5 Lazy Money Moves to Save $1,000 in Just a Month

🔎 Disclosure: Heads up, babe: some links here are affiliate links, which means you might throw a tiny commission my way if you buy (zero extra cost to you). Only things you’d actually use and love get shared on this site.

1. Stop Ordering Food Delivery

You know that $18 sandwich and $6 delivery fee?

Yeah, that’s your $1,000 talking.

Ordering food feels convenient, but it’s like burning your paycheck in slow motion.

Here’s what happens when you start cooking instead:

  • More control over ingredients and portions = fewer random health regrets.
  • Leftovers that double as tomorrow’s lunch = instant savings.
  • No tipping apps or hidden delivery fees = more cash in your account.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Cook at home four nights a week and stash the delivery money in savings.

Make It Easy: Consider this non-stick skillet set so your meals don’t feel like a chore.


2. Cancel Unused Subscriptions

Those $9.99 charges?

Sneaky.

They quietly multiply like rabbits when you’re not watching.

You’ll be shocked how fast they add up when you check:

  • Streaming services you forgot you even had.
  • Free trials that turned into “surprise, it’s $14.99 now!” bills.
  • Apps and memberships that charge you while collecting dust.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Review your bank statements, cancel three unused subscriptions, and pocket that extra $40–$60.

Make It Easy: Use Rocket Money to automatically scan and cancel hidden subscriptions you forgot about in seconds.


3. Meal Plan to Avoid Food Waste

Ever tossed a bag of lettuce that died in your fridge?

Yeah, same.

Meal planning stops that heartbreak (and the $40 grocery graveyard each week).

When you plan your meals, you’ll:

  • Buy only what you’ll cook, not what looks good in the moment.
  • Use leftovers creatively, turning dinner into tomorrow’s lunch.
  • Avoid impulse grocery runs, which always end with snacks you didn’t need.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Pick three easy meals to repeat weekly, buy the ingredients once, and stick to them.

Make It Easy: Consider a stackable glass container set to store your planned meals and leftovers.


4. Find Cheaper Alternatives for Daily Expenses

You don’t have to downgrade your life, just shop smarter.

A lot of “premium” stuff has budget twins that work just as well.

Look out for these sneaky savings:

  • Store-brand groceries often taste the same but cost 30% less.
  • Generic cleaning supplies that work identically to brand names.
  • Cheaper phone plans that keep the same coverage for half the price.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Compare your top 3 recurring bills, find one cheaper option for each, and switch this week.

5. Consider a Quick Side Hustle or Part-Time Job

You don’t need a second life. Just a few extra hours that pay.

Even a simple side gig can fill your savings faster than you think.

Here’s where most people start:

  • Rover or TaskRabbit if you enjoy pets or odd jobs.
  • DoorDash or Instacart if you already drive around often.
  • Neighbor.com or Fat Llama to rent out stuff you already own.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Pick one easy side hustle that fits your schedule and commit to one weekend per month.

Make It Easy: Use KeeperTax to automatically track your side hustle income and deductible expenses without stress.


📌 SAVE IT FOR LATER! 📌


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Lily Thompson

Hey, I'm Lily! I'm a mom who's really good at two things: stretching a dollar and talking about stretching a dollar. I created Money Vice after one too many grocery trips where I watched my total climb and thought, "There's gotta be a better way." Spoiler: there is. Think of me as your money-savvy friend who's always got a tip (and coffee in hand).