11 Smart Money Moves When You Only Have $100 Left From Your Paycheck

Payday is finally here, but after you sit down and pay bills, you’re left with only $100 till your next paycheck. You spend your days wishing and hoping that your money will last till the next check — not anymore.

Here are some smart money moves to stretch your paycheck a bit further .

1. Cancel a monthly subscription you’re not using much

More than 85% of subscriptions go unused each month. With the average monthly subscription costing subscribers $32.84, canceling could save you cash each month.

Even if you genuinely use your subscription, consider swapping it for a lower-cost option or going without it for a few months.

2. Sell unwanted items for extra cash

Every month, the average person spends almost $300 on impulse purchases. Even if you don’t shop that much, you have probably spent money on stuff you don’t need.

The good news is there are plenty of places to sell those items for extra cash . Online marketplaces, local Facebook pages, and garage sales are just a few options where you can flip your unwanted stuff for a buck.

3. Start a side hustle

The average millionaire has seven income streams, but you don’t need to be a millionaire to have a side hustle. Side hustles can be as structured as a second job or as casual as babysitting for neighbors occasionally.

Side gigs can help improve your cash flow and increase your income. Diversifying your income with a side job can also help protect you against financial instability, such as job loss, unexpected expenses, or health issues.

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4. Avoid dining out

While dining out is convenient, meals from the drive-thru can add up fast. Eating at home costs significantly less. You can save around $15 per meal by cooking for yourself.

Even if you opt for frozen or prepackaged meals from the grocery store, you can still enjoy convenience without the restaurant price tag.

5. Visit a local food pantry

Most food pantries don’t require proof of income or financial need, but you may need to provide ID and proof of residence to be eligible.

Each food pantry organization may have a limit on how often you may visit and what quantities are allowed. You may be able to get provisions for anywhere between a few days and a few weeks.

6. Shop at the Dollar Store

Not everything at the dollar store is worth buying, but there are many items that can help you through lean times. You can shop for pantry essentials, cleaning products, and paper goods all in one place.

The quantities are often smaller than what you buy at big-box stores, but you can still get quality items from name brands.

7. Skip the meat

Research shows that people eating a plant-based diet spend less on food when cooking at home and eating out. For example, Lentils are often used as a vegetarian substitute for ground beef. A pound of ground beef costs $5.94 vs. $1.92 for a pound of lentils.

Incorporating more vegetarian meals into your diet can help alleviate the stress on your pocketbook.

8. Sign up for loyalty programs

Many brands have rewards programs that give you deep discounts — or even free items — to encourage you to sign up for email and/or text marketing. You can use these to save money or get free products when you’re low on cash.

Most brands also send you a free gift on your birthday. Just make sure you don’t use a good deal as an excuse to spend money.

9. Walk or bike to get around

If you filled up your gas tank on payday, you’ll want to make that last as long as possible. While walking or biking will take you longer, it can reduce your gas bill — along with wear and tear on your car.

It also has an added health benefit, which is great, especially if you cancelled your gym membership.

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10. Stop buying gifts

Between all the holidays and birthdays throughout the year, gift-giving can feel more like an obligation than a thoughtful token of love and friendship.

Rather than buying gifts, consider writing a thoughtful card or making someone a homemade treat to show them how much they mean to you.

11. Shop around for insurance

You may assume that all insurance carriers are about the same, but shopping around for new insurance could save you hundreds of dollars throughout the year.

Don’t just shop around for car insurance — evaluate your policies for renters, homeowners, life, health, and any other type of insurance you need. You may be able to save more by bundling policies with the same company.

Bottom line

If you’ve only got $100 left from your paycheck, you can still be smart with your money. Taking proactive steps to increase your income and decrease your expenses can improve your financial situation.

These tips can help you stretch your dollar to get you through until the next pay period and put more cash in your wallet .

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