You can take these 18 budgeting tips straight to the bank

The easiest way to save money is to make it part of your regular routine. Follow our social media fans’ tips and watch the savings pile up.

 

If you’ve noticed that you’re perpetually short on funds, it could be time to make some lifestyle changes. We asked our social media followers to share the little ways that help them save money, and these are a few of their suggestions:

 

Grocery shopping

  • Instead of frequent runs to the store, I buy in bulk once a month.
  • I use coupons, grocery store club cards, and rebate apps. All those pennies add up!
  • I budget for my grocery trip and pay with cash. Any leftover change gets deposited right into my savings account. My bank has a branch in the grocery store, so it’s super easy.

 

Online shopping

  • I join every mailing list and promotional club to get coupon codes and offers. I have a separate email address for shopping, which keeps my regular email from getting flooded with newsletters.
  • I add items to my online shopping cart, then walk away. If I forget to come back, then I didn’t need it.
  • My girlfriends and I help each other save: exchanging coupons, promo codes, following sales. Sometimes we’ll go in on a purchase to qualify for free shipping.

 

Clothing

  • My friends and I have a clothing swap every year. We clean out our closets and get new clothes at no cost.
  • I buy children’s clothing at garage sales, online classifieds and second-hand stores. Kids grow too fast to wear them out.
  • We shop for family clothing in the off-season.

 

Lifestyle improvements

  • I quit smoking and started putting the amount I spent on cigarettes into a savings account.
  • I’ve learned to cook healthy meals at home. I’m eating more vegetables, going out less and saving money.
  • I watch how-to videos on home improvement jobs that would cost a fortune, and I do it myself.

 

Spending tricks

  • I pay for everything with $10 bills. All the loose change in my pockets goes into a jar at the end of the day.
  • I never carry more than $20 in my wallet and only use credit cards for emergencies. If I need to buy something that costs more than $20, I plan ahead and take out the cash — no impulse shopping.
  • When I make an impulse buy, I transfer the same amount into my savings account.

 

Saving rituals

  • Pay yourself first! A portion of my paycheck goes into savings before I see it.
  • Whenever I get a raise, I adjust my savings percentage upward.
  • After I pay off a loan, I keep making the monthly payment — into my savings account instead.
     

For more money-saving tips, follow U.S. Bank on Twitter and Facebook, and continue reading to learn more about our savings account options.

Related content

Investment strategies by age

What to do with your tax refund or bonus

Military homeownership: Your guide to resources, financing and more

Preparing for retirement: 8 steps to take

For today's homebuyers, time and money are everything

How I did it: Bought a home without a 20 percent down payment

How I did it: Built living spaces to support my family

Money Moments: Tips for selling your home

Overcoming high interest rates: Getting your homeownership goals back on track

Should you buy a house that’s still under construction?

3 ways to keep costs down at the grocery store (and make meal planning fun)

5 things to consider when deciding to take an unplanned trip

Certificates of deposit: How they work to grow your money

How having savings gives you peace of mind

Stay committed to your goals by creating positive habits

Major purchases: How to pay for big ticket items

Saving vs. investing: What's the difference?

What financial advice would you give your younger self?

Dear Money Mentor: How do I pick a savings or checking account?

10 ways to increase your home’s curb appeal

Credit: Do you understand it?

Is it the right time to refinance your mortgage?

6 questions to ask before buying a new home

5 things to avoid that can devalue your home

What is a home equity line of credit (HELOC) and what can it be used for?

9 simple ways to save

Is raising backyard chickens a good idea financially?

Here’s how to create a budget for yourself

Helpful tips for safe and smart charitable giving

Money Moments: 8 dos and don’ts for saving money in your 30s

Tips to raise financially healthy kids at every age

Travel for less: Smart (not cheap) ways to spend less on your next trip

Should you buy now, pay later?

What’s in your emergency fund?

What you need to know about renting

How to build wealth at any age

Your 5-step guide to financial planning

8 steps to take before you buy a home

Are professional movers worth the cost?

Building a dream home that fits your life

What to know when buying a home with your significant other

Mortgage basics: How much house can you afford?

Mortgage basics: Finding the right home loan for you

5 financial goals for the new year

Retirement savings by age

Allowance basics for parents and kids

Loud budgeting explained: Amplify your money talk

How I did it: Turned my side hustle into a full-time job

Checking and savings smarts: Make your accounts work harder for you

5 reasons why couples may have separate bank accounts

It's possible: 7 tips for breaking the spending cycle

Myths vs. facts about savings account interest rates

Closing on a house checklist for buyers

Multiple accounts can make it easier to follow a monthly budget

Is it time to get a shared bank account with your partner?

Don’t underestimate the importance of balancing your checking account

How to Adult: 5 ways to track your spending

Which is better: Combining bank accounts before marriage — or after?

5 tips for parents opening a bank account for kids

30-day adulting challenge: Financial wellness tasks to complete in a month

How to build a financial plan that covers your savings and expenses

How I did it: Switched career paths by taking an unexpected pivot

5 ways to maximize your garage sale profits 

How a Health Savings Account (HSA) can benefit your retirement plan

Year-end financial checklist

Housing market trends and relocation impact

Changes in credit reporting and what it means for homebuyers

High-cost housing and down payment options in relocation

Crypto + Relo: Mobility industry impacts

For today's relocating home buyers, time and money are everything

Talent acquisition 101: Building a small business dream team

Costs to consider when starting a business

How to test new business ideas

How to track expenses

How to manage your finances when you're self-employed

Good money habits: 6 common money mistakes to avoid

How to talk about money with your family

Retirement income planning: 4 steps to take

Preparing for retirement: 8 steps to take

Transitioning from the military to the civilian workforce

3 steps to prepare for a medical emergency

11 essential things to do before baby comes

Webinar: Uncover the cost: Starting a family

Preparing for adoption and IVF

Checklist: 10 questions to ask your home inspector

Checklist: financial recovery after a natural disaster

How does money influence your planning?

College budgeting: When to save and splurge

How to save money in college: easy ways to spend less

How to gain financial independence from your parents

The A to Z’s of college loan terms

Co-signing 101: Applying for a loan with co-borrower

Practical money skills and financial tips for college students

How to build credit as a student

5 things to know before accepting a first job offer

How I did it: Paid off student loans

Bank Notes: College cost comparison

Tips to earn that A+ in back-to-school savings

Is online banking safe?

Pros and cons of a personal line credit

3 tips for saving money when moving to a new home

3 financial tools to help automate your finances

5 tips for creating (and sticking to) a holiday budget

Financial checklist: Preparing for military deployment

Growing your savings by going on a ‘money hunt’

Working with an accountability partner can help you reach your goals

Why a mobile banking app is a ‘must have’ for your next vacation

How to decide when to shop local and when to shop online

5 myths about emergency funds

Does your savings plan match your lifestyle?

Uncover the cost: Wedding

Uncover the cost: International trip

Are savings bonds still a thing?

Tips to overcome three common savings hurdles

Adulting 101: How to make a budget plan

Personal loans first-timer's guide: 7 questions to ask

Mindset Matters: How to practice mindful spending

How can I help my student manage money?

How to manage money in the military: A veteran weighs in

You can take these 18 budgeting tips straight to the bank

3 tips for saving money easily

Save time and money with automatic bill pay

How to best handle unexpected expenses

Stay on budget — and on the go — with a mobile banking app

Do you and your fiancé have compatible financial goals?

U.S. Bank asks: Transitioning out of college life? What’s next?

U.S. Bank asks: Do you know your finances?

U.S. Bank asks: Do you know what an overdraft is?

Personal finance for teens can empower your child

How to save for a wedding

How compound interest works

Dear Money Mentor: How do I set and track financial goals?

Lost job finance tips: What to do when you lose your job

Money management guide to financial independence

First-timer’s guide to savings account alternatives

7 financial questions to consider when changing jobs

How to stop living paycheck to paycheck post-pay increase

Practical money tips we've learned from our dads

6 ways to spring clean your finances and save money year-round

How to cut mindless spending: real tips from real people

How to increase your savings

Bank from home with these digital features

How grandparents can contribute to college funds instead of buying gifts

Using 529 plans for K-12 tuition

Parent checklist: Preparing for college

Consolidating debts: Pros and cons to keep in mind

How to use debt to build wealth

Know your debt-to-income ratio

Crypto + Homebuying: Impacts on the real estate market

How I did it: Bought my dream home using equity

House Hacks: How buying an investment property worked as my first home

Managing the impacts of appraisal gaps in a hot housing market

Spring cleaning checklist for your home: 5 budget-boosting tasks

Saving for a down payment: Where should I keep my money?

Your guide to breaking the rental cycle

Checklist: 6 to-dos for after a move

What are conforming loan limits and why are they increasing

Uncover the cost: Building a home

The lowdown on 6 myths about buying a home

4 ways to free up your budget (and your life) with a smaller home

Get more home for your money with these tips

Money Moments: How to finance a home addition

Dear Money Mentor: When should I refinance a mortgage?

Beyond the mortgage: Other costs for homeowners

10 questions to ask when hiring a contractor

What is an escrow account? Do I have one?

These small home improvement projects offer big returns on investment

Should you get a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit?

Is a home equity line of credit (HELOC) right for you?

How to use your home equity to finance home improvements

How do I prequalify for a mortgage?

Home equity: Small ways to improve the value of your home

Can you take advantage of the dead equity in your home?

10 uses for a home equity loan

Improving your credit score: Truth and myths revealed

U.S. Bank asks: What do you know about credit?

Start of disclosure content

Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts. Interest rate and program terms are subject to change without notice. Mortgage, Home Equity and Credit products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC.