7 Money-Saving Tricks You Haven't Thought of Yet

If recent headlines are making you

grip your wallet a little tighter, you're not alone. According to

CNN, Target shoppers are pulling back on discretionary purchases (like

clothing and

home goods) and putting their money toward food and other essentials.

Target's chief growth officer says reprioritization is due to the "

persistent inflation in groceries and essentials," and it's happening at

Home Depot and other chains, too. The thought of rethinking your spending might sound daunting, but this news is only opening up an opportunity to become more financially savvy. It's also the perfect time to embrace

sustainable living, which often goes hand-in-hand with saving money.

Take some time to reflect on your spending habits and see where you can pull back. If you need some simple ways to save money, we have you covered. Here's how to adopt a frugal mindset and build a more sustainable future for yourself—both financially and environmentally.

One of the easiest ways to save money is to swap single-use items you use regularly for reusable options. A great place to start is

your kitchen. Do a quick audit and make note of what you see—think paper towels, plastic wrap, and Ziplocs. Then, stock up on reusable alternatives that will last for years to come.

• Swap paper towels for

Reusable Paper-Less Towels
• Swap Ziplocs for

Reusable Silicone Bags
• Swap plastic wrap for

Reusable Fabric Bowl Covers
• Swap plastic bags for

Food Huggers

While reusables are an initial investment, you'll save in the end. Take paper towels, for example. Many consumers spend nearly $200 per year on paper towels. When you buy a pack of reusable fabric paper towels (

this pack gives you 24 for $15), you'll save hundreds of dollars per year.

Before buying something new, try to score it secondhand. Your local

thrift store is a treasure trove of barely-used items. Need a new vacuum, outdoor furniture, dress, or toaster? It's likely there, and it's most definitely cheaper than anything you'll find at your nearest

chain store. Plus, by shopping secondhand, you're keeping perfectly-good items out of landfills.

Once you become aware of any unnecessary energy or

water consumption in your daily routine, it becomes impossible to overlook. By being more mindful, you're not only benefiting the environment but also your bank account.

Incorporating simple practices—like refraining from leaving the water running while brushing your teeth, switching off lights upon exiting a room, or deactivating the air conditioner when the weather is pleasant—will help you save money while conserving valuable resources.

What better time than now to

become a minimalist? If you've been wanting to

declutter, give yourself some motivation: Doing so can add some extra money to your pocket.

Look through your belongings and decide which items you no longer need. Then have a garage sale, list them locally on Facebook Marketplace, or sell them on resale platforms like eBay and Poshmark. Downsizing and

getting organized can also cut out future costs. Without so much stuff in every nook and cranny of your home, you'll know right where everything is and won't waste money buying duplicate items you forgot you had.

Meal prepping doesn't just benefit your health, giving you nutritional options ready to heat up whenever you're too tired to cook after a long day of work. It's also a great way to save money.

Every Sunday, take the time to find a few recipes you can make in bulk and eat throughout the week. Then create a shopping list and avoid veering from it at the grocery store. By knowing exactly what you need (and sticking to it!), you'll avoid impulse purchases that add up over time. If there's anything you can buy in bulk (like rice, beans, and other pantry staples), you can reduce your grocery expenses further.

When you prepare your meals, make sure you're storing them properly so they stay fresh all week long, like in airtight

silicone storage bowls. Doing so also reduces

food waste.

Gas can be pricey, especially if you're commuting to work every day. If public transportation—like a bus or train—is accessible and convenient in your area, taking it even a few times per week could save you money. Better yet, if you can bike or walk, your costs will be cut even further. Plus, you'll also be able to enjoy some health benefits while doing your part to

reduce carbon emissions.

Don't allow yourself to toss something out before attempting to fix it or

upcycle it first. Repurposing or repairing what you already have keeps waste out of landfills and dollars in your bank account.

Trash truly does become treasure with an open mind. You can easily turn

worn-out t-shirts into cleaning rags or reusable makeup wipes, and glass jars into storage containers. If something is broken—think electronics or furniture—getting it fixed may cost less than buying new.

Small changes add up, and you'll be surprised at how much money you can save by even focusing on a couple of these tactics each week. Your future self—and the planet—will thank you.