Stretching low wages isn’t about sacrifice—it’s about smart strategy and a little creativity.
Making $13.50 an hour doesn’t leave much room for extras, and trying to save money while covering rent, food, and bills can feel impossible. But it’s not. The truth is, it’s less about how much you make and more about what you do with every dollar. Most people aren’t wasting money intentionally—it’s just slipping through cracks they didn’t realize were there. And when you’re on a tight budget, even small leaks can drown your progress.
Saving $500 a month on a low wage is challenging, but it can be done with the right mix of habits, hacks, and mindset shifts. These aren’t tips about skipping lattes or living off instant noodles. These are practical, repeatable strategies that real people use every day to gain control over their finances without burning out. If you’re grinding at $13.50 an hour and trying to get ahead, these 11 methods can help you carve out savings—even when it feels like there’s nothing left.
1. Share housing costs or take on a roommate to slash your biggest expense.
Housing usually eats up the largest chunk of your paycheck, especially if you live alone. Splitting that cost with someone—whether it’s a roommate, a family member, or even subletting a room—can instantly free up hundreds each month, according to the authors at AARP. Even downsizing to a smaller place with lower rent can make a massive difference.
It’s not just about rent. You’ll likely share utilities, internet, and even some groceries. If you can knock $300–$400 off your living expenses, you’re already most of the way to your savings goal. It might mean compromising on space or privacy, but it can also buy you peace of mind and breathing room in your budget.
2. Use a prepaid debit card or envelope system to limit spending.
When you’re living paycheck to paycheck, it’s way too easy to swipe a card and overspend without realizing it. Using a prepaid card for discretionary spending—like groceries, gas, and personal items—can force you to stay within limits, as stated by Spencer Tierney at Nerdwallet. Load it once a week or each payday and make that your spending cap.
Another option? Go old-school with an envelope system. Physically separate your cash into categories: food, transportation, fun, etc. Once an envelope is empty, that’s it for the month. It sounds simple, but these systems give you structure without the stress of spreadsheets. And that structure is what keeps your money from evaporating on impulse buys.
3. Meal plan with a $40 grocery strategy to avoid constant food runs.
Grocery store “quick stops” are where budgets die—especially when you shop hungry or without a list. A weekly plan with simple, budget-friendly meals can keep food costs under control and eliminate the temptation to grab takeout, as stated by Hannah Loewentheil at Buzzfeed. Stick to staple ingredients: rice, beans, pasta, eggs, frozen veggies, canned tuna, tortillas, and whatever produce is on sale.
Build your meals around cheap, filling items. Make double batches and eat leftovers. Pack lunches instead of buying them. You don’t need to be a chef—you just need five go-to meals you like and can make fast. If you can cut food costs down to $150 a month, you’ll be shocked how much more money sticks around.
4. Drop subscription services and rotate one at a time to cut costs.
Streaming services, music apps, cloud storage, and delivery memberships quietly eat away at your income. Instead of paying for three or four subscriptions every month, rotate them. Pick one per month based on what you actually want to watch or listen to, and cancel the rest temporarily.
It’s an easy $30–$60 savings with almost no downside. Most platforms keep your account info, so you can resume later without losing anything. The entertainment industry counts on you forgetting to cancel. Make that your secret weapon. One subscription at a time = one less monthly money leak.
5. Use SNAP, food banks, or local food programs without shame.
If your income qualifies, programs like SNAP or local food banks can reduce your grocery costs significantly—and free up money for savings. There’s no shame in using resources designed to help working people who are trying to survive in a broken system.
Some communities also offer free meals, produce giveaways, or discount grocery programs. It’s worth asking around, checking local Facebook groups, or calling your community center. Every box of groceries you don’t have to buy with your paycheck is a boost toward your $500 goal. Survival isn’t failure—it’s strategy.
6. Ditch your car if you can walk, bike, or bus most places.
Cars are money pits—insurance, gas, maintenance, parking. If public transportation is an option or your job is close enough, consider selling your car or parking it for a while. A bus pass costs a fraction of what car ownership demands. Walking and biking cost nothing at all.
You might save $200 or more a month by cutting car expenses. That’s almost halfway to your savings target. If a car is a must, reduce trips, carpool, or explore rideshare options that are cheaper than daily driving. Reclaiming transportation costs adds up faster than almost any other change.
7. Take cash-only side gigs that boost income without long hours.
If you’re already working full-time, adding more hours can feel exhausting. But small, flexible gigs can bring in a surprising amount of extra cash. Babysitting, dog walking, tutoring, cleaning, yard work, or selling stuff online all offer quick returns—especially if paid in cash.
Even one or two gigs a week at $40–$60 a pop can add $200 or more to your monthly income. That money can go straight into savings. The key is finding something that fits your schedule and doesn’t burn you out. You’re not trying to hustle 24/7—just make your time outside work work smarter for you.
8. Use energy-efficient habits to cut your utility bills.
You can’t control your landlord’s rates, but you can control how much electricity and water you use. Switch to LED bulbs, unplug things when they’re not in use, and air dry clothes if you can. Run appliances during off-peak hours and take shorter showers.
These small changes might seem trivial, but they can shave $30–$50 off your monthly bill. Layer up instead of cranking the heat. Use fans instead of running the A/C all day. Utilities don’t feel optional—but how you use them is. Cutting that cost down gives you room to stash more each month.
9. Pay yourself first—even if it’s just $10 a week.
Saving money on a low income feels backwards when you’re trying to cover basics. But setting aside even $10 before paying bills creates the habit of saving. Use a separate savings account that’s not easy to dip into. Automate the transfer on payday and forget about it.
Over time, increase the amount as your expenses drop or your income grows. Treat your savings like rent—it gets paid, no matter what. Watching that balance build—even slowly—gives you motivation and security. A few bucks saved early adds up faster than waiting for a “perfect” time to start.
10. Shop secondhand for clothes, gear, and essentials.
New doesn’t always mean better. Thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Buy Nothing groups are goldmines for everything from work clothes to kitchen items. Buying used instead of new can cut your expenses by half—or more.
Need a blender? Check resale listings first. Looking for jeans? Hit the thrift store. Ask friends before buying something full price. There’s no shame in secondhand—it’s smart. Spending less without sacrificing what you need is one of the easiest ways to save big while still living well.
11. Avoid high-interest payday loans and sketchy finance traps.
When money’s tight, payday loans or buy-now-pay-later plans might seem like a lifeline. But the fees and interest can trap you in a cycle that drains your income faster than you can recover. Avoid these at all costs. They’re built to profit off your desperation.
Instead, look into community credit unions, paycheck advances through your employer, or even borrowing from a trusted friend with a clear repayment plan. Whatever you do, stay out of debt traps. They don’t just hurt your wallet—they wreck your ability to save or even break even. Smart savings start with keeping more of what’s yours.