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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 198 (from laksa066)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa198.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.thestreet.com/personal-finance/money-saving-hacks-15104400\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.thestreet.com/personal-finance/money-saving-hacks-15104400\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/personal-finance\/money-saving-hacks-15104400","crawl_time":1776123720,"first_indexed_time":1569526505,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,thestreet!www,\/personal-finance\/money-saving-hacks-15104400 s443","src_root_hash":"16830918639483046198","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"20 Money Hacks to Help You Save More - TheStreet","meta_descriptions":["Use these top money savings hacks to pop more cash into your back pocket."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Americans are doing a less-than-stellar job of saving money — and that goes across the board.\nData\nfrom Bankrate\nshows that one in five U.S. adults aren’t saving any cash for retirement, financial emergencies, or other high-alert financial scenarios.\nReasons for that indifference to savings vary. Part of the problem could be income-related (Americans are living\npaycheck to paycheck\nand have no financial room for savings) or it could be that Americans’ financial priorities could be out of whack.\nOr, more likely, the reason for a low savings rate among the U.S. adult population is that consumers don’t have the right financial tools needed to save effectively for the long term.\nIn that event, some financial creativity and discipline tips are in order, with the deployment of these “Top 20” money-saving hacks to (literally) save the day.\nUse them all or use the ones you like — but get started with your long-term savings campaign with these top money-saving hacks.\n1. Pay Yourself First With Automatic Savings \nYou can’t miss the money if it’s never in your pocket. That’s the beauty of automated savings, where a financial consumer can set up a direct deposit transfer of a portion of his or her paycheck from checking to savings. Set up an automatic savings transfer on payday and start your money-saving campaign off on the right foot.\n2. Get a Spend Tracker and Use It Regularly\nMobile apps are a wonderful tool to save money — especially the apps that help you track your spending. There are\ndozens to choose from\n, but popular mobile phone spending and budgeting apps like\nMint\n, Acorns and Every Dollar can help you monitor your spending while helping you build a good household budget, too.\n3. Cut the Cord \nStreaming video services like Hulu and Netflix\n(\nNFLX\n)\nmake it easy to cut your cable bill and save potentially hundreds of dollars per month. You won’t miss either the TV shows on cable (you can get many of them via streaming services at a deep discount) and you won’t miss the big cable bills, either.\n4. Start Your Own Garden\nGrow your own vegetables in your back yard garden, and your own fruit if you live in a warm-weather locale. You’ll save money, get plenty of exercise and fresh air, and create a healthy new habit that you can enjoy for years.\n5. Get a Side Hustle \nDrive for Uber\n(\nUBER\n)\nor Lyft,\nstart a dog-walking service\n, start writing about your passions for money as a freelance writer, or create any other part-time side hustle. You’ll make some money, meet new people, and get a new outlook on life.\n6. Cut Those Credit Card Fees\nCurbing credit card fees can be as easy as getting on the phone with your plastic provider and asking for a better deal on card fees. Introductory fees and annual fees are among the charges you can cut with a simple phone call. Also, make sure you pay your bills on time to avoid onerous late fees — set up automatic payments before your card payment date to ensure prompt payment and avoid the\nworst kind of credit card fees\n.\n7. Use the “30 Day Rule”\nThis personal financial rule can come in handy in avoiding huge purchases you don’t really need. It’s a simple procedure – if you’re considering buying a big-ticket item, like a new $600 big-screen television or $500 watch, let the urge go for 30 days. After that time, the “impulse” to purchase vibe will likely dissipate, and you’ll have just saved yourself a big chunk of change.\n8. Hold a Yard Sale\nSummer is almost gone but the weather is still conducive to a good yard sale. Selling things you don’t need and cleaning your home up at the same time is very therapeutic. You’ll likely make good and easy cash by selling those golf clubs you don’t use or that box of old cell phones sitting in your desk drawer. You’d be surprised by how much money items like these can fetch and if you really like the feeling, start selling more stuff you don’t want on\nCraigslist\nor eBay\n(\nEBAY\n)\nfor more cash and cleanliness.\n9. Target Your Household Budget for Big Savings \nTaking dead aim at common spending areas, like dining out, shopping for groceries, buying lattes every day, or hiring a housekeeper can save substantial money. Try to cut 25% out of all your everyday household spending items and save hundreds of dollars a month. Extend the 25% rule to your utilities, mobile phone bill, and auto insurance and save more money on common household bills, as well.\n10. Save Your Spare Change \nDon’t take your loose change lightly. Instead of tossing those quarters, dimes and nickels in a desk drawer or in your pants pocket, get disciplined and start popping your spare change into a jar or piggy bank. At the end of the year, take that spare change to the bank and switch it up for real money (i.e., $10 and $20-dollar bills.) Again, you won’t miss the coins and you’ll have a nice cash cow waiting for you at the end of the year — all because you nickel and dime it on a regular basis.\n11. Drive Safer\nYou can save hundreds of dollars in auto insurance costs simply by being a better driver. Auto insurers routinely jack up insurance rates on drivers with traffic violations — the more severe (like speeding) the higher the rate increase. Slow down, be cautious on the road, and save more in auto insurance — up to 20% of your total bill in many cases.\n12. Have a “No Spend” Day \nIt really doesn’t matter the day or the week and you can have multiple “no spend” days a week. The goal is to go a full day without spending a penny on any item, or at least on excessive items. Yes, you may be forced to spend money on tolls to get to work but by and large, you really don’t have to spend any money if you don’t want or need to. Instead, eat what’s the in the fridge and brew your own coffee in the morning. Or, grab a beer at home from your own stash rather than hit happy hour with the gang. This hack also works on weekends, where the challenge grows more serious, given more free time. But if you can handle a “no spending day” on a Saturday, you can have a no spending day on any day of the week.\n13. Ditch Your Credit Cards\nNo, that doesn’t mean cutting your Visa\n(\nV\n)\ncard up with a pair of scissors. What it does mean is to stash your credit cards away in a safe place until you need a card for a financial emergency. In the meantime, with no card in your pocketbook or wallet, it’s nearly impossible to use it while you’re out and about.\n14. Create a Grocery List and Stick to It\nYes, this money-saving hack seems too obvious but the fact is, a grocery list works. Why? Because if you stick to the list and only buy what’s on it (and what you need) you’ll save on those onerous impulse items. Make the task easier with a mobile app like AnyList or Yummly that can easily categorize your shopping list for you.\n15. Go With the Store Brand Over the Premium Brand\nWhile you’re at the grocery store, get into the habit of buying the generic store brand products over the high-profile, but higher cost premium brand. Whether it’s peanut butter or cough medicine, you won’t know the difference and you can easily save 10% to 15% by sticking with generic grocery products.\n16. Paid Off a Big Bill? Keep Paying\nWhen you finish paying that $350 monthly auto loan bill or that $250 per-month college loan, go ahead and keep right on paying it every month — only this time to yourself. Look at it this way, you’ve already grown used to the big monthly payment and you’ve managed to make it work with your lifestyle. So why not keep paying that $350 payment, but instead of going to a car dealer, have it go to your bank savings or\nmoney market account\n? It’s a great way to save money and build wealth, and it doesn’t really impact your stand of living. More importantly, you’re $350 richer every month.\n17. Don’t Spend a Financial Windfall\nThere’s no law that says you have to take a financial windfall (like an inheritance or bonus at work) and spend it. Instead, why not steer it into your savings or retirement account, or even the stock market, and put that money to work for you. Ask a millionaire about the path to wealth and he or she will tell you that\npassive investing\n– making your cash work for you – is the path to profits.\n18. Do a “Daily Double” Deposit \nYou want to save $3,339.75 the easy way? Here’s the deal. Start the process by popping a nickel into a piggy bank or large empty jar today. Add an extra .5 cents per day to your daily contribution (without fail) and after 365 days you’ll have saved the $3,339.75. The beauty part? Your largest daily contribution is only $18.25.\n19. Take Out Your Cash Once at the Start of the Month \nAvoid pricey ATM fees and, at the same time, ditch your debit card for the month by taking all your spending money out of the ATM on the first day of the month. This move keeps a secure lid on spending and forces you to save your cash for your highest monthly expenditures — you’ll save hundreds of dollars doing so.\n20. Play the $5 game\nEveryone knows the drill. You pay for an item or two with a $20 bill and get a $5 bill back in your change back. Instead of spending it, put the $5 aside – every time you get a $5 bill. Do this over the course of the month and watch your proud little stash of $5 bills stack up. Then treat yourself to something nice at month-end, because you deserve it.\nIt’s never too late – or too early – to plan and invest for the retirement you deserve. Get more information and a free trial subscription to\nTheStreet’s Retirement Daily\nto learn more about saving for and living in retirement. Got questions about money, retirement and\/or investments? Email\nRobert.Powell@TheStreet.com\n.\nAbout the author","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/personal-finance\/money-saving-hacks-15104400#main-content)\n\nNewsletter\n\nSign in\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/.image\/NDA6MDAwMDAwMDAyNzUwMjg4\/thestreet-logo-1.svg?io=1&profile=w256)](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/.image\/NDA6MDAwMDAwMDAyNzUwMjg4\/thestreet-logo-1.svg?io=1&profile=w256)](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/)\n\n- [Tech](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/technology)\n- [Retail](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/retail)\n  Retail\n  \n  [All Retail](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/retail)[Travel](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/travel)[Restaurants](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/restaurants)[Automotive](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/automotive)\n  \n  [View post: McDonald’s makes a surprising menu shift in the 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tells customers major revamp is on the way](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/retail\/kohls-ceo-tells-customers-major-revamp-is-on-the-way)\n  \n  Read More\n  \n  [View post: Block stock explodes after Jack Dorsey makes a radical bet](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/investing\/stocks\/block-stock-explodes-after-jack-dorsey-makes-a-radical-bet)![Block stock explodes after Jack Dorsey makes a radical bet](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/.image\/NDA6MDAwMDAwMDAyODk4MTU5\/washington-dc-september-5-twitter-chief-executive-officer-jack-dorsey-testifies-during-a-house-committee-on-energy-and-commerce-hearing-about-twitters-transparency-and-accountability-on-capitol-hill-s.jpg?io=1&profile=w256&ar=1-1)\n  \n  [Block stock explodes after Jack Dorsey makes a radical bet](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/investing\/stocks\/block-stock-explodes-after-jack-dorsey-makes-a-radical-bet)\n  \n  Read More\n\nNewsletter\n\nSign in\n\n1. [Personal Finance](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/personal-finance)\n\n# 20 Money Hacks to Help You Save More\nSaving money is hard enough without having the right tools. Use these creative hacks to put more cash in your pocket.\n\nSep 26, 2019 3:29 PM EDT\n\n![](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/.image\/MTkyMjgyODk5NDgxODk2MTcy\/brian-oconnell-mugshot.jpg?io=1&profile=w256&ar=1-1)\n\nBy [Brian O’Connell](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/author\/brian-oconnell)\n\n0\n\n[Add us on](https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=thestreet.com)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/.image\/MTY3NTM5NjI2MTc4ODQ4MTM1\/20-money-hacks-to-help-you-save-more.jpg?io=1&profile=w2560&ar=4-3)\n\niStock\n\nRelated Articles\n\n[View post: Amazon's 'fast' \\$130 tablet and keyboard are just \\$76, and it runs 'apps without a hitch'](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/deals\/raemond-android-15-tablet-keyboard-amazon-sale)![](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/.image\/NDA6MDAwMDAwMDAyNzk5OTIw\/amazon-logo.jpg?io=1&profile=w256&ar=1-1&x=49&y=53)\n\nDeals\n\n[Amazon's 'fast' \\$130 tablet and keyboard are just \\$76, and it runs 'apps without a hitch'](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/deals\/raemond-android-15-tablet-keyboard-amazon-sale)\n\nRebecca Rovenstine\n\n[View post: Citibank customers get new controversial feature](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/latest-news\/citibank-customers-get-new-controversial-feature)![](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/.image\/NDA6MDAwMDAwMDAyOTQwMTUy\/untitled.jpg?io=1&profile=w256&ar=1-1)\n\nLatest Business & Market News\n\n[Citibank customers get new controversial feature](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/latest-news\/citibank-customers-get-new-controversial-feature)\n\nMoriah Costa\n\n- [C](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/quote\/C)\n\n[View post: Credo soars 15% as analysts flag ‘significant disconnect’](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/investing\/stocks\/credo-soars-15-as-analysts-flag-significant-disconnect)![](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/.image\/NDA6MDAwMDAwMDAyOTQwNDUx\/credo-cover_tr_041326.png?io=1&profile=w256&ar=1-1)\n\nStocks\n\n[Credo soars 15% as analysts flag ‘significant disconnect’](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/investing\/stocks\/credo-soars-15-as-analysts-flag-significant-disconnect)\n\nThomas Richmond\n\n- [CRDO](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/quote\/CRDO)\n\n[View post: Entertainment giant to cut 1,000 jobs amid restructuring](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/employment\/entertainment-giant-disney-to-cut-1000-jobs)![](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/.image\/NDA6MDAwMDAwMDAyOTM5NTI5\/televisionstreamingtvbroadcast-multimediawallconcept.jpg?io=1&profile=w256&ar=1-1)\n\nEmployment\n\n[Entertainment giant to cut 1,000 jobs amid restructuring](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/employment\/entertainment-giant-disney-to-cut-1000-jobs)\n\nAparajita Chatterjee\n\n- [DIS](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/quote\/DIS)\n\nRecommended on TheStreet Pro\n\n[View post: As We Near Overbought Levels, Will a Pause Refresh Buying Interest?](https:\/\/pro.thestreet.com\/trade-ideas\/as-we-near-overbought-levels-will-a-pause-refresh-buying-interest)![](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/.image\/MjE5NDE5NzE1NjQ5NDE1MDIx\/11-25-25-markets-react-to-federal-reserves-decision-on-interest-rates.jpg?io=1&profile=w256&ar=1-1)\n\nPROTrade Ideas\n\n[As We Near Overbought Levels, Will a Pause Refresh Buying Interest?](https:\/\/pro.thestreet.com\/trade-ideas\/as-we-near-overbought-levels-will-a-pause-refresh-buying-interest)\n\nHelene Meisler\n\n[View post: Bull Market Leaves Traders Humbled as Great Humiliator Strikes Again](https:\/\/pro.thestreet.com\/market-commentary\/bull-market-leaves-traders-humbled-as-great-humiliator-strikes-again)![](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/.image\/MjA0MzUwMTQ5OTI0MTAzNTE0\/hope-for-progress-on-china-trade-deal-will-keep-bears-at-bay.jpg?io=1&profile=w256&ar=1-1)\n\nPROMarket Commentary\n\n[Bull Market Leaves Traders Humbled as Great Humiliator Strikes Again](https:\/\/pro.thestreet.com\/market-commentary\/bull-market-leaves-traders-humbled-as-great-humiliator-strikes-again)\n\nJames “Rev Shark” DePorre\n\n[View post: Will Meta Really Take Google's Digital Ad Crown at the \\$240 Billion Mark?](https:\/\/pro.thestreet.com\/portfolio\/will-meta-really-take-googles-digital-ad-crown-at-the-240-billion-mark)![](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/.image\/MjA0NTM3NzU2MjQ1ODk0NDU5\/meta-and-amazon-give-markets-a-lift-but-jobs-data-could-change-that-tune.jpg?io=1&profile=w256&ar=1-1)\n\nPROPortfolio\n\n[Will Meta Really Take Google's Digital Ad Crown at the \\$240 Billion Mark?](https:\/\/pro.thestreet.com\/portfolio\/will-meta-really-take-googles-digital-ad-crown-at-the-240-billion-mark)\n\nChris Versace\n\nEBAY\n\nNFLX\n\nUBER\n\nV\n\nAmericans are doing a less-than-stellar job of saving money — and that goes across the board.\n\nData [from Bankrate](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/banking\/savings\/financial-security-march-2019\/) shows that one in five U.S. adults aren’t saving any cash for retirement, financial emergencies, or other high-alert financial scenarios.\n\nReasons for that indifference to savings vary. Part of the problem could be income-related (Americans are living [paycheck to paycheck](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/how-to\/how-to-stop-living-paycheck-to-paycheck-14953931) and have no financial room for savings) or it could be that Americans’ financial priorities could be out of whack.\n\nOr, more likely, the reason for a low savings rate among the U.S. adult population is that consumers don’t have the right financial tools needed to save effectively for the long term.\n\nIn that event, some financial creativity and discipline tips are in order, with the deployment of these “Top 20” money-saving hacks to (literally) save the day.\n\nUse them all or use the ones you like — but get started with your long-term savings campaign with these top money-saving hacks.\n\n## 20 Hacks To Help Save You Money\n### **1\\. Pay Yourself First With Automatic Savings**\nYou can’t miss the money if it’s never in your pocket. That’s the beauty of automated savings, where a financial consumer can set up a direct deposit transfer of a portion of his or her paycheck from checking to savings. Set up an automatic savings transfer on payday and start your money-saving campaign off on the right foot.\n\n### **2\\. Get a Spend Tracker and Use It Regularly**\nMobile apps are a wonderful tool to save money — especially the apps that help you track your spending. There are\n\n[dozens to choose from](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/how-to\/best-money-making-apps-15097435)\n\n, but popular mobile phone spending and budgeting apps like\n\n[Mint](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/personal-finance\/is-mint-safe-14814998)\n\n, Acorns and Every Dollar can help you monitor your spending while helping you build a good household budget, too.\n\n### **3\\. Cut the Cord**\nStreaming video services like Hulu and Netflix\n\n(**[NFLX](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/quote\/NFLX)**)\n\nmake it easy to cut your cable bill and save potentially hundreds of dollars per month. You won’t miss either the TV shows on cable (you can get many of them via streaming services at a deep discount) and you won’t miss the big cable bills, either.\n\n### **4\\. Start Your Own Garden**\nGrow your own vegetables in your back yard garden, and your own fruit if you live in a warm-weather locale. You’ll save money, get plenty of exercise and fresh air, and create a healthy new habit that you can enjoy for years.\n\n### **5\\. Get a Side Hustle**\nDrive for Uber\n\n(**[UBER](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/quote\/UBER)**)\n\nor Lyft,\n\n[start a dog-walking service](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/how-to\/how-to-start-a-dog-walking-business--14982602)\n\n, start writing about your passions for money as a freelance writer, or create any other part-time side hustle. You’ll make some money, meet new people, and get a new outlook on life.\n\n### **6\\. Cut Those Credit Card Fees**\nCurbing credit card fees can be as easy as getting on the phone with your plastic provider and asking for a better deal on card fees. Introductory fees and annual fees are among the charges you can cut with a simple phone call. Also, make sure you pay your bills on time to avoid onerous late fees — set up automatic payments before your card payment date to ensure prompt payment and avoid the\n\n[worst kind of credit card fees](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/personal-finance\/credit-cards\/it-s-easy-getting-out-of-credit-card-fees-and-charges-just-ask-the-right-quest-14606050)\n\n.\n\n### **7\\. Use the “30 Day Rule”**\nThis personal financial rule can come in handy in avoiding huge purchases you don’t really need. It’s a simple procedure – if you’re considering buying a big-ticket item, like a new \\$600 big-screen television or \\$500 watch, let the urge go for 30 days. After that time, the “impulse” to purchase vibe will likely dissipate, and you’ll have just saved yourself a big chunk of change.\n\n### **8\\. Hold a Yard Sale**\nSummer is almost gone but the weather is still conducive to a good yard sale. Selling things you don’t need and cleaning your home up at the same time is very therapeutic. You’ll likely make good and easy cash by selling those golf clubs you don’t use or that box of old cell phones sitting in your desk drawer. You’d be surprised by how much money items like these can fetch and if you really like the feeling, start selling more stuff you don’t want on [Craigslist](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/personal-finance\/craigslist-scams-14707309) or eBay\n\n(**[EBAY](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/quote\/EBAY)**)\n\nfor more cash and cleanliness.\n\n### **9\\. Target Your Household Budget for Big Savings**\nTaking dead aim at common spending areas, like dining out, shopping for groceries, buying lattes every day, or hiring a housekeeper can save substantial money. Try to cut 25% out of all your everyday household spending items and save hundreds of dollars a month. Extend the 25% rule to your utilities, mobile phone bill, and auto insurance and save more money on common household bills, as well.\n\n### **10\\. Save Your Spare Change**\nDon’t take your loose change lightly. Instead of tossing those quarters, dimes and nickels in a desk drawer or in your pants pocket, get disciplined and start popping your spare change into a jar or piggy bank. At the end of the year, take that spare change to the bank and switch it up for real money (i.e., \\$10 and \\$20-dollar bills.) Again, you won’t miss the coins and you’ll have a nice cash cow waiting for you at the end of the year — all because you nickel and dime it on a regular basis.\n\n### **11\\. Drive Safer**\nYou can save hundreds of dollars in auto insurance costs simply by being a better driver. Auto insurers routinely jack up insurance rates on drivers with traffic violations — the more severe (like speeding) the higher the rate increase. Slow down, be cautious on the road, and save more in auto insurance — up to 20% of your total bill in many cases.\n\n### **12\\. Have a “No Spend” Day**\nIt really doesn’t matter the day or the week and you can have multiple “no spend” days a week. The goal is to go a full day without spending a penny on any item, or at least on excessive items. Yes, you may be forced to spend money on tolls to get to work but by and large, you really don’t have to spend any money if you don’t want or need to. Instead, eat what’s the in the fridge and brew your own coffee in the morning. Or, grab a beer at home from your own stash rather than hit happy hour with the gang. This hack also works on weekends, where the challenge grows more serious, given more free time. But if you can handle a “no spending day” on a Saturday, you can have a no spending day on any day of the week.\n\n### **13\\. Ditch Your Credit Cards**\nNo, that doesn’t mean cutting your Visa\n\n(**[V](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/quote\/V)**)\n\ncard up with a pair of scissors. What it does mean is to stash your credit cards away in a safe place until you need a card for a financial emergency. In the meantime, with no card in your pocketbook or wallet, it’s nearly impossible to use it while you’re out and about.\n\n### **14\\. Create a Grocery List and Stick to It**\nYes, this money-saving hack seems too obvious but the fact is, a grocery list works. Why? Because if you stick to the list and only buy what’s on it (and what you need) you’ll save on those onerous impulse items. Make the task easier with a mobile app like AnyList or Yummly that can easily categorize your shopping list for you.\n\n### **15\\. Go With the Store Brand Over the Premium Brand**\nWhile you’re at the grocery store, get into the habit of buying the generic store brand products over the high-profile, but higher cost premium brand. Whether it’s peanut butter or cough medicine, you won’t know the difference and you can easily save 10% to 15% by sticking with generic grocery products.\n\n### **16\\. Paid Off a Big Bill? Keep Paying**\nWhen you finish paying that \\$350 monthly auto loan bill or that \\$250 per-month college loan, go ahead and keep right on paying it every month — only this time to yourself. Look at it this way, you’ve already grown used to the big monthly payment and you’ve managed to make it work with your lifestyle. So why not keep paying that \\$350 payment, but instead of going to a car dealer, have it go to your bank savings or\n\n[money market account](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/personal-finance\/what-is-money-market-account-14860277)\n\n? It’s a great way to save money and build wealth, and it doesn’t really impact your stand of living. More importantly, you’re \\$350 richer every month.\n\n### **17\\. Don’t Spend a Financial Windfall**\nThere’s no law that says you have to take a financial windfall (like an inheritance or bonus at work) and spend it. Instead, why not steer it into your savings or retirement account, or even the stock market, and put that money to work for you. Ask a millionaire about the path to wealth and he or she will tell you that\n\n[passive investing](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/investing\/active-vs-passive-investing-15017234)\n\n– making your cash work for you – is the path to profits.\n\n### **18\\. Do a “Daily Double” Deposit**\nYou want to save \\$3,339.75 the easy way? Here’s the deal. Start the process by popping a nickel into a piggy bank or large empty jar today. Add an extra .5 cents per day to your daily contribution (without fail) and after 365 days you’ll have saved the \\$3,339.75. The beauty part? Your largest daily contribution is only \\$18.25.\n\n### **19\\. Take Out Your Cash Once at the Start of the Month**\nAvoid pricey ATM fees and, at the same time, ditch your debit card for the month by taking all your spending money out of the ATM on the first day of the month. This move keeps a secure lid on spending and forces you to save your cash for your highest monthly expenditures — you’ll save hundreds of dollars doing so.\n\n### **20\\. Play the \\$5 game**\nEveryone knows the drill. You pay for an item or two with a \\$20 bill and get a \\$5 bill back in your change back. Instead of spending it, put the \\$5 aside – every time you get a \\$5 bill. Do this over the course of the month and watch your proud little stash of \\$5 bills stack up. Then treat yourself to something nice at month-end, because you deserve it.\n\n*It’s never too late – or too early – to plan and invest for the retirement you deserve. Get more information and a free trial subscription to**TheStreet’s Retirement Daily**to learn more about saving for and living in retirement. Got questions about money, retirement and\/or investments? Email*[*Robert.Powell@TheStreet.com*](mailto:Robert.Powell@TheStreet.com)*.*\n\n## About the author\n![](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/.image\/MTkyMjgyODk5NDgxODk2MTcy\/brian-oconnell-mugshot.jpg?io=1&profile=w256&ar=1-1)\n\n## [Brian O’Connell](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/author\/brian-oconnell)\n\nStart the Conversation\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/.image\/NDA6MDAwMDAwMDAyNzUwMjg4\/thestreet-logo-1.svg?io=1&profile=w256)](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/)\n***\n- [Finance & Markets](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/investing)\n  Finance & Markets\n  - [Commodities](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/tag\/commodities)\n  - [Credit Cards](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/tag\/credit-cards)\n  - [Estate Planning](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/tag\/estate-planning)\n  - [Fintech](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/tag\/fintech)\n  - [Insurance](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/tag\/insurance)\n  - [IPOs](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/tag\/ipos)\n  - [IRA](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/tag\/ira)\n  - [Mortgages](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/tag\/mortgages)\n  - 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The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.","attrs_readable_markdown":"Americans are doing a less-than-stellar job of saving money — and that goes across the board.\n\nData [from Bankrate](https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/banking\/savings\/financial-security-march-2019\/) shows that one in five U.S. adults aren’t saving any cash for retirement, financial emergencies, or other high-alert financial scenarios.\n\nReasons for that indifference to savings vary. Part of the problem could be income-related (Americans are living [paycheck to paycheck](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/how-to\/how-to-stop-living-paycheck-to-paycheck-14953931) and have no financial room for savings) or it could be that Americans’ financial priorities could be out of whack.\n\nOr, more likely, the reason for a low savings rate among the U.S. adult population is that consumers don’t have the right financial tools needed to save effectively for the long term.\n\nIn that event, some financial creativity and discipline tips are in order, with the deployment of these “Top 20” money-saving hacks to (literally) save the day.\n\nUse them all or use the ones you like — but get started with your long-term savings campaign with these top money-saving hacks.\n\n### **1\\. Pay Yourself First With Automatic Savings**\nYou can’t miss the money if it’s never in your pocket. That’s the beauty of automated savings, where a financial consumer can set up a direct deposit transfer of a portion of his or her paycheck from checking to savings. Set up an automatic savings transfer on payday and start your money-saving campaign off on the right foot.\n\n### **2\\. Get a Spend Tracker and Use It Regularly**\nMobile apps are a wonderful tool to save money — especially the apps that help you track your spending. There are\n\n[dozens to choose from](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/how-to\/best-money-making-apps-15097435)\n\n, but popular mobile phone spending and budgeting apps like\n\n[Mint](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/personal-finance\/is-mint-safe-14814998)\n\n, Acorns and Every Dollar can help you monitor your spending while helping you build a good household budget, too.\n\n### **3\\. Cut the Cord**\nStreaming video services like Hulu and Netflix\n\n(**[NFLX](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/quote\/NFLX)**)\n\nmake it easy to cut your cable bill and save potentially hundreds of dollars per month. You won’t miss either the TV shows on cable (you can get many of them via streaming services at a deep discount) and you won’t miss the big cable bills, either.\n\n### **4\\. Start Your Own Garden**\nGrow your own vegetables in your back yard garden, and your own fruit if you live in a warm-weather locale. You’ll save money, get plenty of exercise and fresh air, and create a healthy new habit that you can enjoy for years.\n\n### **5\\. Get a Side Hustle**\nDrive for Uber\n\n(**[UBER](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/quote\/UBER)**)\n\nor Lyft,\n\n[start a dog-walking service](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/how-to\/how-to-start-a-dog-walking-business--14982602)\n\n, start writing about your passions for money as a freelance writer, or create any other part-time side hustle. You’ll make some money, meet new people, and get a new outlook on life.\n\n### **6\\. Cut Those Credit Card Fees**\nCurbing credit card fees can be as easy as getting on the phone with your plastic provider and asking for a better deal on card fees. Introductory fees and annual fees are among the charges you can cut with a simple phone call. Also, make sure you pay your bills on time to avoid onerous late fees — set up automatic payments before your card payment date to ensure prompt payment and avoid the\n\n[worst kind of credit card fees](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/personal-finance\/credit-cards\/it-s-easy-getting-out-of-credit-card-fees-and-charges-just-ask-the-right-quest-14606050)\n\n.\n\n### **7\\. Use the “30 Day Rule”**\nThis personal financial rule can come in handy in avoiding huge purchases you don’t really need. It’s a simple procedure – if you’re considering buying a big-ticket item, like a new \\$600 big-screen television or \\$500 watch, let the urge go for 30 days. After that time, the “impulse” to purchase vibe will likely dissipate, and you’ll have just saved yourself a big chunk of change.\n\n### **8\\. Hold a Yard Sale**\nSummer is almost gone but the weather is still conducive to a good yard sale. Selling things you don’t need and cleaning your home up at the same time is very therapeutic. You’ll likely make good and easy cash by selling those golf clubs you don’t use or that box of old cell phones sitting in your desk drawer. You’d be surprised by how much money items like these can fetch and if you really like the feeling, start selling more stuff you don’t want on [Craigslist](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/personal-finance\/craigslist-scams-14707309) or eBay\n\n(**[EBAY](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/quote\/EBAY)**)\n\nfor more cash and cleanliness.\n\n### **9\\. Target Your Household Budget for Big Savings**\nTaking dead aim at common spending areas, like dining out, shopping for groceries, buying lattes every day, or hiring a housekeeper can save substantial money. Try to cut 25% out of all your everyday household spending items and save hundreds of dollars a month. Extend the 25% rule to your utilities, mobile phone bill, and auto insurance and save more money on common household bills, as well.\n\n### **10\\. Save Your Spare Change**\nDon’t take your loose change lightly. Instead of tossing those quarters, dimes and nickels in a desk drawer or in your pants pocket, get disciplined and start popping your spare change into a jar or piggy bank. At the end of the year, take that spare change to the bank and switch it up for real money (i.e., \\$10 and \\$20-dollar bills.) Again, you won’t miss the coins and you’ll have a nice cash cow waiting for you at the end of the year — all because you nickel and dime it on a regular basis.\n\n### **11\\. Drive Safer**\nYou can save hundreds of dollars in auto insurance costs simply by being a better driver. Auto insurers routinely jack up insurance rates on drivers with traffic violations — the more severe (like speeding) the higher the rate increase. Slow down, be cautious on the road, and save more in auto insurance — up to 20% of your total bill in many cases.\n\n### **12\\. Have a “No Spend” Day**\nIt really doesn’t matter the day or the week and you can have multiple “no spend” days a week. The goal is to go a full day without spending a penny on any item, or at least on excessive items. Yes, you may be forced to spend money on tolls to get to work but by and large, you really don’t have to spend any money if you don’t want or need to. Instead, eat what’s the in the fridge and brew your own coffee in the morning. Or, grab a beer at home from your own stash rather than hit happy hour with the gang. This hack also works on weekends, where the challenge grows more serious, given more free time. But if you can handle a “no spending day” on a Saturday, you can have a no spending day on any day of the week.\n\n### **13\\. Ditch Your Credit Cards**\nNo, that doesn’t mean cutting your Visa\n\n(**[V](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/quote\/V)**)\n\ncard up with a pair of scissors. What it does mean is to stash your credit cards away in a safe place until you need a card for a financial emergency. In the meantime, with no card in your pocketbook or wallet, it’s nearly impossible to use it while you’re out and about.\n\n### **14\\. Create a Grocery List and Stick to It**\nYes, this money-saving hack seems too obvious but the fact is, a grocery list works. Why? Because if you stick to the list and only buy what’s on it (and what you need) you’ll save on those onerous impulse items. Make the task easier with a mobile app like AnyList or Yummly that can easily categorize your shopping list for you.\n\n### **15\\. Go With the Store Brand Over the Premium Brand**\nWhile you’re at the grocery store, get into the habit of buying the generic store brand products over the high-profile, but higher cost premium brand. Whether it’s peanut butter or cough medicine, you won’t know the difference and you can easily save 10% to 15% by sticking with generic grocery products.\n\n### **16\\. Paid Off a Big Bill? Keep Paying**\nWhen you finish paying that \\$350 monthly auto loan bill or that \\$250 per-month college loan, go ahead and keep right on paying it every month — only this time to yourself. Look at it this way, you’ve already grown used to the big monthly payment and you’ve managed to make it work with your lifestyle. So why not keep paying that \\$350 payment, but instead of going to a car dealer, have it go to your bank savings or\n\n[money market account](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/personal-finance\/what-is-money-market-account-14860277)\n\n? It’s a great way to save money and build wealth, and it doesn’t really impact your stand of living. More importantly, you’re \\$350 richer every month.\n\n### **17\\. Don’t Spend a Financial Windfall**\nThere’s no law that says you have to take a financial windfall (like an inheritance or bonus at work) and spend it. Instead, why not steer it into your savings or retirement account, or even the stock market, and put that money to work for you. Ask a millionaire about the path to wealth and he or she will tell you that\n\n[passive investing](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/investing\/active-vs-passive-investing-15017234)\n\n– making your cash work for you – is the path to profits.\n\n### **18\\. Do a “Daily Double” Deposit**\nYou want to save \\$3,339.75 the easy way? Here’s the deal. Start the process by popping a nickel into a piggy bank or large empty jar today. Add an extra .5 cents per day to your daily contribution (without fail) and after 365 days you’ll have saved the \\$3,339.75. The beauty part? Your largest daily contribution is only \\$18.25.\n\n### **19\\. Take Out Your Cash Once at the Start of the Month**\nAvoid pricey ATM fees and, at the same time, ditch your debit card for the month by taking all your spending money out of the ATM on the first day of the month. This move keeps a secure lid on spending and forces you to save your cash for your highest monthly expenditures — you’ll save hundreds of dollars doing so.\n\n### **20\\. Play the \\$5 game**\nEveryone knows the drill. You pay for an item or two with a \\$20 bill and get a \\$5 bill back in your change back. Instead of spending it, put the \\$5 aside – every time you get a \\$5 bill. Do this over the course of the month and watch your proud little stash of \\$5 bills stack up. Then treat yourself to something nice at month-end, because you deserve it.\n\n*It’s never too late – or too early – to plan and invest for the retirement you deserve. Get more information and a free trial subscription to**TheStreet’s Retirement Daily**to learn more about saving for and living in retirement. Got questions about money, retirement and\/or investments? Email*[*Robert.Powell@TheStreet.com*](mailto:Robert.Powell@TheStreet.com)*.*\n\n## About the author\n![](https:\/\/www.thestreet.com\/.image\/MTkyMjgyODk5NDgxODk2MTcy\/brian-oconnell-mugshot.jpg?io=1&profile=w256&ar=1-1)","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Americans are doing a less-than-stellar job of saving money — and that goes across the board. Data from Bankrate shows that one in five U.S. adults aren’t saving any cash for retirement, financial emergencies, or other high-alert financial scenarios. Reasons for that indifference to savings vary. Part of the problem could be income-related (Americans are living paycheck to paycheck and have no financial room for savings) or it could be that Americans’ financial priorities could be out of whack. Or, more likely, the reason for a low savings rate among the U.S. adult population is that consumers don’t have the right financial tools needed to save effectively for the long term. In that event, some financial creativity and discipline tips are in order, with the deployment of these “Top 20” money-saving hacks to (literally) save the day. Use them all or use the ones you like — but get started with your long-term savings campaign with these top money-saving hacks. 1. Pay Yourself First With Automatic Savings You can’t miss the money if it’s never in your pocket. That’s the beauty of automated savings, where a financial consumer can set up a direct deposit transfer of a portion of his or her paycheck from checking to savings. Set up an automatic savings transfer on payday and start your money-saving campaign off on the right foot. 2. Get a Spend Tracker and Use It Regularly Mobile apps are a wonderful tool to save money — especially the apps that help you track your spending. There are dozens to choose from , but popular mobile phone spending and budgeting apps like Mint , Acorns and Every Dollar can help you monitor your spending while helping you build a good household budget, too. 3. Cut the Cord Streaming video services like Hulu and Netflix ( NFLX ) make it easy to cut your cable bill and save potentially hundreds of dollars per month. You won’t miss either the TV shows on cable (you can get many of them via streaming services at a deep discount) and you won’t miss the big cable bills, either. 4. Start Your Own Garden Grow your own vegetables in your back yard garden, and your own fruit if you live in a warm-weather locale. You’ll save money, get plenty of exercise and fresh air, and create a healthy new habit that you can enjoy for years. 5. Get a Side Hustle Drive for Uber ( UBER ) or Lyft, start a dog-walking service , start writing about your passions for money as a freelance writer, or create any other part-time side hustle. You’ll make some money, meet new people, and get a new outlook on life. 6. Cut Those Credit Card Fees Curbing credit card fees can be as easy as getting on the phone with your plastic provider and asking for a better deal on card fees. Introductory fees and annual fees are among the charges you can cut with a simple phone call. Also, make sure you pay your bills on time to avoid onerous late fees — set up automatic payments before your card payment date to ensure prompt payment and avoid the worst kind of credit card fees . 7. Use the “30 Day Rule” This personal financial rule can come in handy in avoiding huge purchases you don’t really need. It’s a simple procedure – if you’re considering buying a big-ticket item, like a new $600 big-screen television or $500 watch, let the urge go for 30 days. After that time, the “impulse” to purchase vibe will likely dissipate, and you’ll have just saved yourself a big chunk of change. 8. Hold a Yard Sale Summer is almost gone but the weather is still conducive to a good yard sale. Selling things you don’t need and cleaning your home up at the same time is very therapeutic. You’ll likely make good and easy cash by selling those golf clubs you don’t use or that box of old cell phones sitting in your desk drawer. You’d be surprised by how much money items like these can fetch and if you really like the feeling, start selling more stuff you don’t want on Craigslist or eBay ( EBAY ) for more cash and cleanliness. 9. Target Your Household Budget for Big Savings Taking dead aim at common spending areas, like dining out, shopping for groceries, buying lattes every day, or hiring a housekeeper can save substantial money. Try to cut 25% out of all your everyday household spending items and save hundreds of dollars a month. Extend the 25% rule to your utilities, mobile phone bill, and auto insurance and save more money on common household bills, as well. 10. Save Your Spare Change Don’t take your loose change lightly. Instead of tossing those quarters, dimes and nickels in a desk drawer or in your pants pocket, get disciplined and start popping your spare change into a jar or piggy bank. At the end of the year, take that spare change to the bank and switch it up for real money (i.e., $10 and $20-dollar bills.) Again, you won’t miss the coins and you’ll have a nice cash cow waiting for you at the end of the year — all because you nickel and dime it on a regular basis. 11. Drive Safer You can save hundreds of dollars in auto insurance costs simply by being a better driver. Auto insurers routinely jack up insurance rates on drivers with traffic violations — the more severe (like speeding) the higher the rate increase. Slow down, be cautious on the road, and save more in auto insurance — up to 20% of your total bill in many cases. 12. Have a “No Spend” Day It really doesn’t matter the day or the week and you can have multiple “no spend” days a week. The goal is to go a full day without spending a penny on any item, or at least on excessive items. Yes, you may be forced to spend money on tolls to get to work but by and large, you really don’t have to spend any money if you don’t want or need to. Instead, eat what’s the in the fridge and brew your own coffee in the morning. Or, grab a beer at home from your own stash rather than hit happy hour with the gang. This hack also works on weekends, where the challenge grows more serious, given more free time. But if you can handle a “no spending day” on a Saturday, you can have a no spending day on any day of the week. 13. Ditch Your Credit Cards No, that doesn’t mean cutting your Visa ( V ) card up with a pair of scissors. What it does mean is to stash your credit cards away in a safe place until you need a card for a financial emergency. In the meantime, with no card in your pocketbook or wallet, it’s nearly impossible to use it while you’re out and about. 14. Create a Grocery List and Stick to It Yes, this money-saving hack seems too obvious but the fact is, a grocery list works. Why? Because if you stick to the list and only buy what’s on it (and what you need) you’ll save on those onerous impulse items. Make the task easier with a mobile app like AnyList or Yummly that can easily categorize your shopping list for you. 15. Go With the Store Brand Over the Premium Brand While you’re at the grocery store, get into the habit of buying the generic store brand products over the high-profile, but higher cost premium brand. Whether it’s peanut butter or cough medicine, you won’t know the difference and you can easily save 10% to 15% by sticking with generic grocery products. 16. Paid Off a Big Bill? Keep Paying When you finish paying that $350 monthly auto loan bill or that $250 per-month college loan, go ahead and keep right on paying it every month — only this time to yourself. Look at it this way, you’ve already grown used to the big monthly payment and you’ve managed to make it work with your lifestyle. So why not keep paying that $350 payment, but instead of going to a car dealer, have it go to your bank savings or money market account ? It’s a great way to save money and build wealth, and it doesn’t really impact your stand of living. More importantly, you’re $350 richer every month. 17. Don’t Spend a Financial Windfall There’s no law that says you have to take a financial windfall (like an inheritance or bonus at work) and spend it. Instead, why not steer it into your savings or retirement account, or even the stock market, and put that money to work for you. Ask a millionaire about the path to wealth and he or she will tell you that passive investing – making your cash work for you – is the path to profits. 18. Do a “Daily Double” Deposit You want to save $3,339.75 the easy way? Here’s the deal. Start the process by popping a nickel into a piggy bank or large empty jar today. Add an extra .5 cents per day to your daily contribution (without fail) and after 365 days you’ll have saved the $3,339.75. The beauty part? Your largest daily contribution is only $18.25. 19. Take Out Your Cash Once at the Start of the Month Avoid pricey ATM fees and, at the same time, ditch your debit card for the month by taking all your spending money out of the ATM on the first day of the month. This move keeps a secure lid on spending and forces you to save your cash for your highest monthly expenditures — you’ll save hundreds of dollars doing so. 20. Play the $5 game Everyone knows the drill. You pay for an item or two with a $20 bill and get a $5 bill back in your change back. Instead of spending it, put the $5 aside – every time you get a $5 bill. Do this over the course of the month and watch your proud little stash of $5 bills stack up. Then treat yourself to something nice at month-end, because you deserve it. It’s never too late – or too early – to plan and invest for the retirement you deserve. Get more information and a free trial subscription to TheStreet’s Retirement Daily to learn more about saving for and living in retirement. Got questions about money, retirement and/or investments? Email Robert.Powell@TheStreet.com . About the author
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[Personal Finance](https://www.thestreet.com/personal-finance) # 20 Money Hacks to Help You Save More Saving money is hard enough without having the right tools. Use these creative hacks to put more cash in your pocket. Sep 26, 2019 3:29 PM EDT ![](https://www.thestreet.com/.image/MTkyMjgyODk5NDgxODk2MTcy/brian-oconnell-mugshot.jpg?io=1&profile=w256&ar=1-1) By [Brian O’Connell](https://www.thestreet.com/author/brian-oconnell) 0 [Add us on](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=thestreet.com) ![](https://www.thestreet.com/.image/MTY3NTM5NjI2MTc4ODQ4MTM1/20-money-hacks-to-help-you-save-more.jpg?io=1&profile=w2560&ar=4-3) iStock Related Articles [View post: Amazon's 'fast' \$130 tablet and keyboard are just \$76, and it runs 'apps without a hitch'](https://www.thestreet.com/deals/raemond-android-15-tablet-keyboard-amazon-sale)![](https://www.thestreet.com/.image/NDA6MDAwMDAwMDAyNzk5OTIw/amazon-logo.jpg?io=1&profile=w256&ar=1-1&x=49&y=53) Deals [Amazon's 'fast' \$130 tablet and keyboard are just \$76, and it runs 'apps without a hitch'](https://www.thestreet.com/deals/raemond-android-15-tablet-keyboard-amazon-sale) Rebecca Rovenstine [View post: Citibank customers get new controversial feature](https://www.thestreet.com/latest-news/citibank-customers-get-new-controversial-feature)![](https://www.thestreet.com/.image/NDA6MDAwMDAwMDAyOTQwMTUy/untitled.jpg?io=1&profile=w256&ar=1-1) Latest Business & Market News [Citibank customers get new controversial feature](https://www.thestreet.com/latest-news/citibank-customers-get-new-controversial-feature) Moriah Costa - [C](https://www.thestreet.com/quote/C) [View post: Credo soars 15% as analysts flag ‘significant disconnect’](https://www.thestreet.com/investing/stocks/credo-soars-15-as-analysts-flag-significant-disconnect)![](https://www.thestreet.com/.image/NDA6MDAwMDAwMDAyOTQwNDUx/credo-cover_tr_041326.png?io=1&profile=w256&ar=1-1) Stocks [Credo soars 15% as analysts flag ‘significant disconnect’](https://www.thestreet.com/investing/stocks/credo-soars-15-as-analysts-flag-significant-disconnect) Thomas Richmond - [CRDO](https://www.thestreet.com/quote/CRDO) [View post: Entertainment giant to cut 1,000 jobs amid restructuring](https://www.thestreet.com/employment/entertainment-giant-disney-to-cut-1000-jobs)![](https://www.thestreet.com/.image/NDA6MDAwMDAwMDAyOTM5NTI5/televisionstreamingtvbroadcast-multimediawallconcept.jpg?io=1&profile=w256&ar=1-1) Employment [Entertainment giant to cut 1,000 jobs amid restructuring](https://www.thestreet.com/employment/entertainment-giant-disney-to-cut-1000-jobs) Aparajita Chatterjee - [DIS](https://www.thestreet.com/quote/DIS) Recommended on TheStreet Pro [View post: As We Near Overbought Levels, Will a Pause Refresh Buying Interest?](https://pro.thestreet.com/trade-ideas/as-we-near-overbought-levels-will-a-pause-refresh-buying-interest)![](https://www.thestreet.com/.image/MjE5NDE5NzE1NjQ5NDE1MDIx/11-25-25-markets-react-to-federal-reserves-decision-on-interest-rates.jpg?io=1&profile=w256&ar=1-1) PROTrade Ideas [As We Near Overbought Levels, Will a Pause Refresh Buying Interest?](https://pro.thestreet.com/trade-ideas/as-we-near-overbought-levels-will-a-pause-refresh-buying-interest) Helene Meisler [View post: Bull Market Leaves Traders Humbled as Great Humiliator Strikes Again](https://pro.thestreet.com/market-commentary/bull-market-leaves-traders-humbled-as-great-humiliator-strikes-again)![](https://www.thestreet.com/.image/MjA0MzUwMTQ5OTI0MTAzNTE0/hope-for-progress-on-china-trade-deal-will-keep-bears-at-bay.jpg?io=1&profile=w256&ar=1-1) PROMarket Commentary [Bull Market Leaves Traders Humbled as Great Humiliator Strikes Again](https://pro.thestreet.com/market-commentary/bull-market-leaves-traders-humbled-as-great-humiliator-strikes-again) James “Rev Shark” DePorre [View post: Will Meta Really Take Google's Digital Ad Crown at the \$240 Billion Mark?](https://pro.thestreet.com/portfolio/will-meta-really-take-googles-digital-ad-crown-at-the-240-billion-mark)![](https://www.thestreet.com/.image/MjA0NTM3NzU2MjQ1ODk0NDU5/meta-and-amazon-give-markets-a-lift-but-jobs-data-could-change-that-tune.jpg?io=1&profile=w256&ar=1-1) PROPortfolio [Will Meta Really Take Google's Digital Ad Crown at the \$240 Billion Mark?](https://pro.thestreet.com/portfolio/will-meta-really-take-googles-digital-ad-crown-at-the-240-billion-mark) Chris Versace EBAY NFLX UBER V Americans are doing a less-than-stellar job of saving money — and that goes across the board. Data [from Bankrate](https://www.bankrate.com/banking/savings/financial-security-march-2019/) shows that one in five U.S. adults aren’t saving any cash for retirement, financial emergencies, or other high-alert financial scenarios. Reasons for that indifference to savings vary. Part of the problem could be income-related (Americans are living [paycheck to paycheck](https://www.thestreet.com/how-to/how-to-stop-living-paycheck-to-paycheck-14953931) and have no financial room for savings) or it could be that Americans’ financial priorities could be out of whack. Or, more likely, the reason for a low savings rate among the U.S. adult population is that consumers don’t have the right financial tools needed to save effectively for the long term. In that event, some financial creativity and discipline tips are in order, with the deployment of these “Top 20” money-saving hacks to (literally) save the day. Use them all or use the ones you like — but get started with your long-term savings campaign with these top money-saving hacks. ## 20 Hacks To Help Save You Money ### 1\. Pay Yourself First With Automatic Savings You can’t miss the money if it’s never in your pocket. That’s the beauty of automated savings, where a financial consumer can set up a direct deposit transfer of a portion of his or her paycheck from checking to savings. Set up an automatic savings transfer on payday and start your money-saving campaign off on the right foot. ### 2\. Get a Spend Tracker and Use It Regularly Mobile apps are a wonderful tool to save money — especially the apps that help you track your spending. There are [dozens to choose from](https://www.thestreet.com/how-to/best-money-making-apps-15097435) , but popular mobile phone spending and budgeting apps like [Mint](https://www.thestreet.com/personal-finance/is-mint-safe-14814998) , Acorns and Every Dollar can help you monitor your spending while helping you build a good household budget, too. ### 3\. Cut the Cord Streaming video services like Hulu and Netflix ([NFLX](https://www.thestreet.com/quote/NFLX)) make it easy to cut your cable bill and save potentially hundreds of dollars per month. You won’t miss either the TV shows on cable (you can get many of them via streaming services at a deep discount) and you won’t miss the big cable bills, either. ### 4\. Start Your Own Garden Grow your own vegetables in your back yard garden, and your own fruit if you live in a warm-weather locale. You’ll save money, get plenty of exercise and fresh air, and create a healthy new habit that you can enjoy for years. ### 5\. Get a Side Hustle Drive for Uber ([UBER](https://www.thestreet.com/quote/UBER)) or Lyft, [start a dog-walking service](https://www.thestreet.com/how-to/how-to-start-a-dog-walking-business--14982602) , start writing about your passions for money as a freelance writer, or create any other part-time side hustle. You’ll make some money, meet new people, and get a new outlook on life. ### 6\. Cut Those Credit Card Fees Curbing credit card fees can be as easy as getting on the phone with your plastic provider and asking for a better deal on card fees. Introductory fees and annual fees are among the charges you can cut with a simple phone call. Also, make sure you pay your bills on time to avoid onerous late fees — set up automatic payments before your card payment date to ensure prompt payment and avoid the [worst kind of credit card fees](https://www.thestreet.com/personal-finance/credit-cards/it-s-easy-getting-out-of-credit-card-fees-and-charges-just-ask-the-right-quest-14606050) . ### 7\. Use the “30 Day Rule” This personal financial rule can come in handy in avoiding huge purchases you don’t really need. It’s a simple procedure – if you’re considering buying a big-ticket item, like a new \$600 big-screen television or \$500 watch, let the urge go for 30 days. After that time, the “impulse” to purchase vibe will likely dissipate, and you’ll have just saved yourself a big chunk of change. ### 8\. Hold a Yard Sale Summer is almost gone but the weather is still conducive to a good yard sale. Selling things you don’t need and cleaning your home up at the same time is very therapeutic. You’ll likely make good and easy cash by selling those golf clubs you don’t use or that box of old cell phones sitting in your desk drawer. You’d be surprised by how much money items like these can fetch and if you really like the feeling, start selling more stuff you don’t want on [Craigslist](https://www.thestreet.com/personal-finance/craigslist-scams-14707309) or eBay ([EBAY](https://www.thestreet.com/quote/EBAY)) for more cash and cleanliness. ### 9\. Target Your Household Budget for Big Savings Taking dead aim at common spending areas, like dining out, shopping for groceries, buying lattes every day, or hiring a housekeeper can save substantial money. Try to cut 25% out of all your everyday household spending items and save hundreds of dollars a month. Extend the 25% rule to your utilities, mobile phone bill, and auto insurance and save more money on common household bills, as well. ### 10\. Save Your Spare Change Don’t take your loose change lightly. Instead of tossing those quarters, dimes and nickels in a desk drawer or in your pants pocket, get disciplined and start popping your spare change into a jar or piggy bank. At the end of the year, take that spare change to the bank and switch it up for real money (i.e., \$10 and \$20-dollar bills.) Again, you won’t miss the coins and you’ll have a nice cash cow waiting for you at the end of the year — all because you nickel and dime it on a regular basis. ### 11\. Drive Safer You can save hundreds of dollars in auto insurance costs simply by being a better driver. Auto insurers routinely jack up insurance rates on drivers with traffic violations — the more severe (like speeding) the higher the rate increase. Slow down, be cautious on the road, and save more in auto insurance — up to 20% of your total bill in many cases. ### 12\. Have a “No Spend” Day It really doesn’t matter the day or the week and you can have multiple “no spend” days a week. The goal is to go a full day without spending a penny on any item, or at least on excessive items. Yes, you may be forced to spend money on tolls to get to work but by and large, you really don’t have to spend any money if you don’t want or need to. Instead, eat what’s the in the fridge and brew your own coffee in the morning. Or, grab a beer at home from your own stash rather than hit happy hour with the gang. This hack also works on weekends, where the challenge grows more serious, given more free time. But if you can handle a “no spending day” on a Saturday, you can have a no spending day on any day of the week. ### 13\. Ditch Your Credit Cards No, that doesn’t mean cutting your Visa ([V](https://www.thestreet.com/quote/V)) card up with a pair of scissors. What it does mean is to stash your credit cards away in a safe place until you need a card for a financial emergency. In the meantime, with no card in your pocketbook or wallet, it’s nearly impossible to use it while you’re out and about. ### 14\. Create a Grocery List and Stick to It Yes, this money-saving hack seems too obvious but the fact is, a grocery list works. Why? Because if you stick to the list and only buy what’s on it (and what you need) you’ll save on those onerous impulse items. Make the task easier with a mobile app like AnyList or Yummly that can easily categorize your shopping list for you. ### 15\. Go With the Store Brand Over the Premium Brand While you’re at the grocery store, get into the habit of buying the generic store brand products over the high-profile, but higher cost premium brand. Whether it’s peanut butter or cough medicine, you won’t know the difference and you can easily save 10% to 15% by sticking with generic grocery products. ### 16\. Paid Off a Big Bill? Keep Paying When you finish paying that \$350 monthly auto loan bill or that \$250 per-month college loan, go ahead and keep right on paying it every month — only this time to yourself. Look at it this way, you’ve already grown used to the big monthly payment and you’ve managed to make it work with your lifestyle. So why not keep paying that \$350 payment, but instead of going to a car dealer, have it go to your bank savings or [money market account](https://www.thestreet.com/personal-finance/what-is-money-market-account-14860277) ? It’s a great way to save money and build wealth, and it doesn’t really impact your stand of living. More importantly, you’re \$350 richer every month. ### 17\. Don’t Spend a Financial Windfall There’s no law that says you have to take a financial windfall (like an inheritance or bonus at work) and spend it. Instead, why not steer it into your savings or retirement account, or even the stock market, and put that money to work for you. Ask a millionaire about the path to wealth and he or she will tell you that [passive investing](https://www.thestreet.com/investing/active-vs-passive-investing-15017234) – making your cash work for you – is the path to profits. ### 18\. Do a “Daily Double” Deposit You want to save \$3,339.75 the easy way? Here’s the deal. Start the process by popping a nickel into a piggy bank or large empty jar today. Add an extra .5 cents per day to your daily contribution (without fail) and after 365 days you’ll have saved the \$3,339.75. The beauty part? Your largest daily contribution is only \$18.25. ### 19\. Take Out Your Cash Once at the Start of the Month Avoid pricey ATM fees and, at the same time, ditch your debit card for the month by taking all your spending money out of the ATM on the first day of the month. This move keeps a secure lid on spending and forces you to save your cash for your highest monthly expenditures — you’ll save hundreds of dollars doing so. ### 20\. Play the \$5 game Everyone knows the drill. You pay for an item or two with a \$20 bill and get a \$5 bill back in your change back. Instead of spending it, put the \$5 aside – every time you get a \$5 bill. Do this over the course of the month and watch your proud little stash of \$5 bills stack up. Then treat yourself to something nice at month-end, because you deserve it. It’s never too late – or too early – to plan and invest for the retirement you deserve. Get more information and a free trial subscription toTheStreet’s Retirement Dailyto learn more about saving for and living in retirement. Got questions about money, retirement and/or investments? Email[Robert.Powell@TheStreet.com](mailto:Robert.Powell@TheStreet.com). ## About the author ![](https://www.thestreet.com/.image/MTkyMjgyODk5NDgxODk2MTcy/brian-oconnell-mugshot.jpg?io=1&profile=w256&ar=1-1) ## [Brian O’Connell](https://www.thestreet.com/author/brian-oconnell) Start the Conversation [![](https://www.thestreet.com/.image/NDA6MDAwMDAwMDAyNzUwMjg4/thestreet-logo-1.svg?io=1&profile=w256)](https://www.thestreet.com/) * - [Finance & Markets](https://www.thestreet.com/investing) Finance & Markets - [Commodities](https://www.thestreet.com/tag/commodities) - [Credit Cards](https://www.thestreet.com/tag/credit-cards) - [Estate Planning](https://www.thestreet.com/tag/estate-planning) - [Fintech](https://www.thestreet.com/tag/fintech) - [Insurance](https://www.thestreet.com/tag/insurance) - [IPOs](https://www.thestreet.com/tag/ipos) - [IRA](https://www.thestreet.com/tag/ira) - [Mortgages](https://www.thestreet.com/tag/mortgages) - [401K](https://www.thestreet.com/tag/401k) - [Commodities](https://www.thestreet.com/tag/commodities) - 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Readable Markdown	Americans are doing a less-than-stellar job of saving money — and that goes across the board. Data [from Bankrate](https://www.bankrate.com/banking/savings/financial-security-march-2019/) shows that one in five U.S. adults aren’t saving any cash for retirement, financial emergencies, or other high-alert financial scenarios. Reasons for that indifference to savings vary. Part of the problem could be income-related (Americans are living [paycheck to paycheck](https://www.thestreet.com/how-to/how-to-stop-living-paycheck-to-paycheck-14953931) and have no financial room for savings) or it could be that Americans’ financial priorities could be out of whack. Or, more likely, the reason for a low savings rate among the U.S. adult population is that consumers don’t have the right financial tools needed to save effectively for the long term. In that event, some financial creativity and discipline tips are in order, with the deployment of these “Top 20” money-saving hacks to (literally) save the day. Use them all or use the ones you like — but get started with your long-term savings campaign with these top money-saving hacks. ### 1\. Pay Yourself First With Automatic Savings You can’t miss the money if it’s never in your pocket. That’s the beauty of automated savings, where a financial consumer can set up a direct deposit transfer of a portion of his or her paycheck from checking to savings. Set up an automatic savings transfer on payday and start your money-saving campaign off on the right foot. ### 2\. Get a Spend Tracker and Use It Regularly Mobile apps are a wonderful tool to save money — especially the apps that help you track your spending. There are [dozens to choose from](https://www.thestreet.com/how-to/best-money-making-apps-15097435) , but popular mobile phone spending and budgeting apps like [Mint](https://www.thestreet.com/personal-finance/is-mint-safe-14814998) , Acorns and Every Dollar can help you monitor your spending while helping you build a good household budget, too. ### 3\. Cut the Cord Streaming video services like Hulu and Netflix ([NFLX](https://www.thestreet.com/quote/NFLX)) make it easy to cut your cable bill and save potentially hundreds of dollars per month. You won’t miss either the TV shows on cable (you can get many of them via streaming services at a deep discount) and you won’t miss the big cable bills, either. ### 4\. Start Your Own Garden Grow your own vegetables in your back yard garden, and your own fruit if you live in a warm-weather locale. You’ll save money, get plenty of exercise and fresh air, and create a healthy new habit that you can enjoy for years. ### 5\. Get a Side Hustle Drive for Uber ([UBER](https://www.thestreet.com/quote/UBER)) or Lyft, [start a dog-walking service](https://www.thestreet.com/how-to/how-to-start-a-dog-walking-business--14982602) , start writing about your passions for money as a freelance writer, or create any other part-time side hustle. You’ll make some money, meet new people, and get a new outlook on life. ### 6\. Cut Those Credit Card Fees Curbing credit card fees can be as easy as getting on the phone with your plastic provider and asking for a better deal on card fees. Introductory fees and annual fees are among the charges you can cut with a simple phone call. Also, make sure you pay your bills on time to avoid onerous late fees — set up automatic payments before your card payment date to ensure prompt payment and avoid the [worst kind of credit card fees](https://www.thestreet.com/personal-finance/credit-cards/it-s-easy-getting-out-of-credit-card-fees-and-charges-just-ask-the-right-quest-14606050) . ### 7\. Use the “30 Day Rule” This personal financial rule can come in handy in avoiding huge purchases you don’t really need. It’s a simple procedure – if you’re considering buying a big-ticket item, like a new \$600 big-screen television or \$500 watch, let the urge go for 30 days. After that time, the “impulse” to purchase vibe will likely dissipate, and you’ll have just saved yourself a big chunk of change. ### 8\. Hold a Yard Sale Summer is almost gone but the weather is still conducive to a good yard sale. Selling things you don’t need and cleaning your home up at the same time is very therapeutic. You’ll likely make good and easy cash by selling those golf clubs you don’t use or that box of old cell phones sitting in your desk drawer. You’d be surprised by how much money items like these can fetch and if you really like the feeling, start selling more stuff you don’t want on [Craigslist](https://www.thestreet.com/personal-finance/craigslist-scams-14707309) or eBay ([EBAY](https://www.thestreet.com/quote/EBAY)) for more cash and cleanliness. ### 9\. Target Your Household Budget for Big Savings Taking dead aim at common spending areas, like dining out, shopping for groceries, buying lattes every day, or hiring a housekeeper can save substantial money. Try to cut 25% out of all your everyday household spending items and save hundreds of dollars a month. Extend the 25% rule to your utilities, mobile phone bill, and auto insurance and save more money on common household bills, as well. ### 10\. Save Your Spare Change Don’t take your loose change lightly. Instead of tossing those quarters, dimes and nickels in a desk drawer or in your pants pocket, get disciplined and start popping your spare change into a jar or piggy bank. At the end of the year, take that spare change to the bank and switch it up for real money (i.e., \$10 and \$20-dollar bills.) Again, you won’t miss the coins and you’ll have a nice cash cow waiting for you at the end of the year — all because you nickel and dime it on a regular basis. ### 11\. Drive Safer You can save hundreds of dollars in auto insurance costs simply by being a better driver. Auto insurers routinely jack up insurance rates on drivers with traffic violations — the more severe (like speeding) the higher the rate increase. Slow down, be cautious on the road, and save more in auto insurance — up to 20% of your total bill in many cases. ### 12\. Have a “No Spend” Day It really doesn’t matter the day or the week and you can have multiple “no spend” days a week. The goal is to go a full day without spending a penny on any item, or at least on excessive items. Yes, you may be forced to spend money on tolls to get to work but by and large, you really don’t have to spend any money if you don’t want or need to. Instead, eat what’s the in the fridge and brew your own coffee in the morning. Or, grab a beer at home from your own stash rather than hit happy hour with the gang. This hack also works on weekends, where the challenge grows more serious, given more free time. But if you can handle a “no spending day” on a Saturday, you can have a no spending day on any day of the week. ### 13\. Ditch Your Credit Cards No, that doesn’t mean cutting your Visa ([V](https://www.thestreet.com/quote/V)) card up with a pair of scissors. What it does mean is to stash your credit cards away in a safe place until you need a card for a financial emergency. In the meantime, with no card in your pocketbook or wallet, it’s nearly impossible to use it while you’re out and about. ### 14\. Create a Grocery List and Stick to It Yes, this money-saving hack seems too obvious but the fact is, a grocery list works. Why? Because if you stick to the list and only buy what’s on it (and what you need) you’ll save on those onerous impulse items. Make the task easier with a mobile app like AnyList or Yummly that can easily categorize your shopping list for you. ### 15\. Go With the Store Brand Over the Premium Brand While you’re at the grocery store, get into the habit of buying the generic store brand products over the high-profile, but higher cost premium brand. Whether it’s peanut butter or cough medicine, you won’t know the difference and you can easily save 10% to 15% by sticking with generic grocery products. ### 16\. Paid Off a Big Bill? Keep Paying When you finish paying that \$350 monthly auto loan bill or that \$250 per-month college loan, go ahead and keep right on paying it every month — only this time to yourself. Look at it this way, you’ve already grown used to the big monthly payment and you’ve managed to make it work with your lifestyle. So why not keep paying that \$350 payment, but instead of going to a car dealer, have it go to your bank savings or [money market account](https://www.thestreet.com/personal-finance/what-is-money-market-account-14860277) ? It’s a great way to save money and build wealth, and it doesn’t really impact your stand of living. More importantly, you’re \$350 richer every month. ### 17\. Don’t Spend a Financial Windfall There’s no law that says you have to take a financial windfall (like an inheritance or bonus at work) and spend it. Instead, why not steer it into your savings or retirement account, or even the stock market, and put that money to work for you. Ask a millionaire about the path to wealth and he or she will tell you that [passive investing](https://www.thestreet.com/investing/active-vs-passive-investing-15017234) – making your cash work for you – is the path to profits. ### 18\. Do a “Daily Double” Deposit You want to save \$3,339.75 the easy way? Here’s the deal. Start the process by popping a nickel into a piggy bank or large empty jar today. Add an extra .5 cents per day to your daily contribution (without fail) and after 365 days you’ll have saved the \$3,339.75. The beauty part? Your largest daily contribution is only \$18.25. ### 19\. Take Out Your Cash Once at the Start of the Month Avoid pricey ATM fees and, at the same time, ditch your debit card for the month by taking all your spending money out of the ATM on the first day of the month. This move keeps a secure lid on spending and forces you to save your cash for your highest monthly expenditures — you’ll save hundreds of dollars doing so. ### 20\. Play the \$5 game Everyone knows the drill. You pay for an item or two with a \$20 bill and get a \$5 bill back in your change back. Instead of spending it, put the \$5 aside – every time you get a \$5 bill. Do this over the course of the month and watch your proud little stash of \$5 bills stack up. Then treat yourself to something nice at month-end, because you deserve it. It’s never too late – or too early – to plan and invest for the retirement you deserve. Get more information and a free trial subscription toTheStreet’s Retirement Dailyto learn more about saving for and living in retirement. Got questions about money, retirement and/or investments? Email[Robert.Powell@TheStreet.com](mailto:Robert.Powell@TheStreet.com). ## About the author ![](https://www.thestreet.com/.image/MTkyMjgyODk5NDgxODk2MTcy/brian-oconnell-mugshot.jpg?io=1&profile=w256&ar=1-1)
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