. Some performing arts centers also offer Pay What You Can promotions for certain shows, allowing you to watch productions for what’s affordable to you. If nothing catches your eye, design your own [money-free weekend](https:\/\/www.thesimpledollar.com\/100-things-to-do-during-a-money-free-weekend\/).\n\nIf you do plan to spend on a night out, take a look at [Groupon](https:\/\/www.groupon.com\/) or [Living Social](https:\/\/www.livingsocial.com\/) to help mitigate some of these costs. Only buy the vouchers you know you’ll use, and don’t use the presence of a great deal as an excuse to overspend.\n\n### **4\\. Food for Thought**\nIt’s normal to occasionally fall victim to temptation when it comes to food, springing for that extra lunch outing that you hadn’t originally budgeted for. But if you’re trying to cut back on your spending, it’s time to buckle down, take a hard look at what you’re spending on food each month, and find ways to whittle this number down. The most obvious place to start is to [cut down on eating out](https:\/\/www.thebalance.com\/slash-your-food-bill-stop-eating-out-2385715). While you may not have to worry much about a single \\$8 lunch outing, this adds up quickly when you make it a habit.\n\nWhen you’re shopping to cook at home, start by putting together a [meal plan](https:\/\/health.usnews.com\/health-news\/blogs\/eat-run\/articles\/2018-06-25\/10-meal-planning-tips-for-people-who-hate-planning), and make a list of meals for the upcoming week. Try to select dishes that share ingredients so you can buy them in larger quantities and ensure they get used up. If you’re looking for money saving tips specifically geared towards your grocery bills, check out our guide on [saving at the grocery store](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/grocery-store-savings-guide\/) to make sure you get the most out of your grocery trips. You may also want to look for tips on how to get the most out of your grocery coupons.\n\n### **5\\. Target Transportation**\n![saving on gas is a great money saving tip](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/a3-lazy-load\/assets\/images\/lazy_placeholder.gif)![saving on gas is a great money saving tip](https:\/\/cdn.moneykey.com\/images\/blog\/posts\/saving-on-gas-is-a-great-money-saving-tip.webp)\n\nThe best way to reduce your transportation expenses is to walk, bike, or take public transportation when you can. Depending on your job or where you live, these alternatives won’t always be feasible, but use them when you can. You can also commute with co-workers or set up a carpool system with other parents to get your kids to and from school.\n\nFor some those who need to drive and don’t live near any co-workers, walking, biking, or carpooling may not be viable money saving tips. This doesn’t mean you can’t see any savings on some of your regular car expenses. Check out sites like [Gift Card Granny](https:\/\/www.giftcardgranny.com\/) and [Cardpool](https:\/\/www.cardpool.com\/) to find cheap gift cards for gas and automotive services. You also can download apps like [GasBuddy.com](https:\/\/www.gasbuddy.com\/App), which will tell you where the cheapest gas stations are in your vicinity.\n\n### **6\\. Switch to Cash**\nWhile you may be forced to pay for larger expenses like rent and utility bills by check or e-transfer, using cash for smaller, more frequent purchases can help you control your spending habits. If you’re looking for money saving tips designed to help you to stick to cash, try implementing the [envelope system](https:\/\/www.daveramsey.com\/blog\/envelope-system-explained). The general principle is to assign each envelope a different portion of your budget, fill each one with the designated amount, and restrict yourself to whatever is in the envelope. This should help you regulate your spending, and a quick look into your envelope will tell you how much you have left to spend for that portion of your budget.\n\n![spending only cash is a great money saving tip](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/a3-lazy-load\/assets\/images\/lazy_placeholder.gif)![spending only cash is a great money saving tip](https:\/\/cdn.moneykey.com\/images\/blog\/posts\/spending-only-cash-is-a-great-money-saving-tip.webp)\n\nMoney left over in some of your envelopes at the end of the month? Congratulations! Put it into a savings fund (or piggy bank) and start growing your savings.\n\n## **Use these money saving tips to keep a healthy focus on your finances**\nWhen you’re dealing with low income and struggling to make ends meet, the prospect of saving money can feel out of reach. But this doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Use the money saving tips we’ve listed to maintain visibility into your financial situation and start implementing these techniques to cut costs and grow your savings. Once you start to successfully implement healthy financial practices, you may have an easier time paying for essential expenses like your grocery bills, rent, and [online loan](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/online-loans\/) payments. You can also check out [our blog](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/) for more tips on budgeting, saving, and how to have more control over your finances.\n\nWhat are some money saving tips that have helped you trip your budget?\n***\n*Posted in: [Financial Tips](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/category\/financial-tips\/)*\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.moneykey.com\/images\/profile\/dan-profile-photo.png)\n\nWritten by **Daniel Azzoli**\n\n[Daniel Azzoli](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/daniel-azzoli-927b7014b\/) is a writer whose goal is to help people save money by simplifying personal finance-related topics. He does this by breaking down different budgeting strategies, comparing different financial products, and writing about simple ways to save money in your everyday life. If it falls under the category of personal finance, there’s a good chance he’s covered it.\n***\nDisclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or other professional advice. For full details, see MoneyKey's [Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/legal\/terms-of-use\/).\n\n**Recent Posts**\n\n- [Budgeting, Saving, and Planning: Keys to Personal Financial Responsibility – Chloe, Key Thinkers Scholarship Winner](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/budgeting-saving-and-planning-keys-to-personal-financial-responsibility-chloe-key-thinkers-scholarship-winner\/)\n- [Budgeting, Saving, and Planning: Keys to Personal Financial Responsibility – Jairo, Key Thinkers Scholarship Winner](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/budgeting-saving-and-planning-keys-to-personal-financial-responsibility-jairo-key-thinkers-scholarship-winner\/)\n- [Budgeting, Saving, and Planning: Keys to Personal Financial Responsibility – Maniya, Key Thinkers Scholarship Winner](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/budgeting-saving-and-planning-keys-to-personal-financial-responsibility-maniya-key-thinkers-scholarship-winner\/)\n- [Budgeting, Saving, and Planning: Keys to Personal Financial Responsibility – Tariq, Key Thinkers Scholarship Winner](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/budgeting-saving-and-planning-keys-to-personal-financial-responsibility-tariq-key-thinkers-scholarship-winner\/)\n- [Budgeting, Saving, and Planning: Keys to Personal Financial Responsibility – Rakia, Key Thinkers Scholarship Winner](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/budgeting-saving-and-planning-keys-to-personal-financial-responsibility-rakia-key-thinkers-scholarship-winner\/)\n\n**Categories**\n\n- [Featured](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/category\/featured\/)\n- [Financial Tips](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/category\/financial-tips\/)\n- [Holiday Tips](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/category\/holiday-tips\/)\n- [Lifestyle](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/category\/lifestyle\/)\n- [Others](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/category\/others\/)\n- [Personal Loans](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/category\/loan\/)\n- [Scholarship](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/category\/scholarship\/)\n- [Uncategorized](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/category\/uncategorized\/)\n\n[![Short o Cash?](https:\/\/cdn.moneykey.com\/images\/blog\/blogbanner-f9.svg)](https:\/\/apply.moneykey.com\/online-loans\/?subid=edu)\n\n[![Short o Cash?](https:\/\/cdn.moneykey.com\/images\/blog\/blogbanner-mob-f9.svg)](https:\/\/apply.moneykey.com\/online-loans\/?subid=edu)\n\n## We’ve helped over 400,000 customers. Let us help you\\!\n[Apply Today](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/money-saving-tips\/)\n\n##### You are now exiting moneykey.com\nBy clicking “Proceed”, you are navigating away from the MoneyKey website to the website of an unaffiliated third-party that is not owned or operated by MoneyKey. MoneyKey does not assume responsibility or liability for any actions taken by you in relation to such website and recommends that you review the information collection practices of such website.\n\nCancel\n\nProceed\n\n[![MoneyKey](https:\/\/cdn.moneykey.com\/images\/logo\/logo.webp)](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/)\n\n[![OLA](https:\/\/cdn.moneykey.com\/images\/seals\/ola.webp)](https:\/\/onlinelendersalliance.org\/look-for-the-ola-seal\/)\n\n[Installment Loans](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/installment-loans-online\/) [Line of Credit](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/line-of-credit-loans-online\/) [Online Loans](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/online-loans\/) [Online Direct Lenders](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/direct-lenders-online\/) [Cash Advance](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/cash-advance\/) [Personal Loans Online](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/personal-loans-online\/) [More Resources](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/improve-your-financial-literacy\/)\n\n◆Not all applications are approved; duration of approval process may vary. Credit limits\/loan amounts are subject to further verification criteria and may vary depending on your individual circumstances and eligibility.\n\n\\* If approved, any requested funds may typically be deposited into your bank account the same business day; timing of funding may vary by product and state. The date and time funds are made available to you by your bank are subject to your bank's policies. For specific funding cut-off times, click [here](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/faq#qq9).\n\n\\*\\* You may request a draw from your Line of Credit at any time, so long as you have available credit, your account is in good standing, and you otherwise meet any criteria required to request draws from your account.\n\nDepending on your state of residence, applications submitted on this website may be originated by one of several lenders, including: CC Flow, a division of Capital Community Bank (CCBank), a Utah Chartered bank, located in Provo, Utah. The CC Flow Line of Credit is provided by CC Flow. Additionally, CC Flow maintains critical control over loan origination, underwriting approvals, and regulatory and compliance oversight management. MoneyKey is an authorized servicer of CC Flow. This means the CC Flow Line of Credit is available through MoneyKey and you will maintain your CC Flow account through MoneyKey.\n\nProduct availability varies by state. To see loan products offered in your state of residence, please visit our [Products & Services](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/products-services\/) page.\n\nMoneyKey – TX, Inc. is licensed as a Credit Access Business (CAB), License No. 16641-62815, by the Office of the Consumer Credit Commissioner and registered as a Credit Services Organization (CSO), Registration No. 20110150, by the State of Texas. All loans for which MoneyKey acts as a CSO\/CAB are funded by an unaffiliated third-party lender and serviced by MoneyKey.\n\nThe CC Flow Line of Credit in Texas is marketed by [CF Laas, Inc.](https:\/\/www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org\/EntityDetails.aspx\/COMPANY\/2439310)\n\nReviews and any ratings referenced are based on [Trustpilot reviews](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/reviews\/). Images are for illustrative purposes only. Reviews reflect individuals’ opinions and may not be illustrative of all individual experiences with MoneyKey.\n\n© 2026 MoneyKey, Inc. All rights reserved.\n\n[Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/legal\/terms-of-use\/) \\| [Privacy Policies](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/legal\/privacy-policy\/) \\| [Legal](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/legal\/)","attrs_readable_markdown":"When you’re living on a shoestring budget from month to month, saving money can seem like a monumental task. After paying for bills and all your necessary expenses, you may have some trouble making significant contributions to your savings.\n\nAccording to a 2018 Urban Institute survey, many American families are struggling to [cover their basic needs](https:\/\/www.marketwatch.com\/story\/40-of-americans-struggle-to-pay-for-one-basic-need-like-food-housing-or-health-care-2018-08-28), like food, health care, housing, or utilities. About 40 percent of those surveyed reported their family struggled to meet at least one basic need during 2017. So, if you’re having trouble with meeting some of your basic necessities, how can you be expected to start saving?\n\nWhile there’s no magical fix to your financial troubles, trying to incorporate a few simple money saving tips into your lifestyle may help you on your way to accomplishing your saving goals. You may still experience challenges, and some months may go better than others—after all, it’s not always easy to plan for emergencies and unexpected expenses. This shouldn’t stop you from discovering how to live frugally and save money on a tight budget.\n\nTo help you confront this money saving challenge head-on, here are a six money saving tips for you to try to slowly incorporate over the next few months.\n\n## **1\\. Set Reasonable Goals**\nThe first step to saving is to get financially organized by evaluating your budget, pinpointing exactly how you’re spending money, and identifying problem areas. You can find free or cheap budgeting apps to help with this task, or check out our [ultimate budgeting guide](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/articles\/ultimate-budgeting-guide\/) if you need some help creating your budget.\n\nOnce you have set a budget, it’s time to start tracking your expenses. You also can create a money saving chart, which sets out incremental savings goals for you over a certain period of time. If you’re looking for a regimented challenge to help keep you on track, try out the [52-week challenge](https:\/\/thethriftycouple.com\/52-week-money-saving-goal-chart\/). The goal is to start by saving \\$1 in Week 1, \\$2 in Week 2, \\$3 in Week 3, and so on, until you’ve accumulated \\$1,378 by the end of the year.\n\n### **2\\. Take Advantage of Personal Finance Apps**\nOne of the best money saving tips is to let your apps do the work for you. There are a number of great [personal finance apps](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/personal-finance-apps-2019\/) that will help with everything from budgeting, saving, and even investing. Two of these that we love are [Ibotta](https:\/\/ibotta.com\/) and [Acorns](https:\/\/www.acorns.com\/).\n\nIbotta helps users earn cash back on in-store and mobile purchases at various businesses with a receipt and\/or purchase verification. The money adds up slowly, but all you’re required to do is watch occasional adds or provide brief feedback.\n\nAcorns is an investment app that rounds your purchases up to the nearest dollar and automatically invests the change on your behalf for a relatively low fee. It’s a great way to start saving and investing your change digitally, without having to constantly engage with the process.\n\n### **3\\. Find Cheap Entertainment**\n![find cheap entertainment as a money saving challenge](https:\/\/cdn.moneykey.com\/images\/blog\/posts\/find-cheap-entertainment-as-a-money-saving-challenge.webp)\n\nWhether it’s going out to a bar, movie, or restaurant, a night out on the town can cost you a pretty penny. But your fun weekend excursion doesn’t have to such a drain on your finances. When looking for fun weekend activities, check out your local library, community center, or any other local organizations to see what’s going on around town. Some performing arts centers also offer Pay What You Can promotions for certain shows, allowing you to watch productions for what’s affordable to you. If nothing catches your eye, design your own [money-free weekend](https:\/\/www.thesimpledollar.com\/100-things-to-do-during-a-money-free-weekend\/).\n\nIf you do plan to spend on a night out, take a look at [Groupon](https:\/\/www.groupon.com\/) or [Living Social](https:\/\/www.livingsocial.com\/) to help mitigate some of these costs. Only buy the vouchers you know you’ll use, and don’t use the presence of a great deal as an excuse to overspend.\n\n### **4\\. Food for Thought**\nIt’s normal to occasionally fall victim to temptation when it comes to food, springing for that extra lunch outing that you hadn’t originally budgeted for. But if you’re trying to cut back on your spending, it’s time to buckle down, take a hard look at what you’re spending on food each month, and find ways to whittle this number down. The most obvious place to start is to [cut down on eating out](https:\/\/www.thebalance.com\/slash-your-food-bill-stop-eating-out-2385715). While you may not have to worry much about a single \\$8 lunch outing, this adds up quickly when you make it a habit.\n\nWhen you’re shopping to cook at home, start by putting together a [meal plan](https:\/\/health.usnews.com\/health-news\/blogs\/eat-run\/articles\/2018-06-25\/10-meal-planning-tips-for-people-who-hate-planning), and make a list of meals for the upcoming week. Try to select dishes that share ingredients so you can buy them in larger quantities and ensure they get used up. If you’re looking for money saving tips specifically geared towards your grocery bills, check out our guide on [saving at the grocery store](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/grocery-store-savings-guide\/) to make sure you get the most out of your grocery trips. You may also want to look for tips on how to get the most out of your grocery coupons.\n\n### **5\\. Target Transportation**\n![saving on gas is a great money saving tip](https:\/\/cdn.moneykey.com\/images\/blog\/posts\/saving-on-gas-is-a-great-money-saving-tip.webp)\n\nThe best way to reduce your transportation expenses is to walk, bike, or take public transportation when you can. Depending on your job or where you live, these alternatives won’t always be feasible, but use them when you can. You can also commute with co-workers or set up a carpool system with other parents to get your kids to and from school.\n\nFor some those who need to drive and don’t live near any co-workers, walking, biking, or carpooling may not be viable money saving tips. This doesn’t mean you can’t see any savings on some of your regular car expenses. Check out sites like [Gift Card Granny](https:\/\/www.giftcardgranny.com\/) and [Cardpool](https:\/\/www.cardpool.com\/) to find cheap gift cards for gas and automotive services. You also can download apps like [GasBuddy.com](https:\/\/www.gasbuddy.com\/App), which will tell you where the cheapest gas stations are in your vicinity.\n\n### **6\\. Switch to Cash**\nWhile you may be forced to pay for larger expenses like rent and utility bills by check or e-transfer, using cash for smaller, more frequent purchases can help you control your spending habits. If you’re looking for money saving tips designed to help you to stick to cash, try implementing the [envelope system](https:\/\/www.daveramsey.com\/blog\/envelope-system-explained). The general principle is to assign each envelope a different portion of your budget, fill each one with the designated amount, and restrict yourself to whatever is in the envelope. This should help you regulate your spending, and a quick look into your envelope will tell you how much you have left to spend for that portion of your budget.\n\n![spending only cash is a great money saving tip](https:\/\/cdn.moneykey.com\/images\/blog\/posts\/spending-only-cash-is-a-great-money-saving-tip.webp)\n\nMoney left over in some of your envelopes at the end of the month? Congratulations! Put it into a savings fund (or piggy bank) and start growing your savings.\n\n## **Use these money saving tips to keep a healthy focus on your finances**\nWhen you’re dealing with low income and struggling to make ends meet, the prospect of saving money can feel out of reach. But this doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Use the money saving tips we’ve listed to maintain visibility into your financial situation and start implementing these techniques to cut costs and grow your savings. Once you start to successfully implement healthy financial practices, you may have an easier time paying for essential expenses like your grocery bills, rent, and [online loan](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/online-loans\/) payments. You can also check out [our blog](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/) for more tips on budgeting, saving, and how to have more control over your finances.\n\nWhat are some money saving tips that have helped you trip your budget?\n***\n*Posted in: [Financial Tips](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/blog\/category\/financial-tips\/)*\n***\nDisclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or other professional advice. For full details, see MoneyKey's [Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.moneykey.com\/legal\/terms-of-use\/).","meta_canonical":"com,moneykey!qaeks-www,\/blog\/money-saving-tips\/ s443"}

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Meta Description	Saving money can be difficult when you're living paycheck to paycheck, but it’s not impossible. Read our blog to learn about our six simple money-saving tips.
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Boilerpipe Text	When you’re living on a shoestring budget from month to month, saving money can seem like a monumental task. After paying for bills and all your necessary expenses, you may have some trouble making significant contributions to your savings. According to a 2018 Urban Institute survey, many American families are struggling to cover their basic needs , like food, health care, housing, or utilities. About 40 percent of those surveyed reported their family struggled to meet at least one basic need during 2017. So, if you’re having trouble with meeting some of your basic necessities, how can you be expected to start saving? While there’s no magical fix to your financial troubles, trying to incorporate a few simple money saving tips into your lifestyle may help you on your way to accomplishing your saving goals. You may still experience challenges, and some months may go better than others—after all, it’s not always easy to plan for emergencies and unexpected expenses. This shouldn’t stop you from discovering how to live frugally and save money on a tight budget. To help you confront this money saving challenge head-on, here are a six money saving tips for you to try to slowly incorporate over the next few months. 1. Set Reasonable Goals The first step to saving is to get financially organized by evaluating your budget, pinpointing exactly how you’re spending money, and identifying problem areas. You can find free or cheap budgeting apps to help with this task, or check out our ultimate budgeting guide if you need some help creating your budget. Once you have set a budget, it’s time to start tracking your expenses. You also can create a money saving chart, which sets out incremental savings goals for you over a certain period of time. If you’re looking for a regimented challenge to help keep you on track, try out the 52-week challenge . The goal is to start by saving $1 in Week 1, $2 in Week 2, $3 in Week 3, and so on, until you’ve accumulated $1,378 by the end of the year. 2. Take Advantage of Personal Finance Apps One of the best money saving tips is to let your apps do the work for you. There are a number of great personal finance apps that will help with everything from budgeting, saving, and even investing. Two of these that we love are Ibotta and Acorns . Ibotta helps users earn cash back on in-store and mobile purchases at various businesses with a receipt and/or purchase verification. The money adds up slowly, but all you’re required to do is watch occasional adds or provide brief feedback. Acorns is an investment app that rounds your purchases up to the nearest dollar and automatically invests the change on your behalf for a relatively low fee. It’s a great way to start saving and investing your change digitally, without having to constantly engage with the process. 3. Find Cheap Entertainment Whether it’s going out to a bar, movie, or restaurant, a night out on the town can cost you a pretty penny. But your fun weekend excursion doesn’t have to such a drain on your finances. When looking for fun weekend activities, check out your local library, community center, or any other local organizations to see what’s going on around town. Some performing arts centers also offer Pay What You Can promotions for certain shows, allowing you to watch productions for what’s affordable to you. If nothing catches your eye, design your own money-free weekend . If you do plan to spend on a night out, take a look at Groupon or Living Social to help mitigate some of these costs. Only buy the vouchers you know you’ll use, and don’t use the presence of a great deal as an excuse to overspend. 4. Food for Thought It’s normal to occasionally fall victim to temptation when it comes to food, springing for that extra lunch outing that you hadn’t originally budgeted for. But if you’re trying to cut back on your spending, it’s time to buckle down, take a hard look at what you’re spending on food each month, and find ways to whittle this number down. The most obvious place to start is to cut down on eating out . While you may not have to worry much about a single $8 lunch outing, this adds up quickly when you make it a habit. When you’re shopping to cook at home, start by putting together a meal plan , and make a list of meals for the upcoming week. Try to select dishes that share ingredients so you can buy them in larger quantities and ensure they get used up. If you’re looking for money saving tips specifically geared towards your grocery bills, check out our guide on saving at the grocery store to make sure you get the most out of your grocery trips. You may also want to look for tips on how to get the most out of your grocery coupons. 5. Target Transportation The best way to reduce your transportation expenses is to walk, bike, or take public transportation when you can. Depending on your job or where you live, these alternatives won’t always be feasible, but use them when you can. You can also commute with co-workers or set up a carpool system with other parents to get your kids to and from school. For some those who need to drive and don’t live near any co-workers, walking, biking, or carpooling may not be viable money saving tips. This doesn’t mean you can’t see any savings on some of your regular car expenses. Check out sites like Gift Card Granny and Cardpool to find cheap gift cards for gas and automotive services. You also can download apps like GasBuddy.com , which will tell you where the cheapest gas stations are in your vicinity. 6. Switch to Cash While you may be forced to pay for larger expenses like rent and utility bills by check or e-transfer, using cash for smaller, more frequent purchases can help you control your spending habits. If you’re looking for money saving tips designed to help you to stick to cash, try implementing the envelope system . The general principle is to assign each envelope a different portion of your budget, fill each one with the designated amount, and restrict yourself to whatever is in the envelope. This should help you regulate your spending, and a quick look into your envelope will tell you how much you have left to spend for that portion of your budget. Money left over in some of your envelopes at the end of the month? Congratulations! Put it into a savings fund (or piggy bank) and start growing your savings. Use these money saving tips to keep a healthy focus on your finances When you’re dealing with low income and struggling to make ends meet, the prospect of saving money can feel out of reach. But this doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Use the money saving tips we’ve listed to maintain visibility into your financial situation and start implementing these techniques to cut costs and grow your savings. Once you start to successfully implement healthy financial practices, you may have an easier time paying for essential expenses like your grocery bills, rent, and online loan payments. You can also check out our blog for more tips on budgeting, saving, and how to have more control over your finances. What are some money saving tips that have helped you trip your budget? Posted in: Financial Tips Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or other professional advice. For full details, see MoneyKey's Terms of Use .
Markdown	Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of [website accessibility](https://userway.org/) [Redeem Mail Offer](https://apply.moneykey.com/mail-offer/) [Apply Now](https://secure.moneykey.com/apply/stateselection/) [Login](https://secure.moneykey.com/statelogin/) [![MoneyKey](https://cdn.moneykey.com/images/logo/logo.webp)](https://www.moneykey.com/) - [Loans](https://www.moneykey.com/blog/money-saving-tips/) - [Online Loans](https://www.moneykey.com/online-loans/) - [Installment Loans](https://www.moneykey.com/installment-loans-online/) - [Line of Credit](https://www.moneykey.com/line-of-credit-loans-online/) - [Products & Services](https://www.moneykey.com/products-services/) - [States](https://www.moneykey.com/blog/money-saving-tips/) - [Alabama](https://www.moneykey.com/line-of-credit-loans-online/cc-flow-rates/alabama/) - [Alaska](https://www.moneykey.com/line-of-credit-loans-online/cc-flow-rates/alaska/) - [Arizona](https://www.moneykey.com/line-of-credit-loans-online/cc-flow-rates/arizona/) - [Arkansas](https://www.moneykey.com/line-of-credit-loans-online/cc-flow-rates/arkansas/) - [Delaware](https://www.moneykey.com/installment-loans-online/delaware/) - [Florida](https://www.moneykey.com/line-of-credit-loans-online/cc-flow-rates/florida/) - [Hawaii](https://www.moneykey.com/line-of-credit-loans-online/cc-flow-rates/hawaii/) - [Idaho](https://www.moneykey.com/installment-loans-online/idaho/) - [Indiana](https://www.moneykey.com/line-of-credit-loans-online/cc-flow-rates/indiana/) - [Kansas](https://www.moneykey.com/line-of-credit-loans-online/kansas/) - [Kentucky](https://www.moneykey.com/line-of-credit-loans-online/cc-flow-rates/kentucky/) - [Louisiana](https://www.moneykey.com/line-of-credit-loans-online/cc-flow-rates/louisiana/) - [Michigan](https://www.moneykey.com/line-of-credit-loans-online/cc-flow-rates/michigan/) - [Mississippi](https://www.moneykey.com/installment-loans-online/mississippi/) - * - Missouri ▾ - [Installment Loans](https://www.moneykey.com/installment-loans-online/missouri/) - [Line of Credit](https://www.moneykey.com/line-of-credit-loans-online/missouri/) - * - [Montana](https://www.moneykey.com/line-of-credit-loans-online/cc-flow-rates/montana/) - [Ohio](https://www.moneykey.com/line-of-credit-loans-online/cc-flow-rates/Ohio/) - [Oklahoma](https://www.moneykey.com/line-of-credit-loans-online/cc-flow-rates/oklahoma/) - [South Carolina](https://www.moneykey.com/line-of-credit-loans-online/cc-flow-rates/south-carolina/) - [Tennessee](https://www.moneykey.com/line-of-credit-loans-online/tennessee/) - * - Texas ▾ - [Installment Loans](https://www.moneykey.com/installment-loans-online/texas/) - [Line of Credit](https://www.moneykey.com/line-of-credit-loans-online/cc-flow-rates/texas/) - * - [Utah](https://www.moneykey.com/installment-loans-online/utah/) - [Wisconsin](https://www.moneykey.com/installment-loans-online/wisconsin/) - [Wyoming](https://www.moneykey.com/line-of-credit-loans-online/cc-flow-rates/wyoming/) - [Resources](https://www.moneykey.com/blog/money-saving-tips/) - [Resources](https://www.moneykey.com/resources/) - [About](https://www.moneykey.com/about/) - [FAQs](https://www.moneykey.com/faq/) - [Local Financial Assistance](https://www.moneykey.com/financial-assistance/) - [Blog](https://www.moneykey.com/blog/) - [Reviews](https://www.moneykey.com/reviews/) - [Articles](https://www.moneykey.com/articles/) - [Scholarship](https://www.moneykey.com/scholarship/) - [Affiliate Program](https://www.moneykey.com/affiliate-marketing-program/) - [Glossary](https://www.moneykey.com/resources/glossary/) - [Contact](https://www.moneykey.com/contact-us/) - [Redeem Mail Offer](https://apply.moneykey.com/mail-offer/) - [Apply Now](https://www.moneykey.com/blog/money-saving-tips/) - [Login](https://www.moneykey.com/blog/money-saving-tips/) # 6 Simple Money Saving Tips to Help Save Each Month Published on April 20, 2019 [MoneyKey](https://www.moneykey.com/ "Go to MoneyKey.") \> [MoneyKey Blog](https://www.moneykey.com/blog/ "Go to MoneyKey Blog.") \> [Financial Tips](https://www.moneykey.com/blog/category/financial-tips/ "Go to the Financial Tips Category archives.") \> 6 Simple Money Saving Tips to Help Save Each Month ![6 Simple Money Saving Tips to Help Save Each Month](https://www.moneykey.com/wp-content/plugins/a3-lazy-load/assets/images/lazy_placeholder.gif) ![6 Simple Money Saving Tips to Help Save Each Month](https://cdn.moneykey.com/images/blog/posts/6-money-saving-tips.webp) When you’re living on a shoestring budget from month to month, saving money can seem like a monumental task. After paying for bills and all your necessary expenses, you may have some trouble making significant contributions to your savings. According to a 2018 Urban Institute survey, many American families are struggling to [cover their basic needs](https://www.marketwatch.com/story/40-of-americans-struggle-to-pay-for-one-basic-need-like-food-housing-or-health-care-2018-08-28), like food, health care, housing, or utilities. About 40 percent of those surveyed reported their family struggled to meet at least one basic need during 2017. So, if you’re having trouble with meeting some of your basic necessities, how can you be expected to start saving? While there’s no magical fix to your financial troubles, trying to incorporate a few simple money saving tips into your lifestyle may help you on your way to accomplishing your saving goals. You may still experience challenges, and some months may go better than others—after all, it’s not always easy to plan for emergencies and unexpected expenses. This shouldn’t stop you from discovering how to live frugally and save money on a tight budget. To help you confront this money saving challenge head-on, here are a six money saving tips for you to try to slowly incorporate over the next few months. ## 1\. Set Reasonable Goals The first step to saving is to get financially organized by evaluating your budget, pinpointing exactly how you’re spending money, and identifying problem areas. You can find free or cheap budgeting apps to help with this task, or check out our [ultimate budgeting guide](https://www.moneykey.com/articles/ultimate-budgeting-guide/) if you need some help creating your budget. Once you have set a budget, it’s time to start tracking your expenses. You also can create a money saving chart, which sets out incremental savings goals for you over a certain period of time. If you’re looking for a regimented challenge to help keep you on track, try out the [52-week challenge](https://thethriftycouple.com/52-week-money-saving-goal-chart/). The goal is to start by saving \$1 in Week 1, \$2 in Week 2, \$3 in Week 3, and so on, until you’ve accumulated \$1,378 by the end of the year. ### 2\. Take Advantage of Personal Finance Apps One of the best money saving tips is to let your apps do the work for you. There are a number of great [personal finance apps](https://www.moneykey.com/blog/personal-finance-apps-2019/) that will help with everything from budgeting, saving, and even investing. Two of these that we love are [Ibotta](https://ibotta.com/) and [Acorns](https://www.acorns.com/). Ibotta helps users earn cash back on in-store and mobile purchases at various businesses with a receipt and/or purchase verification. The money adds up slowly, but all you’re required to do is watch occasional adds or provide brief feedback. Acorns is an investment app that rounds your purchases up to the nearest dollar and automatically invests the change on your behalf for a relatively low fee. It’s a great way to start saving and investing your change digitally, without having to constantly engage with the process. ### 3\. Find Cheap Entertainment ![find cheap entertainment as a money saving challenge](https://www.moneykey.com/wp-content/plugins/a3-lazy-load/assets/images/lazy_placeholder.gif)![find cheap entertainment as a money saving challenge](https://cdn.moneykey.com/images/blog/posts/find-cheap-entertainment-as-a-money-saving-challenge.webp) Whether it’s going out to a bar, movie, or restaurant, a night out on the town can cost you a pretty penny. But your fun weekend excursion doesn’t have to such a drain on your finances. When looking for fun weekend activities, check out your local library, community center, or any other local organizations to see what’s going on around town. Some performing arts centers also offer Pay What You Can promotions for certain shows, allowing you to watch productions for what’s affordable to you. If nothing catches your eye, design your own [money-free weekend](https://www.thesimpledollar.com/100-things-to-do-during-a-money-free-weekend/). If you do plan to spend on a night out, take a look at [Groupon](https://www.groupon.com/) or [Living Social](https://www.livingsocial.com/) to help mitigate some of these costs. Only buy the vouchers you know you’ll use, and don’t use the presence of a great deal as an excuse to overspend. ### 4\. Food for Thought It’s normal to occasionally fall victim to temptation when it comes to food, springing for that extra lunch outing that you hadn’t originally budgeted for. But if you’re trying to cut back on your spending, it’s time to buckle down, take a hard look at what you’re spending on food each month, and find ways to whittle this number down. The most obvious place to start is to [cut down on eating out](https://www.thebalance.com/slash-your-food-bill-stop-eating-out-2385715). While you may not have to worry much about a single \$8 lunch outing, this adds up quickly when you make it a habit. When you’re shopping to cook at home, start by putting together a [meal plan](https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/2018-06-25/10-meal-planning-tips-for-people-who-hate-planning), and make a list of meals for the upcoming week. Try to select dishes that share ingredients so you can buy them in larger quantities and ensure they get used up. If you’re looking for money saving tips specifically geared towards your grocery bills, check out our guide on [saving at the grocery store](https://www.moneykey.com/blog/grocery-store-savings-guide/) to make sure you get the most out of your grocery trips. You may also want to look for tips on how to get the most out of your grocery coupons. ### 5\. Target Transportation ![saving on gas is a great money saving tip](https://www.moneykey.com/wp-content/plugins/a3-lazy-load/assets/images/lazy_placeholder.gif)![saving on gas is a great money saving tip](https://cdn.moneykey.com/images/blog/posts/saving-on-gas-is-a-great-money-saving-tip.webp) The best way to reduce your transportation expenses is to walk, bike, or take public transportation when you can. Depending on your job or where you live, these alternatives won’t always be feasible, but use them when you can. You can also commute with co-workers or set up a carpool system with other parents to get your kids to and from school. For some those who need to drive and don’t live near any co-workers, walking, biking, or carpooling may not be viable money saving tips. This doesn’t mean you can’t see any savings on some of your regular car expenses. Check out sites like [Gift Card Granny](https://www.giftcardgranny.com/) and [Cardpool](https://www.cardpool.com/) to find cheap gift cards for gas and automotive services. You also can download apps like [GasBuddy.com](https://www.gasbuddy.com/App), which will tell you where the cheapest gas stations are in your vicinity. ### 6\. Switch to Cash While you may be forced to pay for larger expenses like rent and utility bills by check or e-transfer, using cash for smaller, more frequent purchases can help you control your spending habits. If you’re looking for money saving tips designed to help you to stick to cash, try implementing the [envelope system](https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/envelope-system-explained). The general principle is to assign each envelope a different portion of your budget, fill each one with the designated amount, and restrict yourself to whatever is in the envelope. This should help you regulate your spending, and a quick look into your envelope will tell you how much you have left to spend for that portion of your budget. ![spending only cash is a great money saving tip](https://www.moneykey.com/wp-content/plugins/a3-lazy-load/assets/images/lazy_placeholder.gif)![spending only cash is a great money saving tip](https://cdn.moneykey.com/images/blog/posts/spending-only-cash-is-a-great-money-saving-tip.webp) Money left over in some of your envelopes at the end of the month? Congratulations! Put it into a savings fund (or piggy bank) and start growing your savings. ## Use these money saving tips to keep a healthy focus on your finances When you’re dealing with low income and struggling to make ends meet, the prospect of saving money can feel out of reach. But this doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Use the money saving tips we’ve listed to maintain visibility into your financial situation and start implementing these techniques to cut costs and grow your savings. Once you start to successfully implement healthy financial practices, you may have an easier time paying for essential expenses like your grocery bills, rent, and [online loan](https://www.moneykey.com/online-loans/) payments. You can also check out [our blog](https://www.moneykey.com/blog/) for more tips on budgeting, saving, and how to have more control over your finances. What are some money saving tips that have helped you trip your budget? *** Posted in: [Financial Tips](https://www.moneykey.com/blog/category/financial-tips/) ![](https://cdn.moneykey.com/images/profile/dan-profile-photo.png) Written by Daniel Azzoli [Daniel Azzoli](https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-azzoli-927b7014b/) is a writer whose goal is to help people save money by simplifying personal finance-related topics. He does this by breaking down different budgeting strategies, comparing different financial products, and writing about simple ways to save money in your everyday life. If it falls under the category of personal finance, there’s a good chance he’s covered it. * Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or other professional advice. For full details, see MoneyKey's [Terms of Use](https://www.moneykey.com/legal/terms-of-use/). 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Readable Markdown	When you’re living on a shoestring budget from month to month, saving money can seem like a monumental task. After paying for bills and all your necessary expenses, you may have some trouble making significant contributions to your savings. According to a 2018 Urban Institute survey, many American families are struggling to [cover their basic needs](https://www.marketwatch.com/story/40-of-americans-struggle-to-pay-for-one-basic-need-like-food-housing-or-health-care-2018-08-28), like food, health care, housing, or utilities. About 40 percent of those surveyed reported their family struggled to meet at least one basic need during 2017. So, if you’re having trouble with meeting some of your basic necessities, how can you be expected to start saving? While there’s no magical fix to your financial troubles, trying to incorporate a few simple money saving tips into your lifestyle may help you on your way to accomplishing your saving goals. You may still experience challenges, and some months may go better than others—after all, it’s not always easy to plan for emergencies and unexpected expenses. This shouldn’t stop you from discovering how to live frugally and save money on a tight budget. To help you confront this money saving challenge head-on, here are a six money saving tips for you to try to slowly incorporate over the next few months. ## 1\. Set Reasonable Goals The first step to saving is to get financially organized by evaluating your budget, pinpointing exactly how you’re spending money, and identifying problem areas. You can find free or cheap budgeting apps to help with this task, or check out our [ultimate budgeting guide](https://www.moneykey.com/articles/ultimate-budgeting-guide/) if you need some help creating your budget. Once you have set a budget, it’s time to start tracking your expenses. You also can create a money saving chart, which sets out incremental savings goals for you over a certain period of time. If you’re looking for a regimented challenge to help keep you on track, try out the [52-week challenge](https://thethriftycouple.com/52-week-money-saving-goal-chart/). The goal is to start by saving \$1 in Week 1, \$2 in Week 2, \$3 in Week 3, and so on, until you’ve accumulated \$1,378 by the end of the year. ### 2\. Take Advantage of Personal Finance Apps One of the best money saving tips is to let your apps do the work for you. There are a number of great [personal finance apps](https://www.moneykey.com/blog/personal-finance-apps-2019/) that will help with everything from budgeting, saving, and even investing. Two of these that we love are [Ibotta](https://ibotta.com/) and [Acorns](https://www.acorns.com/). Ibotta helps users earn cash back on in-store and mobile purchases at various businesses with a receipt and/or purchase verification. The money adds up slowly, but all you’re required to do is watch occasional adds or provide brief feedback. Acorns is an investment app that rounds your purchases up to the nearest dollar and automatically invests the change on your behalf for a relatively low fee. It’s a great way to start saving and investing your change digitally, without having to constantly engage with the process. ### 3\. Find Cheap Entertainment ![find cheap entertainment as a money saving challenge](https://cdn.moneykey.com/images/blog/posts/find-cheap-entertainment-as-a-money-saving-challenge.webp) Whether it’s going out to a bar, movie, or restaurant, a night out on the town can cost you a pretty penny. But your fun weekend excursion doesn’t have to such a drain on your finances. When looking for fun weekend activities, check out your local library, community center, or any other local organizations to see what’s going on around town. Some performing arts centers also offer Pay What You Can promotions for certain shows, allowing you to watch productions for what’s affordable to you. If nothing catches your eye, design your own [money-free weekend](https://www.thesimpledollar.com/100-things-to-do-during-a-money-free-weekend/). If you do plan to spend on a night out, take a look at [Groupon](https://www.groupon.com/) or [Living Social](https://www.livingsocial.com/) to help mitigate some of these costs. Only buy the vouchers you know you’ll use, and don’t use the presence of a great deal as an excuse to overspend. ### 4\. Food for Thought It’s normal to occasionally fall victim to temptation when it comes to food, springing for that extra lunch outing that you hadn’t originally budgeted for. But if you’re trying to cut back on your spending, it’s time to buckle down, take a hard look at what you’re spending on food each month, and find ways to whittle this number down. The most obvious place to start is to [cut down on eating out](https://www.thebalance.com/slash-your-food-bill-stop-eating-out-2385715). While you may not have to worry much about a single \$8 lunch outing, this adds up quickly when you make it a habit. When you’re shopping to cook at home, start by putting together a [meal plan](https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/2018-06-25/10-meal-planning-tips-for-people-who-hate-planning), and make a list of meals for the upcoming week. Try to select dishes that share ingredients so you can buy them in larger quantities and ensure they get used up. If you’re looking for money saving tips specifically geared towards your grocery bills, check out our guide on [saving at the grocery store](https://www.moneykey.com/blog/grocery-store-savings-guide/) to make sure you get the most out of your grocery trips. You may also want to look for tips on how to get the most out of your grocery coupons. ### 5\. Target Transportation ![saving on gas is a great money saving tip](https://cdn.moneykey.com/images/blog/posts/saving-on-gas-is-a-great-money-saving-tip.webp) The best way to reduce your transportation expenses is to walk, bike, or take public transportation when you can. Depending on your job or where you live, these alternatives won’t always be feasible, but use them when you can. You can also commute with co-workers or set up a carpool system with other parents to get your kids to and from school. For some those who need to drive and don’t live near any co-workers, walking, biking, or carpooling may not be viable money saving tips. This doesn’t mean you can’t see any savings on some of your regular car expenses. Check out sites like [Gift Card Granny](https://www.giftcardgranny.com/) and [Cardpool](https://www.cardpool.com/) to find cheap gift cards for gas and automotive services. You also can download apps like [GasBuddy.com](https://www.gasbuddy.com/App), which will tell you where the cheapest gas stations are in your vicinity. ### 6\. Switch to Cash While you may be forced to pay for larger expenses like rent and utility bills by check or e-transfer, using cash for smaller, more frequent purchases can help you control your spending habits. If you’re looking for money saving tips designed to help you to stick to cash, try implementing the [envelope system](https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/envelope-system-explained). The general principle is to assign each envelope a different portion of your budget, fill each one with the designated amount, and restrict yourself to whatever is in the envelope. This should help you regulate your spending, and a quick look into your envelope will tell you how much you have left to spend for that portion of your budget. ![spending only cash is a great money saving tip](https://cdn.moneykey.com/images/blog/posts/spending-only-cash-is-a-great-money-saving-tip.webp) Money left over in some of your envelopes at the end of the month? Congratulations! Put it into a savings fund (or piggy bank) and start growing your savings. ## Use these money saving tips to keep a healthy focus on your finances When you’re dealing with low income and struggling to make ends meet, the prospect of saving money can feel out of reach. But this doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Use the money saving tips we’ve listed to maintain visibility into your financial situation and start implementing these techniques to cut costs and grow your savings. Once you start to successfully implement healthy financial practices, you may have an easier time paying for essential expenses like your grocery bills, rent, and [online loan](https://www.moneykey.com/online-loans/) payments. You can also check out [our blog](https://www.moneykey.com/blog/) for more tips on budgeting, saving, and how to have more control over your finances. What are some money saving tips that have helped you trip your budget? *** Posted in: [Financial Tips](https://www.moneykey.com/blog/category/financial-tips/) *** Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or other professional advice. For full details, see MoneyKey's [Terms of Use](https://www.moneykey.com/legal/terms-of-use/).
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