How To: 30-Day Money Hack Challenge

Fill a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated all day
Shop for whole foods around the perimeter of the grocery store and avoid processed foods
Prepare lunch for yourself and your family
Plan out your meals for the week based on ingredients you already have in your fridge, freezer and cupboards
Buy just enough groceries to last you for the week
Wait 24 hours before making any optional purchase
Arrange a carpool to work or school
Try a secondhand shop or borrow from a friend first when you need something
If you enjoy bulk shopping, split the purchases with a friend so nothing spoils
Only spend from your budget for the month
Delete shopping apps from your phone
Cancel unused subscriptions
Watch for sales on things you use often
Invest in quality, not quantity
Swap lighter, less expensive items from the menu when dining out
Take the time to make a gourmet meal at home rather than dining out
Examine your bank fees and switch to a lower cost alternatives
Sell unused items from your home on community bulletin boards or online marketplaces
Call your utility, cable, internet and mobile companies to see if there are ways to save
Unsubscribe from marketing emails so you reduce temptation – shop in your own closet
Prioritize when responding to social, school and community events
Proactively add another stream of income by activating a side business
Drive the most fuel efficient route to work and school
Take advantage of employer matching programs for retirement savings
Upcycle a piece of furniture rather than replacing it
Set up recurring bills on autopay
Make a commitment to stop using your credit cards
Leverage your library for free use of books, movies and digital versions of your favorite entertainment
Set a reasonable limit on gifts for family and friends and stick to it
Avoid withdrawing cash at the ATM and watching it slip through your fingers without being trackable