100 Top Money-Saving Tips for 2022

There are a lot of ways to waste money, and the pandemic hasn't made anything any easier. But fortunately, there are also a lot of ways to save. From lowering your utility costs to coupon sites, this roundup of 100 money-saving, reward-earning, and frugal-living tips will help you stay ahead of the game financially. Keep it handy by bookmarking it in your favorite browser and on your smartphone.

Related: Household Products That Are a Complete Waste of Money

Consumers can save by joining the cord-cutting revolution and opting for a streaming stick from Roku, Google, or Amazon, or a set-top box such as Apple TV. Even subscribing to more than one streaming service, monthly entertainment costs can dip dramatically without a cable subscription, and there is still plenty to watch.

Related: Awesome Gifts for Couch Potatoes and TV Lovers

Want the outfit worn by a celebrity? It may be possible to find a similar look for a lot less at a low-price apparel chain such as Old Navy — or get the very same look short term at a site such as Rent the Runway.

Switch to a bank with fee-free checking and ATM use or fee reimbursement — often available from smaller local banks or credit unions. These institutions also typically offer checking accounts with no minimums and lower fees than large banks. Explore online services from Charles Schwab, Ally Bank, or USAA Bank (for members and relatives of military members and veterans).

Movie-going is an iffy proposition these days, but when cinemas reopen in full you'll want to think about saving money by buying tickets in bulk at warehouse clubs or straight from theater chains, attending matinees, going on discount days, and avoiding the overpriced snack bar. 

At least five days of the week (generally not Friday and Saturday) there's a restaurant chain that lets kids eat for free after the purchase of an adult entree. Clearly the pandemic has wreaked havoc on the restaurant industry with many chains closing locations, but many still have kids-eat-free offers and other family friendly deals.

Related: The Best Value Meal Deals at Chains Across the Country 

Check monthly bills and think twice about memberships that aren't used often. Whether it's a subscription box with products that aren't often to your liking or an infrequently visited gym (which may still be a good place to avoid these days), if the service isn't providing value, stop paying for it.

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Cut your entertainment budget: Spend a day outdoors hiking along one of the many beautiful trails this country has to offer. If it's cold, check out bookstores so cool that visiting is worth it even without a purchase.

It's a myth that keeping a small balance on a credit card improves credit scores. On the contrary: Paying off balances can help cardholders boost their scores — and save money by avoiding interest payments.

Libraries do more than offer free books; they rent movies and ebooks inexpensively and host classes of all sorts, among other services. Libraries are also accommodating workspaces — they're quiet and there's no need to buy coffee or a snack every few hours.

Looking for an cheap or free vacation thrill? There's something unexpected or off the beaten path in every state, from an inn shaped like a giant beagle to the famed Cadillac Ranch in Texas.

Related: 50 Picturesque Road Trips for Safer Travel During the Pandemic

The age for senior discounts may be as young as 50 at restaurants, grocery stores, and clothing retailers. With deals ranging from 5% to 50% off, make sure to ask.

When travel hits full stride again post-pandemic, travelers looking for an alternative to a generic room in a large hotel chain property can opt for an inexpensive boutique hotel. There are options across the country worth considering, and rates can be as low as $50 a night. Airbnb and Vrbo sites can also provide unique experiences, whether you want an Airstream trailer,  winter cabin  or a Hobbit hole. 

Hotels are often cheaper farther from the city center or from major attractions. This isn't always true at holiday times, though. That's when business travel is at a lull, and rates may fall in a city's financial district. Also, be sure to keep an eye peeled for hotel freebies, such as snacks and entertainment.

Even if flying isn't on your immediate agenda, you'll want to remember that many airlines charge for checked bags. But there are ways to fit everything into a carry-on and otherwise eliminate or reduce airline baggage fees. Watch out for budget airlines that collect fees even for carry-ons and fare classes, such as one one on United, that also limits free baggage to one personal item.

Instead of buying bottled juices or doing a pricey, prepackaged cleanse, use a home juicer. The time commitment and cleanup are not for everyone, so start with a cheap juicer and upgrade if juicing turns into an ongoing thing.

Many retailers use price codes (for example, a price that ends in .97) on tags to indicate whether an item is a final markdown or may be discounted further.

Negotiating makes sense more often than you might expect. With market information in hand, go straight to the manager at a rental car agency or hotel and try to wrangle a deal. No luck lowering the price? Try getting more value with an upgrade or fee waiver.

Smart thermostats can be real money savers — they learn residents' preferences and can be controlled from afar — but even a cheap programmable thermostat set at a reasonable temperature can save $180 a year on average, according to the federal government's Energy Star program.

Earn extra cash by selling unwanted clothing on websites such as Poshmark, Vinted, ThredUp, or The RealReal.

Don't waste money on toys that children will cast aside after a few months. Instead, consider toy swaps with local parents.

Related: Ways Parents Waste Money on Kids

Being too cheap may not be financially wise. Don't blindly choose the least expensive item when it's low-quality, for instance. And make sure extreme couponing or a long drive to find the cheapest gas isn't wasting more time than it's worth.

Doctors tend to buy generic versions of common medications, and chefs buy store-brand baking supplies such as brown sugar. Private labels and generics usually cost less for the same quality.

Related: How Seniors Can Save on Health Care

Looking for a diamond ring for a holiday engagement? Get a good price by shopping online and knowing the five C's: clarity, color, cut, carat, and certification. Don't compromise on cut, which makes a diamond sparkle, but a low clarity or color grade is harder to notice and can make a large stone more affordable. Also consider alternative synthetic diamonds or alternative gemstones.

Veterans can take advantage of a slew of discounts and benefits year-round. Lowe's, for example, offers 10% off to active and retired military and those receiving Veterans Affairs benefits.

Escape the contract and switch to an ultra-cheap phone provider such as FreedomPop or Republic Wireless. They use the same towers as some of the big telecom companies but charge consumers just a fraction of the price.

Yes, it's possible to earn a bachelor's degree for less by testing out of required classes at an accredited college. This path requires a lot of self-discipline but can save tens of thousands of dollars.

A trip to see Mickey and the gang may be just a wish upon a star in the near term because of pandemic closures and restrictions, but a visit to the Disney theme parks can be a costly affair. Regular tickets to Disney World are more than $100 for ages 10 and up, but there are ways to save on a Disney trip. One of the best strategies: Bring food, drinks, and even Disney memorabilia bought somewhere besides the overpriced gift shops (tell the kids a favorite character stopped by the hotel to leave them a souvenir). Disney World now allows outside food, and Disney cruises permit up to two bottles of wine or six beers in a carry-on.

Detect fraud early by monitoring credit reports and checking credit scores for free using a site such as Credit Sesame or Bankrate. Some credit cards now come with a free credit score.

Cash-back shopping sites such as Rakuten and Mr. Rebates let consumers earn a percentage of their money back when shopping online. Many rewards credit cards offer a similar perk for online and offline purchases.

For a high credit score, don't spend a large part of each card's available credit limit. The utilization rate — the percentage of a credit limit that's being used — is an important credit-scoring factor, and lower is better in the eyes of credit scoring agencies.

Consumers who have good credit scores but have trouble paying off credit card debt can move the debt to a card that charges zero interest on transferred balances during a promotional period. Some, but not all, such cards charge a one-time fee equal to a percentage of the amount transferred. Another option: Take out a personal loan with a lower interest rate than the credit cards and use it to pay down the debt.

Netting a discount can be as easy as typing the retailer's name and "coupon codes" into a search engine. Consumers can also check sites such as RetailMeNot, DealNews, and Brad's Deals for coupon codes before checking out online.

Gift Card Granny shows where to buy gift cards online for less than face value — and who says a gift card has to be a gift? Shop at a discount by paying with gift cards at big-name retailers.

Savings need not stop after clicking "buy." Several price-tracking services alert shoppers to after-the-fact price drops so shoppers can ask for a refund of the difference — or get one automatically (minus a cut for the service). Paribus and Rakuten monitor select retailers, including Amazon, through users' email accounts. Several credit card issuers offer a similar service for free.

Upgrade a home and reduce utility costs with energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances. The initial investment will pay for itself over time and the planet will benefit. It's one of many ways to reduce utility costs during the winter.

It's not as simple as refraining from eating or drinking anything. Some hotel minibars have a built-in sensor that may be triggered by merely moving items. Look over the bill before checking out to make sure there aren't any accidental charges. 

Avoid buying things that probably will not be used more than once, such as formalwear (rent instead), specialty kitchen appliances (which lose their novelty quickly), and power tools (rent from home improvement stores or borrow from local sources).

Many credit cards offer extended warranties, full refunds if items are damaged or stolen up to 90 days after purchase, zero liability for fraudulent charges, and rewards programs that earn the cardholder money back on every purchase. Look at what's included before buying additional coverage.

Looking for inexpensive date ideas? Instead of dinner and a movie, try wine tasting, volunteering, going to an arcade, or checking out a local tourist attraction that's often overlooked by residents.

Buy a wireless router or modem rather than renting one from an internet service provider. The purchase often pays for itself in less than a year.

Get a credit card that does not charge extra for foreign transactions. This can come in handy when international travel returns to normal or when making purchases in a foreign currency while at home.

Save money on razors by drying the blades after each use and storing them in a dry space. This simple step can prolong the life of a razor blade by months. For more savings, consider switching to a service that delivers inexpensive blades.

Save on school lunches by buying ingredients in bulk and packing in reusable containers, instead of buying single-serving packages.

Related: Super Easy School Lunches

Influenster and BzzAgent send free samples, and sometimes free full-size products, to consumers who write short reviews or tell friends about the products.

Considering a new pet? Experts say purebred cats and dogs are most prone to illness — and the accompanying vet bills. In general, the least expensive animals to care for are small, female mixed breeds that have been spayed.

Related: Dogs That Don't Shed

Microfiber cleaning cloths generally cost more than standard cotton towels, but even the priciest options pay for themselves over time when factoring in durability and savings on cleaning products.

No matter the day of the week, tacos are a delicious and inexpensive food. There are iconic taco shops (or trucks) across the country that are worth checking out.

Use mobile apps to help save money while shopping for groceries, clothing, and everything else. Try RetailMeNot, Ibotta, Checkout 51, Grocery Smarts, SmartSource, and the Coupons app.

To prolong the life of clothing, wash clothes in cold water, don't use wire hangers, set the dryer on low, or hang dry washables.

Related: How to Go as Long as Possible Without Doing Laundry

Instead of farming out your yardwork to a lawn service, so to speak, dig in and take care of it yourself. Lawn services can charge $35 or more for an average size yard.  

Take the DIY yardwork a step further by planting a garden that can provide cheap, homegrown fruits and vegetables. Initial expenses are minimal, and if you end up with more produce than you can use, you can freeze it for later.

Unplugging DVR cable boxes, computers, and other appliances when they're not in use could knock $200 a year off the electric bill, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, but ending "vampire drain" is only one of many ways to save on energy costs.

Large floral centerpieces, paying for an open bar, and extravagant extras such as an ice sculpture can add up quickly. Consider a simple wedding and put the savings toward a goal such as buying a home or paying down debts. 

Related: Things You Won't See at Weddings in the Coronavirus Era

Booking directly with travel providers can yield savings and extra perks, such as free Wi-Fi, fewer hidden fees, and more flexibility.

Don't go rock-bottom-cheap on these household items: skillets, knives, storage containers, furniture, and vacuums. Stepping up a bit in price is worthwhile to net goods that will last and save money in the long run.

Here's another travel alternative to consider when pandemic restrictions ease. For a way to see the world and also give back, consider a volunteer vacation. The experience can be personally rewarding and much less expensive than a resort.

Take the stress out of shopping and guarantee a purchase will be appreciated by going to stores with good, consumer-friendly return policies. Nordstrom is a longtime favorite, and there are several other stores with similar approaches, including Costco.

Electric bikes and scooters offer inexpensive and relatively sweat-free alternatives to a car for consumers eager to cut transportation costs.

Related: Best Cities for Living Without a Car

Chrysanthemums, carnations, and alstroemerias (Peruvian lilies) cost less than roses and last longer. No matter the type of flowers, call a local florist near the recipient instead of ordering online. The florist may offer savings or prepare a better bouquet for the same price.

Some weight-loss methods are too good to be true. Avoid paying for creams, seven-minute workouts, shakes, pills, and fad diets that do not address the needs of the body as a whole. Choose a plan that emphasizes healthy eating and exercise over a quick fix. The instilled habits are more valuable in the long run.

Priceline, Hotwire, and other travel sites aren't the only ones that let consumers name the price they want to pay. Greentoe has a similar setup for photography equipment, home theater items, appliances, and more.

Garage sales, thrift stores, and flea markets are brimming with gently used items that may be your next big treasure. Books, sporting goods, and kids' clothes can be had at rock-bottom prices. 

Borrowers whose financial situation has improved since graduation may want to look into refinancing their private student loans to poetentially lower interest rates. Lenders look beyond credit scores to the borrower's income, job, education level, degree, and other financial obligations.

Refinancing federal student loans can lead to lower interest rates, which can save borrowers money. Be aware, though: After refinancing with a private lender, borrowers are not eligible for federal payment plans based on income or forgiveness programs.

There are many ways to get discounts on auto insurance policies: Take a defensive driving class, install an anti-theft device, or use the same company for several types of insurance, for instance.

Young drivers often must pay more for auto insurance, but some providers offer discounts to teens who maintain good grades or take driving courses or online classes.

Renters may benefit from an insurance policy even if they don't have many possessions. Renters insurance could cover theft of personal property even if it occurs outside the home, and liability protection in the event someone is injured and sues. Buying a fire extinguisher or paying premiums for a full year all at once usually generates a discount.

Students are often on a shoestring budget, but there are plenty of savings opportunities. Some clothing stores, including Madewell, ASOS, and Topshop, offer a 10% to 15% student discount. Restaurants, grocery stores, movie theaters, gyms, and technology companies also offer discounts for students.

To decrease premiums on your insurance, raise the deductible (the amount the policyholder must pay before the insurance company starts to cover costs).

When the cost to replace possessions or fix a vehicle is less than an insurance deductible, it may make sense not to make a claim. The policyholder has to pay for the damages out-of-pocket either way, and reporting the incident may result in higher premiums.

Most people know a new car's value drops as soon as it's driven off the lot. Help maintain the value by taking the car in for regular checkups, waxing the exterior, and avoiding eating or drinking inside.

Standing desks can encourage workers to be less sedentary and offer a nice change from sitting in front of a computer all day. Retail prices can reach into the thousands, but there are cheaper alternatives, including a wall-mounted shelf or stacking books or boxes to raise the height of a laptop or monitor. Keep feet relaxed by standing on a folded yoga mat or anti-fatigue mat.

Some basic lifestyle changes can help maintain or improve health as you age. Work in 30 minutes of physical activity a day, get plenty of sleep, and try to minimize sugar intake.

Refinancing a mortgage could lead to significant savings. Shop around to get quotes from different lenders and consider different loan terms.

Get a tax deduction for the current year by contributing to an Individual Retirement Arrangement right up to the tax-filing deadline in the coming year. The IRA contribution limit for 2020 and 2021 is $6,000 ($7,000 for taxpayers 50 and older).

Some major retailers, including Walmart, Target, Staples, and Best Buy price match Amazon. There are many exclusions to watch out for, but checking prices with a smartphone before making an in-store impulse buy can yield savings.

Save on a DIY bathroom remodel by keeping the basic layout the same and making other improvements: installing a new vanity countertop, painting the walls, putting up a new mirror, and regrouting the floor and other tile.

The IRS has yet to announce the rate for 2022, but small-business owners who record the miles they drive for work could take a deduction of 56 cents a mile in 2021 — a decrease of 1.5 cents from the year before. The rate stayed the same for taxpayers who don't own a business but drove for charitable purposes, or to and from a volunteer event:  14 cents a mile. For moving or medical purposes, the rate is 16 cents per mile in 2021, down a penny from a year earlier.

Sites such as CamelCamelCamel and PriceSpider monitor the price of goods at stores such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Newegg so shoppers can pounce when the price drops.

Before hiring a contractor, figure out if someone with specialized training is needed and get recommendations from friends and family. Set a budget and ask contractors for an itemized task and quote list. To be safe, budget for cost overruns up to 20% of the initial quote.

Preparing a home for potential buyers or visiting relatives doesn't have to involve expensive improvements: Clearing the driveway and walkways, cleaning the windows to let in natural light, and decorating the front with all-season plants may be the most important steps.

The cost of shipping may be less than renting a truck for a long-haul move for people without large furniture. Before packing up and moving, compare quotes from local moving companies against shipping costs.

Emergency room visits can cost thousands — or tens of thousands of dollars. Taking preventive health measures such as getting regular checkups or screenings, and practicing safe sex could reduce the chances of running into health problems.

Lululemon and Athleta may be in vogue, but frugal fitness buffs can turn to plenty of places for deals on workout clothes. Check out websites such as The Clymb, ClothingUnder10, and Steep & Cheap, or inexpensive retailers such as Old Navy.

A few simple kitchen hacks can save money and time. To cite just a couple: Wrap banana stems in plastic to keep them fresh longer (keeping the plastic wrap chilled to make it easier to separate and tear) and put marshmallows in brown sugar to keep it soft.

Grocery stores often have a section where bruised and overripe produce is sold at clearance prices. These fruits and vegetables work just fine in sauces, pie fillings, stews, and smoothies. Consider signing up for an "ugly produce" delivery service such as Imperfect Foods or Misfits Market if it's cost effective and delivers in your area.  

When taking a trip or traveling to a new state, look for representative souvenirs that are small, lightweight, and inexpensive. Macadamia nuts or Kona coffee from Hawaii, saltwater taffy from the New Jersey shore, or an album from one of Nashville's well-known record shops are examples.

Even infrequent travelers can save money by enrolling in hotel loyalty programs. Basic membership comes with late checkout and complimentary newspapers at some chains.

Credit unions are nonprofits owned cooperatively by members (people with an account at the credit union). They offer many of the same services as banks but give more savings and profits to members. Fees and interest rates may be lower on credit cards and loans, and checking and savings accounts may pay higher interest compared with other financial services firms.

Families, friends, and neighbors can share all sorts of things to save money. Power tools, lawn mowers, and luggage are just the start. Look for ongoing savings by sharing phone plans or streaming video subscriptions, too.

Small debts can have a large effect on a credit score if they go unpaid and get passed on to a collections agency. Newer credit scoring models ignore debts of less than $100, but not all lenders use the latest models.

Children are fountains of endless desires, and stores understand this, often positioning kid-targeted merchandise right where youngsters will see it. So outsmart the masters of marketing and keep the kids out of the equation. Maybe even offer to trade babysitting time with other parents to do so.   

Some car repairs, such as an oil change or brake pad replacement, are relatively easy DIY chores. Other fixes generally require a trained mechanic and could be costly. If a problem arises after the warranty has expired, it may be possible to save money by contacting the manufacturer for "goodwill assistance."

Keep food costs down by buying in bulk, using a slow cooker, eating at home, and saving leftovers for another meal. Keep small snacks in the car or at work to avoid the urge to go to restaurants.

To keep from overspending at the grocery store, eat before going shopping, make a list, and use only a set amount of cash to buy food. (Splurge once in a while to keep things interesting.)

Many sound sleepers advocate buying a mattress online. Shops such as Casper, Leesa, and Tuft & Needle sell high-quality foam mattresses starting around $500. Search for discounts and coupon codes for further savings. There are also inexpensive options on Amazon, but they don't offer the same warranties or trial period.

Start tracking your vehicle's gas mileage, and focus on ways to improve it. Some simple tips include maintaining proper tire pressure, checking the tire alignment, and accelerating slowly.

Costco doesn't require a membership for every purchase. Anyone can eat at the food court or get a flu shot. In some states, nonmembers can buy alcohol, as well.

To save money on pet care, shop around before choosing a vet. Look for discount packages and focus on preventive care. Regular exercise and a proper diet of high-quality food are keys to keeping pets healthy.

Cutting back can help only so much, and there are lots of ways to make money on the side. Become a mystery shopper, tutor, organize or clean homes, babysit, or drive people using a ride-share app.