Real-Life Money-Saving Tips from Super Savers

We often hear financial experts share great money-saving advice—and much of it is helpful. Big names like Dave Ramsey have helped thousands get out of debt. But have you ever wondered what real people who’ve mastered saving do? Not the authors or business gurus, but everyday folks who’ve found clever ways to cut costs while paying off debt or building wealth?

Below, I’ve gathered some of their best tips! These hacks cover everything from cars to groceries, holidays to household bills. Check them out, and if you have your own tricks, let me know—I might just add them here!

Cars

• Negotiate interest rates: “I walked away when the dealer insisted on 7%—they dropped it to 3.4% when I called their bluff. (My credit score was 760!)” —Donna McMenamin
• Switch insurance: “Switching from Liberty Mutual to Erie saved us $600/year.” —Krista Hanks
• Pay cash: “$10,000 cash got me a 2013 Ford Focus with 50k miles.” —April Coltzer
• Try school auto shops: “Local trade schools often offer cheap repairs.” —Susan Livingston
• Compare insurance: “I saved $30/month just by switching providers.” —Krista Anderson

Holidays

• Shop year-round: “I buy gifts on sale all year—our Christmas costs under $10/person!” —Krista Hanks
• Use cashback apps: “Ebates gave me $665 back over 3 years on stores like Kohl’s and Walmart.” —Krista Hanks

Debt

• Side hustles help: “A second job knocks $700/month off my debt.” —Angela Malone-Klockgether

Pets

• Cheaper flea prevention: “An 8-month collar ($55) saved me $600/year vs. monthly pills.” —Lori Epperly

Bills

• Pay early for discounts: “Paying bills in 20 days got me 5% off—it adds up!” —Debbie Gartner

Groceries

• Follow sales: “I meal-plan based on flyers—saves a ton!” —Crystal Suarez
• Use pickup services: “Walmart’s free pickup stops impulse buys.” —Kayla Rowell
• Buy in bulk: “A half-cow ($1.79/lb) and half-hog ($189) fed us all year.” —Krista Hanks
• Try cashback apps: “Ibotta + SavingStar stack savings on groceries.” —Lisa Garand

Clothing

• Thrift smart: “I find kids’ name-brand clothes for $1-$4 at consignment shops.” —Krista Anderson
• Check affluent-area Goodwills: “Nike shorts for $3? Yes!” —Krista Anderson

Essentials

• Buy bulk: “Costco TP, paper towels, and trash bags last 6+ months.” —Krista Anderson
• Haircut deals: “$20 gift cards = two $10 cuts at Great Clips.” —Christine Williams

Outings

• State parks: “A $25 annual pass beats $5/day—we go weekly!” —Krista Anderson
• Auto-save for trips: “Monthly deductions fund vacations painlessly.” —Andrea Moore

Small Wins

• DIY cleaning: “Vinegar + baking soda replace most cleaners.” —Ybet Aoebeoo
• Cut tubes open: “There’s always extra toothpaste inside!” —Jill Voight
• Bundle errands: “Fewer trips = less gas + no impulse buys.” —Krista Hanks

Which tip was your favorite? Got one to share? Drop it below—I’d love to feature yours too!