10 Creative Ways to Save Money on Everyday Expenses in Your 20s and 30s

As a millennial in your 20s or 30s, you’re probably juggling several financial goals—student loan payments, saving for a home, building an emergency fund, or investing for your future. But here’s the thing: saving money doesn’t always require drastic lifestyle changes or major sacrifices. Often, it’s the small, creative tweaks to your daily routine that can make the biggest difference in your savings.

Whether you’re looking to cut costs in your daily spending or just free up a bit more cash for the things you truly value, here are 10 creative ways to save money on everyday expenses without feeling deprived.

1. Embrace Meal Prepping and Cooking at Home

Eating out can be convenient, but it adds up fast—especially if you’re hitting up coffee shops and ordering takeout frequently. Instead, try meal prepping and cooking at home to save money and eat healthier.

Plan your meals for the week and buy ingredients in bulk to save even more.
Try one-pot recipes or batch cooking to reduce the time you spend in the kitchen.
Prep your lunch the night before to avoid expensive work lunches or delivery.

With a little planning, you can create delicious, nutritious meals for a fraction of the cost of dining out.

2. Use Cashback and Rewards Programs

Take advantage of cashback apps and loyalty programs to save money on everyday purchases. Many retailers, both online and in-store, offer rewards points or cashback on your purchases, which can add up over time.

Rakuten and Ibotta offer cashback on groceries, clothing, and even travel.
Sign up for store-specific loyalty programs at your favorite stores—many offer perks like discounts, free items, and special promotions for members.
Use credit cards that offer cashback for specific categories like groceries, gas, or dining out.

These rewards may seem small, but they can contribute to significant savings over time.

3. Cut Back on Subscription Services

Subscription services are often the hidden culprits of unnecessary spending. From streaming services to monthly product deliveries, these subscriptions can drain your account without you even realizing it.

Review your subscriptions regularly and cancel anything you don’t use or need.
Share subscriptions with friends or family where possible—many services allow multiple users on one plan.
Consider switching to cheaper alternatives or using free versions of apps instead of premium ones.

By auditing your subscriptions and cutting back on the ones you don’t use, you can free up extra cash for savings.

4. Swap Out Brand-Name Products for Store Brands

One of the easiest ways to save money on everyday expenses is by switching to generic or store-brand products. Most store-brand products are made with the same ingredients or materials as name-brand items, but they often cost 20-40% less.

From pantry staples like canned goods and snacks to personal care products like shampoo and toothpaste, the savings can add up quickly.
Check online reviews or ask friends for recommendations to ensure you’re getting good quality without the name-brand price tag.

If you’re skeptical about making the switch, start with one or two items at a time and see how it works for you.

5. Take Advantage of Free Entertainment

You don’t always need to spend money to have a good time. Many fun and relaxing activities are free or low-cost:

Explore your local parks or go for a hike in nature.
Attend free local events like farmers’ markets, art exhibitions, or outdoor concerts.
Join free classes or meetups on platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup to learn something new and meet people.
Take advantage of library resources—many libraries offer free book rentals, movie rentals, and even events like game nights or crafting workshops.

You can enjoy your weekends and evenings without draining your wallet by getting creative with free or low-cost options.

6. Use Public Transportation or Carpool

Owning a car can be expensive, especially when you factor in gas, insurance, parking, and maintenance. If possible, use public transportation or carpool to reduce your daily expenses.

Check if your city offers discounted public transport passes for commuters, students, or young professionals.
If public transit isn’t an option, consider carpooling with friends or coworkers to save on gas and reduce wear and tear on your vehicle.

If driving is necessary, look for discounts on fuel through apps like GasBuddy or rewards programs that give you points for gas purchases.

7. Shop Smart with Price Comparison Apps

Before you make any major purchase—whether it’s for electronics, clothing, or even groceries—use price comparison apps to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Apps like Honey, ShopSavvy, and PriceGrabber can help you compare prices across multiple stores and find discounts or sales.

Use browser extensions like Honey or Rakuten to find coupons and discounts automatically as you shop online.
Before purchasing, check if the item is available at a local store or on secondhand platforms like Poshmark or eBay.

Shopping smart can help you save a significant amount on both big-ticket and everyday items.

8. Automate Your Savings

One of the easiest ways to save money is by automating your savings. Set up a monthly transfer from your checking account to a savings account, so you’re saving before you even have the chance to spend it.

Use apps like Qapital or Chime to round up your purchases to the nearest dollar and save the difference.
Set up an automatic transfer to a separate savings account to cover things like an emergency fund or vacation fund.

By automating your savings, you remove the temptation to spend money that could otherwise be saved for your future goals.

9. Buy Secondhand or Rent Instead of Buying

When it comes to clothing, furniture, or tech gadgets, buying secondhand can save you a lot of money while still providing you with quality items.

Check out thrift stores, consignment shops, or online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp to find gently used items at a fraction of the cost.
For items you don’t need on a regular basis (like power tools or camping equipment), consider renting instead of buying. Websites like Fat Llama allow you to rent items you only need occasionally.

Not only will you save money, but you’ll also be contributing to a more sustainable way of living.

10. Reduce Utility Bills by Making Small Changes

It’s easy to overlook utility bills, but there are several small changes you can make to lower your monthly costs without sacrificing comfort.

Turn off lights when you leave a room, unplug appliances when not in use, and use energy-efficient light bulbs.
Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.
Consider switching to cheaper internet or phone plans or bundling services together to save on your monthly bills.

Small adjustments to your energy and utility usage can lead to big savings over time.

Final Thoughts

Saving money on everyday expenses doesn’t require sacrificing the lifestyle you love. With a few creative and mindful changes to your spending habits, you can enjoy the things that matter most to you while still building your financial future. From meal prepping and switching to generic products to taking advantage of rewards programs, there are countless ways to cut costs without feeling deprived.

Start implementing these strategies today and watch your savings grow, one small change at a time!

What are your favorite creative ways to save money on everyday expenses? Share your tips in the comments below—we’d love to hear how you save!

10 Easy and Creative Ways to Save Money on Everyday Expenses in Your 20s and 30s