20 smart habits that help families save money at home
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Key takeaways:
Looking to trim your family’s spending without cutting out the fun? Smart saving doesn’t have to mean big sacrifices. From clever food hacks to DIY cleaning solutions and energy-saving tricks, these 20 ideas are all about helping your family keep more of your money, so you can put it toward what really matters.
Smarter grocery and kitchen strategies
1. Plan meals around what you already have
Before you shop, take stock of your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Building meals from what’s already at home helps avoid duplicate purchases and cuts food waste.
2. Shop the bottom shelf
Grocery stores place higher-priced items at eye level. Look high and low for better deals — store brands and generics often live on the bottom shelf.
3. Freeze leftovers like a pro
Save single servings of soups, stews, or pasta dishes in freezer-safe containers. Label and rotate to avoid forgotten freezer burn and save on future meals.
4. Try meatless Mondays (or more)
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Meat can be one of the most expensive ingredients in your meals. Going plant-based even once a week can trim your grocery bill.
Creative ways to cut utility bills
5. Use ceiling fans instead of adjusting the thermostat
Fans use far less energy than heating or cooling systems. In warmer months, make sure they spin counterclockwise to push cool air down.
6. Wash full loads for dishes and laundry
Running half-full dishwashers or laundry machines wastes water and electricity. Wait until you have a full load, and use cold water when possible.
7. Air-dry clothes
Skip the dryer and hang clothes to dry outside or on an indoor rack. It saves energy and extends the life of your clothes.
8. Seal drafty windows and doors
A little weatherstripping or caulk can keep your home’s temperature more consistent, cutting down on heating and cooling costs.
Save on streaming, subscriptions, and fun
9. Rotate streaming services
Instead of subscribing to everything at once, switch services each month. Watch what you want, cancel, then switch and repeat.
10. Borrow, don’t buy
Libraries offer more than books. Try borrowing DVDs, games, tools, or even crafting supplies instead of buying them.
11. Host swap nights with other families
Kids grow out of clothes, books, and toys fast. Host a swap night with friends or neighbors to trade gently used items — no spending required.
12. Unsubscribe from marketing emails
Too many promo emails = too much temptation. Hit “unsubscribe” to reduce impulse buys and keep your inbox (and wallet) cleaner.
Household and cleaning cost-cutters
13. Repurpose old T-shirts as cleaning cloths
Instead of buying paper towels or disposable wipes, cut up worn T-shirts to use as rags. They’re reusable, washable, and free.
14. Make your own multi-purpose cleaner
Use this recipe to make your own cleaner: Mix white vinegar, water, and a few drops of essential oil in a spray bottle. It’s cheap, effective, and safe for most surfaces.
15. Cut dryer sheets in half
They still get the job done and your box will last twice as long. You can also try reusable dryer balls for an even smarter swap.
Smarter money moves for families
16. Track your spending weekly
Set a day each week to review recent purchases. Seeing where your money goes can help you identify habits that you can tweak while also avoiding overspending surprises. It’s easy to teach your kids to do this, too, with Greenlight, the #1 family finance and safety app. Kids — and parents — can track purchases, set dedicated savings goals, and more.
17. Use cash-back browser extensions
Install tools like Rakuten or Honey to automatically find coupons or earn cash back when you shop online.
18. Delay purchases with a 48-hour rule
If you find something you want, wait two days before buying it. Chances are the impulse will pass, or you’ll find a better deal.
19. Embrace hand-me-downs
Say yes when friends or family offer gently used gear, clothes, or school supplies. It’s budget-friendly and eco-conscious.
20. Use unexpected windfalls wisely
Got a tax refund, rebate, or cash gift? Instead of spending it right away, put a chunk toward savings or pay down a high-interest bill. It’s a clever way to boost your budget without cutting into your everyday spending.
Clever habits = lasting savings
A few small, smart changes in your daily routine can help your family save more — without feeling like you’re missing out. Start with one or two tips, build from there, and keep the focus on progress over perfection.
Teach smart saving habits. From rounding up purchases to setting savings goals — Greenlight's award-winning money app helps families save. Try Greenlight, one month, risk-free.†
This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.
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