9 simple ways to save

March 13, 2023

Accelerate your savings by developing habits that help you save long-term without wrecking your day-to-day spending.

Saving money can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Start by making small changes, including these simple steps. Once you are on your way, consider opening a savings account.

1. Set a goal

Successful journeys begin with a clear destination in mind, so be sure to set a specific, achievable savings goal.

2. Track expenses

Diligently monitoring spending habits over the course of a week or month will often highlight areas where you can immediately cut costs.

3. Pay yourself first

Use automatic transfers or personal reminders to make sure the first deduction from each paycheck Is a portion headed into your savings account. (It only takes $20/week to save $1.000/year!)

4. Get frugal with your food

Brewing your own coffee, packing leftovers for lunch at the office and resisting the temptation of the takeout menu can trigger some of your most significant savings each month.

5. Buy in bulk

When shopping for food and household goods, a little planning goes a long way. Bulk purchasing can get you the same products at a notable discount.

6. Conserve utilities

The dollars and cents saved from shutting off lights, taking shorter showers and keeping a careful eye on your thermostat can really add up-particularly in the summer and winter months.

7. Reconsider your cable

Although telecom bundles can be attractive, there are now dozens of ways to enjoy television and movies without the need for an expensive cable subscription.

8. Take public transport

Opting for a train, bus, bike or carpool arrangement even once or twice a week can be great for your budget and the environment.

9. Free fun

Check your community calendar for free events or make your own family fun at home!

Continue reading! There’s plenty to learn about how to save your money.

Learn about U.S. Bank

Visit usbank.com

800-872-2657

Make holiday gift giving easier in a digital world

What financial advice would you give your younger self?

Managing money as a military spouse during deployment

Dear Money Mentor: How do I pick a savings or checking account?

Managing your finances in the military

9 simple ways to save

3 awkward situations Zelle can help avoid

Is raising backyard chickens a good idea financially?

Here’s how to create a budget for yourself

How having savings gives you peace of mind

Real world advice: How parents are teaching their kids about money

Money Moments: How to manage your finances after a divorce

A passion for fashion: How this student works the gig economy

Helpful tips for safe and smart charitable giving

Money Moments: 8 dos and don’ts for saving money in your 30s

Tips and resources to help in the aftermath of a natural disaster

Tips to raise financially healthy kids at every age

Travel for less: Smart (not cheap) ways to spend less on your next trip

Understanding guardianship and power of attorney in banking

Should you buy now, pay later?

What’s in your emergency fund?

What you need to know about renting

LGBTQ+ financial planning tips

Should I itemize my taxes?

Your 5-step guide to financial planning

Certificates of deposit: How they work to grow your money

Allowance basics for parents and kids

What’s your financial IQ? Game-night edition

Loud budgeting explained: Amplify your money talk

How to set financial goals you will keep

Get back on track with your New Year’s financial resolutions

Checking and savings smarts: Make your accounts work harder for you

5 reasons why couples may have separate bank accounts

Common unexpected expenses and three ways to pay for them

It's possible: 7 tips for breaking the spending cycle

Myths vs. facts about savings account interest rates

Live your money values in 2024

How to request a credit limit increase

How to plan and save for adoption and in vitro fertility treatment costs

Multiple accounts can make it easier to follow a monthly budget

Is it time to get a shared bank account with your partner?

Don’t underestimate the importance of balancing your checking account

How I saved $10,000 in just one year

How to save more money in 2024

How new parents can prepare for the costs of a new child

How to Adult: 5 ways to track your spending

Which is better: Combining bank accounts before marriage — or after?

5 tips for parents opening a bank account for kids

6 questions students should ask about checking accounts

Steer clear of overdrafts to your checking account

30-day adulting challenge: Financial wellness tasks to complete in a month

A who’s who at your local bank

5 ways to maximize your garage sale profits 

7 steps to prepare for the high cost of child care

Does your side business need a separate bank account?

How I did it: Transitioned from the military to a private sector career

How to Adult: 7 tax terms and concepts you should know

Webinar: Uncover the cost: Starting a family

What you need to know as the executor of an estate

When your spouse has passed away: A three-month financial checklist

What documents do you need after a loved one dies?

How does money influence your planning?

College budgeting: When to save and splurge

Four ways to make a strong resume for your first real job

Helping Gen Z build financial confidence

Short- and Long-Term Financial Goals for Every Life Stage

How your taxes can change after a major life event

What to do with your tax refund or bonus

Financial goals for 2024 a 12-month planning guide

How to save for a dream vacation

Tips for talking about money when friends earn more

Building confidence in your finances and career

Pros and cons of a personal line credit

3 tips for saving money when moving to a new home

What is a Certificate of Deposit? And what to know before opening an account

What does FDIC mean?  

3 financial tools to help automate your finances

3 ways to keep costs down at the grocery store (and make meal planning fun)

5 tips for creating (and sticking to) a holiday budget

Financial checklist: Preparing for military deployment

How to financially prepare for a military PCS

Planning self-care moments that matter (and how to finance them)

5 things to consider when deciding to take an unplanned trip

Stay committed to your goals by creating positive habits

Growing your savings by going on a ‘money hunt’

Working with an accountability partner can help you reach your goals

The banking app you need as a new parent

Why a mobile banking app is a ‘must have’ for your next vacation

How to decide when to shop local and when to shop online

Your guide to starting a job: Resources to help along the way

5 myths about emergency funds

Does your savings plan match your lifestyle?

Mobile banking tips for smarter and safer online banking

Uncover the cost: Wedding

Uncover the cost: International trip

Are savings bonds still a thing?

Tips to overcome three common savings hurdles

Adulting 101: How to make a budget plan

Personal loans first-timer's guide: 7 questions to ask

Mindset Matters: How to practice mindful spending

How and when to ask for a raise

How can I help my student manage money?

How to manage money in the military: A veteran weighs in

Things to know about the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

You can take these 18 budgeting tips straight to the bank

3 tips for saving money easily

Save time and money with automatic bill pay

How to best handle unexpected expenses

Stay on budget — and on the go — with a mobile banking app

Do you and your fiancé have compatible financial goals?

U.S. Bank asks: Transitioning out of college life? What’s next?

U.S. Bank asks: Do you know your finances?

U.S. Bank asks: Do you know what an overdraft is?

Personal finance for teens can empower your child

How to save for a wedding

How compound interest works

Dear Money Mentor: How do I set and track financial goals?

Lost job finance tips: What to do when you lose your job

Money Moments: 3 smart financial strategies when caring for aging parents

Money management guide to financial independence

First-timer’s guide to savings account alternatives

7 financial questions to consider when changing jobs

5 tips to use your credit card wisely and steer clear of debt

Money Moments: 3 tips for planning an extended leave of absence

Overdrafts happen: Steps to get you back on track

P2P payments make it easier to split the tab

Essential financial resources and protections for military families

How to stop living paycheck to paycheck post-pay increase

Practical money tips we've learned from our dads

6 ways to spring clean your finances and save money year-round

How to cut mindless spending: real tips from real people

How to increase your savings

Bank from home with these digital features

Military finance: How to create a family budget after military service

Discovering your money personality can help you save

Tips on how couples can learn to agree about money

How to sell and buy a home at the same time

Overcoming high interest rates: Getting your homeownership goals back on track

First-time homebuyer’s guide to getting a mortgage

What applying for store credit card on impulse could mean

How I decided that buying an RV was worth it for me

Equal Housing Lender

Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts. Interest rate and program terms are subject to change without notice. Mortgage, Home Equity and Credit products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC.