Quick and Smart Ways to Save $100 in 30 Days

Before you can cut back, you need to know where your money's actually going. Not where you think it's going. Use your banking app or just a notes app. Track everything for one week—coffee, tolls, subscriptions, gas, vending machines. Patterns will pop up. You'll see where you bleed cash. Then, set a cap for categories that are slipping out of control. Even a loose budget keeps things in check.

Cut Down on Dining Out

Eating out is a budget killer. A lunch here, a few takeout dinners there—and boom, $150 gone. Cook at home more often. It doesn't need to be gourmet. Pasta, rice bowls, eggs, frozen veggies—they're cheap and fast. Meal prep a few lunches so you're not tempted during the workday. Save restaurants for once a week, and skip the drinks when you do go—they double the bill.

Energy costs add up, but a few small changes can make a dent. Switch off lights. Use power strips for electronics and turn them off when not in use. Lower the thermostat by two degrees or wash clothes in cold water. Skip the dryer once in a while. Hang-drying might sound old-school, but it works—especially in warm weather.

Cancel Unused Subscriptions

Check your subscriptions right now. That streaming service you never open? That forgotten meditation app? The free trial that became a $12 monthly charge? Cancel them. Audit your subscriptions every few months. Keep what you actually use. Cut the rest. You're probably paying $40-$60 a month for things you won't even miss.

Use Cashback and Discount Apps

Install apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, or Upside. When you buy groceries, gas, or even clothes online, these apps give you money back. It's not huge—but it adds up. Use store loyalty cards, too. Stack coupons when possible. A little effort can save you $5 to $10 a week without changing what you buy.

The $18 Target run that becomes $78? Yeah, that's impulse spending. Make a list before you shop. Stick to it. If something catches your eye, wait 24 hours. Most of the time, the urge to buy it disappears. Don't “just browse” Amazon. It's not window shopping when your credit card is attached.

Use Public Transportation or Carpool

Gas prices fluctuate, and maintenance costs sneak up on you. If public transit is an option—even part-time—it's worth considering. Or set up a carpool with coworkers. Even using your car two fewer days a week means fewer miles, fewer fill-ups, and less wear and tear. You don't have to give up driving—use it smarter.

Grocery prices are up, but you still have control. Plan meals before shopping. Don't go when you're hungry. Stick to store brands—the same manufacturers often make them. Use coupons if they apply to stuff you already buy. Avoid pre-packaged meals and snack-sized portions. Those cost way more per ounce than bulk items.

DIY Household Repairs and Maintenance

YouTube has a video for everything. Learn how to fix a leaky faucet, patch drywall, or clean your HVAC filter. These aren't complicated and don't need a pro. Also, keep things clean and in good shape—small maintenance now prevents big expenses later. Don't pay $120 for something you can do in 20 minutes.

Look around your house. Old phones, unused electronics, clothes you haven't touched in a year—someone wants them. List them on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or eBay. One Saturday morning of selling stuff you don't use anymore can bring in $100 or more. Plus, your closet will breathe again.

It is not necessary to give up pleasure in order to save $100 this month. What matters is that you pay attention. These actions are not grandiose; rather, they are just improved routines. Do not allow your money to vanish without your permission; instead, give a couple of them a shot and remain with the successful ones.