100 Smart Money Habits You Can Start Today

Are you looking for some real money hacks that anyone can do? Making smart financial decisions with your money early in life can help you set yourself up for long-term success, and prepare you as you approach retirement and beyond. Whether you’re looking to pay off your student loans, build an emergency fund, or just work toward bigger goals like paying off your house and getting a budget started, this guide of smart money habits can help!

Here are 100 smart money moves to make today to set yourself up for financial success.

Real Money Hacks To Start Today

This list of ideas is full of free money hacks that can save you money easily. Some are instant savings and some will add up over time, so there’s no better time to start than today!

Create a budget, and stick to it

Negotiate your cell phone bill

Put “extra money” into savings

Any money you’re not using in your budget, put it directly into savings or towards additional debt payments.

Get used to cheap meals

Lower your grocery budget by opting for cheaper meals such as spaghetti or three-ingredient recipes.

Cut down your expenses

Trade in electronics you don’t need

Open more bank accounts

Instead of pooling everything into one account, set up a separate bank account for your sinking funds and other savings goals.

Sell things you don’t need or use

Use a cashback or rewards credit card for your purchases

Just make sure to pay them off at the end of each month.

Ask for a raise

Or if you work for yourself, consider raising your rates.

Start putting money toward retirement

Stop playing the lottery

Live below your means

Read finance books

You can find them for free through Prime Reading, Libby, or your local library.

Get a side hustle

Don’t be afraid to give yourself “fun money”

This will help curb impulse purchases if you have a small budget to spend on what you want.

Start paying off your credit card balances

Schedule finance dates with your spouse

Use this time to go over things like your budget and your financial goals.

Shop sales and resale

Buy generic

Set up automatic deposits for savings

Shop for groceries online

This will help stop in store impulse purchases and help you stick to your budget.

Set up banking alerts

Always check store ads and deals

Upcycle and reuse

Get creative with what you have and look to get the maximum usage out of everything you own.

Think about the time of day you dine or go somewhere

A matinee movie versus a 7 pm movie are usually different prices. The same could be said about a lunch versus dinner reservation. Sometimes the time of day you go can greatly impact the price!

Check in on your credit score

Close vents and doors in rooms you don’t use

Build your credit score

Create a babysitting swap with your friends

Quit your vices

Smoking, alcohol, and even soda are all things that are optional!

Do your research before making a purchase

Break down large savings goals

Make it yourself

From homemade bread to your own clothes, there are so many things you can make yourself!

Refinance your mortgage

Research extended warranties

Try a no-spend month

Always shop with a list

Stop paying for books

Get a library card, borrow from friends, and look online to find free books. Learn to use the books that you have at your disposal!

Combine errands and trips out

This will help you save big on gas!

Learn post-holiday sales

Hand dry your clothes

Running the dryer can get expensive, and this can help you save.

Check your subscriptions

Are you really using everything you’ve signed up for? Is there anything you could trim or cut out?

Use apps to save on groceries

Look for coupons and discounts

Don’t forget about recurring purchases

Make sure you include these in your budget and make a note of when they renew.

Use what you have

Avoid lifestyle creep

Are you buying something to keep up with a lifestyle or because you actually want it?

Pare down your expenses

Track your spending

Keep track of your net worth

Write out your budget on paper

Avoid emotional spending

Let go of immediate satisfaction

Sometimes waiting to purchase something can be just as satisfying as getting to hit the checkout.

Pause use of credit cards if you can’t be responsible

Compare prices before you buy

Pay your bills on time

Don’t go shopping when you’re hungry or bored

Stop racking up credit card debt

Make a financial goals list

This will help motivate you and give you a why for living frugally.

Review your bank statements

Pay your bills early

Increase your deductions

Determine your bare essentials budget

Do a money savings challenge

Be a savvy shopper

Learn how to spot deals, when to buy things, and even WHERE you need to shop.

Stop getting stuck paying bank fees

Plan for emergencies

Stop lending people money if you can’t afford to not get it back

Lending money can lead to strained relationships. If you give someone money, make sure you don’t need it back. This way there are no hard feelings if you don’t see it again.

Don’t borrow any money you can’t afford to pay back

This goes for buying a home or just financing anything.

Stick to your budget

Rethink your insurance policy

Are you carrying too much insurance or not enough? Really look into the fine print on your insurance policies.

Review your budget regularly

Include saving as a budget item

Invest some time in financial education

It’s never too late to learn some new tricks

Keep a daily spending journal

Find frugal or free hobbies

Find ways to increase your income

Take advantage of the free things in life

Start investing

Take advantage of employer matching

Budget with cash and envelopes

Learn how to find online coupons and promo codes when shopping online

Save your coins

Use the 24-hour rule for large purchases

Pay yourself first

Calculate purchases by working hours instead of the cost of the item

Unsubscribe from tempting emails

Put your bills on autopay

Get organized

This will not only help you stop buying things you already have, but also keep you from overspending on things you don’t need.

Get free debt counseling

Volunteer at local festivals for free admission

Check out free events for free entertainment

Visit your local library

Plan gift giving in advance

Get used to drinking water

Have a no-spend day every week

Don’t skimp on preventative healthcare

Annual exams and teeth cleaning can help you from root canals and major problems down the road.

Shop around for your prescriptions

Audit your home energy usage

The financial habits you build now can help you shape your future greatly! So what are you waiting for? Use these habits to help you build financial wealth and pay off debt now.

FAQS

How do I make quick cash?

The easiest way to get money fast is to figure out where you’re spending your money. Out of this list of real-life money hacks, there are ways to cut down on your current spending and ways to earn extra money, too.

How can I make money in one hour?

The best money hack to make money fast is to focus on a skillset and then find a way to get paid for it. Create something, make something, write something – you name it! Since we live in an age of technology, people are always looking for unique and affordable talent.

How can I make money right now?

This list of real hacks to get money shows you just that! Stop stressing and overthinking and start lining your pockets with cash! Once you realize that there are so many ways to make money, the world is your oyster on thinking up ways to save money and get paid.

Smart money habits aren’t hard to do but you have to take a step to get started. With these easy ideas, you’ll be setting the groundwork for saving and earning money fast!