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Young woman sitting on a couch and holding a bunch of money to her chest

Reddit may not be the first place you go when you’re looking for inspiration to save money, but the life hacks subreddit probably has more ideas than you’d expect.

What Life Hack?

The original poster (OP) asked his fellow Redditors, “What’s a life hack that’s saved you a ton of money?” The r/lifehacks community was quick to share their best money-saving tips.

1. The Most Popular Hack

One user responded with, “There is a YouTube video for everything. I have fixed my own and my wife’s vehicles myself countless times by just looking it up on YouTube,” and it was the most upvoted reply.

Many people chimed in, sharing the various things they’ve learned from YouTube and sharing some of their favorite helpful channels.

2. Not Your Typical Yardsale

Another user shared, “Only going to yard sales in the rich neighborhoods.” A lot of people agreed, and someone added, “Amen to this. Also, the goodwill next to the rich neighborhood has newer clothes from expensive brands.”

This is an especially great tip if you prefer shopping for higher-end items.

3. Get a Library Card

This user shared a great suggestion, “Use the library for books, CDs, DVDs, and now audiobooks.” People loved this idea.

One user’s love of the library runs deep. He said, “IF I COULD UP IT THIS MORE TIMES I WOULD listen ppl go to you public library and get a library card!! Ask your librarians what services they provide, it’s always way more than you think!! Many have notaries working, tax forms and classes, access to huge online resources, local entertainment and museum passes, free tutoring, mine has a 3d printer! If yours has multiple branches, there could be sh*t you didn’t know about at the other ones!! Also, libraries often have manuals, collectors manuals, cookbooks, textbooks, etc etc! Often public libraries will have some sort of collaboration with local colleges, so you might have access to their libraries as well!! Also, ASK ABOUT SPECIAL COLLECTIONS!!! Many libraries have a cool thing that they just have for some reason, sometimes these are local references, sometimes they are cool*ss museum pieces! Mine has a collection of local yearbooks going back to like the 1920s, and a collection of local art pieces!

Also- if you are ever just so done trying to figure out what you are supposed to be doing about x, especially if x = local govt sh*t, ask your local public library’s reference librarian! They will have the skill set to find info for you, and if it’s about local sh*t they will likely have it on hand due to many ppl asking!”

4. Save on Drinks

It’s easy to waste money when you’re swinging by the coffee shop each morning. Will kicking your Starbucks habit help you save a down payment on a house? Probably not, but if you’re short on spending money, it’ll definitely help.

This user stated, “Re-fillable water bottles and taking your own coffee to work.” Someone added, “Double-walled travel coffee mugs – keep water cold & coffee hot.”

And, if you’re a soda drinker, another user mentioned, “To add on beverage wise my Soda Stream was dirt cheap and cuts the diet coke budget to almost nothing.” 

5. Head to a Different Aisle

People also loved this hack, “Buy spices from the Hispanic aisle at the store. 1/2 off compared to the English-labeled ones in the next aisle.”

A bunch of users replied with their own version of this tip. One person said, “Oh boy. If you really want to save money of spices, find your closest Indian grocery store. The markup in American grocery store is flat-out ridiculous.”

And another added, “I do this in Chinese grocery stores…same thing. Always about 1/2 price.”

6. Pretend You’re Broke

Another user mentioned this unconventional tip, “Convincing myself I’m broke at pretty much all times. When you think you have close to zero dollars you reconsider every single purchase you make in more of a survival mentality than a logical one.”

Have you ever tried any of these money-saving hacks? Do you have any of your own to add?

This article is inspired by this thread and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Cents + Purpose.

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