Do you want to apply some cuts to save some money as little as $100 per month?
I understand the feelings you have on a low budget, while the month has not ended yet.
A recent Bankrate survey found that 73% of Americans are saving less for emergencies due to rising prices and economic uncertainty.
Meanwhile, many are overpaying for subscriptions—on average, people waste about $33 a month on services they don’t use. That’s nearly a third of your savings goal gone to waste!
So in this article, I will share 10 simple, practical changes that add up to an extra $100 saved every month.
Why Saving Just $100/Month Matters More Than You Think
Although saving just $100/per month isn't a big achievement. However, it helps you develop a habit of saving some money every month.
Suppose you are saving a consistent $100 each month for a year. At the end, you will have saved a total of $1200 that you can use to buy some groceries or other things of daily use.
Let’s dive in and take control of your money—one smart swap at a time.
1. Cook at Home Just 3–4 More Times a Week
Are you stuck in a cycle of pricey outdoor dinners? Let’s break it down with some real numbers.
A study shows a home-cooked meal costs around $4–$6 per person, while eating out runs you $15–$20 or more. That’s often a $10–$14 savings per meal.
Even if you swap just three restaurant meals for home-cooking each week, you could save roughly $30–$42 weekly, or $120–$168 monthly, nearly reaching your goal with one simple change.
Here are some suggestions to cut on expensive outdoor meals.
Shortlist some healthy recipes that you love and could be prepared with simple and easy-to-access ingredients.
Stock some basics such as rice, pasta, frozen veggies, and canned beans. This way, you can whip up something anytime.
Not only do you save money, but you also gain healthier meals, less food waste, and a little kitchen confidence. That’s all part of the journey to saving smarter.
2. Cancel Subscriptions You Don’t Actually Use
Ever glance at your bank statement and wonder why those small, recurring charges keep piling up?
You’re not alone. A CNET-backed study found the average American underestimates their subscription spending by $133 a month—that’s money slipping through the cracks, untracked and unnoticed.
On top of that, surveys show people waste about $32.84 monthly on unused paid subscriptions, and most individuals have an estimated 3.3 services going unused every month.
According to a survey, alone in the UK, people have spent around £688 million last year on services they never actually used.
If this feels relatable, start by reviewing recurring charges for streaming, apps, memberships—even that free trial you forgot to cancel.
Often, canceling unused subscriptions is a quick win—you don’t need to hustle for extra cash; you just need to stop giving it away.
Apps and tools can help, but even a manual check of your statements can reveal unnecessary expenses.
Cancel what you don’t use, redirect that cash toward your goal, and suddenly, saving an extra $100 a month starts feeling effortless and empowering.
3. Avoid Bank Fees
You might not even realize the small charges slipping through your account every month—bank fees can quietly drain your savings.
About 27% of Americans pay an average of $24 per month just in checking fees.
According to the Bankrate survey, people are charged $27 for an overdraft. If you use an out-of-network ATM, it will cost you $4.77 per transaction.
Overdraft fees are especially harsh, with nearly 11% of Americans paying around $30–35 each time they go over their balance.
The good news is that you can take measures to avoid these fees by following some suggestions.
Don't use an out-of-network ATM that can save you $2–5 per withdrawal.
Set up mobile bank alerts to know the status of your account. This way you can avoid unexpected overdraft.
Always use in-network ATM. Your bank's mobile app or website lets you know the in-network ATMs in your area to avoid ATM fees.
By applying the above adjustments, you can save up to $50 per month in terms of financial penalties.
4. Cut Down on Impulse Purchases
If you commit impulse buying, you are not alone. This costly common mistake drains your budget even before you notice.
One of the factors of impulse buying is browsing social media ads. Because it shows you personalised ads that urge your desire to buy an unnecessary item.
In fact, around 73% of people admit most of their shopping is unplanned.
These small, spontaneous costs might seem harmless one at a time, but they quickly derail your monthly savings goals.
Cutting down on impulse buys doesn’t mean you have to live like a monk. It simply means to notice when you’re about to hit “checkout” on something you didn’t plan to buy.
Give that urge a moment to pass. Often the desire fades—and so does the regret.
By being a bit more mindful—and stopping one or two unplanned purchases each week—you’ll be surprised how close that gets you to saving an extra $100 a month.
5. Reduce your utility expenses
Utility bills can quietly chew away at your savings goal—Americans spend around $473 per month on essentials like electricity, gas, and water, and over a third struggle to keep up with rising costs.
But here’s the thing: you can start lowering those costs with simple, everyday habits.
Turn off lights, unplug idle electronics, and swap in LED bulbs because lighting alone accounts for about 15% of household electricity use.
According to the US Department of Energy, you can save $200-$400 by applying energy-efficient upgrades.
Here are some actionable suggestions for you to apply:
Smart thermostat use and sealing up drafts can save even more—you can cut heating and cooling costs by 10% annually with minor adjustments.
Ensure you use large appliances, such as your dishwasher, in the evening when low electricity rates are in effect.
Air drying your clothes not only saves you money on your electricity bill but also prolongs the life of your clothes.
If you leave your appliances plugged in even when they are not on, you are making a mistake. Because plugged-in appliances draw electricity even when they are switched off.
Seal leaks by using weather stripping or spray foam around windows and doors. This helps keep cool air inside during the summer and blocks cold air from getting in during the winter, making your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.
6. Buy Groceries with a List—And Stick to It
If you buy groceries without a plan, chances are you will purchase unnecessary things that are an extra burden on your pocket.
The best practice is to draft a list of items you need at home. Then stick to the list when you visit the store.
Writing a shopping list helps you make fewer unplanned purchases and spend less overall. It is certain that people with lists buy significantly fewer items and cut the total cost of their grocery trip.
An average American grocery run costs around $174, and nearly 39% of people exceed their grocery budget each month.
Going in with a solid list becomes your best defense against impulse buys—and protects both your wallet and your savings goals.
Buying groceries with a list isn’t just practical—it gives a sense of control. You go in with purpose, buy what you need, and leave without regret.
Sticking to your list nudges you closer to that extra $100 saved each month, one planned shopping trip at a time.
7. Use Public Transport or Carpool Once a Week
Do you know your own transport might feel convenient, but it’s costly?
The American Public Transportation Association reports that switching from driving to public transit can save individuals more than $13,000 per year, roughly $1,100 each month—and with fares largely unchanged, the savings are real.
Even just one weekly bus ride can save you fuel, parking, and upkeep costs.
It doesn’t have to be a big lifestyle change. Just swapping one solo drive a week for public transit or a carpool ride can bring you closer to that $100-per-month savings goal.
8. Rethink your entertainment
Your entertainment budget might feel harmless, but it really adds up.
On average, U.S. households spend about $303 a month on entertainment, which is nearly 4.7% of their total spending.
That includes streaming, hobbies, games, movies, and more. Cutting back doesn’t mean eliminating fun—it means choosing smarter ways to enjoy your free time.
You need to take a pause instead of habitually renewing multiple streaming services or buying every new gadget.
Look for free or discounted local events, borrow books and movies from the library. If you still subscribe, pick just one or two services for shows you actually watch and pause or rotate the rest.
Many people spend nearly $70 a month on video streaming alone—and often don’t even use all of them.
If you become more intentional and apply a cut of even $50 from your monthly entertainment budget, you’ll feel the difference in your savings fast.
Small changes here can help push you that much closer to saving $100 every month, without giving up what you love.
9. Set a Low-Spend Challenge for One Weekend a Month
Do you know, people who want to save money take a week or a month no-spend challenge?
A no‑spend or low‑spend weekend is exactly that: a short, intentional pause for your wallet.
This means no eating out, no shopping for non-essentials, no new subscriptions, and no entertainment expenses.
It can help you reset your financial habits, reduce unnecessary expenses, and build a stronger foundation for your savings goal.
Think of it as a mini-reboot. You’d be surprised how those extra dollars add up.
Trimming just $25–$50 out of an entertainment or dining budget over a weekend can bring you much closer to saving that extra $100 by month’s end.
10. Automate Your Bill Payments
One easy way to stop this is by setting up automatic payments (also called auto-pay). This means your bills will always be paid on time.
Some companies even give small discounts if you use auto-pay, like student loan providers, phone companies, or car insurance.
Just make sure you have enough money in your account before the payment goes out.
Check your balance often or use a bank account that doesn’t charge you if your balance goes too low.
Conclusion
Saving $100 each month is an achievable goal. However, it may sound hard at first, but small changes can make a big difference. You don’t need to cut out everything you enjoy or follow a strict budget. Just be careful about how you spend.
Start with one or two tips from this post and see how it goes. Over time, these simple habits can add up and help you save more without much effort. Remember, saving money is not about being perfect—it’s about being smart and making better choices every day. You’ve got this.
