🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 115 (from laksa039)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa115.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.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money","crawl_time":1776052626,"first_indexed_time":1617669197,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,ramseysolutions!www,\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money s443","src_root_hash":"16517152821695752315","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"How to Save Money: 23 Ways to Start Today - Ramsey","meta_descriptions":["Here’s your crash course on how to start saving money. Like right now. And listen, even small changes can make a big difference."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Here’s your crash course on how to start saving money. Like right now. And listen,\neven small changes\ncan make a big difference. So, jump in and take these 23 simple tips to the bank. Literally.\n1. Set a savings goal.\nSometimes the best way to save money is by\nsetting a savings goal\n—a specific dollar amount with a set deadline. You can try the\n100 Envelope Challenge\nto hit a $5,050 goal or use our\nSavings Tracker\nand fill in whatever amount\nyou\nwant.\n2. Set up direct deposits to go into savings.\nSet up your direct deposit so some of each paycheck goes straight to your savings account. That way, you don’t have to put in a lot of effort to save money—you can just sit back and watch that savings grow!\n3. Buy generic.\nHey, I don’t mind if you’re a brand snob about a few things. I won’t sit up here and tell you that Great Value Twist & Shouts taste the same as Nabisco Oreos. But please know, a ton of name brands are\nexactly the same\nas the generic—except the name brand paid more for marketing. And that means\nyou’re\npaying more for a fancy logo.\nTry out\ngeneric brands\nof staple food items and nonfood basics, like medicines, cleaning supplies and paper products.\n4. Stay out of “that store.”\nWhen you’re learning how to save money, don’t even think about putting yourself in a tempting environment. We all have “that store”—the one that encourages us to get all spendy and stuff. For me, it’s Home Goods. For you, it’s (fill in the blank).\nKnow it. Own it. Avoid it! And then, replace that shopping trip with something else fun, like baking cookies with the family. That way, you still enjoy yourself without risking those pricey purchases.\n5. Cancel some subscriptions and memberships.\nIf you want to save money each month, pick one\nTV streaming service\nto cancel. Just one.\nThen do a quick audit and see what else you can cut. If that subscription or membership isn’t changing your life and you’d rather have that money in your bank account, cancel it. Remember, most of these cuts are just temporary while you get that cash stacked.\nBy the way, it’s easy to find any hidden subscriptions when you budget with EveryDollar. I’ll tell you more about that in the final tip on this list!\n6. Join gas rewards programs.\nSome grocery stores offer gas rewards programs. Um, a\ndiscount on gas\nfor buying groceries you have to buy anyway? Say less. Just make sure you’re not signing up for any rewards programs linked to a credit card. You’re trying to save money—not go into debt, okay?\n7. Meal plan.\nThe hardest budget line to keep in line? Food. The best way to\nsave money on food\n? Meal plan. (Every breakfast, lunch, dinner and even snack!)\nBuild your meal plan based on:\nWhat’s already in the fridge, freezer and pantry (don’t waste food!)\nYour schedule (need quick dinners for busy nights?)\nWhat’s on sale (pick recipes with ingredients that are on sale)\nRecipes with fewer ingredients (less is more here—more savings, that is)\nThen make a grocery list—and stick to it. For real. Say goodbye to wasted food and drive-thru temptations and hello to legit money savings.\nBy the way, you can check out my free\nWhat’s for Dinner Guide\n for tips, recipes and helpful downloads that will make meal planning easier.\n8. Use cash-back apps and coupons.\nUse coupons. You can clip them from actual paper or click them in an app, but this is money just waiting to be saved. Don’t sleep on it.\nThen go one step further and check out\ncash-back apps\n to save even more on stuff you’re already going to buy. (Just don’t get talked into buying things you don’t need because of a deal—that’s not a deal. At all.)\n9. Get a library card.\nBefore you click Add to Cart on that brand-new book, get yourself a library card. And if you’re more into audiobooks or e-books, download an app like Libby that connects to your library so you can check out those versions on your phone or tablet.\n10. Pack your lunch.\nGet this—the average household spends about $3,639 on food \noutside\n \nof\nthe home each year.\n1\n That’s $303 a month! And you know some of that is spent going out for lunch during the workday. Learn some\ncheap lunch ideas\nand pack your midday meal instead—it’s a great way to save money and eat healthier.\n11. Stop eating out.\nAre y’all ready for me to level up that last challenge? What if you stopped eating out\ncompletely\n? I know, I’m trying your life right now. But look—it’s not for forever. It’s just for a season. You could pack that $303 into your savings each month and hit your goals\nway\nquicker.\nAlso, if you’re in debt, this is the\nfirst\nluxury I need you to cut. And you won’t even have to skip out on your favorites. You know you can make more—and\nbetter\n—pizza at the house for way less anyway.\n12. Switch your cell phone plan.\nWhen was the last time you shopped around for better\ncell phone deals\n? It’s time.\nSee what other providers offer. Then take what you learn to\nyour\nprovider and see if they’ll give you a deal to stick with them. If not, and you aren’t in a contract with a time frame, go ahead and make that switch.\n13. Skip the coffee shop.\nThis one gets said so much some of you are rolling your eyes—but if you’ve got a big coffee shop habit, you can save big by becoming your own barista. And when you do go out for a treat, learn some coffee shop hacks so you aren’t paying full price for your fancy caffeine fix.\n14. Use the cash envelope system (aka cash stuffing).\nStep away from the plastic. In fact, go ahead and take the credit\nand\ndebit cards\nout\nof your wallet. If you really want to get serious about saving, start using the\ncash envelope system\nto practice mindful spending.\nWhen you use cash, it activates the pain centers of your brain, creating more friction for every purchase.\n2\nSimply put, when you spend cash, you\nfeel\nit.\nAnd that helps you spend less—which means you save more.\n15. Reduce energy costs.\nIf you’re looking for easy ways to\nsave money on your electric bill\n, make a few tweaks at home.\nStart with some simple things, like taking shorter showers (notice I didn’t say\nfewer\nshowers), fixing that toilet that runs continuously, washing your clothes in cold water, and turning the lights off when you leave a room. You’ll be shocked at how these small changes can really add up.\n16. DIY . . . everything!\nBefore you shell out the cash to pay for a new backsplash, bench or fancy light fixture, think about doing it yourself. Usually, the cost of materials and a simple YouTube search will save you a ton of money here.\nI’ll be honest—your girl is not crafty in any way, shape or form, so I’ll probably just wait until I can afford to pay a pro. But if projects are your thing, check out this\nlist of 16 home projects\nyou can probably tackle yourself.\n17. Carpool.\nOkay, I know the idea of carpooling might make your skin crawl, but if you’ve got some trustworthy coworkers who live close to you, you can save a lot of gas money—and wear and tear on your car—by taking turns driving each other to work.\n18. Try a no-spend month.\nLet’s be honest: If you’re in the midst of trying to pay off debt or save money, every month should be a\nno-spend month\n. Keeping a needs-based, no-fluff budget for 30 days at a time can save hundreds if not\nthousands\nfor some!\nBecause that’s what a no-spend month is—you commit to cutting out those nonessentials for one month.\nJust make sure you know your parameters from day one (what you will and won’t buy). And do yourself a favor: Get an accountability partner or have a friend take the challenge with you. It seriously helps.\n19. Adjust your tax withholdings.\nListen, if you’re getting huge tax refunds each year, that means you’ve been loaning the government money every month\nwithout interest\n.\nI don’t think so—homey don’t play that. It’s time to\nadjust your tax withholding\ns. Put that money back into your monthly budget.\n20. Check your insurance rates.\nWhy is this a money-saving tip?\nYou could be overpaying or be underinsured. Both of those can cost you big. This isn’t an excuse to cut insurances, but it\nis\nan excuse to take our\nCoverage Checkup\nto make sure you’ve got the exact coverage\nyou\nneed.\n21. Learn the power of\nno\n(or\nnot now\n).\nWe live in a world of instant gratification. Food from our favorite restaurants— boom! At our door in an hour or less. The show you want to binge—ready for you to hit play \nnow\n. The ads on social media say you need this, that \nand \nthe other. And with the swipe of your finger, it’s at your doorstep. We’re just a couple clicks away from nearly instantly satisfying our desires for anything.\nBut if you’ll delay some of that gratification by using the magic of \nno\n—or in some cases, \nnot now\n—you’ll\nsave so much money\n,\n build better spending habits, and feel more contentment overall. Savings with a side of mental and emotional health? Yes, please.\n22. Say goodbye to debt.\nI’m not the only one who says\nditching your debt\nis a top tip for saving money. But even if I was, I’d still shout it from the rooftops, because I’ve\nlived\nthis.\nMy husband and I paid off $460,000 in debt. (You read that right.) And getting that weight\noff\nour backs and\nout\nof our lives meant\nfirst\ndeciding to\nstop\nborrowing money. Because borrowed money, aka debt, straight up steals your income.\nI mean, look at how much money debt is taking from the average American each month:\nAverage student loan payment: \n$393\n3\nAverage credit card payment (based on a 2% minimum payment): \n$116.10\n4\nAverage new car payment: \n$726\n5\nTotal: \n$1,235.10\nImagine throwing $1,235.10 toward your savings goals instead of toward your past.\nEvery month.\nAnd that's just three kinds of debt and some national averages there. Now look at \nyour \ndebt. What would you get back in the budget if it was\ngone\n? Paying off debt takes time and effort—and sometimes means finding ways to\nmake extra money\n—but keep your eye on how much you’ll save and the freedom you’ll feel when you finally get to pay yourself instead of paying debt.\n23. Make a budget.\nA budget is just a plan for your money. Think of it as a map to get you to your money goals. And you \nneed\n a budget.\nBecause here’s the thing—if you follow every single one of these tips on\nhow to save money\nbut you don’t have a budget . . . you’re playing yourself. You’ll end up \naccidentally \nspending everything you \nintentionally\n saved. Simply because you didn’t have a plan!\nWe’ve all been there, so let’s level up.\nI need you to \nmake a budget\n \ntoday\n to see where you are with your money—and then keep making one every single month to get where you want to be.\nMake it easier on yourself and download our\nEveryDollar budgeting app\n. EveryDollar does more than just help you track your spending and manage your money—it actually helps you find more margin every month! Just download the app, answer a few questions, and we’ll build you a plan to free up thousands in margin to put toward your goals.\nAnd remember those hidden expenses and subscriptions I talked about earlier? Well, guess what: They can’t hide when you budget. Set up automatic transactions so your expenses stream straight into EveryDollar. You’ll just drag and drop them into the right budget line. Then you’ll clearly see all your spending and can decide to cut anything you don’t need or use! That’s a huge money-saving tip right there.\nStart EveryDollar for free right now!\nThis calculator is just the beginning. What you really need is a monthly budget.\nCheck out EveryDollar.\nFor free. Today.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to Main Content](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#main)\n\n[![Ramsey Solutions](https:\/\/cdn.ramseysolutions.net\/media\/rscom\/logos\/flat-blue-50-ramsey-logo.svg) ![Ramsey Solutions](https:\/\/cdn.ramseysolutions.net\/media\/rscom\/logos\/flat-blue-50-ramsey-logo.svg)](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/)\n\n[Sign In](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/sign-in)  [Sign In](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/sign-in)\n\n- Money\n  Money\n  \n  - - **Get a Plan for Your Money**\n    - [The 7 Baby Steps](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/dave-ramsey-7-baby-steps)\n    - [EveryDollar Budget App](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/money\/everydollar)\n    - [Financial Peace University](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/money\/financial-peace)\n    - [Talk to a Coach](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/money\/everydollar\/features#coaching)\n    - **Getting Started**\n    - [Get Started Assessment](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/get-started)\n    - [Get Out of Debt](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/debt\/debt-101)\n    \n    - **Articles & Guides**\n    - [Debt Articles](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/debt)\n    - [Savings Articles](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/saving)\n    - [Budgeting Articles](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting)\n    - [See All Money Resources](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/money)\n    - **Tools**\n    - [Debt Snowball Calculator](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/debt\/debt-calculator)\n    - [Budget Calculator](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/budget-calculator)\n    \n    - **Events**\n    - [The Ramsey Show LIVE](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/events\/the-ramsey-show-live)\n    - [Live Like No One Else Cruise](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/events\/live-like-no-one-else-cruise)\n    - [Free Live Budgeting Training](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/money\/everydollar\/intro-to-everydollar)\n    - [See All Events](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/events)\n    - **For Students**\n    - [Ramsey Education Curriculum](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/education)\n    - [College Savings Calculator](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/saving\/college-savings-calculator)\n    \n    - **Taxes**\n    - [Tax Services](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/taxes)\n    - [Tax Guide](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/taxes\/tax-guide)\n    - [Tax Pro or Self-File? 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Please try again.\n***\n- [Set a savings goal.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_0)\n- [Set up direct deposits to go into savings.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_1)\n- [Buy generic.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_2)\n- [Stay out of “that store.”](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_3)\n- [Cancel some subscriptions and memberships.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_4)\n- [Join gas rewards programs.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_5)\n- [Meal plan.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_6)\n- [Use cash-back apps and coupons.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_7)\n- [Get a library card.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_8)\n- [Pack your lunch.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_9)\n- [Stop eating out.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_10)\n- [Switch your cell phone plan.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_11)\n- [Skip the coffee shop.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_12)\n- [Use the cash envelope system (aka cash stuffing).](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_13)\n- [Reduce energy costs.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_14)\n- [DIY . . . everything\\!](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_15)\n- [Carpool.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_16)\n- [Try a no-spend month.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_17)\n- [Adjust your tax withholdings.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_18)\n- [Check your insurance rates.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_19)\n- [Learn the power of no (or not now).](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_20)\n- [Say goodbye to debt.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_21)\n- [Make a budget.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_22)\n\n[Money](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/money#feed-content)\n\n[Saving](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/money?category=saving#feed-content)\n# How to Save Money: 23 Ways to Start Today\n11 MIN READ \\| AUG 13, 2025\n\n![Jade Warshaw](https:\/\/cdn2.ramseysolutions.net\/dynamic\/daveramsey.com\/media\/personalities\/headshots\/personality-jade-warshaw.jpg\/48w.jpg) By  [Jade Warshaw](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#authorbio)\n\n![How to Save Money: 23 Ways to Start Today](https:\/\/cdn.ramseysolutions.net\/media\/blog\/budgeting\/spending\/how-to-save-money-in-2024.jpg)\n\nSave\n\nShare\n\nLink copied\\!\n\nUnable to copy link. Please try again.\n***\n### In This Article\n- [Set a savings goal.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_0)\n- [Set up direct deposits to go into savings.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_1)\n- [Buy generic.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_2)\n- [Stay out of “that store.”](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_3)\n- [Cancel some subscriptions and memberships.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_4)\n- [Join gas rewards programs.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_5)\n- [Meal plan.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_6)\n- [Use cash-back apps and coupons.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_7)\n- [Get a library card.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_8)\n- [Pack your lunch.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_9)\n- [Stop eating out.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_10)\n- [Switch your cell phone plan.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_11)\n- [Skip the coffee shop.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_12)\n- [Use the cash envelope system (aka cash stuffing).](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_13)\n- [Reduce energy costs.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_14)\n- [DIY . . . everything\\!](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_15)\n- [Carpool.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_16)\n- [Try a no-spend month.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_17)\n- [Adjust your tax withholdings.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_18)\n- [Check your insurance rates.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_19)\n- [Learn the power of no (or not now).](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_20)\n- [Say goodbye to debt.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_21)\n- [Make a budget.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_22)\n\n### Key Takeaways\n- **Start with clear goals and automation**. Setting a specific savings goal and automatic deposits helps you save consistently without overthinking it.\n- **Cut everyday spending intentionally**. Small lifestyle changes like meal planning, buying generic, packing lunches, and avoiding impulse-shopping stores can help you get a rein on expenses.\n- **Eliminate hidden costs and rethink habits**. Cancel unused subscriptions, switch to cheaper service plans, and use tools like budgeting apps to uncover where your money is really going.\n- **Budgeting is the foundation of saving**. A monthly budget tells your money where to go (instead of wondering where it went).\n\nHere’s your crash course on how to start saving money. Like right now. And listen, [even small changes](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/saving\/how-to-save-money-fast) can make a big difference. So, jump in and take these 23 simple tips to the bank. Literally.\n\n## 1\\. Set a savings goal.\nSometimes the best way to save money is by [setting a savings goal](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/how-one-man-is-saving-40000-this-year)—a specific dollar amount with a set deadline. You can try the [100 Envelope Challenge](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/saving\/100-envelope-challenge) to hit a \\$5,050 goal or use our [Savings Tracker](https:\/\/cdn.ramseysolutions.net\/media\/blog\/budgeting\/ramsey-solutions-savings-tracker.pdf) and fill in whatever amount *you* want.\n\n## 2\\. Set up direct deposits to go into savings.\nSet up your direct deposit so some of each paycheck goes straight to your savings account. That way, you don’t have to put in a lot of effort to save money—you can just sit back and watch that savings grow\\!\n\n## 3\\. Buy generic.\nHey, I don’t mind if you’re a brand snob about a few things. I won’t sit up here and tell you that Great Value Twist & Shouts taste the same as Nabisco Oreos. But please know, a ton of name brands are *exactly the same* as the generic—except the name brand paid more for marketing. And that means *you’re* paying more for a fancy logo.\n\nTry out [generic brands](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/items-you-should-buy-generic) of staple food items and nonfood basics, like medicines, cleaning supplies and paper products.\n\n## 4\\. Stay out of “that store.”\nWhen you’re learning how to save money, don’t even think about putting yourself in a tempting environment. We all have “that store”—the one that encourages us to get all spendy and stuff. For me, it’s Home Goods. For you, it’s (fill in the blank).\n\nKnow it. Own it. Avoid it! And then, replace that shopping trip with something else fun, like baking cookies with the family. That way, you still enjoy yourself without risking those pricey purchases.\n\n## 5\\. Cancel some subscriptions and memberships.\nIf you want to save money each month, pick one [TV streaming service](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/best-streaming-services) to cancel. Just one.\n\nThen do a quick audit and see what else you can cut. If that subscription or membership isn’t changing your life and you’d rather have that money in your bank account, cancel it. Remember, most of these cuts are just temporary while you get that cash stacked.\n\nBy the way, it’s easy to find any hidden subscriptions when you budget with EveryDollar. I’ll tell you more about that in the final tip on this list\\!\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.ramseysolutions.net\/media\/everydollar\/2025\/articles\/ads\/Budgeting.png)](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/money\/everydollar)\n\n### Put More Breathing Room in Your Budget\nMoney feeling tight? Not anymore. The EveryDollar budgeting app helps you free up thousands of dollars you didn’t know you had—in minutes.\n\n[Start for Free](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/money\/everydollar)\n\n## 6\\. Join gas rewards programs.\nSome grocery stores offer gas rewards programs. Um, a [discount on gas](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/gas-saving-tips) for buying groceries you have to buy anyway? Say less. Just make sure you’re not signing up for any rewards programs linked to a credit card. You’re trying to save money—not go into debt, okay?\n\n## 7\\. Meal plan.\nThe hardest budget line to keep in line? Food. The best way to [save money on food](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/ways-to-save-on-groceries)? Meal plan. (Every breakfast, lunch, dinner and even snack!)\n\nBuild your meal plan based on:\n\n- What’s already in the fridge, freezer and pantry (don’t waste food!)\n- Your schedule (need quick dinners for busy nights?)\n- What’s on sale (pick recipes with ingredients that are on sale)\n- Recipes with fewer ingredients (less is more here—more savings, that is)\n\nThen make a grocery list—and stick to it. For real. Say goodbye to wasted food and drive-thru temptations and hello to legit money savings.\n\nBy the way, you can check out my free [What’s for Dinner Guide](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/whats-for-dinner-guide) for tips, recipes and helpful downloads that will make meal planning easier.\n\n## 8\\. Use cash-back apps and coupons.\n\nUse coupons. You can clip them from actual paper or click them in an app, but this is money just waiting to be saved. Don’t sleep on it.\n\nThen go one step further and check out [cash-back apps](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/saving\/apps-to-make-money) to save even more on stuff you’re already going to buy. (Just don’t get talked into buying things you don’t need because of a deal—that’s not a deal. At all.)\n\n## 9\\. Get a library card.\nBefore you click Add to Cart on that brand-new book, get yourself a library card. And if you’re more into audiobooks or e-books, download an app like Libby that connects to your library so you can check out those versions on your phone or tablet.\n\n## 10\\. Pack your lunch.\nGet this—the average household spends about \\$3,639 on food *outside* *of* the home each year.[1](https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/news.release\/cesan.nr0.htm) That’s \\$303 a month! And you know some of that is spent going out for lunch during the workday. Learn some [cheap lunch ideas](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/cheap-lunch-ideas) and pack your midday meal instead—it’s a great way to save money and eat healthier.\n\n## 11\\. Stop eating out.\nAre y’all ready for me to level up that last challenge? What if you stopped eating out *completely*? I know, I’m trying your life right now. But look—it’s not for forever. It’s just for a season. You could pack that \\$303 into your savings each month and hit your goals *way* quicker.\n\nAlso, if you’re in debt, this is the *first* luxury I need you to cut. And you won’t even have to skip out on your favorites. You know you can make more—and *better*—pizza at the house for way less anyway.\n\n## 12\\. Switch your cell phone plan.\nWhen was the last time you shopped around for better [cell phone deals](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/trim-down-your-cell-phone-bill)? It’s time.\n\nSee what other providers offer. Then take what you learn to *your* provider and see if they’ll give you a deal to stick with them. If not, and you aren’t in a contract with a time frame, go ahead and make that switch.\n\n## 13\\. Skip the coffee shop.\nThis one gets said so much some of you are rolling your eyes—but if you’ve got a big coffee shop habit, you can save big by becoming your own barista. And when you do go out for a treat, learn some coffee shop hacks so you aren’t paying full price for your fancy caffeine fix.\n\n## 14\\. Use the cash envelope system (aka cash stuffing).\nStep away from the plastic. In fact, go ahead and take the credit *and* debit cards *out* of your wallet. If you really want to get serious about saving, start using the [cash envelope system](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/envelope-system-explained) to practice mindful spending.\n\nWhen you use cash, it activates the pain centers of your brain, creating more friction for every purchase.[2](https:\/\/papers.ssrn.com\/sol3\/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2901808) Simply put, when you spend cash, you *feel* it.And that helps you spend less—which means you save more.\n\n## 15\\. Reduce energy costs.\nIf you’re looking for easy ways to [save money on your electric bill](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/how-to-lower-electric-bill), make a few tweaks at home.\n\nStart with some simple things, like taking shorter showers (notice I didn’t say *fewer* showers), fixing that toilet that runs continuously, washing your clothes in cold water, and turning the lights off when you leave a room. You’ll be shocked at how these small changes can really add up.\n\n## 16\\. DIY . . . everything\\!\nBefore you shell out the cash to pay for a new backsplash, bench or fancy light fixture, think about doing it yourself. Usually, the cost of materials and a simple YouTube search will save you a ton of money here.\n\nI’ll be honest—your girl is not crafty in any way, shape or form, so I’ll probably just wait until I can afford to pay a pro. But if projects are your thing, check out this [list of 16 home projects](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/real-estate\/home-renovations) you can probably tackle yourself.\n\n## 17\\. Carpool.\nOkay, I know the idea of carpooling might make your skin crawl, but if you’ve got some trustworthy coworkers who live close to you, you can save a lot of gas money—and wear and tear on your car—by taking turns driving each other to work.\n\n## 18\\. Try a no-spend month.\nLet’s be honest: If you’re in the midst of trying to pay off debt or save money, every month should be a [no-spend month](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/no-spend-month). Keeping a needs-based, no-fluff budget for 30 days at a time can save hundreds if not *thousands* for some\\!\n\nBecause that’s what a no-spend month is—you commit to cutting out those nonessentials for one month.\n\nJust make sure you know your parameters from day one (what you will and won’t buy). And do yourself a favor: Get an accountability partner or have a friend take the challenge with you. It seriously helps.\n\n## 19\\. Adjust your tax withholdings.\nListen, if you’re getting huge tax refunds each year, that means you’ve been loaning the government money every month *without interest*.I don’t think so—homey don’t play that. It’s time to [adjust your tax withholding](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/taxes\/how-to-calculate-tax-withholdings)s. Put that money back into your monthly budget.\n\n## 20\\. Check your insurance rates.\nWhy is this a money-saving tip?You could be overpaying or be underinsured. Both of those can cost you big. This isn’t an excuse to cut insurances, but it *is* an excuse to take our [Coverage Checkup](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/insurance\/coverage-checkup) to make sure you’ve got the exact coverage *you* need.\n\n## 21\\. Learn the power of *no* (or *not now*).\nWe live in a world of instant gratification. Food from our favorite restaurants— boom! At our door in an hour or less. The show you want to binge—ready for you to hit play *now*. The ads on social media say you need this, that *and* the other. And with the swipe of your finger, it’s at your doorstep. We’re just a couple clicks away from nearly instantly satisfying our desires for anything.\n\nBut if you’ll delay some of that gratification by using the magic of *no*—or in some cases, *not now*—you’ll [save so much money](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/saving\/summer-cash-savings-plan)*,* build better spending habits, and feel more contentment overall. Savings with a side of mental and emotional health? Yes, please.\n\n## 22\\. Say goodbye to debt.\nI’m not the only one who says [ditching your debt](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/debt\/how-to-pay-off-debt) is a top tip for saving money. But even if I was, I’d still shout it from the rooftops, because I’ve *lived* this.\n\nMy husband and I paid off \\$460,000 in debt. (You read that right.) And getting that weight *off* our backs and *out* of our lives meant *first* deciding to *stop* borrowing money. Because borrowed money, aka debt, straight up steals your income.\n\nI mean, look at how much money debt is taking from the average American each month:\n\n- **Average student loan payment:** \\$393[3](https:\/\/www.federalreserve.gov\/publications\/2017-economic-well-being-of-us-households-in-2016-education-debt-loans.htm)\n- **Average credit card payment (based on a 2% minimum payment):** \\$116.10[4](https:\/\/newsroom.transunion.com\/q4-2022-ciir\/)\n- **Average new car payment:** \\$726[5](https:\/\/www.experianplc.com\/newsroom\/press-releases\/2023\/the-average-amount-financed-for-new-and-used-vehicles-decreased-)\n- **Total:** \\$1,235.10\n\nImagine throwing \\$1,235.10 toward your savings goals instead of toward your past.Every month.\n\nAnd that's just three kinds of debt and some national averages there. Now look at *your* debt. What would you get back in the budget if it was *gone*? Paying off debt takes time and effort—and sometimes means finding ways to [make extra money](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/saving\/how-to-earn-extra-money-in-the-gig-economy)—but keep your eye on how much you’ll save and the freedom you’ll feel when you finally get to pay yourself instead of paying debt.\n\n## 23\\. Make a budget.\nA budget is just a plan for your money. Think of it as a map to get you to your money goals. And you *need* a budget.\n\nBecause here’s the thing—if you follow every single one of these tips on [how to save money](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/saving\/save-100-to-1000-minimal-effort) but you don’t have a budget . . . you’re playing yourself. You’ll end up *accidentally* spending everything you *intentionally* saved. Simply because you didn’t have a plan\\!\n\nWe’ve all been there, so let’s level up.\n\nI need you to [make a budget](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/how-to-make-a-budget) *today* to see where you are with your money—and then keep making one every single month to get where you want to be.\n\nMake it easier on yourself and download our [EveryDollar budgeting app](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/money\/everydollar). EveryDollar does more than just help you track your spending and manage your money—it actually helps you find more margin every month! Just download the app, answer a few questions, and we’ll build you a plan to free up thousands in margin to put toward your goals.\n\nAnd remember those hidden expenses and subscriptions I talked about earlier? Well, guess what: They can’t hide when you budget. Set up automatic transactions so your expenses stream straight into EveryDollar. You’ll just drag and drop them into the right budget line. Then you’ll clearly see all your spending and can decide to cut anything you don’t need or use! That’s a huge money-saving tip right there.\n\n[Start EveryDollar for free right now\\!](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/money\/everydollar)\n\n# Budget CalculatorEnter your income and the calculator will show the national averages for most budget categories as a starting point. A few of these are recommendations (like giving). Most just reflect average spending (like debt). Don't have debt? Yay! Move that money to your current money goal.\n## Income\nMonthly Income (after taxes)\n\n## Expenses\nGiving\n\nSavings\n\nFood\n\nUtilities\n\nHousing\n\nTransportation\n\nInsurance\n\nHousehold Items\n\nDebt\n\nRetirement\n\nPersonal and Entertainment\n\nOther\n\n## Difference\n\\$0.00\n\n### Total Expenses\n\\$0.00\n\nThis calculator is just the beginning. What you really need is a monthly budget. [Check out EveryDollar.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/money\/everydollar) For free. Today.\n### Get Weekly Insights Delivered Straight to Your Inbox\n#### Did you find this article helpful? Share it\\!\n[![Jade Warshaw](https:\/\/cdn2.ramseysolutions.net\/dynamic\/daveramsey.com\/media\/personalities\/headshots\/personality-jade-warshaw.jpg\/120w.jpg)](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/jade-warshaw)\n\nAbout the author\n\nJade Warshaw\n\nJade Warshaw is a personal finance coach, bestselling author of Money’s Not a Math Problem, and regular co-host on The Ramsey Show, the second-largest talk radio show in America. Jade and her husband paid off nearly half a million dollars of debt, and now she’s a six-figure debt elimination expert who uses her journey to help others get out of debt and take control of their money. She’s appeared on CNBC, Fox News and Cheddar News and been featured in Fortune and POLITICO magazines. Through her social content, recent book, syndicated columns and speaking events, Jade is on a mission to change the typical American money mindset.  [Learn More.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/jade-warshaw)\n\n[More Articles From Jade Warshaw](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/articles?search=author-jade-warshaw)\n\n![Ask Ramsey](https:\/\/cdn.ramseysolutions.net\/media\/blog\/article-template\/ask-ramsey-header.svg)\n\nGet proven Ramsey answers fast.\n\n**We're sorry but this site doesn't work properly without JavaScript enabled. Please enable it to continue.**\n\nHow do I set a realistic savings goal?\n\nWhat should I include in my budget?\n\nCan you explain how to track my subscriptions?\n\nBy continuing on our site, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies as explained in our Privacy Policy, and agree to our Terms of Use. [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/company\/policies\/privacy-policy#tracking-preferences) and [Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/company\/policies\/terms-of-use).\n\n[![Ramsey Solutions](https:\/\/cdn.ramseysolutions.net\/media\/rscom\/logos\/flat-blue-50-ramsey-logo.svg)](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/)\n\n- [Get Started](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/get-started)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/company\/careers)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/help.ramseysolutions.com\/hc\/en-us)\n- [Newsletter](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/newsletter)\n- [Newsroom](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/company\/newsroom)\n- [Ramsey Press](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/company\/ramsey-press)\n- [About](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/about)\n\n- [Debit Card Policy](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/company\/policies\/debit-card-policy)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/company\/policies\/privacy-policy)\n- [Your Privacy Rights](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/company\/policies\/privacy-policy#ccpa)\n- [Do Not Sell or Share](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/company\/policies\/privacy-policy#do-not-track)\n- [Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/company\/policies\/terms-of-use)\n- [Accessibility](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/company\/policies\/accessibility)\n- [Editorial Guidelines](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/company\/policies\/editorial-guidelines)\n\n©2026 Lampo Licensing, LLC. All rights reserved.","attrs_readable_markdown":"Here’s your crash course on how to start saving money. Like right now. And listen, [even small changes](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/saving\/how-to-save-money-fast) can make a big difference. So, jump in and take these 23 simple tips to the bank. Literally.\n\n1\\. Set a savings goal.\n\nSometimes the best way to save money is by [setting a savings goal](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/how-one-man-is-saving-40000-this-year)—a specific dollar amount with a set deadline. You can try the [100 Envelope Challenge](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/saving\/100-envelope-challenge) to hit a \\$5,050 goal or use our [Savings Tracker](https:\/\/cdn.ramseysolutions.net\/media\/blog\/budgeting\/ramsey-solutions-savings-tracker.pdf) and fill in whatever amount *you* want.\n\n2\\. Set up direct deposits to go into savings.\n\nSet up your direct deposit so some of each paycheck goes straight to your savings account. That way, you don’t have to put in a lot of effort to save money—you can just sit back and watch that savings grow\\!\n\n3\\. Buy generic.\n\nHey, I don’t mind if you’re a brand snob about a few things. I won’t sit up here and tell you that Great Value Twist & Shouts taste the same as Nabisco Oreos. But please know, a ton of name brands are *exactly the same* as the generic—except the name brand paid more for marketing. And that means *you’re* paying more for a fancy logo.\n\nTry out [generic brands](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/items-you-should-buy-generic) of staple food items and nonfood basics, like medicines, cleaning supplies and paper products.\n\n4\\. Stay out of “that store.”\n\nWhen you’re learning how to save money, don’t even think about putting yourself in a tempting environment. We all have “that store”—the one that encourages us to get all spendy and stuff. For me, it’s Home Goods. For you, it’s (fill in the blank).\n\nKnow it. Own it. Avoid it! And then, replace that shopping trip with something else fun, like baking cookies with the family. That way, you still enjoy yourself without risking those pricey purchases.\n\n5\\. Cancel some subscriptions and memberships.\n\nIf you want to save money each month, pick one [TV streaming service](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/best-streaming-services) to cancel. Just one.\n\nThen do a quick audit and see what else you can cut. If that subscription or membership isn’t changing your life and you’d rather have that money in your bank account, cancel it. Remember, most of these cuts are just temporary while you get that cash stacked.\n\nBy the way, it’s easy to find any hidden subscriptions when you budget with EveryDollar. I’ll tell you more about that in the final tip on this list\\!\n\n6\\. Join gas rewards programs.\n\nSome grocery stores offer gas rewards programs. Um, a [discount on gas](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/gas-saving-tips) for buying groceries you have to buy anyway? Say less. Just make sure you’re not signing up for any rewards programs linked to a credit card. You’re trying to save money—not go into debt, okay?\n\n7\\. Meal plan.\n\nThe hardest budget line to keep in line? Food. The best way to [save money on food](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/ways-to-save-on-groceries)? Meal plan. (Every breakfast, lunch, dinner and even snack!)\n\nBuild your meal plan based on:\n\n- What’s already in the fridge, freezer and pantry (don’t waste food!)\n- Your schedule (need quick dinners for busy nights?)\n- What’s on sale (pick recipes with ingredients that are on sale)\n- Recipes with fewer ingredients (less is more here—more savings, that is)\n\nThen make a grocery list—and stick to it. For real. Say goodbye to wasted food and drive-thru temptations and hello to legit money savings.\n\nBy the way, you can check out my free [What’s for Dinner Guide](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/whats-for-dinner-guide) for tips, recipes and helpful downloads that will make meal planning easier.\n\n8\\. Use cash-back apps and coupons.\n\nUse coupons. You can clip them from actual paper or click them in an app, but this is money just waiting to be saved. Don’t sleep on it.\n\nThen go one step further and check out [cash-back apps](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/saving\/apps-to-make-money) to save even more on stuff you’re already going to buy. (Just don’t get talked into buying things you don’t need because of a deal—that’s not a deal. At all.)\n\n9\\. Get a library card.\n\nBefore you click Add to Cart on that brand-new book, get yourself a library card. And if you’re more into audiobooks or e-books, download an app like Libby that connects to your library so you can check out those versions on your phone or tablet.\n\n10\\. Pack your lunch.\n\nGet this—the average household spends about \\$3,639 on food *outside* *of* the home each year.[1](https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/news.release\/cesan.nr0.htm) That’s \\$303 a month! And you know some of that is spent going out for lunch during the workday. Learn some [cheap lunch ideas](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/cheap-lunch-ideas) and pack your midday meal instead—it’s a great way to save money and eat healthier.\n\n11\\. Stop eating out.\n\nAre y’all ready for me to level up that last challenge? What if you stopped eating out *completely*? I know, I’m trying your life right now. But look—it’s not for forever. It’s just for a season. You could pack that \\$303 into your savings each month and hit your goals *way* quicker.\n\nAlso, if you’re in debt, this is the *first* luxury I need you to cut. And you won’t even have to skip out on your favorites. You know you can make more—and *better*—pizza at the house for way less anyway.\n\n12\\. Switch your cell phone plan.\n\nWhen was the last time you shopped around for better [cell phone deals](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/trim-down-your-cell-phone-bill)? It’s time.\n\nSee what other providers offer. Then take what you learn to *your* provider and see if they’ll give you a deal to stick with them. If not, and you aren’t in a contract with a time frame, go ahead and make that switch.\n\n13\\. Skip the coffee shop.\n\nThis one gets said so much some of you are rolling your eyes—but if you’ve got a big coffee shop habit, you can save big by becoming your own barista. And when you do go out for a treat, learn some coffee shop hacks so you aren’t paying full price for your fancy caffeine fix.\n\n14\\. Use the cash envelope system (aka cash stuffing).\n\nStep away from the plastic. In fact, go ahead and take the credit *and* debit cards *out* of your wallet. If you really want to get serious about saving, start using the [cash envelope system](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/envelope-system-explained) to practice mindful spending.\n\nWhen you use cash, it activates the pain centers of your brain, creating more friction for every purchase.[2](https:\/\/papers.ssrn.com\/sol3\/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2901808) Simply put, when you spend cash, you *feel* it.And that helps you spend less—which means you save more.\n\n15\\. Reduce energy costs.\n\nIf you’re looking for easy ways to [save money on your electric bill](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/how-to-lower-electric-bill), make a few tweaks at home.\n\nStart with some simple things, like taking shorter showers (notice I didn’t say *fewer* showers), fixing that toilet that runs continuously, washing your clothes in cold water, and turning the lights off when you leave a room. You’ll be shocked at how these small changes can really add up.\n\n16\\. DIY . . . everything\\!\n\nBefore you shell out the cash to pay for a new backsplash, bench or fancy light fixture, think about doing it yourself. Usually, the cost of materials and a simple YouTube search will save you a ton of money here.\n\nI’ll be honest—your girl is not crafty in any way, shape or form, so I’ll probably just wait until I can afford to pay a pro. But if projects are your thing, check out this [list of 16 home projects](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/real-estate\/home-renovations) you can probably tackle yourself.\n\n17\\. Carpool.\n\nOkay, I know the idea of carpooling might make your skin crawl, but if you’ve got some trustworthy coworkers who live close to you, you can save a lot of gas money—and wear and tear on your car—by taking turns driving each other to work.\n\n18\\. Try a no-spend month.\n\nLet’s be honest: If you’re in the midst of trying to pay off debt or save money, every month should be a [no-spend month](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/no-spend-month). Keeping a needs-based, no-fluff budget for 30 days at a time can save hundreds if not *thousands* for some\\!\n\nBecause that’s what a no-spend month is—you commit to cutting out those nonessentials for one month.\n\nJust make sure you know your parameters from day one (what you will and won’t buy). And do yourself a favor: Get an accountability partner or have a friend take the challenge with you. It seriously helps.\n\n19\\. Adjust your tax withholdings.\n\nListen, if you’re getting huge tax refunds each year, that means you’ve been loaning the government money every month *without interest*.I don’t think so—homey don’t play that. It’s time to [adjust your tax withholding](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/taxes\/how-to-calculate-tax-withholdings)s. Put that money back into your monthly budget.\n\n20\\. Check your insurance rates.\n\nWhy is this a money-saving tip?You could be overpaying or be underinsured. Both of those can cost you big. This isn’t an excuse to cut insurances, but it *is* an excuse to take our [Coverage Checkup](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/insurance\/coverage-checkup) to make sure you’ve got the exact coverage *you* need.\n\n21\\. Learn the power of *no* (or *not now*).\n\nWe live in a world of instant gratification. Food from our favorite restaurants— boom! At our door in an hour or less. The show you want to binge—ready for you to hit play *now*. The ads on social media say you need this, that *and* the other. And with the swipe of your finger, it’s at your doorstep. We’re just a couple clicks away from nearly instantly satisfying our desires for anything.\n\nBut if you’ll delay some of that gratification by using the magic of *no*—or in some cases, *not now*—you’ll [save so much money](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/saving\/summer-cash-savings-plan)*,* build better spending habits, and feel more contentment overall. Savings with a side of mental and emotional health? Yes, please.\n\n22\\. Say goodbye to debt.\n\nI’m not the only one who says [ditching your debt](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/debt\/how-to-pay-off-debt) is a top tip for saving money. But even if I was, I’d still shout it from the rooftops, because I’ve *lived* this.\n\nMy husband and I paid off \\$460,000 in debt. (You read that right.) And getting that weight *off* our backs and *out* of our lives meant *first* deciding to *stop* borrowing money. Because borrowed money, aka debt, straight up steals your income.\n\nI mean, look at how much money debt is taking from the average American each month:\n\n- **Average student loan payment:** \\$393[3](https:\/\/www.federalreserve.gov\/publications\/2017-economic-well-being-of-us-households-in-2016-education-debt-loans.htm)\n- **Average credit card payment (based on a 2% minimum payment):** \\$116.10[4](https:\/\/newsroom.transunion.com\/q4-2022-ciir\/)\n- **Average new car payment:** \\$726[5](https:\/\/www.experianplc.com\/newsroom\/press-releases\/2023\/the-average-amount-financed-for-new-and-used-vehicles-decreased-)\n- **Total:** \\$1,235.10\n\nImagine throwing \\$1,235.10 toward your savings goals instead of toward your past.Every month.\n\nAnd that's just three kinds of debt and some national averages there. Now look at *your* debt. What would you get back in the budget if it was *gone*? Paying off debt takes time and effort—and sometimes means finding ways to [make extra money](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/saving\/how-to-earn-extra-money-in-the-gig-economy)—but keep your eye on how much you’ll save and the freedom you’ll feel when you finally get to pay yourself instead of paying debt.\n\n23\\. Make a budget.\n\nA budget is just a plan for your money. Think of it as a map to get you to your money goals. And you *need* a budget.\n\nBecause here’s the thing—if you follow every single one of these tips on [how to save money](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/saving\/save-100-to-1000-minimal-effort) but you don’t have a budget . . . you’re playing yourself. You’ll end up *accidentally* spending everything you *intentionally* saved. Simply because you didn’t have a plan\\!\n\nWe’ve all been there, so let’s level up.\n\nI need you to [make a budget](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/budgeting\/how-to-make-a-budget) *today* to see where you are with your money—and then keep making one every single month to get where you want to be.\n\nMake it easier on yourself and download our [EveryDollar budgeting app](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/money\/everydollar). EveryDollar does more than just help you track your spending and manage your money—it actually helps you find more margin every month! Just download the app, answer a few questions, and we’ll build you a plan to free up thousands in margin to put toward your goals.\n\nAnd remember those hidden expenses and subscriptions I talked about earlier? Well, guess what: They can’t hide when you budget. Set up automatic transactions so your expenses stream straight into EveryDollar. You’ll just drag and drop them into the right budget line. Then you’ll clearly see all your spending and can decide to cut anything you don’t need or use! That’s a huge money-saving tip right there.\n\n[Start EveryDollar for free right now\\!](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/money\/everydollar)\n\nThis calculator is just the beginning. What you really need is a monthly budget. [Check out EveryDollar.](https:\/\/www.ramseysolutions.com\/money\/everydollar) For free. Today.","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	How to Save Money: 23 Ways to Start Today - Ramsey
Meta Description	Here’s your crash course on how to start saving money. Like right now. And listen, even small changes can make a big difference.
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Boilerpipe Text	Here’s your crash course on how to start saving money. Like right now. And listen, even small changes can make a big difference. So, jump in and take these 23 simple tips to the bank. Literally. 1. Set a savings goal. Sometimes the best way to save money is by setting a savings goal —a specific dollar amount with a set deadline. You can try the 100 Envelope Challenge to hit a $5,050 goal or use our Savings Tracker and fill in whatever amount you want. 2. Set up direct deposits to go into savings. Set up your direct deposit so some of each paycheck goes straight to your savings account. That way, you don’t have to put in a lot of effort to save money—you can just sit back and watch that savings grow! 3. Buy generic. Hey, I don’t mind if you’re a brand snob about a few things. I won’t sit up here and tell you that Great Value Twist & Shouts taste the same as Nabisco Oreos. But please know, a ton of name brands are exactly the same as the generic—except the name brand paid more for marketing. And that means you’re paying more for a fancy logo. Try out generic brands of staple food items and nonfood basics, like medicines, cleaning supplies and paper products. 4. Stay out of “that store.” When you’re learning how to save money, don’t even think about putting yourself in a tempting environment. We all have “that store”—the one that encourages us to get all spendy and stuff. For me, it’s Home Goods. For you, it’s (fill in the blank). Know it. Own it. Avoid it! And then, replace that shopping trip with something else fun, like baking cookies with the family. That way, you still enjoy yourself without risking those pricey purchases. 5. Cancel some subscriptions and memberships. If you want to save money each month, pick one TV streaming service to cancel. Just one. Then do a quick audit and see what else you can cut. If that subscription or membership isn’t changing your life and you’d rather have that money in your bank account, cancel it. Remember, most of these cuts are just temporary while you get that cash stacked. By the way, it’s easy to find any hidden subscriptions when you budget with EveryDollar. I’ll tell you more about that in the final tip on this list! 6. Join gas rewards programs. Some grocery stores offer gas rewards programs. Um, a discount on gas for buying groceries you have to buy anyway? Say less. Just make sure you’re not signing up for any rewards programs linked to a credit card. You’re trying to save money—not go into debt, okay? 7. Meal plan. The hardest budget line to keep in line? Food. The best way to save money on food ? Meal plan. (Every breakfast, lunch, dinner and even snack!) Build your meal plan based on: What’s already in the fridge, freezer and pantry (don’t waste food!) Your schedule (need quick dinners for busy nights?) What’s on sale (pick recipes with ingredients that are on sale) Recipes with fewer ingredients (less is more here—more savings, that is) Then make a grocery list—and stick to it. For real. Say goodbye to wasted food and drive-thru temptations and hello to legit money savings. By the way, you can check out my free What’s for Dinner Guide for tips, recipes and helpful downloads that will make meal planning easier. 8. Use cash-back apps and coupons. Use coupons. You can clip them from actual paper or click them in an app, but this is money just waiting to be saved. Don’t sleep on it. Then go one step further and check out cash-back apps to save even more on stuff you’re already going to buy. (Just don’t get talked into buying things you don’t need because of a deal—that’s not a deal. At all.) 9. Get a library card. Before you click Add to Cart on that brand-new book, get yourself a library card. And if you’re more into audiobooks or e-books, download an app like Libby that connects to your library so you can check out those versions on your phone or tablet. 10. Pack your lunch. Get this—the average household spends about $3,639 on food outside of the home each year. 1 That’s $303 a month! And you know some of that is spent going out for lunch during the workday. Learn some cheap lunch ideas and pack your midday meal instead—it’s a great way to save money and eat healthier. 11. Stop eating out. Are y’all ready for me to level up that last challenge? What if you stopped eating out completely ? I know, I’m trying your life right now. But look—it’s not for forever. It’s just for a season. You could pack that $303 into your savings each month and hit your goals way quicker. Also, if you’re in debt, this is the first luxury I need you to cut. And you won’t even have to skip out on your favorites. You know you can make more—and better —pizza at the house for way less anyway. 12. Switch your cell phone plan. When was the last time you shopped around for better cell phone deals ? It’s time. See what other providers offer. Then take what you learn to your provider and see if they’ll give you a deal to stick with them. If not, and you aren’t in a contract with a time frame, go ahead and make that switch. 13. Skip the coffee shop. This one gets said so much some of you are rolling your eyes—but if you’ve got a big coffee shop habit, you can save big by becoming your own barista. And when you do go out for a treat, learn some coffee shop hacks so you aren’t paying full price for your fancy caffeine fix. 14. Use the cash envelope system (aka cash stuffing). Step away from the plastic. In fact, go ahead and take the credit and debit cards out of your wallet. If you really want to get serious about saving, start using the cash envelope system to practice mindful spending. When you use cash, it activates the pain centers of your brain, creating more friction for every purchase. 2 Simply put, when you spend cash, you feel it. And that helps you spend less—which means you save more. 15. Reduce energy costs. If you’re looking for easy ways to save money on your electric bill , make a few tweaks at home. Start with some simple things, like taking shorter showers (notice I didn’t say fewer showers), fixing that toilet that runs continuously, washing your clothes in cold water, and turning the lights off when you leave a room. You’ll be shocked at how these small changes can really add up. 16. DIY . . . everything! Before you shell out the cash to pay for a new backsplash, bench or fancy light fixture, think about doing it yourself. Usually, the cost of materials and a simple YouTube search will save you a ton of money here. I’ll be honest—your girl is not crafty in any way, shape or form, so I’ll probably just wait until I can afford to pay a pro. But if projects are your thing, check out this list of 16 home projects you can probably tackle yourself. 17. Carpool. Okay, I know the idea of carpooling might make your skin crawl, but if you’ve got some trustworthy coworkers who live close to you, you can save a lot of gas money—and wear and tear on your car—by taking turns driving each other to work. 18. Try a no-spend month. Let’s be honest: If you’re in the midst of trying to pay off debt or save money, every month should be a no-spend month . Keeping a needs-based, no-fluff budget for 30 days at a time can save hundreds if not thousands for some! Because that’s what a no-spend month is—you commit to cutting out those nonessentials for one month. Just make sure you know your parameters from day one (what you will and won’t buy). And do yourself a favor: Get an accountability partner or have a friend take the challenge with you. It seriously helps. 19. Adjust your tax withholdings. Listen, if you’re getting huge tax refunds each year, that means you’ve been loaning the government money every month without interest . I don’t think so—homey don’t play that. It’s time to adjust your tax withholding s. Put that money back into your monthly budget. 20. Check your insurance rates. Why is this a money-saving tip? You could be overpaying or be underinsured. Both of those can cost you big. This isn’t an excuse to cut insurances, but it is an excuse to take our Coverage Checkup to make sure you’ve got the exact coverage you need. 21. Learn the power of no (or not now ). We live in a world of instant gratification. Food from our favorite restaurants— boom! At our door in an hour or less. The show you want to binge—ready for you to hit play now . The ads on social media say you need this, that and the other. And with the swipe of your finger, it’s at your doorstep. We’re just a couple clicks away from nearly instantly satisfying our desires for anything. But if you’ll delay some of that gratification by using the magic of no —or in some cases, not now —you’ll save so much money , build better spending habits, and feel more contentment overall. Savings with a side of mental and emotional health? Yes, please. 22. Say goodbye to debt. I’m not the only one who says ditching your debt is a top tip for saving money. But even if I was, I’d still shout it from the rooftops, because I’ve lived this. My husband and I paid off $460,000 in debt. (You read that right.) And getting that weight off our backs and out of our lives meant first deciding to stop borrowing money. Because borrowed money, aka debt, straight up steals your income. I mean, look at how much money debt is taking from the average American each month: Average student loan payment: $393 3 Average credit card payment (based on a 2% minimum payment): $116.10 4 Average new car payment: $726 5 Total: $1,235.10 Imagine throwing $1,235.10 toward your savings goals instead of toward your past. Every month. And that's just three kinds of debt and some national averages there. Now look at your debt. What would you get back in the budget if it was gone ? Paying off debt takes time and effort—and sometimes means finding ways to make extra money —but keep your eye on how much you’ll save and the freedom you’ll feel when you finally get to pay yourself instead of paying debt. 23. Make a budget. A budget is just a plan for your money. Think of it as a map to get you to your money goals. And you need a budget. Because here’s the thing—if you follow every single one of these tips on how to save money but you don’t have a budget . . . you’re playing yourself. You’ll end up accidentally spending everything you intentionally saved. Simply because you didn’t have a plan! We’ve all been there, so let’s level up. I need you to make a budget today to see where you are with your money—and then keep making one every single month to get where you want to be. Make it easier on yourself and download our EveryDollar budgeting app . EveryDollar does more than just help you track your spending and manage your money—it actually helps you find more margin every month! Just download the app, answer a few questions, and we’ll build you a plan to free up thousands in margin to put toward your goals. And remember those hidden expenses and subscriptions I talked about earlier? Well, guess what: They can’t hide when you budget. Set up automatic transactions so your expenses stream straight into EveryDollar. You’ll just drag and drop them into the right budget line. Then you’ll clearly see all your spending and can decide to cut anything you don’t need or use! That’s a huge money-saving tip right there. Start EveryDollar for free right now! This calculator is just the beginning. What you really need is a monthly budget. Check out EveryDollar. For free. Today.
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Please try again. * - [Set a savings goal.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_0) - [Set up direct deposits to go into savings.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_1) - [Buy generic.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_2) - [Stay out of “that store.”](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_3) - [Cancel some subscriptions and memberships.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_4) - [Join gas rewards programs.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_5) - [Meal plan.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_6) - [Use cash-back apps and coupons.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_7) - [Get a library card.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_8) - [Pack your lunch.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_9) - [Stop eating out.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_10) - [Switch your cell phone plan.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_11) - [Skip the coffee shop.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_12) - [Use the cash envelope system (aka cash stuffing).](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_13) - [Reduce energy costs.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_14) - [DIY . . . everything\!](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_15) - [Carpool.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_16) - [Try a no-spend month.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_17) - [Adjust your tax withholdings.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_18) - [Check your insurance rates.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_19) - [Learn the power of no (or not now).](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_20) - [Say goodbye to debt.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_21) - [Make a budget.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_22) [Money](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/money#feed-content) [Saving](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/money?category=saving#feed-content) # How to Save Money: 23 Ways to Start Today 11 MIN READ \\| AUG 13, 2025 ![Jade Warshaw](https://cdn2.ramseysolutions.net/dynamic/daveramsey.com/media/personalities/headshots/personality-jade-warshaw.jpg/48w.jpg) By [Jade Warshaw](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#authorbio) ![How to Save Money: 23 Ways to Start Today](https://cdn.ramseysolutions.net/media/blog/budgeting/spending/how-to-save-money-in-2024.jpg) Save Share Link copied\! Unable to copy link. Please try again. * ### In This Article - [Set a savings goal.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_0) - [Set up direct deposits to go into savings.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_1) - [Buy generic.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_2) - [Stay out of “that store.”](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_3) - [Cancel some subscriptions and memberships.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_4) - [Join gas rewards programs.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_5) - [Meal plan.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_6) - [Use cash-back apps and coupons.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_7) - [Get a library card.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_8) - [Pack your lunch.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_9) - [Stop eating out.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_10) - [Switch your cell phone plan.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_11) - [Skip the coffee shop.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_12) - [Use the cash envelope system (aka cash stuffing).](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_13) - [Reduce energy costs.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_14) - [DIY . . . everything\!](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_15) - [Carpool.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_16) - [Try a no-spend month.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_17) - [Adjust your tax withholdings.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_18) - [Check your insurance rates.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_19) - [Learn the power of no (or not now).](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_20) - [Say goodbye to debt.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_21) - [Make a budget.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/the-secret-to-saving-money#heading_22) ### Key Takeaways - Start with clear goals and automation. Setting a specific savings goal and automatic deposits helps you save consistently without overthinking it. - Cut everyday spending intentionally. Small lifestyle changes like meal planning, buying generic, packing lunches, and avoiding impulse-shopping stores can help you get a rein on expenses. - Eliminate hidden costs and rethink habits. Cancel unused subscriptions, switch to cheaper service plans, and use tools like budgeting apps to uncover where your money is really going. - Budgeting is the foundation of saving. A monthly budget tells your money where to go (instead of wondering where it went). Here’s your crash course on how to start saving money. Like right now. And listen, [even small changes](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/saving/how-to-save-money-fast) can make a big difference. So, jump in and take these 23 simple tips to the bank. Literally. ## 1\. Set a savings goal. Sometimes the best way to save money is by [setting a savings goal](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/how-one-man-is-saving-40000-this-year)—a specific dollar amount with a set deadline. You can try the [100 Envelope Challenge](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/saving/100-envelope-challenge) to hit a \$5,050 goal or use our [Savings Tracker](https://cdn.ramseysolutions.net/media/blog/budgeting/ramsey-solutions-savings-tracker.pdf) and fill in whatever amount you want. ## 2\. Set up direct deposits to go into savings. Set up your direct deposit so some of each paycheck goes straight to your savings account. That way, you don’t have to put in a lot of effort to save money—you can just sit back and watch that savings grow\! ## 3\. Buy generic. Hey, I don’t mind if you’re a brand snob about a few things. I won’t sit up here and tell you that Great Value Twist & Shouts taste the same as Nabisco Oreos. But please know, a ton of name brands are exactly the same as the generic—except the name brand paid more for marketing. And that means you’re paying more for a fancy logo. Try out [generic brands](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/items-you-should-buy-generic) of staple food items and nonfood basics, like medicines, cleaning supplies and paper products. ## 4\. Stay out of “that store.” When you’re learning how to save money, don’t even think about putting yourself in a tempting environment. We all have “that store”—the one that encourages us to get all spendy and stuff. For me, it’s Home Goods. For you, it’s (fill in the blank). Know it. Own it. Avoid it! And then, replace that shopping trip with something else fun, like baking cookies with the family. That way, you still enjoy yourself without risking those pricey purchases. ## 5\. Cancel some subscriptions and memberships. If you want to save money each month, pick one [TV streaming service](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/best-streaming-services) to cancel. Just one. Then do a quick audit and see what else you can cut. If that subscription or membership isn’t changing your life and you’d rather have that money in your bank account, cancel it. Remember, most of these cuts are just temporary while you get that cash stacked. By the way, it’s easy to find any hidden subscriptions when you budget with EveryDollar. I’ll tell you more about that in the final tip on this list\! [![](https://cdn.ramseysolutions.net/media/everydollar/2025/articles/ads/Budgeting.png)](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/money/everydollar) ### Put More Breathing Room in Your Budget Money feeling tight? Not anymore. The EveryDollar budgeting app helps you free up thousands of dollars you didn’t know you had—in minutes. [Start for Free](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/money/everydollar) ## 6\. Join gas rewards programs. Some grocery stores offer gas rewards programs. Um, a [discount on gas](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/gas-saving-tips) for buying groceries you have to buy anyway? Say less. Just make sure you’re not signing up for any rewards programs linked to a credit card. You’re trying to save money—not go into debt, okay? ## 7\. Meal plan. The hardest budget line to keep in line? Food. The best way to [save money on food](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/ways-to-save-on-groceries)? Meal plan. (Every breakfast, lunch, dinner and even snack!) Build your meal plan based on: - What’s already in the fridge, freezer and pantry (don’t waste food!) - Your schedule (need quick dinners for busy nights?) - What’s on sale (pick recipes with ingredients that are on sale) - Recipes with fewer ingredients (less is more here—more savings, that is) Then make a grocery list—and stick to it. For real. Say goodbye to wasted food and drive-thru temptations and hello to legit money savings. By the way, you can check out my free [What’s for Dinner Guide](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/whats-for-dinner-guide) for tips, recipes and helpful downloads that will make meal planning easier. ## 8\. Use cash-back apps and coupons. Use coupons. You can clip them from actual paper or click them in an app, but this is money just waiting to be saved. Don’t sleep on it. Then go one step further and check out [cash-back apps](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/saving/apps-to-make-money) to save even more on stuff you’re already going to buy. (Just don’t get talked into buying things you don’t need because of a deal—that’s not a deal. At all.) ## 9\. Get a library card. Before you click Add to Cart on that brand-new book, get yourself a library card. And if you’re more into audiobooks or e-books, download an app like Libby that connects to your library so you can check out those versions on your phone or tablet. ## 10\. Pack your lunch. Get this—the average household spends about \$3,639 on food outside of the home each year.[1](https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cesan.nr0.htm) That’s \$303 a month! And you know some of that is spent going out for lunch during the workday. Learn some [cheap lunch ideas](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/cheap-lunch-ideas) and pack your midday meal instead—it’s a great way to save money and eat healthier. ## 11\. Stop eating out. Are y’all ready for me to level up that last challenge? What if you stopped eating out completely? I know, I’m trying your life right now. But look—it’s not for forever. It’s just for a season. You could pack that \$303 into your savings each month and hit your goals way quicker. Also, if you’re in debt, this is the first luxury I need you to cut. And you won’t even have to skip out on your favorites. You know you can make more—and better—pizza at the house for way less anyway. ## 12\. Switch your cell phone plan. When was the last time you shopped around for better [cell phone deals](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/trim-down-your-cell-phone-bill)? It’s time. See what other providers offer. Then take what you learn to your provider and see if they’ll give you a deal to stick with them. If not, and you aren’t in a contract with a time frame, go ahead and make that switch. ## 13\. Skip the coffee shop. This one gets said so much some of you are rolling your eyes—but if you’ve got a big coffee shop habit, you can save big by becoming your own barista. And when you do go out for a treat, learn some coffee shop hacks so you aren’t paying full price for your fancy caffeine fix. ## 14\. Use the cash envelope system (aka cash stuffing). Step away from the plastic. In fact, go ahead and take the credit and debit cards out of your wallet. If you really want to get serious about saving, start using the [cash envelope system](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/envelope-system-explained) to practice mindful spending. When you use cash, it activates the pain centers of your brain, creating more friction for every purchase.[2](https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2901808) Simply put, when you spend cash, you feel it.And that helps you spend less—which means you save more. ## 15\. Reduce energy costs. If you’re looking for easy ways to [save money on your electric bill](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/how-to-lower-electric-bill), make a few tweaks at home. Start with some simple things, like taking shorter showers (notice I didn’t say fewer showers), fixing that toilet that runs continuously, washing your clothes in cold water, and turning the lights off when you leave a room. You’ll be shocked at how these small changes can really add up. ## 16\. DIY . . . everything\! Before you shell out the cash to pay for a new backsplash, bench or fancy light fixture, think about doing it yourself. Usually, the cost of materials and a simple YouTube search will save you a ton of money here. I’ll be honest—your girl is not crafty in any way, shape or form, so I’ll probably just wait until I can afford to pay a pro. But if projects are your thing, check out this [list of 16 home projects](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/real-estate/home-renovations) you can probably tackle yourself. ## 17\. Carpool. Okay, I know the idea of carpooling might make your skin crawl, but if you’ve got some trustworthy coworkers who live close to you, you can save a lot of gas money—and wear and tear on your car—by taking turns driving each other to work. ## 18\. Try a no-spend month. Let’s be honest: If you’re in the midst of trying to pay off debt or save money, every month should be a [no-spend month](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/no-spend-month). Keeping a needs-based, no-fluff budget for 30 days at a time can save hundreds if not thousands for some\! Because that’s what a no-spend month is—you commit to cutting out those nonessentials for one month. Just make sure you know your parameters from day one (what you will and won’t buy). And do yourself a favor: Get an accountability partner or have a friend take the challenge with you. It seriously helps. ## 19\. Adjust your tax withholdings. Listen, if you’re getting huge tax refunds each year, that means you’ve been loaning the government money every month without interest.I don’t think so—homey don’t play that. It’s time to [adjust your tax withholding](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/taxes/how-to-calculate-tax-withholdings)s. Put that money back into your monthly budget. ## 20\. Check your insurance rates. Why is this a money-saving tip?You could be overpaying or be underinsured. Both of those can cost you big. This isn’t an excuse to cut insurances, but it is an excuse to take our [Coverage Checkup](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/insurance/coverage-checkup) to make sure you’ve got the exact coverage you need. ## 21\. Learn the power of no (or not now). We live in a world of instant gratification. Food from our favorite restaurants— boom! At our door in an hour or less. The show you want to binge—ready for you to hit play now. The ads on social media say you need this, that and the other. And with the swipe of your finger, it’s at your doorstep. We’re just a couple clicks away from nearly instantly satisfying our desires for anything. But if you’ll delay some of that gratification by using the magic of no—or in some cases, not now—you’ll [save so much money](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/saving/summer-cash-savings-plan), build better spending habits, and feel more contentment overall. Savings with a side of mental and emotional health? Yes, please. ## 22\. Say goodbye to debt. I’m not the only one who says [ditching your debt](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/how-to-pay-off-debt) is a top tip for saving money. But even if I was, I’d still shout it from the rooftops, because I’ve lived this. My husband and I paid off \$460,000 in debt. (You read that right.) And getting that weight off our backs and out of our lives meant first deciding to stop borrowing money. Because borrowed money, aka debt, straight up steals your income. I mean, look at how much money debt is taking from the average American each month: - Average student loan payment: \$393[3](https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/2017-economic-well-being-of-us-households-in-2016-education-debt-loans.htm) - Average credit card payment (based on a 2% minimum payment): \$116.10[4](https://newsroom.transunion.com/q4-2022-ciir/) - Average new car payment: \$726[5](https://www.experianplc.com/newsroom/press-releases/2023/the-average-amount-financed-for-new-and-used-vehicles-decreased-) - Total: \$1,235.10 Imagine throwing \$1,235.10 toward your savings goals instead of toward your past.Every month. And that's just three kinds of debt and some national averages there. Now look at your debt. What would you get back in the budget if it was gone? Paying off debt takes time and effort—and sometimes means finding ways to [make extra money](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/saving/how-to-earn-extra-money-in-the-gig-economy)—but keep your eye on how much you’ll save and the freedom you’ll feel when you finally get to pay yourself instead of paying debt. ## 23\. Make a budget. A budget is just a plan for your money. Think of it as a map to get you to your money goals. And you need a budget. Because here’s the thing—if you follow every single one of these tips on [how to save money](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/saving/save-100-to-1000-minimal-effort) but you don’t have a budget . . . you’re playing yourself. You’ll end up accidentally spending everything you intentionally saved. Simply because you didn’t have a plan\! We’ve all been there, so let’s level up. I need you to [make a budget](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/how-to-make-a-budget) today to see where you are with your money—and then keep making one every single month to get where you want to be. Make it easier on yourself and download our [EveryDollar budgeting app](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/money/everydollar). EveryDollar does more than just help you track your spending and manage your money—it actually helps you find more margin every month! Just download the app, answer a few questions, and we’ll build you a plan to free up thousands in margin to put toward your goals. And remember those hidden expenses and subscriptions I talked about earlier? Well, guess what: They can’t hide when you budget. Set up automatic transactions so your expenses stream straight into EveryDollar. You’ll just drag and drop them into the right budget line. Then you’ll clearly see all your spending and can decide to cut anything you don’t need or use! That’s a huge money-saving tip right there. [Start EveryDollar for free right now\!](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/money/everydollar) # Budget CalculatorEnter your income and the calculator will show the national averages for most budget categories as a starting point. A few of these are recommendations (like giving). Most just reflect average spending (like debt). Don't have debt? Yay! Move that money to your current money goal. ## Income Monthly Income (after taxes) ## Expenses Giving Savings Food Utilities Housing Transportation Insurance Household Items Debt Retirement Personal and Entertainment Other ## Difference \$0.00 ### Total Expenses \$0.00 This calculator is just the beginning. What you really need is a monthly budget. [Check out EveryDollar.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/money/everydollar) For free. Today. ### Get Weekly Insights Delivered Straight to Your Inbox #### Did you find this article helpful? Share it\! [![Jade Warshaw](https://cdn2.ramseysolutions.net/dynamic/daveramsey.com/media/personalities/headshots/personality-jade-warshaw.jpg/120w.jpg)](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/jade-warshaw) About the author Jade Warshaw Jade Warshaw is a personal finance coach, bestselling author of Money’s Not a Math Problem, and regular co-host on The Ramsey Show, the second-largest talk radio show in America. Jade and her husband paid off nearly half a million dollars of debt, and now she’s a six-figure debt elimination expert who uses her journey to help others get out of debt and take control of their money. She’s appeared on CNBC, Fox News and Cheddar News and been featured in Fortune and POLITICO magazines. Through her social content, recent book, syndicated columns and speaking events, Jade is on a mission to change the typical American money mindset. [Learn More.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/jade-warshaw) [More Articles From Jade Warshaw](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/articles?search=author-jade-warshaw) ![Ask Ramsey](https://cdn.ramseysolutions.net/media/blog/article-template/ask-ramsey-header.svg) Get proven Ramsey answers fast. We're sorry but this site doesn't work properly without JavaScript enabled. Please enable it to continue. How do I set a realistic savings goal? What should I include in my budget? Can you explain how to track my subscriptions? By continuing on our site, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies as explained in our Privacy Policy, and agree to our Terms of Use. [Privacy Policy](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/company/policies/privacy-policy#tracking-preferences) and [Terms of Use](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/company/policies/terms-of-use). 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Readable Markdown	Here’s your crash course on how to start saving money. Like right now. And listen, [even small changes](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/saving/how-to-save-money-fast) can make a big difference. So, jump in and take these 23 simple tips to the bank. Literally. 1\. Set a savings goal. Sometimes the best way to save money is by [setting a savings goal](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/how-one-man-is-saving-40000-this-year)—a specific dollar amount with a set deadline. You can try the [100 Envelope Challenge](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/saving/100-envelope-challenge) to hit a \$5,050 goal or use our [Savings Tracker](https://cdn.ramseysolutions.net/media/blog/budgeting/ramsey-solutions-savings-tracker.pdf) and fill in whatever amount you want. 2\. Set up direct deposits to go into savings. Set up your direct deposit so some of each paycheck goes straight to your savings account. That way, you don’t have to put in a lot of effort to save money—you can just sit back and watch that savings grow\! 3\. Buy generic. Hey, I don’t mind if you’re a brand snob about a few things. I won’t sit up here and tell you that Great Value Twist & Shouts taste the same as Nabisco Oreos. But please know, a ton of name brands are exactly the same as the generic—except the name brand paid more for marketing. And that means you’re paying more for a fancy logo. Try out [generic brands](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/items-you-should-buy-generic) of staple food items and nonfood basics, like medicines, cleaning supplies and paper products. 4\. Stay out of “that store.” When you’re learning how to save money, don’t even think about putting yourself in a tempting environment. We all have “that store”—the one that encourages us to get all spendy and stuff. For me, it’s Home Goods. For you, it’s (fill in the blank). Know it. Own it. Avoid it! And then, replace that shopping trip with something else fun, like baking cookies with the family. That way, you still enjoy yourself without risking those pricey purchases. 5\. Cancel some subscriptions and memberships. If you want to save money each month, pick one [TV streaming service](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/best-streaming-services) to cancel. Just one. Then do a quick audit and see what else you can cut. If that subscription or membership isn’t changing your life and you’d rather have that money in your bank account, cancel it. Remember, most of these cuts are just temporary while you get that cash stacked. By the way, it’s easy to find any hidden subscriptions when you budget with EveryDollar. I’ll tell you more about that in the final tip on this list\! 6\. Join gas rewards programs. Some grocery stores offer gas rewards programs. Um, a [discount on gas](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/gas-saving-tips) for buying groceries you have to buy anyway? Say less. Just make sure you’re not signing up for any rewards programs linked to a credit card. You’re trying to save money—not go into debt, okay? 7\. Meal plan. The hardest budget line to keep in line? Food. The best way to [save money on food](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/ways-to-save-on-groceries)? Meal plan. (Every breakfast, lunch, dinner and even snack!) Build your meal plan based on: - What’s already in the fridge, freezer and pantry (don’t waste food!) - Your schedule (need quick dinners for busy nights?) - What’s on sale (pick recipes with ingredients that are on sale) - Recipes with fewer ingredients (less is more here—more savings, that is) Then make a grocery list—and stick to it. For real. Say goodbye to wasted food and drive-thru temptations and hello to legit money savings. By the way, you can check out my free [What’s for Dinner Guide](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/whats-for-dinner-guide) for tips, recipes and helpful downloads that will make meal planning easier. 8\. Use cash-back apps and coupons. Use coupons. You can clip them from actual paper or click them in an app, but this is money just waiting to be saved. Don’t sleep on it. Then go one step further and check out [cash-back apps](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/saving/apps-to-make-money) to save even more on stuff you’re already going to buy. (Just don’t get talked into buying things you don’t need because of a deal—that’s not a deal. At all.) 9\. Get a library card. Before you click Add to Cart on that brand-new book, get yourself a library card. And if you’re more into audiobooks or e-books, download an app like Libby that connects to your library so you can check out those versions on your phone or tablet. 10\. Pack your lunch. Get this—the average household spends about \$3,639 on food outside of the home each year.[1](https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cesan.nr0.htm) That’s \$303 a month! And you know some of that is spent going out for lunch during the workday. Learn some [cheap lunch ideas](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/cheap-lunch-ideas) and pack your midday meal instead—it’s a great way to save money and eat healthier. 11\. Stop eating out. Are y’all ready for me to level up that last challenge? What if you stopped eating out completely? I know, I’m trying your life right now. But look—it’s not for forever. It’s just for a season. You could pack that \$303 into your savings each month and hit your goals way quicker. Also, if you’re in debt, this is the first luxury I need you to cut. And you won’t even have to skip out on your favorites. You know you can make more—and better—pizza at the house for way less anyway. 12\. Switch your cell phone plan. When was the last time you shopped around for better [cell phone deals](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/trim-down-your-cell-phone-bill)? It’s time. See what other providers offer. Then take what you learn to your provider and see if they’ll give you a deal to stick with them. If not, and you aren’t in a contract with a time frame, go ahead and make that switch. 13\. Skip the coffee shop. This one gets said so much some of you are rolling your eyes—but if you’ve got a big coffee shop habit, you can save big by becoming your own barista. And when you do go out for a treat, learn some coffee shop hacks so you aren’t paying full price for your fancy caffeine fix. 14\. Use the cash envelope system (aka cash stuffing). Step away from the plastic. In fact, go ahead and take the credit and debit cards out of your wallet. If you really want to get serious about saving, start using the [cash envelope system](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/envelope-system-explained) to practice mindful spending. When you use cash, it activates the pain centers of your brain, creating more friction for every purchase.[2](https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2901808) Simply put, when you spend cash, you feel it.And that helps you spend less—which means you save more. 15\. Reduce energy costs. If you’re looking for easy ways to [save money on your electric bill](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/how-to-lower-electric-bill), make a few tweaks at home. Start with some simple things, like taking shorter showers (notice I didn’t say fewer showers), fixing that toilet that runs continuously, washing your clothes in cold water, and turning the lights off when you leave a room. You’ll be shocked at how these small changes can really add up. 16\. DIY . . . everything\! Before you shell out the cash to pay for a new backsplash, bench or fancy light fixture, think about doing it yourself. Usually, the cost of materials and a simple YouTube search will save you a ton of money here. I’ll be honest—your girl is not crafty in any way, shape or form, so I’ll probably just wait until I can afford to pay a pro. But if projects are your thing, check out this [list of 16 home projects](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/real-estate/home-renovations) you can probably tackle yourself. 17\. Carpool. Okay, I know the idea of carpooling might make your skin crawl, but if you’ve got some trustworthy coworkers who live close to you, you can save a lot of gas money—and wear and tear on your car—by taking turns driving each other to work. 18\. Try a no-spend month. Let’s be honest: If you’re in the midst of trying to pay off debt or save money, every month should be a [no-spend month](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/no-spend-month). Keeping a needs-based, no-fluff budget for 30 days at a time can save hundreds if not thousands for some\! Because that’s what a no-spend month is—you commit to cutting out those nonessentials for one month. Just make sure you know your parameters from day one (what you will and won’t buy). And do yourself a favor: Get an accountability partner or have a friend take the challenge with you. It seriously helps. 19\. Adjust your tax withholdings. Listen, if you’re getting huge tax refunds each year, that means you’ve been loaning the government money every month without interest.I don’t think so—homey don’t play that. It’s time to [adjust your tax withholding](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/taxes/how-to-calculate-tax-withholdings)s. Put that money back into your monthly budget. 20\. Check your insurance rates. Why is this a money-saving tip?You could be overpaying or be underinsured. Both of those can cost you big. This isn’t an excuse to cut insurances, but it is an excuse to take our [Coverage Checkup](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/insurance/coverage-checkup) to make sure you’ve got the exact coverage you need. 21\. Learn the power of no (or not now). We live in a world of instant gratification. Food from our favorite restaurants— boom! At our door in an hour or less. The show you want to binge—ready for you to hit play now. The ads on social media say you need this, that and the other. And with the swipe of your finger, it’s at your doorstep. We’re just a couple clicks away from nearly instantly satisfying our desires for anything. But if you’ll delay some of that gratification by using the magic of no—or in some cases, not now—you’ll [save so much money](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/saving/summer-cash-savings-plan), build better spending habits, and feel more contentment overall. Savings with a side of mental and emotional health? Yes, please. 22\. Say goodbye to debt. I’m not the only one who says [ditching your debt](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/debt/how-to-pay-off-debt) is a top tip for saving money. But even if I was, I’d still shout it from the rooftops, because I’ve lived this. My husband and I paid off \$460,000 in debt. (You read that right.) And getting that weight off our backs and out of our lives meant first deciding to stop borrowing money. Because borrowed money, aka debt, straight up steals your income. I mean, look at how much money debt is taking from the average American each month: - Average student loan payment: \$393[3](https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/2017-economic-well-being-of-us-households-in-2016-education-debt-loans.htm) - Average credit card payment (based on a 2% minimum payment): \$116.10[4](https://newsroom.transunion.com/q4-2022-ciir/) - Average new car payment: \$726[5](https://www.experianplc.com/newsroom/press-releases/2023/the-average-amount-financed-for-new-and-used-vehicles-decreased-) - Total: \$1,235.10 Imagine throwing \$1,235.10 toward your savings goals instead of toward your past.Every month. And that's just three kinds of debt and some national averages there. Now look at your debt. What would you get back in the budget if it was gone? Paying off debt takes time and effort—and sometimes means finding ways to [make extra money](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/saving/how-to-earn-extra-money-in-the-gig-economy)—but keep your eye on how much you’ll save and the freedom you’ll feel when you finally get to pay yourself instead of paying debt. 23\. Make a budget. A budget is just a plan for your money. Think of it as a map to get you to your money goals. And you need a budget. Because here’s the thing—if you follow every single one of these tips on [how to save money](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/saving/save-100-to-1000-minimal-effort) but you don’t have a budget . . . you’re playing yourself. You’ll end up accidentally spending everything you intentionally saved. Simply because you didn’t have a plan\! We’ve all been there, so let’s level up. I need you to [make a budget](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/how-to-make-a-budget) today to see where you are with your money—and then keep making one every single month to get where you want to be. Make it easier on yourself and download our [EveryDollar budgeting app](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/money/everydollar). EveryDollar does more than just help you track your spending and manage your money—it actually helps you find more margin every month! Just download the app, answer a few questions, and we’ll build you a plan to free up thousands in margin to put toward your goals. And remember those hidden expenses and subscriptions I talked about earlier? Well, guess what: They can’t hide when you budget. Set up automatic transactions so your expenses stream straight into EveryDollar. You’ll just drag and drop them into the right budget line. Then you’ll clearly see all your spending and can decide to cut anything you don’t need or use! That’s a huge money-saving tip right there. [Start EveryDollar for free right now\!](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/money/everydollar) This calculator is just the beginning. What you really need is a monthly budget. [Check out EveryDollar.](https://www.ramseysolutions.com/money/everydollar) For free. Today.
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