We all love saving our hard-earned money…unless, of course, you’re a billionaire with more cash than you could ever count. For the rest of us, every little saving counts. You could clip coupons, hunt for discounts, or, better yet, ask people online for clever hacks.

For example, someone on the internet recently asked, “I’m broke. What are the best ways to save money?” And no, they weren’t looking for the usual “practice self-control” tips. They wanted diabolical, genius-level answers that actually work. Naturally, the internet did not disappoint.

Fair warning: some of the tips are totally unhinged and probably won’t work for most of us, but hey, they’re entertaining! And then there are the truly clever ones that might actually help you save a few bucks (or even more). Keep reading to see the full mix of wild, ridiculous, and surprisingly useful money-saving hacks.

#1

Got [angry] about the fact that smokers can (here) spend like 15 bucks on a pack per day and live the same way I do so I set money aside for “imaginary smoking.”

Image credits: xx_gxtz_xx

#2

I compare the price of something to what I get paid hourly, then think “would I work x amount of hours for this?”…. it’s usually no.

Image credits: faylenfarore

#3

Pretend you’re having an emergency. Your car isn’t broken? It is now, you need $200 to fix it. You need a blood test, it’s $100. ONLY THING THAT WORKS FOR ME!

Image credits: eloise.thats.me

When it comes to saving money, it’s always wise to seek guidance from experienced professionals. To gain deeper insights, Bored Panda spoke with Khushboo Dugar, a seasoned chartered accountant from India who specializes in financial planning and tax advisory.

Her tips are practical and easy to follow, whether you’re just starting out or already managing a household budget. The goal is to make thoughtful, informed decisions that support both short-term needs and long-term goals.

#4

Delete all the apps that you will buy stuff on..

Image credits: anotherheartmurmur

#5

I trick myself into thinking I have less than I actually do. I got paid 400? Nah I read that wrong its 300. If I try to go shopping? I think to myself “now you know you only have 150 left” I still buy things but I think about it A LOTTTTT MOREEEE and typically only by things that are cheap that I know I will use again.

Image credits: scarystarsworld

#6

You want something, think about it for like two months and I mean two months. If it’s something that won’t go away after a while, then use that rule.

Image credits: starunit_54

Khushboo emphasizes that having a savings account is non-negotiable. “Even if the amount seems small at first, regular contributions can grow significantly over time,” she explains.

A savings account acts as a safety net for emergencies and provides a structured way to set aside money for future goals, whether it’s a home, education, or investments. Starting early and being consistent is key to building financial security. Over time, small amounts add up, creating a cushion that can make a big difference when unexpected expenses arise.

#7

Watch a documentary or YouTube videos about overconsumption. Follow more Instagram accounts that talk about the environment and capitalism so that it’s in your daily feed.

If you see something cute in a store that you don’t actually need, ask yourself how long it will sit in a landfill after you die. Think about how much space an item will take up in your home.make handmade gifts instead of spending money. Learn how to sew.

Image credits: hur.tttttttt

#8

I wait until the next day to see if I still want the thing I was about to buy (I usually forget about it forever which means I didn’t need it that much anyway).

Image credits: homoabsens

#9

Start cooking. For real.

Image credits: brown.ghoul

Budgeting and planning are equally critical components of financial health. Khushboo advises, “Create a budget and track your income and expenses carefully.” Knowing where your money goes allows you to identify areas where you can cut costs and save more effectively. Budgeting doesn’t mean restricting yourself; it’s about making intentional choices with your money.

#10

Online shopping doesn’t exist. Have to go in person.

Image credits: vblakelyy

#11

Remove all cards from your phone and then at the start of each day think to yourself: ‘do I need money today?’. If no. Leave any physical cards at home. Can’t spend money I didn’t bring.

Image credits: my_life_as_a_ginger

#12

My brother started going into supermarkets and purposely slipping over and pretending to hurt his head so he can get free frozen veggies.

Image credits: chomp.er07

Impulse purchases are one of the biggest challenges, especially with online shopping so readily available. Khushboo suggests taking a pause before making non-essential purchases. “Ask yourself if you really need it, or if it’s just a fleeting desire,” she says. Waiting even a day or two can prevent unnecessary spending. Being deliberate about purchases is just as important as earning money itself.

#13

In the state of California dumpster diving is NOT illegal unless 1. There is a sign saying private property 2. There is a sign saying no dumpster diving 3. A person who is employed at the place you are dumpster diving tells you to leave 4. It is a recycling bin for bottles and cans and stuff (bc they technically count that as stealing from the recyclers). Reminder of what places also have dumpsters:
– home furnishing stores
– clothing outlets
– stores for hygiene items (like soap and such)
– children’s stores
And a lot of these places (when they’re companies) throw out a ton of stuff just because it’s “out of season” or “overstock” or whatever.

Image credits: morganlindunfortunately

#14

Only every buy things with cash so it’s a real physical loss. Whenever I buy [stuff] with my card my brain tries to go “oh I’m sure we have enough just buy it” where as with cash I can see how much money I’m loosing.

Image credits: ashlyn.dot.perry

#15

Savings didn’t work cause I would just pull it out whenever I’d go shopping so I got a savings app which will take my money instantly but takes 3-5 days to pull it back out.
I’ve had to actually think before withdrawing my savings so I’ve saved enough for a car and all my vacations the last 4 years and 10k on top of that.

Image credits: babeygoyle

Reviewing bills regularly is another practical tip. “Check subscriptions, recurring payments, and services you may not be using,” Khushboo advises. Canceling unnecessary expenses can free up money for more meaningful priorities. Additionally, comparing prices and looking for deals ensures that you get the best value for your purchases. Small adjustments like these can have a big impact on overall financial stability, while also creating awareness of spending habits.

#16

Sleep for like 10+ hours. If you’re only awake for like 8 hours a day, you won’t eat that much. Can’t eat when you’re sleeping. Can’t spend money on food when you’re sleeping. This is doable if you’re depressed!

Image credits: wildheaven01

#17

When I’m broke I eat super spicy food so it “lasts longer” I feel full for more time than I would if it weren’t spicy.

Image credits: mariassyannavirag

#18

Most of these “hacks” are actually based on making your life quality worse, but here is the thing: get very good at spotting expenses that will or won’t actually impact your life quality.
Whenever I want to buy something, think I need to buy something or am tricked into wanting to buy something, I wonder: will this actually make my life any better? And if so, can I obtain the same result from something I already own/can have without buying? This usually puts me off from buying, without leaving me with the feeling of missing out on something, quite the opposite.

Image credits: elisabettaranghino_psi

Peer pressure can influence financial decisions more than many people realize. Khushboo warns, “Never spend unnecessarily just to keep up with others.” It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to match someone else’s lifestyle, whether it’s buying flashy gadgets, cars, or luxury items. Instead, focus on your own goals, priorities, and financial well-being. Protecting your money from external pressures is crucial for long-term stability and peace of mind.

#19

Take photos of everything you wanna buy to ‘buy at another time’ you’ll forget about it within hours and never buy it.

Image credits: darcierb_

#20

I hate going inside banks. I made a second savings that I can only deposit into not withdraw. if I need that money I HAVE to go inside. I have saved thousands of dollars this way simply bc I refuse.

Image credits: https://www.instagram.com/ainsnotcool

#21

Get a cute glass piggy bank that doesn’t have a way to open at the bottom or the top so you feel bad for breaking it and wont do it until it feels worth it.

Image credits: obsidians444me

Avoid comparing your lifestyle to others, even subtly. “Just because someone else makes a big purchase doesn’t mean you should,” Khushboo explains. Maintaining perspective and staying true to your personal goals helps you avoid debt and regret. Financial independence is about making choices that benefit you, rather than following trends or succumbing to societal pressure. This mindset fosters long-term security and confidence in your financial decisions.

#22

Use all the social services you can get your hands on. There are free meals everywhere if you find them. Particularly at churches and community centres. I didn’t know until I was part of that realm but there’s a lot of help and resources available when you start looking (hopefully).

Image credits: _magicalmartina

#23

I make people pay me back in cash because I refuse to spend cash…so at the end of the year I just have a bunch of cash.

Image credits: jordan.sumler

#24

From my mom that helped me a lot: When you want something wait five days, if you still want it then, get it. If not, you didn’t really really want it and it would’ve been a waste of money.

Set a goal and write on paper each time you add money. Put it up somewhere as seeing your goal can help motivate you. It’s like a game, and reach that goal, ticking off checkpoints, is like a reward!

Khushboo also stresses the importance of discipline and consistency. Regularly saving, monitoring expenses, and making thoughtful choices form the foundation of a healthy financial life. 

Finally, she reminds everyone: “Always remember, it’s your hard-earned money. Treat it with care and respect.” Being intentional, planning carefully, and making thoughtful decisions ensures that your finances support your life goals. Whether it’s saving for emergencies, investing for the future, or managing day-to-day expenses, the right approach helps you achieve stability and freedom. Consistency, awareness, and patience are key to long-term financial success.

#25

Make coffee from home and then “pay yourself” what you would at a coffee shop. Make sure you tip the barista!

#26

If you couldn’t buy it twice, you can’t buy it once.

#27

1$ into savings every time you say dude.

While Khushboo’s money-saving tips are practical and effective, some of the suggestions from these posts might seem a bit questionable. What do you think—would you try any of them? And what’s your favorite trick for saving money? Share your tips with us so everyone can benefit!

#28

I gaslight myself into thinking I’m broke until my next check.

#29

Not unhinged but I really like Acorns. Whenever you buy something it rounds up to the nearest dollar and puts the extra few cents away and invests it. It’s also satisfying for every purchase to be a nice round number.

#30

One time I drove around nice neighborhoods on trash day then turned around and sold the curb scores at my yard sale.

#31

I budget my money by day so I’ll have a daily budget of like 20 ish dollars depending on how much I make I try to stay in that or I’ll save one day to spend more on another.

#32

Go on night shift, can’t spend money when you’re only awake when everyone is asleep and everywhere is closed.

#33

Watching videos of people with the thing I want so I can satiate my need.

#34

If you have to ask how much it is you can’t afford it.

#35

I have adhd, so I used to my advantage and put all the cash i owned into a drawer. I forgot about that drawer. Never opened it. When it was time for me to move i had almost 1k in cash saved to help with moving costs.

#36

Put all the money you can afford to put into a CD account you cannot touch that money for a set amount of months to years. If you withdraw money before the set date you will be faced with a penalty. Definitely makes you reconsider what you actually need money for.

#37

Eat beef and rice, bike everywhere, get rid of music subscription but use YouTube, have 6 outfits can easily be mix and matched but simple.

#38

My method worked. Split all your spending into two categories: Predictable (bills, payments) & Non Predictable (groceries, gas, cash spent, eating out) Spending. From there subtract all predictable spending from your total paycheck, and then divide what’s left with needs first, and then choose one want. The goal isn’t the reach the cap of your paycheck on one category but as little as you can so next paycheck what you didn’t spend on those categories can be saved and you do it again.

#39

Snything that I contemplate buying, i just put that amount in my savings! its not full-proof but its something thats weirdly helped me!

#40

Im also bad at saving so I bought this metal box online for like 10$, and the whole thing is like complete metal and it only has one little slit in it for you to insert bills and the only way you can open it is if you rip it apart with a crowbar or bash it with a hammer so once I put money in there its like a commitment and it stops me from just taking cash out whenever I want.

#41

1.) pick object up 2.) ‘oh this is cute!’ 3.) put object back.

#42

Work at a restaurant just for the employee discount.

#43

Buy bonds you pretty much can’t touch the money for a period typically 3 months to 5 years but they can go for any length. Also consider a high yield savings acct at an investment place. Typically it’ll take 24 hours to transfer money to your checking and you be able to use it. This would stop impulsive buying as you’d at least have a small@think it over period. Plus it earns good interest and you can leave your money there risk free.

#44

Move all but a “spending” amount into savings. If you don’t have it in checking you don’t “have it.”

#45

Never carry your wallet with you.

#46

Every single dollar bill ($1 bill) and all my change goes into a jar.

#47

1 no spending week a month+ planning head has been a money saver without decreasing my life quality.

#48

“But that’s $20 you can save for X thing you want” And nearly every time it works.

#49

Buy the cheapest thing possible for everything you need. Use reusable things. Cut up old clothes and use them as toilet paper and wash them after use (doesn’t work for poop). If you have food left over, do not throw it out, make something else out of it or save it for later. Instead of buying chips, season potato peels and bake them, makes for a great snack. Buy second-hand items.

#50

It’s a false broke advice because you need to have a job where you have to travel, but basically I pay all the travel fees with my own card, so I’m even broker. And the next month the company send me the money to compensate. But I’ve already had my pay and survived the last month, so I put that monney directly into my savings.

#51

Rather than buy and cook a whole meal, I would make a recipe from what’s available. I also forage, trade, fish and garden. Lastly, I build and repair my own things. This lifestyle is rewarding for me bc I find it fun but it’s also allowed me to live in 11 countries and travel for over 10 years straight!

#52

Work in the food industry.

#53

I have a shopping [problem] so i go to a retail store, almost fill up my cart, convince myself i don’t actually need any of it and put roughly what i would’ve spent in savings.

#54

i work in a restaurant, the owner is a close friend to my family so i just told him to keep my paycheck untill i need it, so the money is just coming, i don’t have it, so i can’t spend it, win win.

#55

The 52 weeks challenge 🙂 the 1st week of the year save 1$, the 2nd week save 2$ etc.. up to the 52nd week! (You don’t have to do it in this order but it helps ;))

#56

Once you ignore the first urge to purchase something you don’t need, it becomes easier.

#57

Write down every penny you spend, you become too aware of how much you are spending and that stops you for doing unnecessary purchases. “I can’t spend $8 on coffee I already spent 70% of my paycheck and there is 10 more days till my next paycheck.”

#58

I separate my income into percentages. i put 30% into savings , 10% emergency savings. i don’t tap into those so it’ll build up slowly!

#59

Whenever I need to save money I’m just like “damn, I really want a pack of cigarettes cause I just ran out. But maybe I can buy three if I save 50 bucks.” And I force myself to only buy one and then I have the other 35 bucks for the remaining month and I’ll just keep doing that until I have like, 100 bucks, then I’ll spend enough and stop when I’m like, “damn, I need money for 3 packs of cigs.” Works well.

#60

$20 into savings every time some random celebrity posts on instagram, I use sabrina carpenter.

#61

Get a hospitality job, step 2) get depressed step 3) once you’re depressed you won’t want to go anyplace. No going out= no spending money. Personally tested.

#62

I hide money from myself so whenever I need it I just have to clean my room.

#63

I literally hyperfixate on random documentaries on yt and such to not go out till everything is closed cuz I forget the world exists. This also includes eating. Less shopping = less money spent.

#64

If you buy makeup wipes, buy the cheap Walmart brand ones and cut them into smaller pieces. Saves me loads.

#65

I don’t look at Amazon, or go shopping really anywhere. I get my groceries and that’s it.

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