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Between high prices and uncertainty about the future of the economy, many of us are thinking about ways to cut our costs.

And whether you free up cash to cover your basic bills, build up your savings, or take that vacation you really need, tightening your belt is empowering. But finding the time or energy to budget and hunt for deals can be difficult, right?

Thankfully, there are some quick and easy ways to cut back. Here are five things to do to keep your spending in check — even if you feel too busy to budget:

1. Make it a game. Do you love Candy Crush Saga or watching Jeopardy? With some reframing, spending less money can be a fun mental exercise that taps into your competitive side and requires no time at all. Make your plan in the shower or while you’re exercising.

Challenge yourself to forgo one higher-cost item you usually indulge in (a high-end organic item at the grocery store or an expensive hair conditioner.) Or, consider what you love about that discretionary spend and try a similar experience for less. If it’s going out with friends, could you trade in a cocktail for a well drink? (Maybe taste-test for a favorite?)

Other ideas:

•   Try a pantry challenge: How long can you get by without buying any new non-perishable foods?

•   Skip the small toy reward every time you take your (hopefully cooperative) toddler to Walmart.

•   Take the subway or bus instead of using Lyft.

Maybe set a point value for each success and see if you can best your score each month. Or challenge your partner to a contest: Who can get more points by the end of the week?

2. Use those free loyalty programs. Signing up for a free loyalty program can be a no-brainer, depending on your willingness to give some basic personal information.

Most grocery stores simply require signing up once with your name and phone number and/or email address. After that, entering your phone number (or having the cashier scan a bar code in your e-wallet or on your keychain,) gets you all the sale prices and/or access to digital coupons or other rewards. Same goes for gas stations, pharmacy chains, theaters, pet stores, and more.

Many fast-food chains and retailers also offer online/in-app loyalty programs. And then there are miles and point programs for airlines, hotels, and clothing retailers, which you can usually belong to whether you have a branded credit card with them or not. The key is to choose free ones that are hassle-free. You might even get a decent-sized discount just for signing up.

3. Hit ‘pause.’ Many of us have memberships or subscriptions we don’t use enough to justify spending money on, at least not in today’s economy. Whether it’s a streaming service, an app, a gym or a newspaper, if you don’t want the hassle of cancelling the membership (and perhaps re-establishing it later,) pause or freeze it for a while to see how much you miss it. Just make sure to put the cancel-by date on your calendar before the pause is scheduled to lift.

4. Maximize your weekends (or work-free time.) If you’re like a lot of us, there’s very little time during the workweek — even to think. Use the weekend or your day off to plan ahead (hopefully after unwinding) and be thoughtful about your expenses.

•   Plan and prep meals in advance to cut back on eating out on worknights. This can be making freezer-to-oven casseroles or just getting your produce washed and cut for weeknight meals. Whatever it takes to cut down on last-minute takeout.

•   Look into what you can borrow from your local library besides books. You’d be surprised by all the stuff some public libraries loan out – kitchen tools, an Xbox, tennis racquets, snowshoes, and musical instruments to name a few. You’ll have to return the items, but given how many times you only end up using something once or twice, it’s worth considering whether you can avoid an expensive Amazon purchase. If you’re not a library member, signing up usually only takes a minute.

•   Multi-task. It doesn’t take more time to do two things at once. So if you’ve got a weekend full of ferrying your kids around, group your errands with their rides to save on gas. If you’re waiting around for practice to end, make a list of non-perishable items you can buy in bulk.

5. Ask about discounts. Discounts apply to more than just seniors. When you’re scoping out entertainment or other activities — movies, museums, amusement parks or even national parks — check to see if you qualify for discounted admission rates because of your job, where you live, or anything else. Same goes for restaurants, retailers, airlines and hotel chains. You never know when being a veteran or servicemember, a student or teacher, or living in a specific city or county could save you money. But you have to ask.

Please understand that this information provided is general in nature and shouldn’t be construed as a recommendation or solicitation of any products offered by SoFi’s affiliates and subsidiaries. In addition, this information is by no means meant to provide investment or financial advice, nor is it intended to serve as the basis for any investment decision or recommendation to buy or sell any asset. Keep in mind that investing involves risk, and past performance of an asset never guarantees future results or returns. It’s important for investors to consider their specific financial needs, goals, and risk profile before making an investment decision.

The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. These links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement. No brands or products mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this content.

SoFi isn't recommending and is not affiliated with the brands or companies displayed. Brands displayed neither endorse or sponsor this article. Third party trademarks and service marks referenced are property of their respective owners.

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A fresh serving of economic data is on the menu for investors this week, offering insights into the health and direction of the economy that have the potential to influence sentiment and investment decisions. While several key releases are scheduled, the main course is sure to be the Friday jobs report.

Before we get to that pivotal report on Friday, however, other important indicators will provide an early taste of economic conditions. The Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) release will give us a nuanced look at labor demand, while the ISM Manufacturing and Services Purchasing Managers’ Indexes (PMIs) will offer a timely read on the health of these crucial sectors by tracking activity like new orders, price pressure, and employment. Complementing these figures, the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book will provide a qualitative snapshot of economic conditions across the nation, offering on-the-ground perspectives that can highlight emerging trends.

Finally, the week culminates with the highly anticipated jobs report on Friday. This comprehensive report includes key figures such as jobs added, the unemployment rate, and wage growth. The Fed pays close attention to this report when making decisions about monetary policy, and in uncertain times like these, its importance is greater than ever.

Economic and Earnings Calendar

Monday

•   May ISM Manufacturing PMI: This index from the Institute for Supply Management tracks how purchasing managers across the manufacturing sector feel about the business environment.

•   April Construction Spending: Construction data is a leading indicator of business activity.

•   Fedspeak: Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan will participate in a moderated conversation followed by Q&A. Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee will participate in Q&A as part of the Quad Cities Business Journal Mid-Year Economic Review. Fed Chair Jerome Powell will give opening remarks at a conference celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Board of Governors’ International Finance division.

•   Earnings: Campbell Soup (CPB)

Tuesday

•   April Factory and Durable Goods Orders: These metrics give insight into underlying trends for leading cyclical indicators.

•   April Job Openings: A key measure of business demand for labor is the number of job openings, since reducing openings is easier and preferable to layoffs.

•   May Wards Total Vehicle Sales: Cars are a big ticket item for consumers, so underlying vehicle sales trends can help shine a light on demand for durable goods.

•   Fedspeak: Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee will participate in Q&A as part of the Corridor Business Journal Mid-Year Economic Review. Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan will give opening remarks at a Fed Listens event.

•   Earnings: CrowdStrike (CRWD), Dollar General (DG), Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)

Wednesday

•   May ADP Employment Report: This survey, usually released a day or two before the official government jobs report, offers insight into private sector employment trends.

•   May S&P Global US PMIs: These indexes track how purchasing managers across different industries feel about the business environment.

•   May ISM Services PMI: This index from the Institute for Supply Management tracks how purchasing managers across different services industries feel about the business environment.

•   Fed Beige Book: This report is released eight times per year and tracks the state of the economy based on qualitative information.

•   Weekly Mortgage Applications: Mortgage activity gives insight on demand conditions in the housing market.

•   Fedspeak: Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic and Fed Governor Lisa Cook will moderate a roundtable discussion at a Fed Listens event.

•   Earnings: Dollar Tree (DLTR)

Thursday

•   May Challenger Job Cuts: The firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas tracks the number of layoff announcements each month by sector.

•   April Trade Balance: Trade, made up of exports and imports, is an important driver of economic activity.

•   1Q Productivity and Unit Labor Costs: These measures provide a breakdown of how productive workers were per hour of work and at what cost.

•   Weekly Jobless Claims: This high frequency labor market data gives insight into filings for unemployment benefits. Jobless claims have continued to show a labor market that remains strong despite having cooled.

•   Fedspeak: Fed Governor Adriana Kugler will speak at the Economic Club of New York. Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker will discuss the economic outlook at an event at the regional Fed bank.

•   Earnings: Broadcom (AVGO), Brown-Forman (BFB), Lululemon Athletica (LULU)

Friday

•   May Employment Situation Summary: This monthly blockbuster release from the Labor Department gives a comprehensive look at employment, wages, and hours worked in the previous month.

•   April Consumer Credit: Borrowing activity gives insight into broader economic activity.

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Please understand that this information provided is general in nature and shouldn’t be construed as a recommendation or solicitation of any products offered by SoFi’s affiliates and subsidiaries. In addition, this information is by no means meant to provide investment or financial advice, nor is it intended to serve as the basis for any investment decision or recommendation to buy or sell any asset. Keep in mind that investing involves risk, and past performance of an asset never guarantees future results or returns. It’s important for investors to consider their specific financial needs, goals, and risk profile before making an investment decision.

The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. These links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement. No brands or products mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this content.

SoFi isn't recommending and is not affiliated with the brands or companies displayed. Brands displayed neither endorse or sponsor this article. Third party trademarks and service marks referenced are property of their respective owners.

This article appeared in SoFi's On the Money newsletter. Not getting it? Sign up here.

So you’ve committed to eating out less in order to save money.

But the price of groceries is no picnic either. Even with the rate of inflation slowing dramatically, the overall cost of groceries is still 27% higher than before the pandemic started, making food shopping a weekly challenge for many Americans. A growing number of people are even using Buy Now Pay Later loans at the supermarket.

One bit of good news: Grocery costs dropped 0.4% between March and April. That might not sound like much, but it’s the most they’ve fallen in a single month since 2020, according to the Consumer Price Index. In fact, it was only the fifth month there was any decline at all since 2020.

Which prices changed the most? The price of eggs saw the biggest decline, falling almost 13% in April as the impact of bird flu outbreaks waned. They were still 49% pricier than just a year earlier, but moving in the right direction. Frankfurters saw the second-biggest drop, followed by oranges, frozen vegetables and frozen/chilled baked goods.

But what about coffee with your eggs and ketchup and mustard for your hot dog? Condiments saw the biggest increase — rising by 8% during the month — followed by coffee, both roasted and instant, and tea.

So what can you do to relieve the pressure of inflation?

First, sign up for any free loyalty programs to make sure you’re getting all of a store’s sale prices and have access to their digital coupons. (Here’s one list of the best ones.) That alone might save you $30 or $40 on a $150 bill.

But there are plenty of other ways to cut your tab if you’re strategic with your shopping. Here are a few of our favorites.

Choose your protein wisely. As a category, the cost of protein — meat, poultry, fish and eggs — has gone up more than any other over the past year. So now’s a great time to learn about cheaper protein sources, whether that means moving toward a vegetarian diet with beans, nuts, and dairy or finding ways to make a pound of chicken stretch further in casseroles and soups.

Use unit pricing. You want the best deal, but it can be hard to compare prices when things are sold in different-sized packages. Avoid this by comparing the unit prices on grocery items using a calculator or app like this one. (You can also use the store’s unit pricing labels on the shelf — they’re often right next to the regular price.) Then determine what’s cheapest — maybe it’s the store brand, the on-sale product or a bulk size. If the price is right, buy family-size packages of meat or bread and freeze in smaller portions.

Buy frozen fruits and veg (or freeze them on your own). Buy only the produce you’ll use before it goes bad. Otherwise you’re wasting more than money. The U.S. throws out more food than any other country in the world: nearly 60 million tons — 120 billion pounds — every year, according to waste-collection company Recycle Track Systems. That’s estimated to be almost 40 percent of the country’s entire food supply.

If you regularly throw out fresh produce, look for frozen or canned alternatives. Frozen versions are often harvested at peak ripeness and will last longer and potentially cost less. You can also buy produce on sale or in season and then freeze the savings. If your bill is higher because you’re buying organic, consider the Clean 15 — non-organic produce that has lower amounts of pesticide residue.

Ask the grocer for help. Speaking of avoiding waste, grocery employees may be able to cut the amount of certain items to your needs and budget. And not just at the deli counter. If you only need half of a cabbage or won’t eat that many grapes in a week, ask the person in charge of produce nicely if they can trim it down and repackage. If it’s at the deli, don’t be afraid to ask for a couple of slices of cheese if that’s all you need.

Switch grocery stores. Grocery store prices can vary a lot, so it’s worth branching out to stores you don’t normally use in order to compare. You can also do online research to see what others like and dislike about various chains. You might even find it’s worth it to make two trips a week — shopping at one store for all your produce and another for your milk and cereal, for example.

Related Reading

•   Grocery Store Swaps That Will Help You Save Money (Mashed)

•   12 Grocery Shopping Tricks That’ll Save You Money Every Week (Real Simple)

•   15 Secret Grocery Shopping Tips You Need to Know (Taste of Home)

Please understand that this information provided is general in nature and shouldn’t be construed as a recommendation or solicitation of any products offered by SoFi’s affiliates and subsidiaries. In addition, this information is by no means meant to provide investment or financial advice, nor is it intended to serve as the basis for any investment decision or recommendation to buy or sell any asset. Keep in mind that investing involves risk, and past performance of an asset never guarantees future results or returns. It’s important for investors to consider their specific financial needs, goals, and risk profile before making an investment decision.

The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. These links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement. No brands or products mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this content.

SoFi isn't recommending and is not affiliated with the brands or companies displayed. Brands displayed neither endorse or sponsor this article. Third party trademarks and service marks referenced are property of their respective owners.

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