🔎 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. Move Closer to Work or School to Save Commute Costs
You know what’s wild? You could be paying hundreds more each month just to sit in traffic.
Moving a little closer might sound like a pain, but saving on gas and time feels so worth it.
Less time commuting means less money spent on gas, car wear, and Uber rides.
Shorter distance equals less stress and more time for, you know, living life.
Walking or biking to work? That’s basically free cardio and savings combined 🙂
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Check apartments within a 5-mile radius of your job and calculate your new gas savings using Google Maps.
Make It Easy: Consider getting a foldable bike to make short commutes fast, fun, and wallet-friendly.
2. Find a Roommate to Share Costs
You don’t have to love sharing a fridge, but your bank account will.
Splitting rent with a roommate can instantly cut your biggest expense in half without sacrificing space or comfort.
Half the rent, half the bills, double the savings. It’s simple math.
Shared utilities make Wi-Fi and electricity way cheaper.
A built-in company (if you pick the right person) can make adulting less lonely.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Post on Facebook housing groups or Roomies.com to find someone with a similar lifestyle and budget.
Make It Easy: Grab a whiteboard calendar to track shared bills, chores, and rent payments easily.
3. Choose a Smaller Apartment That Fits Your Budget
Let’s be real. You don’t need a walk-in closet for your air fryer collection.
A smaller space can save you hundreds a month and make cleaning take half the time (score!).
Lower rent instantly frees up cash for savings or debt.
Less space means fewer things to buy and maintain.
Smaller utilities. You’ll use less electricity, heating, and cooling.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Check your current rent per square foot and compare it to smaller local listings. You’ll be surprised how much you can cut.
Make It Easy: Consider buying space-saving furniture to make smaller apartments feel twice as big.
4. Pay Rent Early to Negotiate Discounts
Yep, paying early can literally save you money.
Landlords love reliability. Sometimes they’ll shave off a small discount just for peace of mind.
Early payments show you’re responsible (and worth rewarding).
Consistent timing can open doors for rent negotiations later.
Discounts or perks might include waived fees or better renewal terms.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Ask your landlord if they offer a small rent discount for paying early. Worst case, you still look super responsible.
5. Talk to Your Landlord About Lowering Rent
Crazy thought: sometimes, just asking works.
If you’ve been a good tenant (quiet, clean, never late), your landlord might prefer keeping you rather than finding someone new.
Good tenants are worth more than a few extra dollars in rent.
Market rates might have dropped. Use that info as leverage.
Polite negotiation can save you hundreds and strengthen your relationship.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Look up similar rentals in your area and kindly ask your landlord if they’d match the current market rate.
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).
