19 Things to Cut When Money Gets Tight (Most People Ignore #11)

Tax Debt: Ask this company to help you pay off your late tax debt

Past-due tax debt is overwhelming.

It weighs on your mind and causes massive anxiety. You end up emotionally and physically drained. Even worse when the IRS starts sending letters threatening wage garnishment and huge fines.

TaxRise is designed specifically to help you get out of tax debt faster and could reduce some of the debt you owe.

While most tax companies just put you on a payment plan and file your taxes for you, TaxRise talks to the IRS directly. They can help you pay off your tax debt faster while potentially reducing what you owe. They have 4.7/5 stars on Google and an “Excellent” 4.4/5 stars on Trustpilot.

Important: Not everyone will qualify. To take advantage of this special program we recommend you owe more than $10,000 in past-due taxes.

Answer a few questions to get started

Advisor Fees: You could be overpaying for your retirement planning

Fees matter. High fees can cut into your returns and affect your overall nest egg. But the ways fees are levied vary. Some are "fee only." charging a flat rate regardless of usage. Others take a percentage of all assets under management. Some earn commissions directly from mutual funds or other financial products, which presents a significant conflict of interest.

This free matching quiz helps Americans get matched with fiduciary advisors who serve their area, so they can compare and decide which advisor to work with.

Paid Non-Client Promotion

FinanceBuzz doesn’t invest its money with this provider, but they are our referral partner. We get paid by them only if you click to them from our website and take a qualifying action (for example, opening an account.)

Mindless Recurring Expenses: Don’t pay for what you don’t use

Storage Units: If you haven’t needed it in a year, why are you paying rent for it? Sell it, donate it, or admit you’re just hoarding junk in a different location.

Expensive Gym Memberships: If you’re not going at least twice a week, just cancel it already. Home workouts, outdoor runs, and basic weights could get you 90% of the same results for free.

Bottled Water: Can’t believe we even have to say this. But if you have access to clean tap water, you’re wasting money every time you buy a bottle. Get a reusable one and stop paying for something that’s essentially free.

Interest: Stop getting ripped off by high interest debt payments

If you have credit card debt, you know that paying your bill each month is anxiety-inducing … and sometimes close to impossible with what you have in the bank.

If that’s you, a company called LendingTree⁷ <p>LendingTree, LLC is a Marketing Lead Generator and is a Duly Licensed Mortgage Broker, as required by law, with its main office located at 1415 Vantage Park Drive, Suite 700, Charlotte, NC 28203, NMLS Unique Identifier #1136. LendingTree, LLC is known as LT Technologies in lieu of true name LendingTree, LLC in NY. LendingTree technology and processes are patented under U.S. Patent Nos. 6,385,594 and 6,611,816 and licensed under U.S. Patent Nos. 5,995,947 and 5,758,328. © 2026 LendingTree, LLC. All Rights Reserved. This site is directed at, and made available to, persons in the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii only. Terms and Conditions may apply. </p> wants to help. They can match you with loan providers that could help you pay off your debt quickly.

Think about it this way: For example, $30,000 in credit card debt at 25% APR will cost you $622.60 every single month in interest alone. But, with a rate as low as 6.50% APR (possible through LendingTree’s lenders), you’d only pay $160.69 interest.

That’s over $460 a month you’d get to keep for yourself in this scenario! Even better, you don’t need a perfect credit score, and checking for loans won’t affect your credit.

Truthfully, this company exists to help you get ahead in life. They have a 4.5/5 rating on TrustPilot with more than 15,000 verified reviews, and you can see your options in a matter of minutes. It’s certainly worth a shot if you’re feeling suffocated by debt.

See if your $30K+ credit card debt is eligible for options with LendingTree

Market Volatility: Help protect your savings from stock market volatility with gold

The economy feels more fragile by the day. Debt, tariffs, and general instability have investors on edge. But now, JPMorgan projects gold could surge to $4,000/ounce.⁸ <p>Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Any historical returns, expected returns, or probability projections may not reflect actual future performance. All securities involve risk and may result in significant losses.</p> That could mean trouble for traditional portfolios, but potential for you if you position yourself ahead of the curve.

U.S. Gold Bureau helps Americans protect and grow their retirement savings with gold and silver. They’ve delivered 2 billion+ in precious metals, earned an A+ BBB rating, and offer a BuyBack Guarantee — they buy back any metals they sell at transparent prices.

With a Gold IRA, you can roll over part of your retirement account (like a 401(k) or IRA) into physical gold tax and penalty-free. You'll even receive up to $20,000 in FREE gold with qualifying purchases.⁹ <p>This offer is valid with a minimum purchase of $30,000 in qualifying precious metals for a retirement account. For every $30,000 in eligible metals purchased, you will receive one (1) 1/10 oz Gold American Eagle bullion coin, up to a total maximum retail value of $20,000 in gold. The specific gold product may vary based on availability. If the advertised product is unavailable at the time of order, it will be substituted with a product of similar quality and value. Processing for retirement account funding may take approximately 2–3 weeks. Limit one time offer per household address. This offer cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts. It is valid for individuals only and eligibility is determined solely by USGB and is not guaranteed. This offer is subject to change or termination at any time without prior notice. Additional terms and exclusions may apply.</p>

Get started with gold: Download U.S. Gold Bureau’s IRA investors kit. There's no cost to request it, but doing so could help protect everything you've worked for. (Minimums apply: You should have at least $30,000 to invest.)

Expensive Dog Food: Get 70% off healthy dog food delivered right to your door

Kibble gets the job done. Ollie does something different.

Ollie's fresh, human-grade meals are formulated with vet nutritionists and built around your dog's actual needs.

You answer a few questions, and they put together a custom plan based on your dog's age, weight, breed, and activity level. No guessing. No preservatives. No harmful fillers. Just real food, portioned right, delivered to your door.

BONUS: Save 70% on your first box, plus score a free KONG Classic!

Get 70% off your dog's meal plan

Weight Loss: Save as much as 80% on weight loss meds

If you're finally ready to lose weight, GLP-1s, like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, could help you shed up to 14.9% of your body weight.¹⁰ <p><a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183">Source</a>. Based on a mean result from the STEP 1 clinical trial (Wilding et al., NEJM 2021) of semaglutide 2.4 mg over 68 weeks, used alongside diet and exercise. Individual results will vary. GLP-1 medications require a prescription.</p> And this company we found called ReadyRX gets them to you at around 80% less than name brands.

It might sound crazy, but ReadyRX operates on a cash-only basis and no insurance is required. This is one of the ways they’re able to provide up to 80% off the typical cost of weight-loss medications like Ozempic® and Zepbound®. (You can pay via credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard.)

Skip the surgeries, diets, and expensive costs of weight loss. Start your journey with GLP-1s at around 80% less than name-brand prices. Plus, your plan is guided by board-certified doctors, 100% online. No insurance required and no hidden fees.

ReadyRX has 5,000+ members and holds a 4.8/5 rating on Trustpilot. They even back their plans with a 28-week weight loss guarantee. All medications are compounded in the USA through FDA-registered pharmacies and 3rd party lab tested.

Limited time offer: Right now, get $100 off your first month with code LMS26.

Take the quiz to get up to 80% off weight loss medications starting at $179/month ($6/day)

Credit Card Debt: Pay no interest into 2027 with a no annual fee card

If you're struggling to pay down high-interest debt (or you're planning a major purchase this year), this might be the exact thing you need. There are cards that allow you to completely pause credit card interest into 2027... and the best part is that it could be easier than you think with this new tool.

These extremely powerful cards can give you 0% intro APR for up to an astounding 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. That's right - you can now finance large purchases you've been sitting on without paying massive interest. Or, transfer crippling high interest debt let your payments go directly to paying down your balance, without piling on additional interest charges - with no annual fee.

Answer a few quick questions, and we'll try to match you with a card that fits your situation.

Free, no commitment, and no impact on your credit score.

See my options (no credit impact)

Hefty Debt Payments: Check if you qualify to resolve your credit card debt for less than you owe

Your budget is tight as it is without worrying about hefty credit card debt. Not to mention how you could ever retire on it.

Put your mind to rest. National Debt Relief's program is available to people with $30,000 or more in credit card debt, medical bills, collections, or personal loans. Their certified debt specialists could negotiate with your creditors, and you may be able to resolve your debt for less than you owe.

No upfront fees. Free consultation. It takes just a few minutes to see if you qualify.

See if your $30k+ in credit card debt qualifies for National Debt Relief

Cut the Wait to Get Your Paycheck: Access up to $150 per day of your paycheck with no mandatory fees

If you need a few dollars in between paychecks, a little daily cushion can go a long way.

With the EarnIn app¹¹ <p>EarnIn is not a bank. Access limits are based on your earnings and risk factors. Available in select states. Terms and restrictions apply. Visit <a href="https://www.earnin.com/">EarnIn.com</a> for full details</p> you can access up to $150 per day of your paycheck and up to $1,000 per pay period — and EarnIn won’t charge you any mandatory fees.

Yes, you read that correctly. You have the option to access your pay as you work and not have EarnIn charge you at all. The EarnIn app does not charge any interest or mandatory fees on a standard Cash Out.

You even have the option to access the money within minutes for a small fee.¹² <p>Lightning Speed is an optional service that allows you to expedite the transfer of funds for a fee. Depending on the product, the fee may be charged by EarnIn or its banking partner. See the <a href="https://www.earnin.com/privacyandterms/terms-of-service/fees">LS Fee table</a> for details.</p>

The best news? There is no credit check, no interest, no late fees – ever.

How to get started:

1. Visit EarnIn and create an account.
2. Link your bank and employment info.
3. EarnIn will verify your paycheck and you’re all set!

Get started with EarnIn here

Expensive Timeshares: See if you’re eligible to cancel your money-draining timeshare contract

Are you stuck in a timeshare contract? The average timeshare owner pays roughly $1,200 a year in maintenance fees,¹³ <p><a href="https://aaronsonlawgroup.com/8-hidden-timeshare-fees-to-watch-for/">Source</a>: American Resort Development Association (ARDA), 2024 industry data, reporting average annual timeshare maintenance fees of $1,260.</p> and those fees tend to rise 5% or more annually, often for a property they no longer use.

The Stonegate Firm provides legal and advocacy services to help consumers pursue legitimate exit options from their timeshare contract. If your contract qualifies, their attorneys work to identify violations of federal consumer protection laws and negotiate directly with resorts.

See if your timeshare may be eligible:

1. Answer a few questions about your timeshare and contract.
2. A Stonegate Firm specialist will review your case.
3. If you qualify, they walk you through the cancellation process.

You’re in good hands. The Stonegate Firm is BBB Accredited with an A+ rating.

Check Your Cancellation Eligibility Free - 30 Second Assessment

High Electric Bills: Ohio residents could save big

Old windows drive up your home's electric bill. But if you live in Ohio and your windows are 5+ years old, you could save.

Modernize connects homeowners with top local pros who install high-quality, energy-efficient windows that could help reduce energy bills and improve comfort.

They make it easy to compare quotes and find the best price on your window replacement. The entire process is hassle free.

Get started now if you check these 3 boxes:

1. You own your home.
2. Your windows are 5+ years old.
3. You live in an available ZIP code.

Get your free quote to get started

Strengthen your portfolio even if the U.S. dollar declines

The U.S. dollar has been under pressure, but gold recently climbed past $5,300 per ounce.¹⁴ <p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2026/01/28/gold-price-surpasses-record-5300-amid-weakening-dollar-fed-independence-concerns/">Source</a></p> It's a pattern worth paying attention to — when confidence in paper currency fades, hard assets can help protect smart investors.

If your retirement savings are largely tied to stocks or dollar assets, that kind of shift could hit hard. Priority Gold helps Americans diversify with physical gold and silver, including precious metals IRAs which could hold up better through inflation, market swings, and economic uncertainty.

Hard assets like gold have historically often held their value when traditional investments struggled. Priority Gold has earned an A+ rating with the BBB and 4.8/5 stars on Trustpilot — so you can invest with confidence. If you have at least $20,000 in savings, IRAs, or your 401k take control of your savings now and get your FREE Wealth Preservation Guide today.

Expensive Mortgage Payments: Save $28,000 over the life of your mortgage

Too many buyers overpay on their mortgage without even knowing it. Rates and fees vary wildly from lender to lender, but nobody has time to call around and compare, so they might just accept the first offer and hope for the best. Now there's a free service that does the hard part for you.

It's called Own Up, and it compares mortgage offers from a network of top-rated lenders so they compete for your business and you can pick a great deal.¹⁵ <p>Own Up is a mortgage lead-generation and comparison service. RateGravity, Inc. d/b/a Own Up arranges introductions to participating lenders but does not make loans or credit decisions. Own Up is compensated by participating lenders. Own Up matches you with participating lenders based on your profile. Lender participation varies and does not guarantee multiple offers or competitive bidding. Not all lenders, products, or shopping experiences are available, and availability may vary by consumer profile and loan program. Rates, terms, and availability vary. Lender ratings reflect consumer reviews and/or third-party data. RateGravity, Inc. d/b/a Own Up NMLS #1450805. For consumer information, visit <a href="https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org">www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.</a></p> You fill out a quick 5-minute profile (no hard credit pull),¹⁶ <p>Exploring options with Own Up does not require a hard credit inquiry; however, a lender may require a hard inquiry and additional personal information, including a Social Security number, to proceed with an application.</p> get matched with top-rated lenders, and see the comparison side by side.¹⁷ <p>Shopping experiences is offered to select customers only, your interaction with Own Up might not include shopping experience. Not all lenders or products are available, and availability may vary by consumer profile and loan program. Rates, terms, and availability vary.</p>

Thnk about it this way: On a $400,000 mortgage at 7.00%, you'd pay over $558,000 in interest over 30 years. Drop that rate just half a percent to 6.50% and you'd pay around $510,000. That's $48,000 back in your pocket, just from shopping around for a better rate.¹⁸ <p>For illustration purposes only. Rates shown are not offers of credit.</p>

Own Up customers save on average $28,000 over the life of their loan,¹⁹ <p>Savings are not guaranteed. Results vary based on borrower qualifications, loan terms, fees, and market conditions. See <a href="https://www.ownup.com/methodology">ownup.com/methodology</a> to see how the savings were calculated. and it costs you absoloutely nothing to find out what you'd save.

Own Up is 100% free — there’s no direct consumer fee for Own Up’s service. Own Up is compensated by lenders, not consumers. See what you could qualify for at the link below before you lock in a rate you might regret.

Check your rate in 5 minutes (free)

Paying Now for Your Home Equity: Get up to $500,000 from your home equity with NO additional monthly payments

If you want cash from your home’s equity but don’t want a HELOC, hear me out. This company we found is doing something amazing. They let you access your equity without additional monthly payments.

It’s called Splitero and they give you cash today for a share of your home's future value. It’s a Home Equity Agreement (HEA) not a HELOC. There’s no monthly payments, and no income requirements.

Instead, you repurchase your investment with a portion of your home’s future value when you sell, refinance, or reach the end of the agreement. That means you keep your existing low-rate mortgage and access cash now!

There are also NO employment requirements. You qualify based on your home equity. You also remain the owner and continue living in your home. Use the cash to pay off debt, fund renovations, retire, grow your family, and more.

Enter your home address here to pre-qualify in less than 2 minutes

Expensive Loans: Get up to $700,000 from your home (without touching your mortgage)

This is really cool. If you own a home and want to take equity out (to pay down debt or fund home renovations, for example) you can. But a lot of options to do this force you to touch your current mortgage or pay exorbitant fees. This company gets rid of that.

It sounds crazy, but it’s called Achieve Loans, and their HELOC lets you take money out of your home quickly at a low, fixed rate. Your rates will never change, and you get an affordable monthly payment that is typically lower than credit cards or personal loans.

Achieve Loans could give you access to up to $700,000, but you can borrow what you need based on what you qualify for.²⁰ <p>Equal housing opportunity. Terms &amp; conditions apply.</p> No refi is required and you can get cash fast. Click the link below, put in the amount you need, and complete the short form to see if you qualify. It’s incredible.

620+ Credit Score: Complete this short form to see if you qualify

Expensive College Tuition: Cover up to 100% of your child's college costs

Paying for college just got a whole lot harder. Starting July 1st, 2026, Parent PLUS loans no longer cover full cost of attendance. But that gap doesn't have to come out of your pocket.

College Ave can help you pay the difference. Take the stress out of paying for college by creating a private student loan that fits your budget and your goals. Plus, they give you an instant credit decision in about 3 minutes, with no impact to your credit score.

If your credit's solid (680+), they may cover up to 100% of school-certified cost of attendance — no origination fees. Not to mention, they offer repayment plans built around your budget and boast an A+ BBB rating and 4.5 stars on Trustpilot.

You already did the hard part getting your kid in. Don't let a funding gap get in the way now.

See if you qualify

Home Insurance: Switch your home insurance and you could save a ton of money

If you have home insurance, you need to see the recent rates available to you. There’s a good chance you’ll want to switch your policy if you see a better rate.

The best way to check for up-to-date rates: Get multiple policy quotes from a variety of home insurance providers. Too many homeowners skip this step — not realizing that they could save potentially $1,000s over the lifetime of owning their house.

Provide Home Insurance is a company that matches you with a variety of home insurance options to meet your home insurance needs … including lower overall cost or better overall coverage.

Just answer a few questions, and they will find options that are right for you.

Enter your zip code to get started