12 Easy Ways Savvy Shoppers are Saving Money in 2026

Download retailer apps

It can feel like one more thing to manage, but store apps are often where the best savings live. Many retailers put their lowest prices, limited time promos, and app only discounts in one place, so you can spot deals fast and plan your shopping before you check out.

Apps from stores like Kroger, Walmart, and Target can also help you build a list, compare prices, track rewards, and see what’s on sale, so you’re less likely to overspend on impulse buys.

Virginia Driver? Cancel your car insurance

Driving without car insurance is illegal, but if you do this, you’re not actually breaking the law.

This tool can help you see if you’re overpaying for car insurance in just a few clicks. You’d be shocked by the difference. $159 per month is what they wanted to charge me. I thought that was the best price, don’t even look anywhere else. Right? Wrong.

I used this tool and now I’m able to pay just $47 a month for two cars.¹ <p>Actual savings and coverage options vary based on factors such as driving history, location, and insurer policies. The rates shown in this example may not reflect what every user will qualify for.</p> Too many insurance companies do this. They push up our rates and make us pay even more. But if you want to try this tool and compare and potentially score same-day savings, here’s what to do:

1. Click the link below and enter your zip code, date of birth, and phone number.
2. Answer a few questions about your car’s make and model to get matched with top offers.
3. Choose the best quote for you and lock it in before rates go up.

Compare rates now and see if you could score same-day savings today!

I can hardly believe I waited so long to do this, but I’m glad I finally did. It only took me two minutes. Super fast. You have to trust me on this. Just try it out.

Pay no interest on balance transfers well into 2027 with this no annual fee card

If you're struggling to pay down high interest debt, this might be the exact thing you need. There's a card that allows you to completely pause the interest on balance transfers well into 2027 ... and the best part is that it could be easier than you think.

The (Rates and fees) is an extremely powerful card that gives you 0% intro APR for an astounding 21 months from date of account opening on balance transfers (then 16.49% - 27.24% (Variable); balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening). That's right — you can now transfer crippling high interest debt to this card and let your payments go directly to paying down your balance, without piling on additional interest charges — all with no annual fee.

But it doesn't end there, because this card comes with an additional perk: If you have a large purchase coming up, finance it easily with 0% intro APR for 12 months from date of account opening on purchases. After the intro period, the APR for balance transfers and purchases is 16.49% - 27.24% (Variable). Don't delay — apply for the Citi^® Diamond Preferred^® Card(Rates and fees), finance the large purchases you've been waiting on, and pay down crippling high interest debt!

Apply now for the Citi^® Diamond Preferred^® Card

Opt for generic brands

You may be surprised to find that the generic brands for some items are just as good as the name-brand versions.

Check out the in-store brands for things like cereal, canned goods, snacks, and more. A small change to buy in-store brands can lead to big savings on your grocery bill.

Don’t pay a CENT to contractors for home repairs until you do this

Sounds crazy. And maybe you’re not even sure if this is real. But … you’re probably curious anyway. Choice Home Warranty makes it so you might be able to save $100s in home repairs!

They’ve been around since 2008 (so you know they’re legit) and they offer affordable plans to cover appliances and systems in your home that could break down from routine wear and tear.

Think of it like this: Say your furnace breaks down during a cold snap. Instead of paying up to $3,000 for repairs, you may only need to pay a $100 service fee with Choice Home Warranty, and the tech comes over and fixes it right away. This could save you up to $2,900 almost instantly!

Choose a plan here and you can still lock in their ultra-low 2026 rates (for a limited time). Then, whenever a covered system in your home breaks down, all you have to do is make your claim online or give them a call. Their team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.² <p>CHW reserves the right to offer cash back in lieu of repair or replacement in the amount of CHW's actual cost (which at times may be less than retail) to repair or replace any covered system, component or appliance. In the event that CHW makes such payment, CHW will provide written notification of the basis for the amount of the payment. First Month Free with purchase of any single payment home warranty plan. The product being offered is a service contract and is separate and distinct from any product or service warranty which may be provided by the home builder or manufacturer.</p>

Choose a plan from Choice Home Warranty here and lock in 2026 rates

P.S. Use the links above and you’ll get $50 off and 1 month free. We don’t know how long this will last, so take advantage of it today before it disappears.

Turn your home’s value into extra cash

If you want to pay a large expense now, like a home improvement project or credit card debt, you may have considered using your home equity as leverage to borrow a large sum of money.

But with interest rates rising in recent years, a cash-out refinance or home equity loan may not make financial sense.

Here’s a potential solution: Get a home equity line of credit (HELOC) instead.

Using LendingTree’s simple HELOC matching tool³ <p>LendingTree, LLC is a Marketing Lead Generator and is a Duly Licensed Mortgage Broker, as required by law, with its main office located at 1415 Vantage Park Drive, Suite 700, Charlotte, NC 28203, NMLS Unique Identifier #1136. LendingTree, LLC is known as LT Technologies in lieu of true name LendingTree, LLC in NY. LendingTree technology and processes are patented under U.S. Patent Nos. 6,385,594 and 6,611,816 and licensed under U.S. Patent Nos. 5,995,947 and 5,758,328. © 2024 LendingTree, LLC. All Rights Reserved. This site is directed at, and made available to, persons in the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii only. Terms and Conditions may apply. </p> (yes, the company from the commercials), you can compare rates and see what works for you.

How a home equity line of credit is different: Your line of credit acts similar to a credit card, where you can withdraw funds when you need them, and you’re only responsible for minimum monthly payments for what’s called the “draw period,” which is usually 10 years. After this borrowing period ends, you pay off the rest of your balance during an extended repayment period, which is usually 20 years.

Plus, as a revolving line of credit, rates are usually variable, so you won’t be locked into a fixed rate if they ever go lower.

To get started:

1. Check out LendingTree’s HELOC matching tool.
2. Answer a few questions.
3. Be matched with personalized offers for you.

Visit LendingTree

See if your credit card debt is eligible for this debt relief program

If you have a lot of debt, getting rid of it can feel stressful (and nearly impossible). Here’s the problem: the longer you put off tackling it, the harder it may get to fix. If you don’t take control of it early on, it can add undue stress to your life for years. But what if there was a way to get rid of unsecured debt?

Freedom Debt Relief could help. If you have more than $30,000 in debt from credit cards, medical bills, collections, or personal loans, their certified debt specialists may be able to help you resolve your debt for less than you owe — with one low monthly deposit.

Best of all? There are zero upfront settlement fees, and you could reduce debt in as little as 24-48 months⁴ <p>Our estimates are based on prior results, which will vary depending on your specific enrolled creditors and your individual program terms. Not all clients are able to complete their program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. We do not guarantee that your debts will be resolved for a specific amount or percentage or within a specific period of time. We do not assume your debts, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Our service is not available in all states, including New Jersey, and our fees may vary from state to state. Please contact a tax professional to discuss potential tax consequences of less than full balance debt resolution. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment. The use of debt settlement services will likely adversely affect your creditworthiness, may result in you being subject to collections or being sued by creditors or collectors and may increase the outstanding balances of your enrolled accounts due to the accrual of fees and interest. However, negotiated settlements we obtain on your behalf resolve the entire account, including all accrued fees and interest. C.P.D. Reg. No. T.S.12-03825.</p> . To get started, just answer a few simple questions and get connected with a Certified Debt Consultant. It only takes a few minutes to see if you qualify, and the consultation is completely free!

See if your $30k+ in credit card debt is eligible for Freedom Debt Relief

Make a list and stick to it

Making a shopping list before you go to the store and sticking to it can prevent impulse purchases. Stores strategically place items to make shoppers want to buy things they wouldn't otherwise.

For example, it's sometimes tempting to grab an overpriced drink or snack at the checkout line, and sales might prompt consumers to purchase goods they don't need.

Avoiding browsing and sticking to your grocery list can save you tens, if not hundreds, of dollars every month.

Earn a $200 bonus with this incredible cash back card

The (Rates and fees) lets you earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. 

In addition to the welcome offer, this card lets you earn cash back on everything you buy. Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

And it gets better (really): This card also gives you 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. That means you could finance large purchases or pay down high-interest debt for over a year. After the intro period, the APR is 18.24% - 27.74% Variable. Oh, and the annual fee is $0. It's almost a no-brainer to apply. Click below to get started.

Good or excellent credit (typically 670 or higher) is recommended.

Click here to Apply Now to the Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

$325 for new checking customers

If you aren't banking with Wells Fargo, you're missing out on a cash bonus by following a few steps.

Open a new Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account with a minimum opening deposit of $25 by 04/14/2026 and receive a total of $1,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your new checking account within 90 calendar days of account opening to earn the $325 bonus. Earned bonuses will be paid within 30 days after the 90-day qualification period ends.⁵ <p><b>To be eligible</b>: Offer is for new consumer checking customers only and is available only to the primary owner of the new checking account. The primary account owner is the owner whose Taxpayer Identification Number, such as a Social Security Number, is assigned to the account and has tax responsibility. Offer is not available to customers that received a bonus for a Wells Fargo consumer checking account within the past 12 months, are Wells Fargo employees, or are non-resident aliens or foreign entities signing any version of IRS Form W-8. Deposit accounts that are part of the Wells Fargo Private Bank experience are not eligible for this offer.</p><p><b>To receive the $325 bonus</b>: you must use your bonus offer code when opening a new Wells Fargo consumer checking account, which is subject to approval, by April 14, 2026 <b>and </b>receive $1,000 or more in qualifying electronic deposits within 90 calendar days of account opening (the “qualification period”). A qualifying electronic deposit is a deposit of funds, such as your salary, government benefit payment, or other income, that has posted to your account and is (1) a <b>direct deposit</b> made through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, (2) an <b>instant payment</b> processed through the RTP® network (real-time payment system) or FedNow℠ Service, or (3) an <b>electronic credit</b> from a third party service that facilitates payments to your debit card using the Visa® or Mastercard® network (e.g., an Original Credit Transaction). Transfers from one account to another, mobile deposits, Zelle®, or deposits made at a branch or ATM are not considered a qualifying electronic deposit. An ACH direct deposit made available early with Early Pay Day does not count toward the bonus requirements until it posts to your account and is no longer pending (e.g., scheduled payment date).</p><p>After the 90-day qualification period, if you have met all requirements, <b>we will deposit the bonus into your new account</b> within 30 calendar days. Your new account must stay open through the time we attempt to deposit the bonus. We may close accounts with a zero balance without prior notice. You are responsible for any taxes due on the bonus. We will report the bonus as income to tax authorities, as required by applicable law. If you are subject to backup withholding at the time of payment, we may withhold the required amount and remit to tax authorities.</p><p><b>Other Terms</b>: This offer may be discontinued or changed at any time without notice and cannot be combined with any other consumer deposit offer (limit one bonus per customer/account). Offer cannot be reproduced, purchased, sold, transferred, or traded.</p><p>Talk with a banker or see the “<a href="https://www.wellsfargo.com/online-banking/consumer-account-fees/">Consumer Account Fee and Information Schedule” and “Deposit Account Agreement</a>” available at wellsfargo.com/depositdisclosures for complete checking account details, including the applicable monthly service fee and options to avoid it. The actions required for this bonus are separate from the actions available to avoid the monthly service fee.</p><p class="">Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.</p> Visit the offer webpage for ways to avoid the $15 monthly service fee.⁶ <p>The Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account monthly service fee is $15. Minimum opening deposit is $25.</p><br> <p>The monthly service fee can be avoided with one of the following each fee period:</p><br> <p>- $1,500 minimum daily balance.</p><br> <p>- $5,000 or more in qualifying deposit balances, investment balances, or both. On the last business day of each fee period balances in eligible Wells Fargo accounts will be automatically totaled. Eligible accounts include consumer deposit account balances (checking, savings, CDs, FDIC-insured IRAs), certain investment account balances, and applicable Wells Fargo bank fiduciary and custody accounts.</p><br> <p>- $500 or more in total qualifying electronic deposits. A qualifying electronic deposit is a deposit of funds, such as your salary, government benefit payment, or other income, that has posted to your account and is (1) a direct deposit made through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, (2) an instant payment processed through the RTP® network (real-time payment system) or FedNow℠ Service, or (3) an electronic credit from a third party service that facilitates payments to your debit card using the Visa® or Mastercard® network (e.g., an Original Credit Transaction). Transfers from one account to another, mobile deposits, Zelle®, or deposits made at a branch or ATM are not considered a qualifying electronic deposit.</p><br> <p>- A primary account owner who is 17 to 24 years old. (When the primary account owner reaches the age of 25, age can no longer be used to avoid the monthly service fee.)</p><br> <p>- A qualifying monthly non-civilian military direct deposit with the Wells Fargo Worldwide Military Banking program. You will receive your Worldwide Military Banking program benefits 45 days after your qualifying non-civilian military direct deposit is deposited into your eligible Wells Fargo checking account. For more information on the qualifying non-civilian military direct deposit, program qualifications and benefits, please visit <a href="https://www.wellsfargo.com/military/worldwide-military-banking/">wellsfargo.com/military/worldwide-military-banking</a><a href="https://wellsfargo.com/military/worldwide-military-banking or wellsfargo.com/depositdisclosures"> </a>&nbsp;or <a href="https://wellsfargo.com/depositdisclosures">wellsfargo.com/depositdisclosures</a>.</p> <ul> <ul> <ul> </ul> </ul> </ul>

This is a great way to earn a cash bonus by following the steps above! This account also offers 24/7 fraud monitoring, optional Overdraft Protection,⁷ <p>Subject to account eligibility requirements.</p> and a 4.9/5 Star-rated mobile banking app.⁸ <p>4.9/5 Stars on the App Store as of August 4, 2025</p>

Learn More

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

Save potentially $1,000 or more on home insurance

If you want better or more affordable home insurance, there is ONE thing you should never skip in the process of finding a policy: Getting multiple options from a variety of home insurance providers.

Too many homeowners skip this step — not realizing that they could save potentially $1,000s over the lifetime of owning their house just by switching. And yes, you can switch your home insurance at any time.

Provide Home Insurance is a company that matches you with home insurance options from a variety of lenders to meet your home insurance needs … including lower overall cost or better overall coverage.

Just answer a few questions, and they will find options that are right for you. And heads up — the insurance company you choose may call you. Do NOT ignore the call, as they want to work with you to find the best rate possible.

Enter your zip code to get started