11 Secrets To Saving More Money in 2026

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If you noticed a drop in your savings account balance this past year, you might be thinking about making a New Year’s resolution to spend less in the coming year. If so, you aren’t alone, as everyone in this economy seems to be struggling to make ends meet.

In fact, financial stress is one of the top concerns for Americans, with many worried about living paycheck to paycheck or never being able to retire. However, with the right strategies, you can cut expenses, build savings and improve your financial health throughout the year.

From tracking your spending to automating contributions, here are 11 smart money-saving tips for 2026 that will help you stick to your goals and build your wealth.

1. Take Advantage of Deals Right Away

January is a bargain hunter’s paradise. For example, you can save up to 90% on holiday decor during after-Christmas sales. Big-box stores are trying to move inventory and their loss is your financial gain for the next December. 

Winter coats, apparel and outdoor gear also tend to be deeply discounted after the holidays. Additionally, try using January sales to shop for home goods like sheets, bedding and furniture.

2. Track Ever-Rising Prices

Some consumer goods, products or foods might rise in price next year, so do your research. Then, limit purchases of these items, stock up when they go on sale, look for lower-priced brands and purchase conventional instead of organic options.

Prices on consumer goods can fluctuate wildly in a matter of days, thanks to tariffs or just the general rising cost of living. To avoid overpaying, it’s wise to use an online price tracker or download an app to monitor rates on items you want to buy.

3. Don’t Miss Out on Price Adjustments or Price Matches

Best Buy and Kohl’s will price-match with competitors, while Target and Walmart will price-match their own inventory at different store locations. This means you can get a price adjustment if items purchased at full price drop in cost within a certain number of days. Typically, if you present proof of the price you paid to the retailer, you will be credited for the difference.

Tired of wasting time driving from store to store to find the best prices? Use free mobile apps such as Red Laser and ShopSavvy to scan product barcodes and see if another retailer is offering the product you want for a lower price. In some cases, you can even use that information to get the store you’re currently shopping at to match a competitor’s price.

4. Use Discounted Gift Cards for Everyday Essentials

Gift cards aren’t just for gifts. If you buy them for less than face value — as you can almost always do at Costco and Sam’s Club — they’re a great way to save money on things you regularly purchase.

You can also find discounted gift cards for supermarkets, drugstores, gas stations, restaurants and hundreds of retailers online at sites such as CardCash and Raise.

5. Unlock Promo Codes on Social Media

Don’t overlook social media as a coupon source. Money-saving experts know that you can unlock coupons by ‘Liking’ a retailer or brand on Facebook or Instagram. Often, influencers have an inside track to discounts you can access by clicking the affiliate link to the brand you’re shopping.

6. Ask for Coupons and Stack the Deals

Whether you’re shopping at a department store or a mom-and-pop shop, it’s wise to ask if there are any coupons available, because it never hurts to ask. Sometimes, there are coupons behind the register that clerks are happy to let you use. In other cases, the store might direct you to an online coupon or even accept competitors’ coupons.

Savvy shoppers don’t limit their savings to just one type of discount. In fact, most supermarkets allow consumers to use manufacturers’ coupons along with store coupons. By stacking all allowable deals, you can save more than 60 percent and even get free grocery items.

7. Plan Ahead and Buy Off-Season

As retailers try to make way for the new season’s merchandise, they will begin to offer off-season items at huge discounts. Shopping the sales cycles ensures you never pay full price for what you need. You can also research price histories for products, determine the best times to buy and get alerts for price drops on varying store apps.

8. Make Time for Meal Planning

To avoid wasting money on food you’re not eating, try planning your meals and specific grocery lists before heading to the supermarket rather than buying items on a whim. Research grocery stores to find out what’s on sale each week and create meals based on these ingredients, as well as what you have on hand.

You can even get creative with new recipes from items you have in your refrigerator and pantry and bring leftovers to work for lunch.

9. Buy Used, Refurbished or Go Thrift Shopping

Buying used is a great way to afford the designer apparel, high-end furnishings and sports gear that might normally be out of your price range. As a bonus, consumers can take advantage of these outlets to sell quality items that they no longer use or want. In many cases, you will net 50% of the selling price for your efforts.

If you aren’t concerned with purchasing the latest and greatest gadgets, save a lot by buying refurbished tech items. These items are often used but restored to like-new condition, and many come with warranties. In some cases, you can buy these goods directly from manufacturers, such as Apple and Dell, as well as through retailers such as Best Buy.

10. Hit the Dollar Store

There are some things you should never buy at the dollar store. However, these discount retailers can also be a great place to score some quality products at rock-bottom prices.

For example, try stocking up on greeting cards so you’ll have plenty on hand for special celebrations and last-minute events throughout the year. You can also find gift wrap and gift bags at a fraction of the price you would pay at even the big-box retailers.

11. Create a Budget That Forces You To Save

Outside of avoiding impulse purchases, when it comes to saving, you may have to get even stricter. One secret way to save money involves using a zero-sum budget. 

This method forces you to live on last month’s income and create a plan for every dollar you earn. When you don’t budget for something at the beginning of the month, you’ll be less inclined to make an impulse purchase.

Cameron Huddleston contributed to the reporting for this article.

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