Easy money: 20 simple ways to save a little extra cash

It's easier to save money when it's not just sitting around your account, waiting to be spent. If you're paid via direct deposit, ask your employer if you can elect to divert a portion of each paycheck to a savings account. You'll be surprised at how quickly money will accumulate. 

It's tough at first, but using an online banking app or old-fashioned spreadsheet to keep track of your spending is an essential part of figuring out how to best save your money. It will help you figure out where you're wasting cash, like on daily lattes or out-of-network ATM fees, and 

Thanks to services like Netflix, Spotify, and Disney+, it's easy to spend a lot on entertainment without even realizing it. Make a list of all your monthly subscriptions, including things like meal kits and beauty boxes, and figure out where you can make cuts without feeling the pinch too much. 

If you've been with your cable (or electric) provider for a long time, it's likely that you're paying a higher rate than they're offering to new customers. Contact your provider and ask for a discount, or consider switching to a different company that will offer you a better price. 

Dining out is great, but footing the bill for it can be a serious strain on a tight budget. If you're eating out multiple times per week, cutting back and cooking at home is a solid way to save money. When you do dine out, choose options that will allow you to make more than one meal out of a single portion to stretch your dollar even further. 

Whether it's laundry detergent or bacon, buying in bulk is almost always cheaper than purchasing a smaller package. If you've got the space, buying items in bulk will help you save money both on the items themselves, and will also help prevent those inevitable impulse purchases that pop up when you're making multiple trips to the store each week. 

As more Americans try to work their way out of debt, "no-spend" months are becoming increasingly common. Each challenge can be totally customizable to your goals — like, for example, cutting out eating at restaurants or online shopping — and will help you save some short-term cash that can be used to build (or bulk up) your emergency fund. 

Nail salons, gyms, and laundry services are all wonderful luxuries, but the cost of these services adds up quickly. Try painting your nails at home, or learning how to perfectly starch your own pants, to save some cash and learn a new skill all at the same time. 

Often topping more than $5 per transaction, ATM fees can be seriously expensive. They can also be entirely avoided by sticking to an ATM that's in-network. Try to only go to ATMs at your bank, and check to see if any other ATMs (like those in gas stations) are in your network to avoid paying hundreds of dollars in fees each year. 

Services like UberEats and Postmates have become ubiquitous, but they're also pretty expensive when you factor in fees, delivery upcharges, and tips. Try to limit your delivery dining to once a month or so, and see how much cash you save. 

Summer is approaching, which means that electric bills will be soaring in states where the temperature gets hot. Consider cranking your thermostat up, even a few degrees can make a big difference both in terms of the energy that you're using and the money you're spending on electricity. 

Everyone has to buy new stuff once in a while, but shopping secondhand as much as possible can help you save some serious cash. Hit thrift stores in fancy neighborhoods for designer goods on the cheap, and check sites like Facebook Marketplace when you're in the market for new furniture, electronics, or other essentials. 

Extreme couponing is annoying, both for the person trying to save and the cashier at the store, but there are easier ways to save cash with coupon codes. Before checking out your online cart or heading into the store, do a quick search for coupons to save some cash. Sometimes, if you download a store's mobile application, you'll get access to exclusive coupons and sales that aren't otherwise available. 

One of the best sources of free entertainment around is the public library. In addition to the bounty of books, most public libraries also offer members everything from magazine subscriptions to movie rentals, many of which can be accessed from digital platforms. Check with your local library to see what's on offer, and sign up for a card. 

Date nights get pricey in a hurry, but they don't have to be. Instead of doing the same old dinner-and-a-movie routine, check your newspaper for local events that are free or cheap. Often, you'll be surprised by the selection of art fairs, sports games, and other events that are on offer. 

Gasoline prices are absolutely bonkers right now, there's no doubt about it. Many folks can't choose how much they drive to work, but if you're able, consider leaving the car in the garage and walking whenever possible. 

Most of us don't use much cash anymore, but that still doesn't stop change from accumulating in the bottoms of our pockets and purses. Keep a jar or bottle in your home specifically for storing change, and when it's filled, head to the bank to have the coins changed into bills to avoid paying service fees at self-service Coinstar machines. 

If you're the forgetful type, putting your bills on auto-pay can help save hundreds of dollars in late fees and other charges throughout the year. Just make sure that you've got enough money in your bank account to cover these expenses, though, or you'll incur additional overdraft fees. 

Even when you're trying to save cash, setting aside a little money for having fun is essential. Establish a weekly (or monthly) budget for entertainment, like dining out or spending an evening with friends, and stick to it. If you try to be too strict, though, it's likely that you'll end up blowing a ton of cash after the boredom of budgeting sets in. 

Whether you're saving for a vacation or just trying to build your nest egg, it's important to set goals — and reward yourself for reaching them. Once you've saved up your goal amount, treat yourself to something nice (it doesn't have to be expensive!) as positive reinforcement to keep saving.