Growing your money is really like an art—there’s no single way to do it.
How you go about it is totally your choice.
Whether it’s budgeting, using apps, investing, taking surveys—these are all part of the money-growing journey.
We’ve put together 73 of our top-rated money habits that we think everyone should try out. See if any resonate with you.
1. Join the Survey Scene
Growing your money doesn’t always have to feel like hard work.
You can actually earn money while watching ads, waiting for your ride, or standing in line at the post office.
Taking online surveys is an easy, fast, and sometimes even fun way to pick up a bit of extra cash. That’s where SurveyJunkie steps in.
When you sign up, you get paid for sharing your opinions on different products—so companies can improve what they make.
It’s a great way to boost your savings each month.
2. Make Use of What You Already Have
To build up savings and pick up smart money habits, start by putting what you already have to better use.
This could mean repurposing items around the house or renting out unused space.
We’ve all heard of Airbnb, but have you ever actually considered renting out a spare room, an entire floor, or even an unused property?
With the right setup, you could make some decent money. Just sign up for free to get started.
If you’re willing to put in the effort, hosting on Airbnb could turn into a great side hustle—or even your main source of income.
3. Take Advantage of Free Financial Help
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with asking for financial advice—especially when it’s free!
Paying for financial guidance can get expensive, but with Long Game, you don’t have to.
This app acts as a savings account that includes cash and crypto rewards, along with slot games to make saving more engaging.
It’s like having financial help right in your pocket—without the cost.
4. Find Your Motivation
Whether your goal is saving money, earning more, or even losing weight, motivation is key.
A fun example of this is HealthyWage—a platform where your personal weight loss journey could win you real cash.
Check out their success stories to see how it’s worked for others.
Why not turn your health goals into extra savings by dropping some pounds?
5. Save Every Time You Fill Up
Saving money should be part of your everyday habits—including when you’re buying gas or food.
Wouldn’t it be nice to spend less at the pump or checkout?
With the GetUpside app, you can find deals on gas, groceries, and meals. Plus, their cashback rewards could save you up to 25 cents per gallon.
Stop paying full price for gas—seriously!
6. Stay Active and Healthy
This one’s not directly about money—but it’s about staying healthy so you can enjoy your money and time with loved ones.
Even just working out a few times a week is a great win.
Apps like Sweatcoin literally pay you for moving. So why not stay active and get rewarded at the same time?
7. Find Better Deals
We’ve all tried shopping around to lower our cable bill, insurance, or subscription costs. It just makes sense—why pay more if you don’t have to?
Apps like Cushion help with this.
Once installed, it analyzes your accounts, tracks subscriptions, and alerts you to better deals.
Want more details? Check out our review on the Cushion Personal Finance Bot.
8. Reassess Car Usage
Whether you own a car or not, your driving habits can affect your wallet.
If you don’t have a car, you’re already saving on gas and maintenance—and you can always rent one using Turo when needed. Turo lets you borrow from individual owners at rates often much lower than traditional rental services.
Own a car? Then why not be the one renting it out? Turo handles the insurance, and you make money from something you already own.
9. Save While You Shop Online
One smart money habit is hunting for deals when shopping online.
Apps like Swagbucks are perfect for this.
Just use the Swagbucks-powered Yahoo! search when shopping, and you’ll earn points for every search.
You can redeem those points for gift cards from places like Amazon, Target, Walmart—or get straight-up PayPal cash.
It’s basically like getting paid to shop.
10. Start Small with Investing
Want to invest but don’t know where to start? No worries—there’s an app for that.
Worthy Bonds makes it easy to get started. It rounds up your purchases and invests the spare change for you.
Spend $9.50? The app stashes the remaining 50 cents into your account. You’ll be saving and investing without even realizing it.
11. Get Rewarded for Using an App
Using money-saving apps is a no-brainer.
Take Drop, for example—it’s free, and you earn points just by shopping.
Then, you can use those points for rewards from brands like Uber, Amazon, Starbucks, Netflix, and more.
12. Save Energy & the Environment
Apps like Arcadia Power help you do both.
They alert you when there’s a surge in energy use in your area. If you reduce your energy use during that time, Arcadia pays you the difference.
It’s smart for your wallet and for the planet.
13. Use Mobile Coupons
These days, mobile tech is your best savings partner.
Ibotta is a top app for this—it’s free and works on most smartphones.
Earn cashback on select items just by completing simple tasks and submitting proof of purchase. It’s easy and effective.
14. Pick a Budget-Friendly Phone Plan
Sick of paying too much for your cell phone?
Republic Wireless has no-contract plans starting at just $15, with data for only $5 per GB.
15. Cut Down on Bank Fees
You don’t need to step foot in a bank to handle annoying fees.
Apps like Cushion connect securely to your accounts and find any fees you’ve been charged.
Its “Fee Fighter” bot then negotiates a refund on your behalf—often within 24 hours.
16. Earn While You Shop—Anywhere
Shopping? Don’t miss out on rewards.
Shopkick gives you points (called “kicks”) for both in-store and online shopping.
You can trade them in for gift cards to stores near you. Users have already earned $78 million in rewards!
17. Score a Free Cell Phone
SimplyCellphones offers free or discounted phones to people who qualify.
The program is designed to help those in need get connected.
18. Manage Your 401(k) Smartly
If you’ve got a 401(k), managing it wisely is a solid financial habit.
Blooom works with any 401(k), no matter where it’s held.
It can help you make smarter decisions about saving and investing for retirement.
19. Find the Right Loan for You
Applying for a loan can feel confusing and a bit overwhelming. That’s where Credible steps in.
Credible helps with student loan refinancing, private student loans, personal loans, and even credit card issues.
If you’re looking to refinance, why not work with a pro who can walk you through the best choices for your unique needs?
20. Get Paid for Sharing Your Opinion
Want to influence how products are made while making a little extra cash on the side?
InboxDollars could be exactly what you need.
It’s a simple survey app that pays you for your honest feedback. It’s quick, easy, and totally worth it!
21. Score Free Baby and Family Products
For families, especially those with little ones, it’s easy to run out for more diapers or baby-friendly shampoo.
While that might be the most convenient option, it’s not always the most budget-friendly.
Looking for lower-cost alternatives can be a smart way to manage your money.
By joining the Everyday Family community, you’ll get access to a ton of family-focused resources—
One of the best perks is their Free Baby Stuff section, where you’ll find samples, coupons, and deals from major brands.
You’ll also get access to lots of printable grocery coupons you can use at your local stores. You never know what free items you might snag until you check it out!
22. Check Your Credit Score for Free
Trying to view your credit score usually comes with a high price tag.
But with Credit Sesame, you can see your credit score for free—within about 90 seconds.
You’ll also get a full credit report card, catch any errors, and possibly even boost your score.
Checking your credit for free is a smart financial move.
23. Earn Cashback While Shopping Online
Love shopping online? Then make it work for you with cashback apps.
Rakuten (previously Ebates) is a great money-saving app that gives you up to 40% cashback at over 2,500 online stores.
Using the Rakuten app while shopping is one of the easiest ways to earn some money back.
You’ll get paid quarterly, either by check or through PayPal.
24. Start Investing in Real Estate
If you want to grow your savings, investing is a smart route—and rental properties, in particular, can bring in passive income.
Roofstock makes this easy with a completely online buying experience.
You can buy or sell single-family homes to rent out or flip for profit.
Search listings to compare prices, neighborhoods, and expected returns.
They provide helpful tools, resources, and a team of investment experts to support you every step of the way.
25. Invest in What You Care About
Grow your money by putting it into causes and values you care about.
Wealthsimple lets you do just that.
They offer diverse investment options—including socially responsible portfolios—clear fee structures, no account minimums, and access to certified financial planners, no matter how much you’re investing.
Even better, your first $10,000 is managed for free for an entire year when you sign up.
26. Think Long-Term with Your Investments
If you’re serious about boosting your savings, using a long-term investment app can be a great move.
Fundrise lets you invest in projects that aren’t traded on public stock markets—perfect for those with long-term goals.
They even offer a 90-day trial period, and if you decide it’s not for you, they’ll return your full initial investment.
27. Don’t Ignore Your Student Loans
Having solid financial habits is key to growing your savings.
If student loan debt is holding you back, Credible can help.
Whether you’re looking to get a lower rate or reduce your payments, refinancing your loan can make a big difference.
Credible is a marketplace that lets you compare student loan refinancing options, private student loans, and personal loans all in one place.
Just fill out a single form, and Credible will show you offers from different lenders with the best rates and terms.
28. Set Up Auto-Saving Transfers
A great way to save more is by setting up automatic transfers.
Schedule recurring transfers to move a set amount of money into savings weekly or monthly.
Before you know it, you’ll have a good amount tucked away—and since it’s not sitting in your checking account, you’re less likely to spend it impulsively.
29. Always Shop with a Plan
Going shopping without a list is risky—it often leads to impulse purchases and overspending.
Before heading to the store, make a plan for what you need and how much you’re willing to spend.
Create a detailed list and try your best to stick to it.
Even if it’s hard at first, it’ll help you curb impulse buys and save money over time.
30. Pause Before You Buy
Patience can save you money.
Before grabbing something you like—in-store or online—take a moment and wait.
If you still want it after a while, look for deals or wait for a holiday sale to get it at a lower price.
31. Choose Generic Brands
In most cases, generic brands are just as good as name brands.
There’s no need to splurge on fancy packaging when the ingredients are often exactly the same.
Next time you’re buying something like toothpaste or shampoo, compare the labels—you’ll probably see little to no difference.
Paying for the name alone isn’t a smart money habit.
32. Save by Swapping Out
Focus your spending on the things that bring you the most joy.
For everything else, try to cut back or find cheaper alternatives.
Why spend more on something that doesn’t matter as much to you?
33. Make a Budget
Budgeting might not be fun or exciting, but it’s crucial if you want to build your savings and reach financial freedom.
A budget helps ensure you’re not spending more than you make. It also lets you set goals and pinpoint areas where you can improve.
It’s one of the best money habits you can develop.
34. Pay Yourself First
“Pay yourself first” is a popular phrase for a reason—it works.
It means saving a portion of your paycheck before spending any of it.
Doing this helps ensure your savings grow steadily and your goals stay on track.
35. Keep Savings in a Savings Account
Leaving your savings in a checking account or your wallet can make it too easy to spend.
Instead, move your saved money into a proper savings account.
That way, you’re less tempted to dip into it for impulse purchases.
36. Turn Frugality into Actual Savings
If you save money at the store—say, $25 on clearance fruits and veggies—go home and transfer that $25 into your savings account.
This simple habit turns your frugality into real, trackable savings.
37. Save Extra Cash
Sometimes you get an unexpected bonus—maybe from work, a gift, or a celebration.
Instead of spending it right away, stash most (or all) of it in savings.
Skipping that dream vacation now could mean fewer strict budgeting months later.
38. Collect Your Spare Change
Loose coins can be annoying, but don’t let them go to waste.
Keep a jar at home and toss all your spare change into it.
Once a year, cash it in at your bank or a coin machine—you might be surprised how much it adds up!
39. Cut Back in Just One Area
You don’t have to cut everything—just go lean in one part of your life.
For example, if you’re biking to work regularly, you may not need that pricey gym membership anymore.
Trimming even one category helps you save without feeling deprived.
40. Pick What’s Worth Splurging On
Saving money is about prioritizing.
Maybe you love weekend brunch with friends or hosting dinner parties with fancy ingredients.
That’s fine—just cut back in related areas.
If weekends are your splurge time, keep weekdays simple.
If you love cooking big meals, invite friends and have them pitch in.
41. Monitor Your Financial Growth
Each month, take time to check your progress.
See how much debt you’ve paid off or how close you are to that trip or down payment.
Small, consistent savings might not seem like much day-to-day, but they add up in a big way over time.
Celebrate the good money habits you’ve built!
42. Use a Simple Budget If Needed
If detailed budgeting stresses you out, try something easier.
A simple plan like “save $200 this month” can still be very effective.
Avoiding budgeting burnout helps you stay consistent.
43. Let Indecision Be Your Answer
When considering a purchase, only go for it if your answer is a firm “yes.”
If you’re hesitant or unsure, treat that as a “no.”
Being mindful about spending helps avoid regrets.
44. Cook at Home More Often
Cooking meals at home is a great way to save—and stay healthy.
You’ll skip transportation costs, and ingredients (especially generic ones) usually cost less than dining out.
Plus, homemade meals are often better for you.
45. Understand Why You Spend
Overspending happens to everyone.
The key is figuring out why.
Was it a stressful day at work? An emotional trigger?
Understanding your habits can help you take control and avoid