Skip to Main Content

#CUSave

Making small money-saving decisions each day can add up to big savings over the course of a year. Start making changes today to see your savings grow! Click the tips below to find even more ways to save with Hanscom FCU.

Put a plastic bottle full of water in your toilet tank. It will use less water each time you flush. Click for more ways to save.

Master the navy shower. Take the challenge. Turn the water on long enough to get wet then turn it off. Soap up before turning the water back on to rinse. Click for more ways to save.

Use cruise control. It improves fuel economy for highway driving. Click for more ways to save.

Tur leftover bread into breadcrumbs. Don't throw old bread away. Chop it in a food processor before freezing for future use. Click for more ways to save.

Fill your dishwasher completely before running it. Click for more ways to save.

Consider summer school. Taking an online or local course while home for the summer can help you graduate sooner and save money on tuition room and board. Click for more ways to save.

Stretch boxed pasta mixes by adding in additional pasta to increase servings. Click for more ways to save.

Avoid heavy traffic. When possible travel at off peak times because the stop and go of rush hour can cost you big on gas consumption. Click for more ways to save.

Shop with a time limit to avoid overbuying. Click for more ways to save.

Regularly change your air conditioner filter. Click for more ways to save.

Save on pricey color inks and choose to print in black and white. Click for more ways to save.

Opt out of telemarketing calls direct mail and email and credit and insurance calls. Click for more ways to save.

Avoid dry clean only clothing when shopping. Click for more ways to save.

If your employer approves telecommute. Click for more ways to save.

Turn off ceiling fans in unused rooms. Remember that fans cool people not room. Energy.gov. Click for more ways to save.

Know when to change the oil in your vehicle Many vehicle models can go beyond 3000 miles. Check your manual to see whats best for your car. Click for more ways to save.

inspect your HVAC system. Look for leaks in the air flow system. Clean ducts. Repair cracks and rips and ensure a clean seal around vents. Click for more ways to save.

Plan your meals around grocery store sales. Check sales flyers before you shop. Many stores post sales online making it easy to plan ahead. Click for more ways to save.

Make your own hand soap. Fill a pump bottle with a 1 to 1 mixture of shampoo and water. Click for more ways to save.

Clean and maintain your fridge to keep it running more efficiently. Click for more ways to save.

Measure laundry detergent. Measuring lines on caps and scoops differ by bran and you may not need to fill you cup to the top. Click for more ways to save.

Choose energy saving light bulbs. Replacing 5 of your homes frequently used lights with energy saving bulbs could save you 75 dollars per year. Click for more ways to save.

Limit yourself to one pump of shampoo per wash. Click for more ways to save.

Become a local tourist. Find new things to do around your hometown. Click for more ways to save.

Take care of your teeth. Fillings and crowns and root canals are expensive. Click for more ways to save.

Choose a grocery basket instead of a cart. Click for more ways to save.

Grill your meals. Click for more ways to save.

Idle less. Turn off you car engine when possible. According to the US Department of Transportation unnecessary idling can cost you up to 3 cents per minutes. Click for more ways to save.

Freeze your gym membership for the summer. Get outside to workout while you can. Click for more ways to save.

Evaluate your cell phone costs. Are you paying for service than you use. Click for more ways to save.

Take advantage of school discounts on children's books. Click for more ways to save.

Search drugmaker websites for coupons. Click for more ways to save.

Curb erratic driving habits. Quick starts and stops and frequent speeding and heavy braking eat up gas and wear down your brakes. Take it easy on the road and on your budget. Click for more ways to save.

Eat breakfast at home. Make time for a quick breakfast at home before heading to work in order to prevent impulse food buys. Click for more ways to save.

Aerate your lawn. Save money on water by aerating. The process creates holes in compacted soil making it easier to absorb and hold water. Click for more ways to save.

Save your store savings. Put the money you save into a savings account. Click for more way to save.

Clear the area around your air conditioning unit. This can prolong its life saving you money on repairs and replacement. Click for more ways to save.

Slow your internet. Save some money monthly by cutting back on the speed. Click for more ways to save.

Host a garden swap. This is a great way to share fruits vegetable and flowers and get some in return. Click for more ways to save.

Compost organic waste. Save the expense of commercial yard mulch by making your own nutrient rich compost. Click for more ways to save.

Avoid midday watering. The midday sun will quickly evaporate your efforts. Go for early morning and evening to reduce wasted water. Click for more ways to save.

Haggle. A survey by Consumer Reports revealed 89 percent of those who haggled were rewarded at least once. Click for more ways to save.

Check the refill policy. Some coffee shops offer a discount on refills. Sometimes its even FREE. Click for more ways to save.

Check out your local farmers market. Its a great way to save money while buying fresh and local produce. Click for more ways to save.

Block trackers. Reduce discriminatory online pricing practices by using browser add ons that stop companies from profiling you based on your Internet habits. Click for more ways to save.

Ditch the storage unit. If you're paying to store your stuff its time to downsize. Click for more ways to save.

Consider a flexible spending account. This is an arrangement you set up with your employer to use tax free dollars to pay for certain out of pocket health care costs. Click for more ways to save.

Use video chat. Take advantage of video chat when missing family and friends. Click for more ways to save.

Use your kids artwork to decorate. Decorating with your children's artwork is not only inexpensive but it adds a very personal touch. Click for more ways to save.

Look for clearance deals at nurseries. Stock up on your plants in the clearance section. Click for more ways to save.

If you are graduating soon consider colleges in other countries in order to save money. Click for more ways to save.

Inspect your roof. Click for more ways to save.

Treat your lawn with mulch mowing. Click for more ways to save.

Price alternative airports. Consider all possible airports near your destination before scheduling your getaway. Click for more ways to save.

Save landscaping money by choosing low maintenance plants and rock gardens. Click for more ways to save.

Plant large leafy trees on the east west and northwest sides of your home to save on air conditioning costs. Click for more ways to save.

Hang your laundry outside to dry instead of using the dryer. Click for more ways to save.

Create your own sand toys. Plastic for containers coffee scoops and sippy cups make great replacements for store bought toys. Click for more ways to save.

Recycle bottles and cans. Why leave bottles and cans laying around when its an easy way to make some money and help the environment.

Find a part time job to make some extra money. Click for more ways to save.

Skip a day between shampoos. Click for more ways to save.

Choose kabobs for your summer barbecue. Reduce the cost of lager savings of meat by mixing in some fresh produce. Click for more ways to save.

Head outdoors for extended daylight hours. Trade your electronics and air conditioning for a long walk or bike ride. Click for more ways to save.

Organize a company carpool. Find some coworkers to ride with or consider using a carpool or ride share app. Click for more ways to save.

Keep your car engine in tune. According to the FTC it can increase your gas mileage by an average of 4 percent. Check your owners manual for a recommended schedule. Click for more ways to save.

Organize your tools. Keeping things in order will prevent you from buying duplicates. Click for more ways to save.

Time to swap your sheets. As the temperatures start to warm up think about changing it up. In order to cut back on air conditioning sleep on cotton sheets. Save the silk and flannel for the cooler weather. Click for more ways to save.

Ride your bike. Pump up your savings by switching form your car to your bike whenever you can. Click for more ways to save.

Recycle boxes. Rather than pay for boxes for your next move ask friends and family to save their online shopping boxes. Click for more ways to save.

Set up account alerts to avoid overdraft fees. Click for more ways to save.

Repurpose old clothing. Get creative. Click for more ways to save.

Send ecards to your family and friends. Save money on pricey greetings cards and postage. Click for more ways to save.

Think twice about rental car insurance. You may already have coverage with your current auto insurance policy. Click for more ways to save.

Have a picnic outside. Whether its at the beach or at the park or in your backyard. Click for more ways to save.

Skip the restaurant dessert menu. They can be very expensive. Opt for dessert at home instead. Click for more ways to save.

Opt for minor league sports or college sports. Enjoy sporting events without paying major league prices. Click for more ways to save.

Go for a walk. Challenge yourself to walk short distances instead of driving the car. Not only can you save on gas but you can get in shape too. Click for more ways to save.

Set your mowers blade to a lower setting. Save money on gas by cutting down on the number of times you have to mow. Click for more ways to save.

Decorate with paint. Paint can make a dramatic difference in a room without the expense of new furnishings. Click for more ways to save.

Make your own ice cream cone at home. Enjoy dessert at home. You can buy a carton of ice cream for the cost of most sundaes at your local ice cream shop.

Install low flow shower heads to save money on your water bill. Click for more ways to save.

Do you have a landline. If you don't use it cancel it. Click for more ways to save.

Pack food for your flight to save money on expensive in flight snacks. Click for more ways to save.

Avoid excess baggage fees. Weigh your luggage before you go to the airport and pack lighter if you can. Click for more ways to save.

If you are at a point in your life that you can. Downsize to a smaller space. Click for more ways to save.

Drop unused newspaper and magazine subscriptions Click for more ways to save

If you are throwing a dinner party make it a potluck in order to save on the cost of food Click for more ways to save

Grow your own spices at home A great way to save money and get a fresher taste Click for more ways to save

Plan now for a spring yard sale A great time to clean up the house and make some extra money Click for more ways to save

Sae on expensive snack size packaging by creating your own Use small baggies to portion Click for more ways to save

Collect seeds to plant in the spring instead of buying pricey seed packets Click for more ways to save

Add a week between your haircuts If you normally go six weeks between haircuts switch to seven That change will save you the cost of a haircut and tip each year Click for more ways to save

Avoid a pricey spring break by choosing a less common destination Let your imagination be your guide Click for more ways to save

Consider a winter wedding Many wedding vendors offer discounts during the off peak season and that can save you big bucks on your big day Click for more ways to save

Stay organized and keep track of tax deduction receipts so that you don't miss out on any deductions Click for more ways to save

Lock all of your windows Close the locks on your windows to tighten the seals and reduce costly drafts Click for more ways to save

Add an extra layer Put on thick socks warm sweaters and sweatpants in order to lower your thermostat Click for more ways to save

Take your own portraits Ask a friend to help take your family pictures Click for more ways to save

Pay more than your minimum monthly balance Ideally aim to pay off your credit card in full each month If you can't try to pay more that the minimum payment amount Click for more ways to save

Shop around Research auto insurance policies and prices before renewing your current policy Click for more ways to save

Think outside the box when making dinner plans Skip the expensive restaurants and check out local coffee shops or food trucks Click for more ways to save

Buy secondhand sports equipment Shop garage sales Craigslist eBay or Play it Again Sports for discounted items This can save you big when shopping for growing kids Click for more ways to save

Get your hair cut at a cosmetology school Many cosmetology schools will offer free or discounted haircuts given by their student stylists

Take advantage of corporate discounts Ask if your employer offers discounts on things like cell phone data plans or gym memberships Click for more ways to save

Create a community facebook page that friends and neighbors can use to trade or sell your gently used items Click for more ways to save

This time of year opt for frozen fruit over fresh You get the same level of nutrition at a lower cost Click for more ways to save

Invest in a quality blanket Turn down the heat at night while staying warm in bed Save as much as 10 percent a year on heating by dropping the thermostat 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit while you sleep Click for more ways to save

Ride public transportation You can save 754 dollars a month according to the American Public Transportation Association Click for more ways to save

Trade expensive date ideas for volunteer opportunities Its a great way to give back to your community Click for more ways to save

Use motion detectors for lighting in order to save money on electricity Click for more ways to save

Cut back on lottery tickets A better bet is to put that money in to a savings plan that offers a great interest rate Click for more ways to save

Clip and share coupons Create a group of friends who share coupons Start a group text or meet for coffee once a week to share what you have found and give away the ones that you won't use Click for more ways to save

Transfer credit card debt onto a lower interest card and make a realistic plan to pay it off and stick to it Click for more ways to save

Don't pay for music

Learn to love leftovers

Organize a toy swap

Keep track of your spending by using a budgeting app or writing it down

Use cool water in the washer

Drink Tap Water

Give back and volunteer

Keep baby supplies in the car keep a stash of diapers wipes and bottles in the car to prevent having the unexpected cost while traveling

Make time for rebates search the internet for promo codes or chances to earn cash back

Fix a leaky faucet click for more ways to save

Consider home swapping for your next vacation click for more ways to save

Consider misfit paints many paint retainers discount unsold cans of paint that were mixed to the wrong color click for more ways to save

Go grocery free for one week by taking inventory of the food you have on hand to create a weeks worth of meals Be creative you might get to those boxes and cans before they expire click for more money saving tips from Hanscom fcu

Take advantage of dependent care flexible spending

Reduce the temperature on your hot water heater

Fix drafty doors

Close your fireplace damper

Humidify your home

Challenge yourself and give up soda for one month

Save big when choosing water as your drink while dining out

Try free fitness classes at health clubs and gyms in your area

Take advantage of free college events

Stay in and have a date night at home

Shop end of season sales most stores offer sales this time of the year to clean out for new spring and summer collections click for more money saving tips from hanscom fcu

Sell your unwanted gift cards

Report home upgrades to your insurance company

Head to a matinee movie

Take a break from spending

Host game night with your family and friends

Eat off smaller dinner plates

Pay with cash

Cook large meals and freeze the leftovers

Sign up for restaurant rewards programs

Use free fitness apps

Sell your old clothes at a second hand shop

use those student discounts

organize a monthly book swap

Identify your top financial goal fo 2019

Create a coin jar and when the jar is full deposit it into your savings account

Insulate floors with area rugs

Don't shop hungry

Keep healthy snacks in the car to beat fast food temptations

Consider mail order prescriptions

Buy your running shoes online

Make coffee at home

Choose in season flowers

Get your books at the library

Buy Christmas Lights in January

see all CUsave tips on Instagram