Skip to content
  • Join PSECU
  • Refer a Friend
  • Rates
  • Find an ATM
  • Resources
  • Support
PSECU Logo
  • Explore Our Rates

    See today's checking, savings, certificate and individual retirement account (IRA) interest rates

    Have questions? Browse our FAQs
    • Account Types:
      • Checking Accounts
      • Savings Accounts
      • Money Market Accounts
      • Certificates
      • Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
    • Banking Services:
      • For College Students
      • For Teens & Parents
      • For Youth & Parents
      • For Businesses
    • Quick Links:
      • Calculators
        Estimate payments, set savings goals and more
      • Overdraft Services
        Check out PSECU's approach to overdraft services and fees
      • Understanding Money Market Accounts
        Learn how you can increase your savings with greater dividends
  • Explore Our Rates

    See today’s credit card rates

    Have questions? Browse our FAQs
    • Card Types:
      • Classic Card
      • Founder's Rewards Card
      • Penn State Alumni Cards
      • Secured Visa® Card
      • Business Credit Cards
    • Card Services:
      • Balance Transfers
      • Card Comparison Guide
    • Quick Links:
      • Calculators
        Estimate payments, set savings goals and more
      • Dispute a Credit Charge
        Report unauthorized transactions on your card
      • Is a Balance Transfer Right for Me?
        Find out how consolidating can simplify your finances
  • Explore Our Rates

    See today’s auto loan, home equity product, mortgage, and personal loan rates

    Have questions? Browse our FAQs
    • Home & Auto:
      • Mortgages
      • Home Equity
      • Auto Loans
      • Recreational Vehicles
    • Personal & Business:
      • Personal Loans
      • Student Loans
      • Business Loans
    • Quick Links:
      • Calculators
        Estimate payments, set savings goals and more
      • Paying Your Loan
        See your loan payment options
      • Debt Consolidation
        Save money, simplify your budget and reduce stress
  • Become a Member

    Explore PSECU member benefits and learn about eligibility

    Have questions? Browse our FAQs
    • What We Offer:
      • Investing
      • Insurance
      • Auto Warranty
      • Medicare Insurance
      • Estate Planning
    • Quick Links:
      • Set Up a Free IRA in Pennsylvania
        Check out this six-step guide to start reaping tax benefits
      • Missing Out on Insurance Savings?
        Get tips on how to spot savings in your insurance coverage
  • Become a Member

    Explore PSECU member benefits and learn about eligibility

    Have questions? Browse our FAQs
    • Is PSECU Right for You?:
      • What's Digital-First Banking?
      • How We Serve Our Members
      • All Member Services
    • Quick Links:
      • Earn $300*!
        Open a new member account with PSECU and you can earn $300* in bonus cash when you meet promo requirements!
      • New Member Support
        Get the guidance you need to take control of your account
      • PSECU in the Community
        We’re not just about finances - we’re about making an impact.
Login
PSECU Logo
Login
  • Checking & Savings
      • Checking Accounts
      • Savings Accounts
      • Money Market Accounts
      • Certificates
      • Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
      • For College Students
      • For Teens & Parents
      • For Youth & Parents
      • For Businesses
      • Calculators
        Estimate payments, set savings goals and more
      • Overdraft Services
        Check out PSECU's approach to overdraft services and fees
      • Understanding Money Market Accounts
        Learn how you can increase your savings with greater dividends
    Explore Our Rates

    See today's checking, savings, certificate and individual retirement account (IRA) interest rates

    Have questions? Browse our FAQs
  • Credit Cards
      • Classic Card
      • Founder's Rewards Card
      • Penn State Alumni Cards
      • Secured Visa® Card
      • Business Credit Cards
      • Balance Transfers
      • Card Comparison Guide
      • Calculators
        Estimate payments, set savings goals and more
      • Dispute a Credit Charge
        Report unauthorized transactions on your card
      • Is a Balance Transfer Right for Me?
        Find out how consolidating can simplify your finances
    Explore Our Rates

    See today’s credit card rates

    Have questions? Browse our FAQs
  • Loans
      • Mortgages
      • Home Equity
      • Auto Loans
      • Recreational Vehicles
      • Personal Loans
      • Student Loans
      • Business Loans
      • Calculators
        Estimate payments, set savings goals and more
      • Paying Your Loan
        See your loan payment options
      • Debt Consolidation
        Save money, simplify your budget and reduce stress
    Explore Our Rates

    See today’s auto loan, home equity product, mortgage, and personal loan rates

    Have questions? Browse our FAQs
  • Investing & Insurance
      • Investing
      • Insurance
      • Auto Warranty
      • Medicare Insurance
      • Estate Planning
      • Set Up a Free IRA in Pennsylvania
        Check out this six-step guide to start reaping tax benefits
      • Missing Out on Insurance Savings?
        Get tips on how to spot savings in your insurance coverage
    Become a Member

    Explore PSECU member benefits and learn about eligibility

    Have questions? Browse our FAQs
  • About PSECU
      • What's Digital-First Banking?
      • How We Serve Our Members
      • All Member Services
      • Earn $300*!
        Open a new member account with PSECU and you can earn $300* in bonus cash when you meet promo requirements!
      • New Member Support
        Get the guidance you need to take control of your account
      • PSECU in the Community
        We’re not just about finances - we’re about making an impact.
    Become a Member

    Explore PSECU member benefits and learn about eligibility

    Have questions? Browse our FAQs
  • Join PSECU
  • Refer a Friend
  • Rates
  • Find an ATM
  • Resources
  • Support
Routine maintenance is scheduled for 12 AM, Sunday March 16, 2025, and will take several hours to complete. During this timeframe, members will not be able to access digital banking, membership or loan applications, or our call center IVR menu. We apologize for any inconvenience.
We apologize for the inconvenience, but our application for membership is currently unavailable. We are currently working to resolve the issue.
You’re Leaving PSECU's Site

 
 

Select “Proceed” to continue to , or close this window to return to PSECU.com.

Proceed
  1. Back to Home
  2. Resource Center
  3. Savings
  4. Top 5 Money-Saving Life...
Article
2 Minute Read

Top 5 Money-Saving Life Hacks

Share on email Share on facebook Share on linkedin Share on twitter

When it comes to your spending habits, small purchases can add up fast. You may not even realize how much you’re spending until you evaluate your expenses and discover that those daily meals out cost more than your monthly rent.

Of course, this works both ways. When you set a small amount aside each month for savings or retirement, you may be surprised at just how big of a nest egg you can grow with so little effort.

It’s all about habits.

Developing the right habits can help you live a financially stable life, and if you learn good money habits early on, you can have peace of mind for the future.

If you’re trying to save money, check out the money-saving life hacks below.

1. Switch to a clothesline.

Saving money on electricity will help your bottom line. Speaking of lines, getting a clothesline set up outside and inside is the first step toward reducing your dependence on the biggest energy hog in your house – your electric dryer.

Let’s look at the numbers: An electric dryer uses about 4 kWh per load. At a usage rate of 20¢ per kWh and doing five loads per week, you’ll save about $208 annually by hanging your clothes outside to dry instead of using the dryer.

2. Cut the cord.

Calculating savings is a little tricky when it comes to cutting the cable cord. Many times, cable and Internet are bundled, so if you nix cable, you’ll need to find another Internet provider.

But let’s say you have only cable service at around $108 per month. If you stop your cable service and instead use a streaming service(s) for $20 per month, you could save up to $1,056 every year.

3. Drink tap water.

Staying hydrated is one of the best health hacks ever. But it can also suck your bank account dry! If you purchase two bottled drinks every day, averaging $1.23 per drink, you’ll spend almost $900 a year! Switch to tap water to save $898 annually.

4. Keep your tires properly inflated.

Driving with under-inflated tires can reduce fuel efficiency by 4%. Assuming your family has two cars, each getting 20 MPG and driven 15,000 per year, and gas at $3.47 per gallon, you could save nearly $217 each year by ensuring your tire pressure is consistently where it should be.

5. Brew coffee at home.

This “make it v. buy it” money-saving tip is on almost every list of ways to save cash. And for good reason. Coffee’s a must-have part of virtually everyone’s daily routine, and after looking at the costs of one versus the other scenario, the savings can be pretty dramatic.

For our purposes, we’ll say it costs 10¢ per cup to brew at home and $4 for a cup of coffee you buy. In one week, you’d spend about 50¢ for your brew-at-home cup of joe, while that same morning-starter would run you $20. Annual savings: $1,014.

Calculate costs based on your preferences.

And the Grand Total Is…

Applying these five habits to your lifestyle could potentially save you $3,393 each year. The money saved can help you pay current bills, go toward retirement, or a combination.

Best of all, many of these life hacks aren’t difficult. They just require small tweaks to your lifestyle. Instead of buying coffee at a shop, make it at home. Instead of paying for cable, use a cheaper entertainment service. You still get your coffee and TV shows, but just in a different and more cost-effective way.

Looking for more money-saving tips? Check out this post on easy ways to save money without really trying. We also have resources to help you understand budgeting, how credit works, learn to protect your identity, and more. Visit psecu.com/learn.

New call-to-action

The content provided in this publication is for informational purposes only. Nothing stated is to be construed as financial or legal advice. Some products not offered by PSECU. PSECU does not endorse any third parties, including, but not limited to, referenced individuals, companies, organizations, products, blogs, or websites. PSECU does not warrant any advice provided by third parties. PSECU does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided by third parties. PSECU recommends that you seek the advice of a qualified financial, tax, legal, or other professional if you have questions.

By: PSECU
Need to talk to us directly?
800.237.7328
Routing #: 231381116
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
Awards Designations
  • Get to Know Us:
    • What's Digital-First Banking?
    • How We Serve Our Members
    • Financials
    • PSECU for Employers
    • Careers We're Hiring!
    • Resource Center
    • PSECU in the Community
  • Quick Links:
    • Rates
    • Calculators
    • Downloadable Forms
    • Become a Member
    • Refer a Friend
  • Contact & Support:
    • Support
    • Browse FAQs
    • Resume an Application
    • Find an ATM
    • Contact Us
  • Download the App:
    • App Store
    • Play Store
  • Sitemap
  • Disclosures & Agreements
  • Terms of Use
  • Fraud Prevention
  • Privacy
  • © 2025 PSECU. All Rights Reserved.
  • NCUA Insured by NCUA
  • Equal Housing Lender Equal Housing Lender