Top 6 Ways to Start Saving Money With Any Income
Yes, it’s possible—even if you feel like there’s nothing left to save.
Why Saving Money Matters—Even When You're Broke
When money is tight, the idea of saving can feel frustrating or even insulting. How can you save when rent, bills, and groceries are already a stretch? It’s a fair question, but here’s the truth: saving money isn’t just for people with “extra” cash. It’s for everyone, and it’s especially important when your income is low or unpredictable.
Saving, even a few dollars at a time, can help you:
Break the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck
Avoid going into debt when unexpected expenses come up
Develop good habits when it comes to managing your money
Feel more in control of your finances and your future
Think of saving as a way to save you from yourself and the world. It’s your way of giving yourself options, peace of mind, and long-term stability, even if it starts small.
How to Start Saving With a Low Income
You don’t need a high-paying job or fancy investment strategies to save money. What you do need is a simple plan and a few intentional actions you can repeat. Here are six practical, low-barrier ways you can try to begin saving today, no matter your current financial situation.
1. Do a “No-Spend” Weekend Each Month
A no-spend weekend is exactly what it sounds like: a weekend where you commit to spending zero dollars outside of essentials. That means no eating out, no impulse purchases, no online shopping.
Now this may be difficult if you’re used to going out and making plans every Saturday. It may be a good idea to plan ahead:
Use what’s already in your pantry or freezer for food
Stream free movies or read books you already own for entertainment
Catch up on free activities in your local area for social gatherings
How it helps: If you usually spend $20–$50 on a weekend, that’s money you can transfer directly to savings. Multiply that by 12 months? It adds up.
Action step: Pick one weekend per month on your calendar. Call it your “Zero-Spend Reset.”
2. Sell 1–2 Items You Don’t Use Anymore
You probably have something in your home that you no longer use: an old blender, a stack of books, a jacket that doesn’t fit. Instead of letting them gather dust, list them for sale.
Where to sell:
Facebook Marketplace (great for local items)
Poshmark or Vinted (clothes & accessories)
eBay (collectibles, electronics, etc.)
Why it works: It turns clutter into cash. Even small sales can jump-start your savings account with $20–$50 quickly.
Action step: Challenge yourself to find 3 items this week to list.
3. Cut One Recurring Expense and Redirect It to Savings
Recurring payments are sneaky. It adds up pretty quickly when you think about it, especially with free tryouts that are just too good to cancel afterwards. A $12 subscription might not feel like a big deal, but it’s $144 a year. Look over your bank statement and ask:
Do I use this regularly?
Do I need this, or just like it?
Is there a cheaper or free version?
The idea is not to cancel a subscription you use and enjoy on a regular basis, but to look over all your subscriptions and see which ones you don’t use or enjoy. Cancel just one thing, and immediately set up a monthly transfer to your savings for that same amount.
Example:
Cancelled Spotify ($11/month)? Set up an automatic $11/month savings transfer on the same date.
You won’t miss the money, but your savings will notice and build over time.
4. Do a Pantry or “Essentials-Only” Week Once a Month
Every month, plan for one week where you avoid shopping (aside from absolute essentials like milk or toilet paper). Instead, challenge yourself to cook using only what you already have. I bet you can find a lot of things in your pantry that could be used for meal prepping. What better time to use this free food you already have than now?
Why it helps:
You avoid spending $50–$100 on another grocery run
You waste less food
You learn to get creative and resourceful
Savings tip: Before payday, transfer whatever you would have spent into your savings. This turns it into an active savings strategy, not just a budgeting tactic.
5. Open a High-Interest Savings Account (Even for $1)
Most people don’t save because they think it’s “not enough” to matter. But even $1 counts—especially when it’s stored in the right place. 100 $1 = $100. This adds up. The fact that you use a separate account to hold your savings also creates a physical barrier between you and that money, which makes you think twice before dipping in and taking your money out to buy on a day-to-day basis. A high-interest savings account really can help your money grow over time with zero effort.
What to look for:
No fees
No minimum balance
Competitive interest rate (1% or higher)
6. Try a 7-Day “Savings Sprint” Challenge
This is a great motivational boost if you’ve been struggling to get started.
For 7 days, save a small amount each day. It doesn’t have to be huge—it could be:
$1 from your pocket change
$3 by skipping a coffee
$5 by packing lunch instead of buying it
By the end of the week, you could have $15–$30 saved. More importantly—you’ll prove to yourself that saving is possible. Momentum is key.
Make it fun: Use a tracker to watch your savings add up.
Final Thoughts: Small Steps, Big Impact
You don’t need a massive income to start saving. You just need a few habits, a shift in mindset, and the willingness to start small.
Every dollar saved is a step toward freedom—freedom from stress, from debt, and from feeling stuck. So whether you save $5 or $50 this month, it matters. You’re building the foundation for something bigger.
