After all, the easiest money youll make is the money you already have.
So were doing a giant round-up of our favorite ways to save more money by wasting less.
And remember, even small changes in spending habits can add up to extra money in your bank account.
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Resist scrubbing off that caked-on food.
Thats your dishwashers job.
In fact, rinsing dishes can make yourdishwasher less efficient, and youll use significantly more water.
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
Ask one of these companies to help…
We get it.
Its easy to reach for that box of plastic baggies.
But you probably have a pile of Tupperware or glassware thatll do the job just fine.
Plastics dont just waste money they have anoutsized environmental impact,too.
For large families, having cups hanging around on every surface isnt just a clutter issue.
All those cups rack up additional costs every time you run your dishwasher.
Instead, label cups and use the same one throughout the day.
It happens to everyone.
You come home exhausted and dont have the energy to scrub your face or brush your teeth.
Most of these items have reusable alternatives that are better for your wallet and the environment.
Just like paper towels, Americans are one of the leading countries inyearly toilet paper consumption.
Try cutting back or consider getting a bidet.
There are many generic medications that provide the same results as brand-name drugs.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if one is available before you get your script filled.
In addition to generics, there are many other ways to get affordable medications.
Unlikehealth savings accounts, flexible spending accounts usually dont roll funds over into the new year.
check that youre reading the fine print on whichFSA-eligible costsyour health insurance doesnt cover.
If youre paying for flu shots or other required vaccines, youre throwing money away.
Drug stores like CVS and Rite Aid offerfree vaccinationsat no cost with most insurance.
Youre also putting your clothes through the proverbial ringer andshortening their lifespan, which will cost you later.
If you bought a fancy high-efficiency washing machine, youre probably addingtoo much detergent.
Double-check the manufacturer instructions before your next big pour to see if you should scale back.
Before you splurge, check the garment care instructions and decide if its really worth the hassle.
The ultimate impulse purchases can be new clothes, but they can really drain your savings account.
Ways Youre Wasting Money on Utilities
Still, paying for cable or satellite TV?
Just keep in mind that you may lose that savings if you sign up for too many streaming services.
No, were not talking about your smartphone.
Some folks (about25% of US households) are still footing the bill for a landline.
Smart thermostats cost more upfront, but the monthly savings on your heating and cooling bills add up fast.
you might also use theEnergy Star rebate finderto locate incentive programs for purchasing and installing smart thermostats.
Blowing past data caps with your internet service provider can be a costly mistake.
Many providers issue initial warnings and then start applying overage charges.
Shop around for an internet provider that doesnt have data caps like Google Fiber.
Maybe you think incandescent lights have more character, but how much is that old-school glow costing you?
Energy efficiency experts say switching from incandescent to LED bulbs adds up to$225 per yearin savings.
Because raising the sash on new windows is expensive, homeowner rebates are available to help with the upgrade.
Ways Youre Wasting Money Around the House
Its just a little drip, right?
Even if youre not risking damage, letting a toilet run will show up on your water bill eventually.
Extended warrantiessound responsible, but most consumers dont need them.
But if you find thats happening often, flex some organization skills and tackle the chaos.
Sure, it’s possible for you to save money doing some home repairs yourself.
There are some things best left to the pros.
Thats especially true if it involves plumbing, wiring, or heating and cooling.
You dont need a green thumb to learn how to fertilize, mow, andtreat your own lawn.
Keeping trees and tall hedges trimmed is about more than curb appeal.
Branches hanging over your roof or near windows can cause property damage during storms.
And if your tree falls into your neighbors yard, you might beliable for damages.
Look at your siding and see where trees and shrubs may be too close.
The extra moisture and scraping from branches can affect your siding, leading to costly repairs down the road.
Believe it or not, theres a right way and a wrong way to mow your lawn.
Find out which plants grow well in your region and will thrive in the space you have.
Most of it is expiring in your fridge or behind the scenes at restaurants before it can be consumed.
Be realistic about what youll actually use before it goes bad.
Still buying pallets of bottled water?
Youre not just wasting cash but participating in the proliferation of plastics, which takeseveral hundred yearsto break down.
Get a refillable water bottle instead and pocket the savings while helping the planet.
Its convenient, but getting groceries dropped at your door comes with a cost.
The answer might surprise you.
Bulk warehouses have deep discounts, but they offset those savings with a membership fee.
And for small families or couples, buying in bulk isnt always cost-effective.
Make a monthly menu, and dont stray from your shopping list when you walk the aisles.
No one is saying you should give up meat altogether.
Weve all done it.
Theres nothing in the cupboards, so you get desperate and head to the grocery store.
And, of course, you buy too much food.
When youre hungry, everything looks delicious.
Grab yourself a quick bite before you shop to curb impulse buying.
Making the most of the food you already have in your fridge is an easy way to reduce waste.
And theres a proper way to store everything, from fresh herbs to avocados.
Even if the fridge is empty, you probably have more meals sitting in your pantry than you realize.
Take stock of your staples and make a plan to stretch your food supplies for a few more days.
And unfortunately, you never seem to get the notification until youve already been charged.
Take an audit of your subscriptions and ditch the ones youre not using.
Games are designed to entice you to pay for in-app purchases.
Special perks and boosters to help you win the game are usually behind a paywall.
To keep yourself from giving into temptation, turn off in-app purchases in your configs.
How often have you toggled off Wi-Fi because the connection sucked and then forgot to jump back on later?
If you have unlimited data, thats not a big deal.
If not, you could be running up data charges.
To avoid temptation, try removing shopping apps from your smartphone to save yourself from credit card debt.
stash your receipts and file them quickly to ensure you get in before the deadline.
Dont stop at the advertised rebates get cash back on all your purchases.
Its a great deal, but do you actually need it?
If you couldnt find a code forfree shipping, look harder.
Most sites offer incentives for free shipping if your order exceeds a certain dollar amount.
There is a season for everything, and that includes shopping.
Did you know thebest time to buy a TVis in January before the new models come out?
Or that you should spring for patio furniture in October to get the best prices?
Theres pretty much abest time to buy everythingif you have the time to be patient.
Next time you get invited to an expensive outing, feel empowered to say pass.
Your wallet will thank you.
If you overindulge, youll waste even less money by falling into bed instead of calling for a ride.
That includes during the holidays when Americans spend nearly$1,500 on gifts.
Cheap orfree giftscan be just as nice.
Ditch the high-priced ticket, and stream the next blockbuster from home.
Most movie aficionados have a fair to excellent TV and stereo system at home.
The perks, like bottomless snacks and sprawling across the couch, are priceless.
If you do go out, be strategic and findcheap movie tickets.
No time to cook?
Buy convenience foods like already chopped veggies and marinated meats to cut down on prep time.
Car buyers get sucked into purchasing extended warranties all the time, but theyre usually unnecessary.
Studies show that most car owners spend more on protection withextended warrantiesthan they ever would have spent on repairs.
New cars are very shiny and enticing, but they can be a waste of money.
Many depreciate significantly as soon as you drive them off the lot.
A used car may work better for your wallet.
When was the last time you checked your tire pressure?
And what about the treads?
Driving around on bad tires could cost you20 to 30% of your gas consumption.
Delaying oil changes and other routine maintenance can have costly consequences.
you’ve got the option to evenDIY basic car maintenance.
Premium isnt always better.
Many cars run perfectly fine on basic unleaded gas, which is one way tosave on gas.
However, luxury and high-performanceengines prefer premium, so check the car manufacturers recommendations before you fill up.
If you really rack up mileage, you might as well get rewarded for it.
A full match is great, but every little bit helps.
Your mother would be disappointed to hear youre not living up to your earning potential.
That means you could finally ditch that expensive coffee shop latte youve been sipping.
Are you too shy to speak up about getting a raise?
This guide can walk you throughhow to ask for a raise.
Refer to the IRS website to verify youre maximizingearned income tax credits.
This includes child support and crowdsourced funding.
In a few states, companies are required to reimburse you for mileage if youre traveling for business reasons.
If youre paying to file your taxes, youre doing it wrong.
When your check or payment bounces, your bank may charge youoverdraft fees.
Paying for the privilege of parking your pennies at the bank is crazy talk.
Look for bank accounts that dont front-load their checking and savings accounts with fees.
Hey, you might even get abonus for opening an account.
Your credit card requires you to make minimum payments every month to maintain good credit.
Otherwise, your credit card interest rate can increase, and youll have to pay more for less.
If you carry a balance, youll be out of more money for interest, too.
Multiple airlines offer free checked bags as part of benefits programs or mileage clubs, among otherairline freebies.
If youre not sure, call your insurance agent before you travel.
Every time you take to the friendly skies, you could be earning miles and other perks.
Most airlines offer free programs and even credit cards that help earn mileage.
Travel insurance sometimes is a smart idea, but not for every situation or destination.
During peak season, hotel rooms and flights come at a premium.
But as soon as the crowds thin and shoulder season starts, more affordable rates pop up.
The best way to avoidmortgage insuranceis to wait until you save enough for the down payment.
Do some shopping around, and dont opt for the first lender the real estate agent suggests.
Theres a right time and a wrong time to try torefinance your mortgage.
Home inspections can seem pricey, especially when youre trying to save for a down payment.
But skipping thehome inspectioncould leave you and your wallet suffering some serious buyers remorse.
Insurance is a tricky decision for pet parents.
Older pets with pre-existing health conditions usually arent eligible forpet insurance.
Certain dog breeds are also more expensive to insure, such as Newfoundlands and Jack Russell terriers.
You know the little furry darling will gut that adorable plushy in about three seconds flat.
Lean into durable toys and make your own treats at home.
There are clinics that offerfree or low-cost spay and neuter servicesif cost is a barrier.
Ways Youre Randomly Wasting Money
Hitting the jackpot is a pipe dream, and you know it.
You keep saying youll go someday, but someday never seems to come.
Ditch unused memberships andwork out at homefor free.
In many cases, your employer may offer youlife insurance.
We know you love your Kindle, but hear us out.
The books and magazines in the library down the street are free.
And if you prefer, it’s possible for you to also download books online from most libraries.
If youre the pop in whos always slipping out the door five minutes late, youre in good company.
But that behavior is costing you more than a frantic morning.
There are eventool librariesyou can use.
If you cant borrow, see if renting makes sense.
There are several things you shouldrent instead of buy.
Clutter isnt just costing you space.
Store stuff temporarily while relocating, but commit to clearing it out within a year.
Think ahead about not only the purchase price but what the ongoing costs may be.
Thats how long experts say it takes to create effective behavioral change.
A good place to start is food waste.
The majority of Americans spend20% more at restaurantsthan they do on groceries.
Kaz Weida is a senior staff writer at The Penny Hoarder covering saving money and budgeting.
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