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10 Tiny Money Moves That Can Save You $1,000 This Year

You don’t need a major lifestyle overhaul to boost your savings. Just a few smart changes can keep more cash in your pocket. These tiny tweaks might not seem like much on their own, but together, they could save you over $1,000 in a year. Ready to find extra money without the pain? Here’s how.

1. Automate a Weekly Transfer to Savings

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Set up your bank to automatically move $20 a week from checking to savings. You won’t miss it, and by the end of the year, you’ll have over $1,000 saved without even trying. Most banks allow this through their mobile apps or online banking.

2. Switch to a High-Yield Savings Account

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If you’re still earning pennies on your savings, it’s time to switch. Online banks like Marcus by Goldman Sachs or Ally offer high-yield savings accounts with interest rates over 4 percent. Your emergency fund will earn more just by sitting there.

3. Unsubscribe from Sneaky Recurring Charges

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Use free tools like Rocket Money or Trim to uncover forgotten subscriptions. From streaming services to fitness apps, most people find at least $20 to $40 per month in waste. That adds up to $480 or more a year.

4. Use Grocery Store Apps and Cash-Back Tools

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Apps like Ibotta and Fetch Rewards let you scan receipts or link loyalty programs for cash back. Even if you only save $5 to $10 per weekly grocery trip, you could end up with a few hundred dollars saved by year’s end.

5. Cut One Takeout Night a Week

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Swapping just one $25 takeout meal per week for a homemade dinner saves $1,300 annually. Stock your freezer with easy options like frozen pizza or stir-fry kits so you’re less tempted to order out.

6. Call to Lower Your Bills

serious sad woman on phone.
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Spend a few minutes calling your internet, phone, or insurance provider and ask about better rates or promotions. Mention competitor pricing or long-time customer status. Many people report saving $10 to $30 per month on each bill. It’s worth trying at your cable provider or insurance company.

7. Use Credit Card Rewards for Everyday Expenses

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Don’t let your points sit unused or waste them on gift cards. Apply rewards to groceries, gas, or statement credits. If you use a card like the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Citi Double Cash, you can earn back hundreds each year just by paying for things you already buy.

8. Fill Up on Gas When It’s Cheapest

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refrina via Shutterstock.

Gas prices vary dramatically by location. Use GasBuddy to find the cheapest station near you. Saving 15 cents per gallon on a 15-gallon tank once a week adds up to over $100 a year.

9. Buy Generic (Even Just Sometimes)

Generic versus brand name food.
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Store-brand groceries, cleaning products, and medications often cost 20 to 50 percent less than name brands. Just switching a few of your regular items can save you $15 to $25 a month, which adds up fast.

10. Make Your Coffee at Home but Upgrade It

coffee maker.
fizkes via Shutterstock.

You don’t have to give up good coffee. Buy a $20 milk frother or better beans to recreate your favorite café drink. If you usually buy a $5 drink five times a week, skipping just half of those saves $650 a year.

Conclusion

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Khosro via Shutterstock.

These changes are small, but together they can have a major impact on your finances. You don’t need to give up everything you enjoy, just be more intentional with what you spend. Try a few of these for one month and watch your savings grow.

4 Reasons Mark Cuban Says Most People Will Never Get Rich

mark cuban
Graphic via Canva credit The Queen Zone.

Mark Cuban, billionaire entrepreneur and investor, has shared blunt truths about why most people never achieve wealth.

READ: 4 Reasons Mark Cuban Says Most People Will Never Get Rich

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Author

  • Dede Wilson Headshot Circle

    Dédé Wilson is a journalist with over 17 cookbooks to her name and is the co-founder and managing partner of the digital media partnership Shift Works Partners LLC, currently publishing through two online media brands, FODMAP Everyday® and The Queen Zone.

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