Living here isn't cheap and lately, it feels like every receipt comes with a jump scare.
So we asked readers: How are you actually saving money right now?
Here are the tips you gave us:
🍽️ Eat out less. Cook at home and scour your pantry or freezer instead of opting for delivery, says Vivian G. Or go out to eat once a month as opposed to weekly like Katiti C.
🚗 Sell your car. Avoid parking or garage rental fees, tickets and other car-related costs. Use public transit instead like Jean W.
📚 Use your local library. Free kids' reading programs and book rentals save money, plus the Discover & Go program is a great way to get free museum passes, says Andrea C.
🛒 Grocery hack. Shop at discount stores like Grocery Outlet or Foods Co. as Michelle S. does, or buy the sale items at pricier places like Whole Foods, says Annie M.
🛍️ Donate & shop smart. Give to Goodwill, skip fast fashion and buy and sell at secondhand stores.
☕ Ditch fancy coffee. Brew coffee or start making your own matcha at home.
🤝 Join a Buy Nothing group. Trade clothes, food and pet supplies with neighbors.
✂️ Stretch salon or dog grooming visits. Space out haircuts for yourself or your furry companion. I've learned to start cutting my dog Mimi's poodle fur to avoid a trip to the groomer.
