Saving money doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your lifestyle. With a few clever strategies, you can keep more cash in your pocket while still enjoying the things you love. Here are 10 practical money hacks to help you save on everyday expenses.
 

Plan Meals and Grocery Shop Smart

Meal planning can significantly cut your food expenses. Create a weekly menu, make a shopping list, and stick to it. Shop with intention by avoiding impulse purchases and opting for generic brands, which often offer the same quality as name brands at a fraction of the cost.
 

Use Rewards Programs

You’re going to use a credit or debit card to buy things, so make sure you’re using cards that offer some type of reward program. A lot of credit and debit cards offer rewards like cash back, merchandise, gift cards and travel when you use the card. When you use a Partner Colorado credit card or debit card, you can combine your rewards points with everyone in your household so the points add up quicker.¹
 

Automate Your Savings

Set up automatic transfers to a savings account every payday. Even small, consistent contributions add up over time. Consider using services that round up your purchases to the nearest dollar and save the spare change, like with our round-up feature. When you use your Partner Colorado debit card that’s attached to your checking account, your total purchase is rounded up to the nearest dollar and the spare change is placed automatically into your savings account. For example, a debit card charge of $5.84 is rounded up to $6.00 and the difference of $0.16 is deposited to your savings account.
 

Cut Subscription Costs

Review your subscriptions regularly. Do you really need multiple streaming services, a gym membership, and a magazine subscription? Cancel what you don’t use frequently, or share plans with family or friends to split the cost.
 

Buy Secondhand

For items like clothing, furniture, and electronics, check out thrift stores, consignment shops, or online marketplaces. You’ll often find high-quality items at a fraction of the retail price. Bonus—buying secondhand is also more environmentally friendly.
 

Shop Seasonally

Purchase items when they’re going out of season or during major sales events. For example, buy winter clothes in spring and summer gear in the fall. When grocery shopping, it’s best to buy produce that’s in season because it’s often cheaper and fresher.
 

Make Your Own Coffee

Skip the daily coffee shop runs and make your own brew at home. Invest in a good coffee maker or French press and experiment with different types of coffee beans to find your perfect blend. You’ll save a significant amount over time.
 

Negotiate Bills

Don’t hesitate to negotiate your bills. Call your internet, cable, or phone provider and ask for discounts or promotions. Many companies offer loyalty discounts or price-matching programs if you mention competitors.
 

Avoid Impulse Purchases

Impulse purchases on non-essential items can end up hitting your budget more than you think. Whenever you see something you just have to have, whether it’s in a store or online shopping, wait one day before making the purchase to determine if you really need it. Usually after a little consideration, you’ll realize it’s not worth spending the money.
 

Utilize Public Resources

Take advantage of free or low-cost community resources like public libraries, parks, and recreational centers. Libraries often offer more than books, including free access to movies, workshops, and even meeting spaces.

Adopting these money-saving hacks can make a big difference over time. Start with one or two strategies that resonate most with your lifestyle and expand from there. The key is consistency—small changes can lead to substantial savings without compromising your quality of life.


¹Rewards Points provided by ScoreCard® Bonus Point Program. Account holders earn one point for every three qualified dollars in net purchases using signature-based debit card transactions and for every five qualified dollars in net purchases using PIN-based debit card transactions. There is no limit to the number of points an account can earn in one year. Points expire within 36 months.