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Trying to save money when you’re living paycheck to paycheck?
It’s hard.
It’s stressful.
And sometimes it feels like no matter what you do, there’s never enough left over.
Believe me, I’ve been there.
As a mom of three, with a family of five living on one income, I know exactly what it’s like to stay up at night doing mental math, praying the numbers add up by Friday.
But here’s the thing, I also know it’s possible to save money, even when it feels impossible.
For us, saving wasn’t just about getting by. It was about dreaming bigger. About building something more. About moving back to the Dominican Republic and finally having peace. And to get there? We had to get serious about saving money, without giving up everything that made life joyful.
So if you’re stuck in that paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, this post is for you. Here are 7 practical ways to save money even when your budget feels tight.
1. Know Where Your Money Is Going
Before you can save anything, you have to know what’s leaving your bank account.
Track every single dollar for one month. Yes, even the gas station snack, the Amazon “just one thing,” and the emergency DoorDash night.
You’ll be shocked at how much leaks out without you realizing it.
Use a simple notebook, an app, or try my 100-page Happier Budget Planner to visually lay it all out in one place.
2. Create a Budget That Works for You
Forget the budgeting rules you saw on TikTok. What matters is making a plan that fits your life.
I love the 50/30/20 rule as a guide:
- 50% for needs (bills, groceries, housing)
- 30% for wants (fun stuff, yes you’re allowed)
- 20% for saving or paying off debt
But real talk? If 20% isn’t doable right now, start with 5%. Or 1%. The goal is consistency and not perfection.
Budgeting should give you freedom, not feel like punishment. And when you have a system that makes sense, you actually want to stick with it.
3. Try a No-Spend Challenge to save money
Game. Changer.
A no-spend challenge is a short-term reset where you commit to not spending on non-essentials. That’s it.
It can be:ky5ohm
- A weekend
- A week
- A full month
When we did our first no-spend month, I realized how much money we were throwing away on takeout and “little things” that didn’t matter.
If you want help getting started, I made a No Spend Challenge Workbook that’s full of trackers, tips, and encouragement so you don’t feel like you’re doing it alone. Learn more about it here!
4. Cut Back on Fixed Expenses
Sometimes saving money isn’t about cutting expensive coffee all together it’s about cutting the big stuff.
Try this:
- Negotiate your internet or phone plan
- Cancel any subscriptions you forgot about (be honest)
- Switch to a cheaper provider or plan
- Move to a lower-cost alternative, even temporarily (we downsized for a season and it was the best move for our goals)
You’d be surprised how much you can save every month just by trimming the boring stuff.
5. Save money to Build an Emergency Fund (Even if It’s Tiny)
I used to think saving $5 or $10 at a time didn’t matter. But listen… it adds up.
Even having $100 set aside gave me so much peace.
Start small:
- $5 from each paycheck
- Your cashback rewards
- The $60 you’d normally blow at Target
Over time, those little deposits create a safety net aka emergency fund. And the first time you don’t have to put an emergency on a credit card? You’ll cry happy tears.
6. Find Ways to Bring in Extra Cash
When money’s tight, sometimes the best way to save is to earn just a little more.
Ideas:
- Sell stuff (baby gear, clothes, tech…you’d be surprised)
- Side hustle (babysitting, freelancing, virtual assistant work)
- Use your talents (crafts, cooking, organizing, etc.)
- Sell planners, trackers and journals on Etsy for extra income. I sell Canva templates that you can customize the way you want and list in on your Etsy shop, Shopify store or sell on social media. Check out my templates shop here!
Even an extra $50–$100 a month can help you:
Avoid the overdraft spiral.
Cover a bill early.
Put gas in the car.
Start your savings fund.
7. Celebrate Your Wins (No Matter How Small)
Saving money while living paycheck to paycheck is hard work. You deserve to celebrate every step forward.
Paid off a credit card? Saved $20? Said no to a $12 impulse buy? THAT’S A WIN.
We used to celebrate with:
- Movie nights
- Dollar store treats
- And my favorite, getting some Mexican food ! (yum!)
Because recognizing your progress keeps the momentum going.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
I know what it’s like to feel like your money is running your life.
To feel like no matter how hard you try, it’s never enough.
But let me tell you something:
You are not behind.
You are not bad with money.
You are not stuck forever.
Saving money, even in the tightest seasons, is possible, and it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice every little joy to make it happen.
For our family, budgeting and saving helped us stop surviving and start actually living.
Now we’re on track to make our dream move to the Dominican Republic a reality—and it all started with small changes, consistent habits, and a whole lot of determination.
You don’t have to be perfect.
You just have to keep showing up, for your budget, for your goals, and for the life you want to build.
You’ve got this!