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May 11, 2026
Published by
Mark Wilson
Mark Wilson

16 Things to Cut When Money Gets Tight

A customer being handed a Starbucks coffee at a drive-thru window
Daily coffee runs are one of the easiest expenses to cut.

Your money is getting tight. Prices are going up. And figuring out what to cut back on can feel overwhelming.

Unfortunately, many Americans are missing out entirely — simply because they don't know about these deals.

That's why we put together this list of the simplest things anyone can do right now to save a small fortune this year. Enjoy!

Here's what you can do: Read our list of money-saving strategies below, and start with one or two today. Even doing just one can help you breathe a little easier.

1. Save up to $1,025 on car insurance

You might not even realize it, but your car insurance company is probably overcharging you. In fact, they're kind of counting on you not noticing.

Luckily, this problem is easy to fix.

A company called Insurify shows you all your options at once — drivers who do this save up to $1,025 per year.

Here's how to quickly qualify:

  1. Click the link below and start by inserting your zip code.
  2. Answer a few questions about your car.
  3. Choose the best offer and lock in your rate.

Find out how much you can save on your auto insurance »

2. Don't Pay Contractor Prices Every Time Something Breaks at Home

When your HVAC, furnace, water heater, or dishwasher fails — and they will — most households have nothing in place to absorb it. A single repair typically runs $2,000–$3,000 with no warning.

Choice Home Warranty has handled over 8 million customer claims since 2008 through 25,000+ pre-screened contractors, available every day, around the clock.

When something covered breaks: one call, flat $100 service fee, technician arrives. That's all. Not everyone's home qualifies — here's how to check if you're covered in your area:

  1. Click "Find Your Plan" below.
  2. Enter your ZIP code.
  3. See which plan options are available in your area.

Find Your Plan at Choice Home Warranty »

3. Homeowners Are Using This Service to See Window Quotes in Minutes

A new service is helping homeowners get energy-efficient window quotes in eligible zip codes.

Thanks to this free service, homeowners can quickly check what they qualify for through trusted local contractors like West Shore Home — a BBB-accredited installer with an A+ rating.

Upgrading to modern windows can help create a tighter seal, reducing drafts and improving indoor comfort. That means your home may stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter, while potentially lowering energy usage over time.

Instead of calling multiple companies, this tool lets you compare options in minutes and see what's available in your area.

⏰ Ends Soon: Free door + 18 months no interest. Installed in 2–3 days.

See If You Qualify For a Free Quote Now »

4. Summer Weight Loss: Save up to 80% on GLP-1 medications

Pool days, beach trips, summer weddings — if you've been putting off losing weight, this is the season most people regret waiting on. Start now and most people see results before Labor Day.

GLP-1 medications like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide (the same ingredients in Ozempic® and Zepbound®) can run $1,000+ per month at the pharmacy. Remedy Meds operates cash-only (no insurance), which is how they offer up to 80% off — starting from $179/month ($6/day). Pre-approval takes about 2 minutes online, with U.S.-based doctors available 24/7.

Important health info: The FDA has not evaluated compounded medications for safety, quality, or efficacy. GLP-1 medications are prescription drugs that should be taken and monitored under the supervision of a licensed health care professional, and they carry serious risks including thyroid C-cell tumors. Visit the Remedy Meds website for full details.

Take the 2-Minute Quiz — from $179/month ($6/day) »

5. Homeowners Are Upgrading Their Bathrooms in Minutes With This Service

Leaks, mold, and worn grout don't fix themselves. Left alone, a tired old bathroom can turn into thousands of dollars in repairs — and a stress hotspot you walk into every single day.

A new service helps homeowners get walk-in shower and bathroom remodel quotes in eligible zip codes — fast, free, and with no obligation.

Thanks to this free service, you can quickly check what you qualify for through trusted local contractors like West Shore Home — a BBB-accredited installer with an A+ rating.

A modern walk-in shower doesn't just look better — it can stop hidden leaks, eliminate moldy grout, and make your bathroom safer and easier to clean.

Instead of calling multiple companies, this tool lets you compare options in minutes and see what's available in your area.

⏰ Ends Soon: Special financing available. Installed in as little as 1 day. Spots in your area fill up fast.

Check My Eligibility »

6. Turn Your Home's Value Into Extra Cash

If you want to pay a large expense now, like a home improvement project or credit card debt, you may have considered using your home equity as leverage to borrow a large sum of money.

But with interest rates rising in recent years, a cash-out refinance or home equity loan may not make financial sense.

Here's a potential solution: Get a home equity line of credit (HELOC) instead.

Using LendingTree's simple HELOC matching tool (yes, the company from the commercials), you can compare rates and see what works for you.

How a home equity line of credit is different: Your line of credit acts similar to a credit card, where you can withdraw funds when you need them, and you're only responsible for minimum monthly payments for what's called the "draw period," which is usually 10 years. After this borrowing period ends, you pay off the rest of your balance during an extended repayment period, which is usually 20 years.

Plus, as a revolving line of credit, rates are usually variable, so you won't be locked into a fixed rate if they ever go lower.

To get started:

  1. Check out LendingTree's HELOC matching tool.
  2. Answer a few questions.
  3. Be matched with personalized offers for you.

Visit LendingTree »

Terms and conditions apply. LendingTree, LLC. NMLS# 1136

7. Expensive Loans: Get up to $185,000 From Your Home Equity Instead

Home equity loans are surging in popularity for homeowners who want to pay down high-interest debt quickly or make home improvements.

That's because homeowners in 2026 hold a surprising amount of equity — an average of $185,000 they can tap into. No need for expensive loans or credit cards. The best part is you can keep your current mortgage rate by getting a home equity loan with this genius program.

No hassle. Calculate your equity amount and see what you qualify for today!

Get started by following three easy steps:

  1. Click below to check out Quicken Loans' Home Equity tool.
  2. Answer a few questions about your home.
  3. Once you qualify, lock in your personalized rate and payment.

Compare Real Offers for $0 »

8. Turning This Classic Card Game Into a Simple At-Home Side Hustle

Many people are looking for simple ways to bring in a little extra income — without complicated tools or stressful side jobs. What if something as familiar as a card game could help?

A growing number of players are downloading apps like Solitaire Cash. It's a modern version of the classic card game where players compete in skill-based matches for a chance to win cash prizes, all from their phone or tablet.

A K
Play Solitaire Cash
Win Real Money!
Get Now

Why people are giving it a try:

  • Familiar gameplay — no learning curve
  • Play anytime, from the comfort of home
  • No selling, posting, or managing anything

See How It Works & Try a Free Game »

9. Credit Card Debt: Stop Paying High Interest. Start Paying It Off.

If you're struggling to pay down high-interest debt (or you're planning a major purchase this year), this might be the exact thing you need. There's a card that lets you completely pause credit card interest into 2027 — and it could have a bigger impact than you think.

The Discover it® Cash Back (Rates and fees) is an extremely powerful card that gives you 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (then APR is 17.49% – 26.49% Variable). That's right — you could finance large purchases without paying massive interest. Or transfer high-interest debt to this card and let your payments go directly to your balance, with no annual fee.

But it doesn't end there. The Discover it® Cash Back also lets you earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at rotating quarterly categories (grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate). Plus, unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

And here's the kicker: Discover will match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year — practically doubling its value.

Apply for the Discover it® Cash Back Card »

10. Skipping This Criminally Underrated Credit Card Bonus: Earn a $200 Bonus + Up to 5% Cash Back

Apply for this card (Rates and fees) and you could earn a $200 bonus after spending an easy $500 in the first 3 months. This card is criminally underrated with one of the best spend-to-bonus ratios we've ever seen. The bonus is worth almost half the spend!

No additional work is required. Apply for the card, see if you're approved, spend $500 within 3 months, and earn a $200 bonus. Boom!

This card also lets you earn cash back on everything you buy:

  • 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
  • 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service
  • Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases

Plus, if you want to finance large purchases or pay down high-interest debt, you can also do that with this card. Take advantage of 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. After the intro period, the APR is 18.24% – 27.74% Variable.

Do not skip this card — it's a sleeper hit with insane value and NO annual fee.

Good or excellent credit (typically 670 or higher) is recommended.

Click Here to Apply Now »

11. Struggling with $30,000+ in Credit Card Debt? You Could Qualify for Relief

If you have more than $30,000 in debt from credit cards, medical bills, collections, or personal loans, National Debt Relief's certified debt specialists may be able to help you consolidate your debt into one low monthly program payment.

Best of all? There are zero fees until your debt is resolved, and you could be debt-free in 24–48 months.

To get started, just answer a few simple questions. It only takes a few minutes to see if you qualify.

See if your $30k+ in credit card debt is eligible »

12. Tax Debt: Help paying off late tax debt

Past-due tax debt is stressful, especially once the IRS begins sending letters about wage garnishment or fines. Alleviate Tax works directly with the IRS to help resolve tax debt faster and potentially reduce what's owed — rather than just setting up a standard payment plan.

Eligibility: This program is intended for taxpayers who owe more than $10,000 in past-due taxes.

Answer a few questions to get started »

13. Gold Has Gained 330% Since 2005 — Retirement Savers Are Rolling Their IRAs Into This

American Hartford Gold helps retirement savers roll over existing 401(k) or IRA funds into a Gold IRA — with no out-of-pocket costs and no tax penalties if done correctly. Between 2005 and 2020 alone, gold appreciated over 330%.

The process is guided step-by-step by a dedicated specialist. Investors who act now receive a free Gold IRA guide and a complimentary one-on-one consultation to review their current retirement allocation.

Important: A Gold IRA rollover does NOT trigger taxes or penalties when done through a qualified custodian. There is absolutely no cost to request your free guide and consultation.

Minimum $15K required to fund account.

Get Your Free Gold IRA Guide and Consultation »

Bonus: Costco shoppers are quietly using this $49 device to make a $200 haul last 3 weeks

If you've ever loaded up your cart at Costco with fresh berries, organic greens, and bulk produce — only to watch half of it turn to mush before you can eat it — you're not alone. The average Costco member throws away 30–40% of their fresh haul within the first week.

But a growing number of bulk shoppers have found a fix: a tiny device originally developed for military-grade cold storage that keeps everything fresh for up to 3 weeks. It's called Ozoori.

Why Costco shoppers are going crazy for this:

  • Makes a $200 Costco haul last 3 weeks — neutralizes ethylene gas that causes premature ripening
  • Eliminates 99.9% of bacteria and mold — active oxygen destroys pathogens at the cellular level
  • Pays for itself after one shopping trip — saves $500+ per year in food waste
  • Removes fridge odors completely — no more mystery smells from bulk items
  • Zero maintenance — no filters, no replacements, no chemicals
  • USB-C rechargeable — one charge lasts up to 4 weeks
  • Works in any fridge — just drop it in, no installation needed

Order Today and Save 50% From Original Price »

National Debt Relief logo See how much you could save

National Debt Relief

  • Reduces debt by 23% on avg.
  • Could be debt free in 24–48 months
  • For people with $10,000+ in unsecured debt

Advertorial Disclosure

Published by Savings Mentor Team
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