15 “Weird” Ways to Save Money

Recently we asked this question on Facebook:

“What’s something you do to save money that others might find unusual?”

And wow, you all delivered. If you missed it, you can read through the full thread here (it’s gold!).

This post is a compilation of some of the BEST ideas shared. These slightly quirky, sometimes overlooked, but very effective strategies can help families stretch their budgets further.

Some of these might make your friends raise an eyebrow. But your bank account? It’ll thank you.

Let’s dive in.

Clever Ways to Save Money:

1. Cut Open Bottles to Get Every Last Drop

Is the toothpaste tube or lotion tube almost gone? Cut the end off with scissors and you can get quite a bit more out!

I do this for my face moisturizer and face wash and I can usually get a full extra week’s worth of uses just by this simple hack.

In addition to toothpaste and lotion, this works for sunscreen, foundation, and even ketchup or other sauces!

How to make it work:

• Use sharp scissors and store the cut portion in a small container.
• For toothpaste or creams, use a binder clip to seal it or simply store it in a ziptop baggie so it won’t dry out.
• Make it a habit before throwing anything away.

It feels small, but doing this consistently across products can easily save $100+ per year.

2. Make Your Own Foaming Hand Soap

Foaming hand soap is fun and convenient, but refills can get pricey… and, did you know it’s mostly water?

Instead of buying special refills, reuse the foaming pump:

1. Fill the bottle mostly with water.
2. Add a small squirt (about 1–2 teaspoons) of regular liquid soap.
3. Gently shake to combine.

That’s it. It takes literally less than 60 seconds to make and is so much less expensive than buying foaming hand soap or hand soap! One standard bottle of liquid soap can refill a foaming dispenser multiple times, cutting your cost per use significantly. Here are the super simple details on how to make foaming hand soap.

3. Add Water to Nearly-Empty Bottles

When a bottle of shampoo or body wash starts sputtering, add a little water, shake it up, and keep using it. There’s often quite a bit clinging to the sides that you can stretch out for several more washes.

This works well for:

• Liquid hand soap
• Dish soap
• Laundry detergent
• Body wash

Just don’t over-dilute. You still want it to work effectively.

It’s a small habit, but when you consistently use products fully instead of replacing them early, you reduce how often you need to buy replacements and accumulate savings.

4. Ask for a Discount (Yes, Really)

This might feel uncomfortable, but simply asking can save a surprising amount.

Vanessa commented: “I ask service providers (mechanics, plumber, air conditioner repair, etc.), ‘Is that the best you can do?’ Almost always, they knock some money off the bill.”

Before paying a bill or signing up for a service, try asking:

• “Are there any promotions available?”
• “Is there a loyalty discount?”
• “Can you match this competitor’s price?”
• “Is there a discount if I pay in full?”

This works particularly well for:

• Internet and cable
• Insurance policies
• Medical bills
• Subscription services

You’re not being difficult with this approach; you’re being proactive. And companies often have flexibility that isn’t advertised upfront.

5. Think in Terms of Hourly Wage

To determine what money-saving strategies are worth your time, it’s helpful to analyze how much money it will save per hour.

For instance, let’s say that by making my own foaming soap it takes one minute to make and it saves me $1 from buying a container of foaming soap. That’s like saving $1 per minute or $60 per hour — which is a really good hourly wage. Plus, it’s tax-free money! So, it’s totally worth my time.

But, on the other hand, let’s say there’s another money-saving tactic that would only save me $1.50 for 15 minutes of work. That’s like saving only $6 per hour — which, depending upon your season of life and bank account — may or may not be worth your time.

6. Make Your Own Cleaners

Most of us have a different cleaner for every surface — all doing the same thing, all adding up at the checkout. The good news is you can replace all of them for just a few dollars. A spray bottle filled with diluted white vinegar, some baking soda, and a bit of Castile soap can handle the vast majority of your household cleaning. Beyond that, there are homemade cleaners that are just as effective as the expensive branded ones but that only cost a couple minutes and a few pennies to make.

Jerica says: “Soap, vinegar, bar keepers friend, and bleach pretty much cover everything I need, and are all extremely cheap.” (Check out this post for some homemade cleaner recipes.)

7. Skip Paper Towels (Almost Entirely)

Several readers shared that they switched to reusable clothes, cut-up old t-shirts, or inexpensive washcloths instead.

We stopped buying paper towels many years ago. It’s such a simple thing, but it does add up to a lot of savings — and we don’t really even notice that we don’t buy or use them! (Except when we have guests over and they ask for a paper towel!!)

I share more details here on what we use instead of paper towels.

How to transition without overwhelm:

• Keep a small basket of clean cloths on the counter.
• Use them for spills, wiping counters, and cleaning.
• Toss used cloths into a small laundry bin.
• Wash with regular towels.

You can still keep paper towels for truly messy jobs, but reducing everyday use alone can save $15–$25 per month. Over a year, that adds up to significant savings.

8. Don’t Use Dryer Sheets

Just like we don’t use paper towels, we also don’t use dryer sheets. If the thought of not buying dryer sheets just isn’t your thing, a simple way to save is by cutting them in half instead of using a full sheet per load. I’ve heard that it works just as well.

9. Stay Home More Often

One reader said her most unusual way to save money is simple: She stays home.

It sounds almost too basic, but it works. Not only does staying home save you time and decrease wear and tear on your car, but every outing has potential spending attached:

• Gas
• Coffee stops
• “Since we’re here…” purchases
• Impulse buys
• Add-ons

Try designating intentional “home days” where:

• You cook from scratch.
• Tackle a home project.
• Have a movie night.
• Read or play board games.

Fewer unplanned trips usually equals fewer unplanned expenses.

(If online shopping is a temptation to you, set some good boundaries — like unsubscribing from emails or avoiding sites that tempt you to spend money you don’t have or haven’t budgeted for that purpose!)

10. Scan Your Receipts for Cash Back

If you’re already buying groceries and gas, you might as well get a little something back. Receipt- and grocery-scanning apps allow you to scan items in store or upload grocery receipts in order to earn points that convert into gift cards or cash back.

To learn more about these cash back sites check out my full review of each at these links:

• Upside
• Fetch
• Ibotta
• Swagbucks
• CoinOut

With each of these apps, you’ll earn points when you scan a receipt and you can then cash in those points for gift cards!

To maximize this:

• Scan receipts right away so you don’t forget.
• Stack rewards with sales and coupons.
• Redeem for stores you already shop at.

It won’t replace your income, but it can cover a few groceries, household items, or even a holiday gift over time.

Psst… if you want to learn even more about how to earn extra money with easy apps, check out this free printable!

11. Learn Basic Fixes on YouTube

Christy says: “YouTube is the real MVP though. I’ve saved thousands over the years by simply looking up the issue and learning if it’s within our skill set, rather than hiring a professional.”

Before calling for repairs, search first. YouTube is full of step-by-step tutorials for common household fixes like:

• Replacing a toilet flapper.
• Fixing a dripping faucet.
• Installing a ceiling fan.
• Cleaning appliance filters.

Not every repair is DIY-friendly, but even handling one or two simple fixes per year could save hundreds. Start small and build confidence.

12. Repurpose Old Clothes

Before throwing away worn-out clothing, ask: can this serve another purpose?

Ideas include:

• Cleaning rags
• Dust cloths
• Garage towels
• Craft materials
• Reusable napkins

It’s not glamorous, but it extends the life of items you’ve already paid for and reduces the need to buy disposable alternatives.

13. Use Gift Card Promotions to Earn Extra Fuel Points

This one is strategic, and it can really pay off if you’re disciplined.

One reader shared that she buys gift cards (especially when Kroger runs 4x fuel point promotions), then uses those gift cards like cash for regular spending.

Here’s how it works:

Kroger fairly often offers 4x fuel points when you purchase gift cards including Visa gift cards. Since Visa gift cards can be used almost anywhere, you’re essentially pre-paying for expenses you were already going to have.

For example:

• Buy a $100 Visa gift card during a 4x fuel promotion.
• Earn 400 fuel points.
• Use those points to get discounted gas.
• Use the gift card to pay for groceries, bills, or everyday expenses.

On top of that, she uses a cash-back credit card to purchase the gift cards, then pays the full balance immediately.

That means no interest, cash back rewards, and fuel point savings. It’s stacking rewards on rewards.

14. Double-Check Medical Bills

Medical billing errors happen more often than many people realize.

Always request an itemized statement, and compare it to your Explanation of Benefits from your insurance company. You can also ask about prompt-pay discounts and inquire about financial assistance programs.

It may take a few phone calls, but correcting even one mistake can save significant money.

15. Eat from the Pantry

Challenge yourself once a month, or once every few months, to skip going to the grocery store for a few days longer than normal and eat up what you already have on hand instead. You might be surprised at how creative you can get with what you already have… and maybe you can make it longer than you think without going to the store!

Small Habits Can Lead to More Financial Breathing Room

Some of these ideas may feel “extra.”

But here’s the thing: building margin isn’t usually about one dramatic change. It’s about small, consistent habits that compound over time.

Unusual doesn’t mean extreme. It often just means intentional.

More Money-Saving Inspiration:

• 14 Smart (and Slightly Unusual) Ways Our Readers Save Money on Food
• 25 Ways to Save On Pet Costs
• 30 Creative Ways to Save On Gas With Rising Fuel Prices
• Where to Buy Cheap Books (So You Can Read More Without Spending a Fortune)
• Where to Get Books for Free (Yes, Really!)
• Walgreens 101: How to Save on Everyday Essentials
• My 25 Favorite Things to Buy at ALDI

What’s something “weird” you do to save money? I’d love for you to add your ideas to my list in the comments!