Need to stash more cash? Here are some quick tips for upping your savings game.

Cash strapped from student loans? Saving for your first home? Struggling to make ends meet? Whatever our needs, most of us could use some extra cash.

Below are some quick tips that might help you reach those goals!

Buy better.

1. Consider saving bigger purchases for holidays so you can take advantage of extra large sales. Take some time to comparison shop in advance to guarantee you’re really getting the best deal.
2. Try couponing! Sites like iBotta can help you save on items, while sites like Groupon can help you save big time on experiences. If you use my Rakuten code on a qualifying purchase, you can earn $30!
3. Avoid bulk buy deals unless you actually need the extra items. Remember, you haven’t “saved” any money if you’ve just bought more than you need.
4. Opt for generics or store brands over pricier brand names.

Waste not.

1. Make yourself use all of the food you buy. This may mean eating leftovers more often, or getting more innovative with your recipes. Being more mindful about your consumption can help you cut down on how much you ultimately buy, resulting in less spending and less waste.
2. Opt for paperless billing whenever possible. Many providers and subscription services offer small discounts for doing so.
3. Take advantage of resale platforms like Poshmark and eBay. Not only can you score excellent deals on new and gently used everything, but you can also resell the things you no longer need!
4. Make a list of all your subscriptions, and cancel anything you haven’t used for the last 3 months. Check your card or bank statements to make sure you get them all. Don’t let yourself leak money just because you think you’ll get back to that gym or club “some day”. If you change your mind about a subscription, you can always sign up again.

Take a few shots in the dark.

1. Check your state site for any unclaimed funds you might be entitled to. When searching for these sites, look for .gov links since those are most likely to be legitimate.
2. Ask about price matches, and follow up on any advertised price match guarantees, especially on bigger ticket items.
3. Check to see if your workplace, any clubs or associations you’re affiliated with, and your health insurance provider offer any discount programs that might benefit you, like discounted gym memberships or special rate offerings on student loans.
4. Call your current service providers (phone, cable, etc.) and ask them if they can set you up with better deals. If you strike out with them, consider switching providers to take advantage of promotions.

Don’t forget about the power of suggestion.

1. Pay with cash whenever possible. This will make you more conscious of your spending, so you’ll cut down on frivolous buys.
2. Let your online shopping cart sit for a full twenty-four hours before checking out. Doing this will help you cut down on those impulse buys that inevitably fail to please when they finally arrive in the mail.
3. Make a shopping list before walking into any store, and STICK TO THE LIST.

Conclusion

Feel free to try any or all of these tips, and let me know how they work for you. Saving can seem daunting, but every little bit counts. I hope these tips will get you well on your way to meeting your saving needs!