If you’ve hammered out your budget and see no wiggle room, consider these simple and unexpected methods that are sure to help you achieve your savings goals and pay off debt.

Take advantage of technology.
There are tons of apps dedicated to personal finance and saving money. Mint (created by the makers of QuickBooks and TurboTax) is probably the most popular app to track spending, calculate budget, and more. Connect your credit cards to Acorns—for each purchase you make, the dollar amount is rounded up and the change is invested in exchange-traded funds of your choice. Shopping apps like ShopKick and RetailMeNot can help you get coupons, deals and rewards. Another easy way to ensure you start saving is by scheduling a monthly direct deposit to your savings account.

Pay with cash or use the envelope method.
Leave your credit and debit cards at home and only spend a pre-determined amount of cash. By using cash to pay for daily purchases, you become more aware of how much you’re spending, and also eliminate the risk of overspending or incurring overdraft fees. The envelope system encourages you to separate earnings into different envelopes according to budget categories like groceries, rent, car insurance, gas, etc. Using cash is a tangible way to strictly enforce your budget.

Stop shopping at convenience stores.

One study estimated that convenience stores charge an average of about 10% more than supermarket chains. Many families save time and money by only buying food and household items in bulk at Costco once or twice a month.

Save on utility bills.

You might think your utilities are fixed, non-negotiable expenses, but actually there are many easy ways to lower your utility bills.

• Lower your water heater settings to 120 degrees or less. Turn it down or off when you’re gone on vacation.
• Install low-flow shower heads and faucets.
• Buy a thermostat or reprogram your current device to more frugal settings.
• Seal cracks around windows and door frames to avoid heat loss.
• Use energy efficient appliances. Some state and local governments offer financial incentives for upgrading old appliances to newer, more efficient versions.
• Before you turn in for the night or leave for work in the morning, do a quick sweep of your house to make sure all lights are off and unused electronics unplugged.

Stop paying interest.

Are you losing hundreds or even thousands of dollars every year, just by paying interest on your debts? Call the credit card company and request a lower interest rate. If you can’t get a lower rate, consider doing a balance transfer to an interest-free card.

Meal prep once a week.

Eating out is a big expense that tends to add up quickly. If you’re too tired when you get home from work to cook, having meals already planned and prepared will help you avoid ordering takeout. Also, bring your lunch to work so that you’re not tempted to buy fast food.

Handle repairs yourself.

DIY basic repairs and maintenance by watching how-to videos on YouTube. Some tasks can seem intimidating, but that’s probably just because you’ve never actually tried before. Look it up online or ask someone to walk you through it for the first time. Learning how to do simple stuff like oil changes or clothing alterations is important not only to save money but also to become more self-sufficient in the long run.

Buy second-hand.

Clothes, appliances, cars, kid stuff, furniture, tools, books etc. can always be purchased at thrift stores or online with Craigslist or eBay. Used items are usually at least half the price of new. Buying second-hand is also better for the environment and sets a good example for younger generations.

Wait until it’s on sale.

See an item you love but the price tag is out of your budget? Check back in a few weeks and it might be on sale. The Shoptagr app makes this easy. Save products from online stores and Shoptagr will notify you when they become discounted.

Switch up how you shop.

Are you prone to making impulse purchases when you shop? Maybe it’s time to avoid the grocery store. Most supermarket chains charge a small delivery fee, or you can order online and pick up at the store. Alternatively, try Amazon Fresh or Fresh Direct.  Determine your food budget and stick to it when you order.