Payday is finally here, but after you sit down and pay bills, you're left with only $100 till your next paycheck. You spend your days wishing and hoping that your money will last till the next check — not anymore.
Here are some smart money moves to make your money go further.
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Cancel a monthly subscription you're not using much
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More than 85% of subscriptions go unused each month. With the average monthly subscription costing subscribers $32.84, canceling could save you cash each month.
Even if you genuinely use your subscription, consider swapping it for a lower-cost option or going without it for a few months.
Sell unwanted items for extra cash
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Every month, the average person spends almost $300 on impulse purchases. Even if you don't shop that much, you have probably spent money on stuff you don't need.
The good news is there are plenty of places to sell those items for extra cash. Online marketplaces, local Facebook pages, and garage sales are just a few options where you can flip your unwanted stuff for a buck.
Start a side hustle
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The average millionaire has seven income streams, but you don't need to be a millionaire to have a side hustle. Side hustles can be as structured as a second job or as casual as babysitting for neighbors occasionally.
Side gigs can help improve your cash flow and increase your income. Diversifying your income with a side job can also help protect you against financial instability, such as job loss, unexpected expenses, or health issues.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1 <p>Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 46% before fees, or 25% including our fees, over 12 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating.</p>
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
Avoid dining out
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While dining out is convenient, meals from the drive-thru can add up fast. Eating at home costs significantly less. You can save around $15 per meal by cooking for yourself.
Even if you opt for frozen or prepackaged meals from the grocery store, you can still enjoy convenience without the restaurant price tag.
Visit a local food pantry
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Most food pantries don't require proof of income or financial need, but you may need to provide ID and proof of residence to be eligible.
Each food pantry organization may have a limit on how often you may visit and what quantities are allowed. You may be able to get provisions for anywhere between a few days and a few weeks.
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Shop at the Dollar Store
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Not everything at the dollar store is worth buying, but there are many items that can help you through lean times. You can shop for pantry essentials, cleaning products, and paper goods all in one place.
The quantities are often smaller than what you buy at big-box stores, but you can still get quality items from name brands.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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July is here, and with Independence Day on the horizon, it’s the peak of summer. That also means peak season for red-hot deals and unbeatable savings. Now’s the time to save big on:
- Grills, coolers, and outdoor living upgrades
- Travel must-haves for road trips and beach days
- Swimwear and summer fashion
- For grocery savings, grab seasonal produce like watermelon, peaches, and tomatoes
As fireworks fill the skies, retailers are quietly making room for back-to-school inventory. That means July is your chance to scoop up summer favorites while the deals are still blazing.
Skip the meat
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Research shows that people eating a plant-based diet spend less on food when cooking at home and eating out. For example, Lentils are often used as a vegetarian substitute for ground beef. A pound of ground beef costs $5.94 vs. $1.92 for a pound of lentils.
Incorporating more vegetarian meals into your diet can help alleviate the stress on your pocketbook.
Sign up for loyalty programs
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Many brands have rewards programs that give you deep discounts — or even free items — to encourage you to sign up for email and/or text marketing. You can use these to save money or get free products when you're low on cash.
Most brands also send you a free gift on your birthday. Just make sure you don't use a good deal as an excuse to spend money.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with a debit card
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2 <p>See website for details.</p>
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Learn more about the Discover Cashback Checking account
Walk or bike to get around
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If you filled up your gas tank on payday, you'll want to make that last as long as possible. While walking or biking will take you longer, it can reduce your gas bill — along with wear and tear on your car.
It also has an added health benefit, which is great, especially if you cancelled your gym membership.
Stop buying gifts
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Between all the holidays and birthdays throughout the year, gift-giving can feel more like an obligation than a thoughtful token of love and friendship.
Rather than buying gifts, consider writing a thoughtful card or making someone a homemade treat to show them how much they mean to you.
Shop around for insurance
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You may assume that all insurance carriers are about the same, but shopping around for new insurance could save you hundreds of dollars throughout the year.
Don't just shop around for car insurance — evaluate your policies for renters, homeowners, life, health, and any other type of insurance you need. You may be able to save more by bundling policies with the same company.
Quick tips: How to prepare for economic uncertainty
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Uncertain times call for a review of expenses that goes beyond simple cost-cutting. Here are some steps for you to consider:
- Build a 6-month emergency fund. Prioritize this above other financial goals.
- Compare rates on big ticket items like auto insurance to make sure you aren't overpaying.
- Delay major purchases when possible.
- Consider a side hustle that can generate income with minimal startup costs.
During challenging economic periods, try to focus on what you can control. And remember that financial resilience isn't built overnight.
Bottom line
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If you've only got $100 left from your paycheck, you can still be smart with your money. Taking proactive steps to increase your income and decrease your expenses can improve your financial situation.
These tips can help you stretch your dollar to get you through until the next pay period and put more cash in your wallet.
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Annual Fee
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Rewards Rate
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Benefits
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- Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
Drawbacks
- Requires you to activate the highest-earning category each quarter
- Not accepted as widely overseas as Visa or Mastercard
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
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- Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% to 27.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
- Terms and conditions apply.
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