Do a quick search online and you'll find “life hacks" for just about anything, from household repairs to cleaning to meal prep. These handy shortcuts and tricks simplify daily tasks and did you know that there are life hacks for your finances, too?
If you're looking to spend smarter and keep more of your hard-earned money, take a look at some of our favorite money-saving life hacks:
Buy non-perishable items in bulk
If you shop strategically, buying in bulk can save you money and time. Stock up on the non-perishable items you use every day, such as deodorant, paper towels, toilet paper, dishwasher and laundry detergent or shampoo. These staple items are usually cheaper when purchased in bulk, so you'll get the best value for your dollar!
Switch to a water filter pitcher or faucet
Skip the plastic water bottles in favor of a filtered water pitcher or faucet filter system. These filters remove contaminants and chlorine to make tap water taste better. Not only is cutting out plastic water bottles better for the environment, but it will also help you spend smarter on every grocery store trip.
Get the most out of your library card
Did you know? Your library card gives you access to more than free books; you can also borrow e-books, magazines, audiobooks and DVDs of movies and TV shows. Using this handy card can save you a lot of money on entertainment expenses! Additionally, most libraries offer free Wi-Fi, free learning opportunities for adults and free children's programming.
Build savings with every purchase
Wouldn't it be nice to build your savings through the purchases you're already making? Our WPCU EasySaver® helps you do just that. With EasySaver each purchase you make with your WPCU debit card is rounded up to the nearest dollar and the difference is deposited to your EasySaver account. Plus, WPCU matches 50% of your roundups earned during your first 30 days in the program and 5% on all your roundups each quarter after that. Sign up for EasySaver to automatically round up your debit card purchases. Learn more.
Clean out your closets
Believe it or not, the simple act of organizing your closet can help you make easy money. There's a good chance you have some hidden treasures in your closet that someone else will love—why not sell them at a second hand store or on a resale website or app? You'll have a clean closet and a little extra money in your pocket!
Wait 30 days before making a big purchase
Want to avoid impulse spending and buyer's remorse? Try the 30-day rule! If you have a large purchase in mind, especially something that's not a necessity, wait 30 days. You might find that after a month has passed, that item you just “had to have" isn't as appealing.
Do you have any money-saving life hacks you swear by? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!
For great ways to Save Better every day, check out our helpful videos and interactive learning modules.