If saving money feels harder than it used to, especially with rising prices and economic uncertainty, you’re not the only one feeling this way.

A recent survey found that nearly 2 out of 5 working Americans (39%) save less than 20% of their take-home pay. Around 10% said they don’t regularly save any money in a bank.

Whether you’re just getting started with saving or want to set aside more than you already do, this guide is for you. Here are 28 ways to help you save money:

Budget Your Money So You Can Save More

1. Create a budget
A good way to stay in control of your money — and hopefully keep more of it — is to follow a budget. This means looking at how much money you bring in, comparing it to how much you spend, and deciding where your money should go. You can use a budget worksheet or even start by writing things down on paper.

One common method is the 50/30/20 rule. This means using 50% of your take-home pay for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings and debt payments. If your numbers don’t match these exact amounts, you can shift things around until they do.

If the 50/30/20 rule doesn’t fit your situation, that’s OK. You can try a different system like the 60/30/10 method or the envelope method, where you set spending limits for different categories.

2. Set savings goals
Give yourself a clear, reachable goal, no matter how big or small. If you have extra income, your goal might be to save $2,000 in a retirement account this year. If you’re working on paying off debt, you could aim to put an extra $50 toward it each month. If your budget is tight, saving even $5 a week adds up over time.

You can use a savings calculator to figure out how much to save each month or year to meet your goal.

3. Track your spending
You can’t save money if you don’t know where it’s going. Keep track of your money each month by subtracting your spending from your income. This also helps you stay on track toward your savings goals. Budgeting apps can help you stay organized.

4. Save your coins and bills
Another simple way to save is by collecting your spare change. You can drop any leftover coins or bills into a jar at the end of the day. When you’ve saved enough, deposit it into your savings account. Using cash instead of cards also helps some people spend less, since it can be harder to hand over physical money.

5. Use a high-yield savings account
As your savings grow, consider putting the money into a high-yield savings account. These accounts usually offer better interest rates than regular ones, which means your savings can grow faster.

If you’ve had issues with banks in the past, you might still be able to open a “second chance” checking account.

6. Set up automatic transfers
You can make saving easier by setting up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account. This way, you save without even thinking about it. This works well if you’re saving for something specific, like an emergency fund, a trip, or a down payment.

Pay Down Debt to Save on Interest

7. Pay off high-interest debt
Debt with high interest can take up a big part of your budget. Try to pay extra on your balances when you can. This reduces the amount of interest you’ll pay and helps you pay off your debt faster. If you can’t pay extra right now, look for ways to earn a little more money to help with your payments.

8. Lower your student loan payments
If you have student loans, you may be able to get lower payments through income-driven repayment plans. These adjust your payment based on how much you earn. Other ways to save include refinancing your loans, setting up automatic payments (which may get you a small discount), or making extra payments when you can.

9. Refinance your mortgage
If you own a home, refinancing your mortgage might help you lower your monthly payments, especially if you qualify for a lower interest rate. Be sure to consider fees and other factors, but the savings over time can be worth it.

Cut Down Monthly Bills

10. Plan before grocery shopping
Planning before going to the store can help you avoid spending too much. Check what you already have at home, make a list, and stick to it. Look for coupons and sign up for store loyalty programs to get extra discounts.

11. Lower your TV and internet bills
Take a look at your TV and internet bills to see if you’re paying for services you don’t really need. Maybe you can drop premium channels, reduce your internet speed, or cancel extra streaming services. Calling your provider and asking for a better deal may also help you save money.

12. Switch to a cheaper phone plan
You might be able to save by switching to a more affordable phone plan. Look at different options and decide if a prepaid or postpaid plan works better for you. Many affordable plans still offer good service and coverage.

13. Use less electricity
There are many small ways to save on your electric bill. You can seal air leaks, use energy-saving power strips, upgrade to energy-efficient appliances, or install a smart thermostat. Even small changes can lead to big savings over time.

14. Cancel unused subscriptions
Check your credit card or bank statements for monthly charges from subscriptions you don’t use. Cancel anything that’s no longer useful. Be careful with free trials that ask for your payment details — set reminders to cancel before you’re charged.

Save Money While Shopping

15. Time your big purchases
You can often save on big items like furniture or appliances by shopping during sales throughout the year. If you shop on Amazon, look for special deals on Prime Day or in October.

Track prices over time to see if you’re really getting a deal. Tools like browser extensions can help you find coupons and check price history.

16. Use the 30-day rule for purchases
To avoid impulse buying, wait 30 days before buying something you want. This gives you time to think about whether you really need it. If 30 days is too long, try waiting 24 or 48 hours instead. If you leave something in your online cart, the store might even send you a discount code.

17. Make online shopping harder
Try not to store your payment information online. Entering your details each time can help you avoid impulse buys. You might also want to delete shopping apps from your phone to reduce temptation.

18. Buy household items in bulk
For items you use all the time, like soap or paper towels, buy them in bulk when they’re on sale. This can be cheaper than buying them last-minute at full price. You can also set up regular deliveries through “Subscribe and Save” programs.

19. Shop at thrift and consignment stores
These stores often sell gently used clothes, furniture, and more at lower prices. You can also sell your own items at consignment shops. Make sure to compare prices to make sure you’re really getting a good deal.

20. Give thoughtful, low-cost gifts
Save money on gifts by making something yourself, like baked goods or art, or offering to spend time with someone. Plan ahead by writing down birthdays and other events, then set money aside for gifts during big sale events.

21. Look for free items
Websites and local groups like Buy Nothing and Freecycle let people share things they no longer need. You might find what you’re looking for without spending anything. Check Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Nextdoor as well.

22. Use birthday freebies
Many companies offer free items or discounts on your birthday. You might get free food or savings on clothes. Take advantage of these deals once a year.

Spend Less on Transportation

23. Cut car-related costs
You may be able to save money by refinancing your car loan or shopping around for cheaper insurance. To reduce wear and tear, drive less, don’t keep heavy items in your trunk, and avoid sudden starts and stops.

24. Save on gas
While you can’t control gas prices, you can still use less fuel. Keep your car in good condition and plan your trips to avoid making extra stops. Use apps to help you find the cheapest gas nearby.

25. Try car-sharing services
Instead of renting a car from a big company, consider using a car-sharing service like Turo or Getaround. These can be cheaper if you don’t drive often. Depending on how much you travel, car sharing may be cheaper than owning a car or using ride-shares.

Enjoy Low-Cost Fun

26. Eat out less
Eating at restaurants can get expensive. Try to cook more meals at home. When you do eat out, order smaller portions or share meals. Avoid ordering drinks and desserts if you want to keep costs down.

27. Find discounts on fun activities
Save money on entertainment by looking for free or discounted events. Many museums and parks offer free entry days. Check if your city offers free concerts or other local events. Also, ask about discounts for students, seniors, military members, or other groups.

28. Attend community events
Look for free or low-cost events in your area by checking your library, church, or community websites like Eventbrite. If you have kids, these events can be a fun and affordable way to spend time together. Bring your own snacks and drinks to avoid spending money at the event.