We asked the experts from featured.com, “How can you stretch every dollar to bolster your savings without upending your lifestyle?” We asked industry experts to share one simple money-saving tip that has significantly impacted their lives. Here are their strategies and advice on how to replicate them.
18 Expert Money-Saving Tips from Real People
- Pay Yourself First Method
- Automate Savings to Save More
- Price Items in Hours Worked
- Invest in a Quality Espresso Machine
- Maximize Health Savings Accounts
- Zero-Based Budget Method
- Use the 24-Hour Rule
- Make Savings Inconvenient to Access
- Avoid Lifestyle Inflation
- Invest in Scalable Solutions Early
- Use the Library’s Free Lending Services
- Leverage Compound Interest for Savings
- Implement the Profit First Method
- Review All Subscriptions Annually
- Carpool and Combine Errands
- Question Every Expense
- Practice DIY Home Maintenance
- Swap Memberships for Free Alternatives
Pay Yourself First Method
I’ve been using the “pay yourself first” method for years, and it’s been a huge positive for my finances. As soon as my paycheck comes in, I deposit a set amount into my savings account and any money left over from the last pay period. This forces me to budget around my savings contributions, and seeing the balance after the savings deposit feels like an accomplishment that keeps me going.
Other automatic savings contributions don’t work well for me, as I’m not a fan of automatic payments for anything. I’m a control freak when it comes to money. The pay-yourself-first method has allowed me to maintain control while also building a healthy savings habit that’s grown my savings balances tenfold.
If you need automatic payments and contributions to stick with a habit, simply set up automatic savings contributions for a set amount based on your pay schedule. You’re still paying yourself first and forcing yourself to budget around savings contributions, but automatic contributions alleviate the pressure to remember.
Bethany Hickey
Personal Finance Expert & Banking Editor, Finder
Automate Savings to Save More
When I first tried saving money, I made the classic mistake of setting aside whatever was “left over” at the end of the month. The problem? There was never much left over. That changed when I set up automatic savings before I could touch my paycheck. This one habit helped me quietly save over $10,000 without ever feeling like I was cutting back.
The Strategy: Paying Myself First, But Making It Invisible
- Automate Savings on Payday: I set up a recurring transfer of $200 per paycheck to a separate high-yield savings account—not linked to my main bank app—out of sight, out of temptation.
- Use Round-Ups for Extra Savings: Apps like Acorns or Qapital round up my everyday purchases and stash the difference. It’s an effortless way to save an extra $50-$100/month.
- Trim Subscriptions & Unused Expenses: A quick audit of my subscriptions saved me over $600 a year. I realized I was paying for streaming services and memberships I barely used.
How Much I Saved With This System:
- $200 per paycheck – $5,200 per year
- Round-up savings – $1,200 per year
- Subscription cuts – $600 per year
- Total in two years: $10,000+ saved effortlessly
Advice for Anyone Looking to Save More:
- Make it automatic—if you have to save manually, you won’t.
- Keep savings separate—if it’s too accessible, you’ll spend it.
- Audit spending regularly—small leaks drain your budget fast.
Saving money isn’t about willpower—it’s about removing friction. Once I set up my system, my savings grew effortlessly. If you want to save more without feeling it, automate the process and let it run in the background.
Ahmed Yousuf
Financial Author & SEO Expert Manager, CoinTime
Price Items in Hours Worked
One simple money-saving tip that has significantly impacted my life is pricing any item I want to buy in hours instead of currency.
This means dividing my monthly income by the total hours worked that month to get my hourly rate. Then, divide an item’s price by that rate to get the cost in terms of hours.
While I don’t have an exact savings number, if I were to guess, it would be at least 5-figures ever since I implemented this mental model.
This will be a huge paradigm shift for many.
Anything thought to be “cheap” can suddenly feel expensive. This forces the person to think twice and thrice.
Take a person with a salary of $5,000 working 40 hours per week. That’s $25 per hour.
A nice lunch? 2 hours.
New Jordans? Roughly 6 hours.
iPhone 16 Pro Max? That’s a whopping 48 hours.
So my advice to others would be to view an item’s price regarding how many hours it took to earn the dollar equivalent.
It’s a simple but highly effective tactic to save money as it prevents impulsive purchases.
Brendan Aw
Founder and Writer, brendanaw.com
Invest in a Quality Espresso Machine
I stopped buying coffee from cafes and invested in a high-quality espresso machine. Over three years, I saved approximately $4,745, assuming an average coffee shop visit costs $4.55 per day. The machine cost $650, and beans for a year cost around $195, totaling $1,235 over the same period. That leaves a net saving of $3,510.
The key to replicating this is calculating your break-even point—divide the machine cost by your daily cafe spend. If it’s under six months, it’s worth it. Factor in maintenance and electricity, but the savings remain significant.
This approach applies to any habitual spending. Identify a recurring expense, quantify its annual cost, and assess if an upfront investment can reduce long-term costs. Automate savings by transferring the difference to an interest-bearing account. Simple, logical, and effective. The real trick is understanding opportunity cost: every dollar saved compounds over time.
Fahad Khan
Digital Marketing Manager, Ubuy Nigeria
Maximize Health Savings Accounts
One money-saving tip that has significantly benefited me is maximizing my Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) use. By contributing funds to an HSA, I effectively manage out-of-pocket medical expenses while enjoying tax advantages—such as tax-free deposits and withdrawals. Over time, these savings accumulate significantly because the funds roll over annually, unlike flexible spending accounts.
As an insurance agency owner, I’ve worked with individuals and businesses to leverage HSAs, reducing their insurance premiums by pairing these accounts with high-deductible health plans. One client saved over $2,000 annually by utilizing an HSA, which was previously spent on the higher premiums of a traditional plan. This strategy provides financial relief and aligns with future medical savings.
To replicate this, review your current health insurance options and consider a high-deductible plan with an HSA if it suits your situation. Understanding the tax benefits can further improve savings. For accurate insights, consult an insurance specialist who can tailor a plan to meet your specific needs while ensuring you’re financially protected.
Karson Kwan
Owner, Kwan Insurance Services
Zero-Based Budget Method
I started using the “zero-based budget” method last year, where I track every dollar in a simple spreadsheet, and it’s honestly been eye-opening—I’ve saved around $4,800 just by catching those sneaky subscription services I wasn’t really using. The biggest surprise was that I was spending nearly $200 monthly on random coffee shops and lunch runs, so I started bringing coffee from home and meal-prepping on Sundays. If you want to try this, I’d suggest starting small—just track your spending for two weeks without changing anything, then look for those money leaks you didn’t even realize were there.
Yarden Morgan
Director of Growth, Lusha
Use the 24-Hour Rule
As a finance professional, I started using the 24-hour rule for any purchase over $100, which has saved me roughly $3,800 last year alone. Instead of impulse buying, I put items in my cart and wait a full day before deciding if I really need them—about 70% of the time, I realize I don’t. I’d suggest keeping a “wants vs. needs” list on your phone and reviewing it after that cooling-off period; you’ll be amazed at how many “must-haves” become “maybe later.”
Edward Piazza
President, Titan Funding
Make Savings Inconvenient to Access
Managing a company’s finances is one thing, but managing personal spending? That’s where I had to rethink my entire approach.
Most people try to save after spending. That’s a losing game. Here’s the simple shift that changed everything:
I made my savings inconvenient to access.
I set up a separate bank account with no debit card and no easy online transfers—just a black hole where money disappears the second I get paid. I call it my “money time capsule.” If I really want to spend from it, I have to go to the bank like it’s 1995 physically. Spoiler: I rarely do.
This one change saved me a lot in the past year without any mental effort. And here’s the surprising part: I never felt I was missing that money.
For anyone who struggles to save, my advice is to make spending harder. Remove friction from saving and add friction to spending. When it’s a hassle to access your savings, you’ll naturally protect them.
Derek Pankaew
CEO & Founder, Listening.com
Avoid Lifestyle Inflation
I stopped upgrading my lifestyle every time I made more money. Early in my career, every raise felt like permission to spend more, nicer restaurants, better gadgets, and unnecessary subscriptions. It wasn’t until I forced myself to keep my expenses the same after a pay bump that I saw real savings grow.
One year, I funneled the difference straight into a high-yield savings account. By the end of that year, I had an extra $10,000 without feeling like I missed out on anything. The best money-saving tip isn’t cutting lattes—it’s resisting the urge to inflate your lifestyle every time your income goes up.
Alan Chen
President & CEO, DataNumen, Inc.
Invest in Scalable Solutions Early
One of the most impactful money-saving strategies I’ve applied, both personally and in business, is investing in scalable solutions early instead of opting for the cheapest short-term fix. In the early days, I chose low-cost, short-term tools that couldn’t grow with us. Eventually, we had to spend even more time and money migrating to better solutions. After learning that lesson, I started prioritizing software, infrastructure, and automation tools that would scale with our needs, even if they required a slightly higher upfront investment. This approach has saved us tens of thousands of dollars in unnecessary migrations and inefficiencies.
For others looking to replicate this strategy, I’d advise stepping back and evaluating whether a decision, whether it’s a SaaS subscription, hiring choice, or even personal financial commitment, is sustainable for the long run. You’re losing money over time if you constantly need to replace, upgrade, or overhaul something. It’s not about always choosing the most expensive option but rather the one that balances cost with longevity. Whether in business or personal finance, the smartest savings come from making choices that prevent waste, redundancy, and short-term thinking.
Antony Marceles
Founder, Pumex Computing
Use the Library’s Free Lending Services
One of the simplest and most impactful money-saving habits I’ve adopted is using my local library’s free lending services for books, movies, and music. I stopped buying physical copies and discovered just how many great resources are available at no cost. This switch has saved me around $200 a year, and I still enjoy new releases and old favorites.
Many libraries now offer digital loans, making accessing books and media from my phone or tablet even more convenient. I encourage others to explore their library’s offerings—a great way to save money without sacrificing quality entertainment or education.
In addition, it’s a perfect way to keep your reading and media habits fresh without any ongoing cost. Libraries are an often-overlooked treasure trove of free resources worth taking advantage of.
Peter Čuček
Owner, Tuuli
Leverage Compound Interest for Savings
One simple money-saving tip I’ve found transformative is leveraging compound interest for savings and investments. By consistently saving a percentage of my income and placing it in accounts that earn compound interest, I’ve watched my savings grow substantially over time without any additional effort.
As an insurance agent, I’ve often advised clients to start small but start soon. This strategy mirrors the advice found in financial classics like “The Richest Man in Babylon.” For example, a client who started with just $100 monthly contributions to an investment fund witnessed their savings double in a few years.
I advise others to explore financial products that offer compound interest and remain disciplined with regular contributions. It’s about creating a habit of saving, no matter the amount, and allowing time and compound interest to work their magic.
Patrick Caruso
President, Caruso Insurance Service
Implement the Profit First Method
Implementing the Profit First method in both my businesses and personal life has completely changed how I manage money. I always know exactly where my money is going by allocating income into separate accounts for expenses, profit, taxes, and savings right away. This system has helped me consistently save thousands while avoiding overspending.
My advice: start small! Open dedicated accounts, set percentages, and make saving automatic. Your future self will thank you!
Rachael Mueller
Fractional COO, Hey Rachael Consulting
Review All Subscriptions Annually
One simple money-saving tip that significantly impacted me was reviewing all my subscriptions. I took a day to go through everything—streaming services, apps, memberships—and canceled the ones I wasn’t actively using. This small step saved me about $200 a month, which adds up quickly.
I advise others to set aside time annually to reassess your subscriptions; even if it’s just a few dollars here and there, it adds up. A quick check can make a big difference in your budget.
Gary Hemming
Owner & Finance Director, ABC Finance
Carpool and Combine Errands
I decided to team up with a few colleagues and neighbors to carpool and combine errands whenever possible. This small change has helped me cut my gas expenses by 25%, saving me over $100 every month. It’s a win for both my wallet and the environment.
I recommend looking at your daily routines and seeing if others share similar routes or errands. It’s an easy adjustment that can lead to meaningful savings. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with people around you while being more efficient.
Adam Young
CEO & Founder, Event Tickets Center
Question Every Expense
One simple habit that made a big difference in my finances was questioning every expense—both in business and personal life. It’s easy to sign up for subscriptions, upgrade software, or buy supplies without thinking twice, but I started asking, “Do I really need this?” before spending. Over time, cutting unnecessary costs freed up cash for more meaningful investments, like marketing and employee development.
I’d suggest setting up a monthly expense review for other business owners. Go through bank statements, subscriptions, and recurring payments to spot anything no longer essential. Small costs add up fast, and canceling services you rarely use can save hundreds—or even thousands—over time. The same approach works for personal finances, too, whether it’s streaming services, dining out, or impulse purchases.
The key is being intentional with money.
Joseph Passalacqua
Owner & CEO, Maid Sailors
Practice DIY Home Maintenance
I practice DIY home maintenance and repairs to save money. Instead of hiring professionals for minor tasks like fixing leaky faucets, changing filters, or handling small electrical issues, I took the time to learn basic skills. This has helped me save around $500 annually by avoiding service calls and repair fees.
If you’re new to DIY, start with simple projects and use online tutorials to guide you through the process. Over time, you’ll feel more confident tackling even bigger repairs on your own, further boosting your savings.
Chris Aubeeluck
Head of Sales and Marketing, Osbornes Law
Swap Memberships for Free Alternatives
I swapped memberships for free alternatives, which made a big difference in my budget. Instead of paying for expensive gym memberships or entertainment subscriptions, I started using local parks and community centers and attending free events in my area. This change saved me around $300 a month, which adds up over time.
I highly recommend checking out the free services available in your community before signing up for paid plans. Often, great alternatives are close by that provide the same benefits without the ongoing cost. It’s a simple shift that can lead to significant savings.
John Grant
Founder and CEO of Premier Bidets
