Saving money doesn’t always require extreme budgeting or giving up everything you enjoy. In fact, small, mindful habits can make a huge difference over time. If you’re looking to grow your savings without overhauling your lifestyle, these simple money-saving hacks will help you build up cash without even noticing.

One of the smartest ways to start saving is to automate it. Set your bank or e-wallet to move a small amount into a separate savings account as soon as your paycheck hits. It could be daily or weekly whatever works for your flow. It may feel small, but it builds quickly.

Another smart move? Unfollow online temptation. If your feed is full of influencers flaunting hauls or brands flashing nonstop discounts, mute or unfollow them. Fewer triggers mean fewer impulse buys.

Speaking of impulse, give the “wait and see” approach a shot. If you see something you want, pause for 48 hours. If you still want it after two days, go for it but chances are, the urge will pass.

Cutting back on café coffees and daily takeout might sound cliché, but it truly works. Brewing your own drinks and prepping meals at home not only saves money, it adds up fast over a month or two—without sacrificing flavor.

Paying with physical cash or setting strict digital wallet limits also helps. When you feel the money leaving your hands, you’re more likely to think twice before spending.

Take a moment to review your subscriptions. You might be paying for apps, streaming services, or delivery memberships you no longer use. Cancel what you don’t need and enjoy the instant boost to your budget.

When shopping, always stick to a list. Whether you’re grocery shopping or browsing skincare deals, having a plan helps avoid those tempting but unnecessary extras.

Another clever trick? Round up your purchases. Some apps and digital banks automatically round up your spending to the nearest peso or dollar and stash the difference in savings. It’s basically painless saving.

Plan gifts ahead of time. Last-minute shopping often leads to overspending. Having a stash of thoughtful, affordable gifts on hand means you’re prepared and within budget.

Lastly, keep track of your progress. Use a notebook, app, or spreadsheet to log what you’ve saved weekly or monthly. Watching the numbers grow is one of the best motivators to keep going.

Written by Seren Amihan