5 Easy Money Tricks to Free Up $200 for Debt Payoff

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1. Cancel Subscriptions You Forgot About

You know those $5 and $10 charges that sneak out every month? Yep, they add up faster than you think.

Canceling old subscriptions is like finding hidden money sitting in your bank account.

Here’s what to look for first:

• Streaming services you barely use. Do you really need five?
  
• Free trials that kept billing. Those are sneaky little budget vampires.
  
• Apps or memberships. If you forgot you had them, they’ve got to go.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Log into your bank account and highlight every recurring charge you don’t recognize or haven’t used in 30 days. Then cancel it today.

Make It Easy: Use Rocket Money to automatically detect and cancel forgotten subscriptions in seconds.

2. Lower Your Monthly Utility Costs

Electricity, water, and internet bills are basically silent budget killers. But you can shrink them without much effort.

Small tweaks in your habits can save you serious money each month.

Start with these easy changes:

• Unplug electronics. Even when off, they still drain energy.
  
• Use LED bulbs. They last longer and cost less to run.
  
• Lower the thermostat. A few degrees down can save big over time.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Choose one bill (like electricity) and make it your mission this month to drop it by 10%.

Make It Easy: Consider a smart power strip that automatically cuts power to devices when not in use.

3. Cook More and Eat Out Less

Restaurant meals may taste good, but they burn through your budget faster than hot oil.

Cooking at home is one of the easiest ways to free up extra cash, without sacrificing flavor.

Here’s how to make it fun and cheap:

• Meal prep once a week. Saves time, money, and midweek stress.
  
• Plan simple recipes. Fewer ingredients = smaller grocery bills.
  
• Bring lunch from home. Those $12 work lunches add up fast.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Challenge yourself to cook five dinners at home this week. Bonus points if you use ingredients you already have.

Make It Easy: Consider a set of meal prep containers to organize leftovers and make weekday meals effortless.

4. Set a Monthly Spending Limit for Entertainment

Let’s be real. Fun shouldn’t stop when you’re paying off debt.

But setting limits makes it possible to enjoy life and hit your money goals at the same time.

Here’s how to make it guilt-free:

• Decide on your number. Maybe $50 or $100 a month. whatever fits.
  
• Use cash or prepaid cards. When it’s gone, fun’s done (for now 😅).
  
• Plan free activities. Picnics, hikes, or movie nights at home cost zero.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Write your monthly “fun budget” number on a sticky note and keep it in your wallet as a reminder.

Make It Easy: Consider a small cash envelope wallet to manage entertainment money without overspending.

5. Switch to a Cheaper Phone Plan

If your phone bill feels like rent, it’s time for a switch.

Most people overpay for data or features they barely use.

Here’s how to cut that bill down:

• Compare carriers. Smaller providers often offer better deals.
  
• Ask about loyalty discounts. A quick call can save you $10–$20 a month.
  
• Ditch the extras. You don’t need every add-on they sell.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Review your current phone usage and call your carrier to ask for a cheaper plan. Don’t be shy about it.

Make It Easy: Consider a SIM card ejector tool kit if you’re switching carriers to make the change simple.

📌 SAVE IT FOR LATER! 📌