20 Ways to Save Money in Less Than 5 Minutes

by Jodi

It’s the little things that really add up. Decide to start making coffee at home instead of stopping at Starbucks each morning, and you’ll save about $15 a week. That may not sound like much, but tally up the totals for a year’s worth of coffee, and you’ll really be saving $780 each year. Who couldn’t use that kind of extra money? It takes just a few small actions to really change your life. Here are 20 ideas to get you started.

At home

1. Cancel your newspaper subscription. You can read the newspaper online for free.

2. Get rid of your landline. If you get good cell phone coverage at home, you don’t need a pricey second line.

3. Use window stripping. Plugging up leaks around doors and windows can shave 20% off your energy bills.

4. Wash clothes in cold water. 75% of the energy your washing machine uses comes from heating the water. Wash in cold water instead.

5. Upgrade to CFLs. Traditional light bulbs have short lives and waste energy. Moving up to energy efficient CFLs will net you a savings of up to $30 per light fixture each year.

6. Drop premium cable channels. Most television shows can now be viewed online or rented free from the library or through Netflix. Dropping premium channels will save $150-300 each year.

7. Make your own household cleaners. You’ll free your home of dirt and chemicals when you use all-natural cleaners you make yourself. See MommySavers.com for cleaning recipe ideas.

In the car

8. Keep car tires inflated. You’ll improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3% by airing up your tires regularly.

9. Share a car with a friend. Ridesharing to work can save up to $3,400 a year.

10. Walk. Start walking or biking on errands and you’ll not only save gas money and wear and tear on your car, but get in better shape.

11. Let your groceries pay for your gas. You’ll earn gas at the pump by enrolling in free grocery store memberships. Gaint saves shoppers $.10 per gallon for every $100 spent on food.

On pets

12. See the veterinary school. Vet schools need patients. Let your dog or cat get attended to by student vets and you can save as much as 40% on routine procedures and surgeries.

13. Take advantage of your internet connection. Buy pet meds online and trim costs for prescriptions by 42%.

14. Don’t pass up the pet store. Pet stores offer deep discounts to members on food, toys, beds and more.

15. Make your own pet toys. We promise, your best friend won’t know the difference between an expensive store-bought toy and one you make at home.

16. Become a groomer. Trim your dog’s nails and fur and save up to $400 in grooming fees.