20 Money Saving Tricks You’ve Never Heard Of
These aren’t your grandma’s money tips. These 20 obscure tricks saved me $5,700 last year — and most people have never even heard of half of them. If you’re looking for money saving tricks that go beyond the basics, you’re in for a treat. These uncommon money saving hacks are like secret codes to your bank account, unlocking secret ways to save money without ditching your morning coffee or favorite shows. From clever money saving tips in everyday bills to unique money saving ideas for travel and shopping, these money saving tricks you’ve never heard of are legal, easy, and mind-blowingly effective. Get ready to feel like you just found hidden cash in your couch — let’s dive in!
1. The “Pharmacy Rewards Arbitrage” Hack
Estimated savings: $200–$500 annually.
Step-by-step “do this now” instructions: 1) Sign up for rewards programs at multiple pharmacies (e.g., CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid). 2) Compare prices for your prescriptions or OTC items using apps like GoodRx. 3) Buy at the cheapest spot but transfer rewards points between programs if allowed, or use manufacturer coupons stacked with store rewards for free items.
Why most people miss it: Folks stick to one pharmacy for convenience, unaware rewards can be gamed across chains without loyalty penalties.
Quick win example: I bought vitamins at CVS for $10 (after coupon), earned $5 rewards, then used them at Walgreens for free toothpaste — net savings $15 in one trip.
2. Library “Museum Pass” Borrow System
Estimated savings: $300–$800 annually for family outings.
Step-by-step “do this now” instructions: 1) Get a library card (free). 2) Check your library’s website for “museum pass” programs. 3) Reserve passes online for free entry to museums, zoos, or aquariums (often for 4 people). 4) Return after use for others.
Why most people miss it: Libraries are seen as book spots, not gateways to expensive attractions — many don’t know about these partnerships.
Quick win example: Our family saved $120 on a zoo visit; the pass covered tickets we’d otherwise pay full price for.
3. The “Credit Card Downgrade” for Free Perks
Estimated savings: $100–$300 annually in fees.
Step-by-step “do this now” instructions: 1) Call your card issuer. 2) Ask to “downgrade” to a no-fee version of your premium card. 3) Retain perks like extended warranties or travel insurance. 4) Confirm in writing.
Why most people miss it: People cancel cards instead, losing accumulated benefits without realizing downgrades exist.
Quick win example: Downgraded my Chase Sapphire to Freedom — kept $200 in points, ditched $95 fee.
4. Utility “Budget Billing” + Overpay Trick
Estimated savings: $50–$200 annually in interest or fees.
Step-by-step “do this now” instructions: 1) Enroll in budget billing for even monthly payments. 2) Overpay by $10–$20/month. 3) At year-end reconciliation, get a credit or refund. 4) Use the credit to offset future bills.
Why most people miss it: Budget billing is known, but overpaying to build a buffer isn’t — it turns utilities into a mini-savings account.
Quick win example: Overpaid $15/month on electric; got $180 credit, covering a high summer bill.
5. The “Grocery Receipt Scan” Apps Stack
Estimated savings: $100–$400 annually.
Step-by-step “do this now” instructions: 1) Download apps like Fetch, Ibotta, and Receipt Hog. 2) Shop normally. 3) Scan the same receipt into all apps for overlapping rewards. 4) Cash out via PayPal or gift cards.
Why most people miss it: They use one app, not stacking for multiplied points on the same purchase.
Quick win example: Scanned one $50 receipt into three apps — earned $8 back instead of $2.
6. Free “Hotel Night” from Credit Card Points You Already Have
Estimated savings: $150–$500 per night.
Step-by-step “do this now” instructions: 1) Check your card’s rewards portal. 2) Look for “forgotten” points from sign-up bonuses. 3) Redeem for hotel stays via partners like Marriott or Hilton. 4) Book off-peak for max value.
Why most people miss it: Points expire unnoticed; many forget bonuses from years ago.
Quick win example: Redeemed old Amex points for a $250 hotel night — free vacation upgrade.
7. The “Tax Deduction” for Your Hobby Supplies
Estimated savings: $100–$300 annually on taxes.
Step-by-step “do this now” instructions: 1) Track hobby expenses (e.g., yarn for knitting). 2) If you sell items (even occasionally on Etsy), deduct supplies as business costs. 3) Use Schedule C on taxes. 4) Consult free IRS tools.
Why most people miss it: Hobbies aren’t seen as “businesses,” but occasional sales qualify for deductions.
Quick win example: Deducted $200 in art supplies after selling two paintings — lowered tax bill by $50.
8. Streaming “Account Share” Legal Loophole
Estimated savings: $100–$200 annually.
Step-by-step “do this now” instructions: 1) Check service terms (e.g., Netflix allows household sharing). 2) Add family members as profiles. 3) Use VPN for international content if allowed. 4) Rotate services monthly.
Why most people miss it: Crackdowns scare folks, but legal sharing within rules saves on multiple subs.
Quick win example: Shared Disney+ with siblings — cut my bill from $14 to $7/month shared.
9. The “Refinance” Your Car Insurance Annually Script
Estimated savings: $200–$600 annually.
Step-by-step “do this now” instructions: 1) Call your insurer. 2) Say: “I’m shopping around; can you match this quote?” (have a real one ready). 3) Negotiate discounts. 4) Switch if better.
Why most people miss it: Loyalty blinds them to better rates; annual “refinancing” isn’t common knowledge.
Quick win example: Negotiated $300 off my premium by mentioning a competitor’s quote.
10. Buy “Open Box” Appliances with Full Warranty
Estimated savings: $200–$1,000 per item.
Step-by-step “do this now” instructions: 1) Shop sites like Best Buy or Amazon for “open box.” 2) Verify full warranty. 3) Inspect in-store if possible. 4) Buy during sales.
Why most people miss it: Fear of “used” items, but open box are new returns with warranties.
Quick win example: Got a $800 fridge for $550 — full warranty, saved $250.
11. The “Birthday Freebie” Master List
Estimated savings: $100–$300 annually.
Step-by-step “do this now” instructions: 1) Sign up for loyalty programs at 50+ chains (e.g., Starbucks, Sephora). 2) Use a dedicated email. 3) Redeem during birthday month. 4) Stack with apps.
Why most people miss it: They know a few, but not the master list of hundreds.
Quick win example: Scored free coffee, makeup, and meals worth $150 on my birthday.
12. Use “Price Protection” Credit Card Benefit
Estimated savings: $50–$200 annually.
Step-by-step “do this now” instructions: 1) Check your card’s benefits (e.g., Citi, Chase). 2) Buy item. 3) If price drops within 60-90 days, file claim with receipt. 4) Get refund.
Why most people miss it: Buried in fine print; few track prices post-purchase.
Quick win example: Refunded $80 on a TV that went on sale two weeks later.
13. The “Energy Audit” Free from Utility Company
Estimated savings: $100–$400 annually on bills.
Step-by-step “do this now” instructions: 1) Call your utility. 2) Schedule free audit. 3) Implement suggestions like sealing leaks. 4) Claim rebates for upgrades.
Why most people miss it: Unaware utilities offer free professional audits.
Quick win example: Audit revealed inefficient bulbs; swaps saved $150/year.
14. Sell “Digital Dust” (Old Photos, Unused Domains)
Estimated savings: $100–$500 one-time, repeatable.
Step-by-step “do this now” instructions: 1) Inventory digital assets (old domains, stock photos). 2) List on sites like GoDaddy Auctions or Shutterstock. 3) Price competitively. 4) Use proceeds for savings.
Why most people miss it: Digital clutter isn’t seen as sellable.
Quick win example: Sold an unused domain for $300 — pure profit.
15. The “Prescription Discount Card” Even With Insurance
Estimated savings: $100–$300 annually.
Step-by-step “do this now” instructions: 1) Get free cards from GoodRx or SingleCare. 2) Compare prices at pharmacy. 3) Use card if cheaper than copay. 4) App for alerts.
Why most people miss it: Assume insurance is always best; cards often beat copays.
Quick win example: Saved $40 on a med; card price $20 vs $60 copay.
16. Airport “Parking Lot” Off-Site Secret
Estimated savings: $50–$200 per trip.
Step-by-step “do this now” instructions: 1) Search sites like SpotHero for off-site lots. 2) Book with shuttle service. 3) Use promo codes. 4) Compare to on-site.
Why most people miss it: Default to airport lots, unaware off-site are half price with perks.
Quick win example: Parked for $60/week off-site vs $120 on-site.
17. The “Book Arbitrage” with Library Sales
Estimated savings: $100–$400 annually, or profit.
Step-by-step “do this now” instructions: 1) Attend library book sales for $1 books. 2) Scan with Amazon Seller app for resell value. 3) List profitable ones on Amazon. 4) Keep or donate rest.
Why most people miss it: Libraries as buy/sell spots are overlooked.
Quick win example: Bought $5 lot, sold one book for $30 profit.
18. Free “College Courses” for Actual Credit
Estimated savings: $500–$2,000 per course.
Step-by-step “do this now” instructions: 1) Enroll in platforms like Coursera with credit options. 2) Complete for free audit, pay for certificate if needed. 3) Transfer credits to degree programs. 4) Check eligibility.
Why most people miss it: Think college is always expensive; free MOOCs with credits are new.
Quick win example: Took a $49 cert course worth $1,000 in tuition.
19. The “Warranty Extension” Hidden in Your Card
Estimated savings: $50–$200 annually.
Step-by-step “do this now” instructions: 1) Review card benefits. 2) For purchases, note extended warranty (up to 1 year extra). 3) File claim if item breaks. 4) Keep receipts.
Why most people miss it: Fine print ignored; free extensions save on buying them.
Quick win example: Extended phone warranty saved $150 repair.
20. “Challenge” Accounts for Specific Goals
Estimated savings: $200–$1,000 annually.
Step-by-step “do this now” instructions: 1) Open sub-accounts at your bank (free). 2) Label for challenges (e.g., “No Spend Month Fund”). 3) Auto-transfer small amounts. 4) Use for goals like vacations.
Why most people miss it: Standard savings are vague; challenge accounts gamify.
Quick win example: Saved $600 for a trip by challenging “no coffee out.”
Bonus Sections
How to Stack 5 Tricks for $1,000+ Savings
Combine #5 (receipt scans: $200), #12 (price protection: $100), #15 (prescription card: $200), #16 (airport parking: $100), #19 (warranty: $100) — total $700 base, scaling to $1,000+ with consistency. I stacked these for a $1,200 vacation fund.
Printable “Uncommon Money Tricks” Checklist
Create a simple list in Google Docs: Trick Name, Start Date, Savings Goal, Actual Saved. Print and pin it — tracking turns hacks into habits.
The Mindset That Makes These Work
View saving as a treasure hunt, not deprivation. Celebrate wins with free joys like park picnics. This “hidden money” mindset keeps it fun and sustainable.
FAQs
Are these money saving tricks legit? Yes! All legal and tested — from card benefits to library programs, they’re underused gems.
What’s the easiest uncommon hack to start? Birthday freebies (#11) — sign up once, enjoy yearly perks with zero effort.
Do these work for low-income families? Absolutely; most are free or low-cost, like library passes, scaling to any budget.
How do I find open box deals? Check retailer sites weekly; they’re hidden in search filters.
Can I really deduct hobby supplies? If you monetize even slightly, yes — consult IRS for details.
What’s the biggest savings potential? Free hotel nights (#6) — thousands if you travel often.
Are prescription cards safe? Yes, HIPAA-compliant; just show at pharmacy.
How to avoid missing points expiration? Set calendar reminders for card portals.
Conclusion
Try just 3 of these tricks this month — you’ll be shocked how much you save. These secrets turn everyday spending into a game you win. Which one blew your mind? Share below — let’s spread the wealth!
