8 Everyday Ways to Cut Spending

(That You Might Not Have Thought Of)

Trying to pay off student loans faster? Trying to grow your savings account? Start looking for ways to free up extra cash in your everyday budget while not making huge sacrifices to start seeing a difference. While you’ve probably heard the usual advice like “make coffee at home” or “cancel that streaming subscription,” there are plenty of sneaky spending habits you may not even realize are holding you back.

Here are 8 low-effort ways to cut back on everyday expenses and put more money toward crushing that student debt.

1.  Unsubscribe from Retail Emails & Turn Off Shopping App Notifications

Your favorite stores are really good at convincing you that you “need” something ASAP - especially when they’re constantly hitting your inbox or pushing app alerts. Unsubscribing or turning off notifications can help you stop those impulse buys before they even start.

Out of sight, out of cart.

2.  Simplify Your Beauty or Grooming Routine

Salon visits, specialty products, and name-brand makeup and skincare can quietly eat up hundreds of dollars over time. Try spacing out haircuts, learning some at-home grooming basics, or switching to drugstore brands for everyday essentials. Small swaps = big savings.

3.  Do a Pantry or Freezer Challenge

You know those random cans, frozen veggies, or forgotten pasta boxes sitting in your kitchen? Use them up! Challenge yourself to make meals from what you already have before doing another grocery run. It cuts waste, stretches your food budget, and gets you a little creative in the kitchen.

4. Bundle Errands to Save on Gas

With gas prices all over the place, saving even one extra trip per week can help your wallet (and the environment). Try grouping errands by location and knocking them out in one go instead of driving around multiple times a week.

5.  Limit “Little Treat” Spending

We love a good iced coffee moment or a quick smoothie stop—but $5 here and $8 there adds up fast. Instead of grabbing a daily pick-me-up, designate one or two “treat days” per week. That way, it still feels fun and intentional, not like a budget leak.

6.  Wait 24–48 Hours Before Buying Anything Online

Even small online purchases can add up when they’re impulsive. If you see something you think you want, wait a day or two. You might realize you don’t need it or find a cheaper option somewhere else.

Pro Tip: Keep a wishlist instead of hitting “buy now.” If something stays on your mind after a few days, it might actually be worth the spend.

7.  Check Out “Buy Nothing” or Local Swap Groups

Before clicking “add to cart,” take a look at your local Buy Nothing group on Facebook or a neighborhood app like Nextdoor. People give away everything from furniture and kitchen gadgets to coats and books for free. It's sustainable, budget-friendly, and community-powered.

8.  Try a No-Spend Weekend (or Week!)

Challenge yourself to go a weekend (or even a whole week!) without spending money on anything non-essential. Cook at home, explore free local events, and rediscover activities you already enjoy. It's a great way to reset your habits—and your bank account.

All in all…

You don’t need a total lifestyle overhaul to start stacking up some extra cash. A few small, intentional changes can add up to real savings over time. The best part? You’re in control and future you (aka the debt-free version) is going to be so glad you started now.