This post may contain affiliate links, and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Note from Kat: After consulting with my talented colleagues at Corporette, we decided to collaborate on our favorite money-saving habits and practical tips. The insights shared were so useful that I thought it would be beneficial to create a dedicated series highlighting these strategies! With the season of savings upon us, today’s post features Ann, who contributes our CorporetteMoms morning posts. A heartfelt thanks to Ann for sharing her invaluable money-saving practices!

If you missed them, here are Elizabeth’s effective money-saving habits worth considering!

Previously, we have explored our comprehensive money roadmap, detailing actionable steps for advancing in your personal finance journey. Additionally, we discussed methods to automate your savings and set up automatic investing, along with strategies to save towards multiple financial targets. We also covered practical advice on the ideal locations to maintain your emergency fund and where to place your cash when you are uncertain about your savings goals, such as for retirement, a wedding, or a house.

Explore Ann’s Top Money-Saving Strategies

When it comes to flying Southwest, I always make it a priority to monitor airfare fluctuations after booking my flight. If I find that the price has decreased, a few simple clicks allow me to claim the difference as a flight credit, which can be a great way to save money on future travel plans.

I actively avoid checking bags, especially when faced with additional fees. It’s worth noting that Southwest has recently updated its policy: starting with flights booked on May 28, passengers will incur a fee for checking a bag unless they have achieved higher tiers of Rapid Rewards status, are traveling in business class, or possess a Southwest credit card.

At least half of my wardrobe consists of pre-owned or thrifted items, which is somewhat ironic considering my role at a fashion blog. Some of my go-to shopping destinations include ThredUp, Goodwill Finds, Current Boutique (a fantastic local consignment store in D.C.), and the preloved sections of my favorite brands, such as M.M. LaFleur’s Second Act and La Ligne’s Re-Ligne. This approach not only saves money but also promotes sustainability in fashion.

My children primarily wear thrifted or hand-me-down clothing, which helps us save significantly while ensuring they have a variety of outfits. This practice not only supports our budget but also instills values of resourcefulness and environmental consciousness in them.

I am committed to driving my vehicle until it can no longer function. I still rely on my 20+-year-old Corolla from law school, which has served me well and represents a great way to avoid unnecessary car payments and depreciation costs.

Rather than dining out frequently, I transform happy hour into my own version of an early bird special, allowing us to enjoy delicious food and drinks at a more affordable price while still having a great time with family and friends.

My children frequently participate in classes or summer camps offered by the local park district, which provides excellent opportunities for learning and socializing at a fraction of the cost of private programs. This not only enriches their experiences but also supports our budget-friendly lifestyle.

While I’m not a point-hacking expert, we make it a habit to charge all our purchases to our Hyatt credit card, which we pay off each month. This strategy, combined with business trips, has allowed us to accumulate approximately two weeks’ worth of complimentary hotel nights and upgrades for our upcoming summer vacation, making our travel experiences more enjoyable and cost-effective.

Whenever a generic version of a product is available, I typically opt for that instead of the name brand. This simple choice can lead to significant savings without compromising quality, allowing me to allocate those funds toward other important areas of our budget.

When shopping at grocery and big box stores, I always search for the hidden shelf where they display soon-to-expire, past-season, or slightly damaged items that are still in excellent condition. For instance, I recently found a family-sized bottle of a popular shampoo for only about $5 because the pump mechanism had popped up, demonstrating that savvy shopping can lead to exciting finds.

Huge thanks to Ann for sharing her insightful habits with us! Readers, what are your top money-saving strategies?

related: financial tips for new lawyers (or other women in their first high-paying jobs!)

Stock photo via Deposit Photos / johnkwan.