Easy, fast, and effective—8 ways to boost your budget in under an hour
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Managing money often feels like one of those tasks people keep postponing for a calmer day that never seems to come.
The thought of sorting through credit reports, reviewing insurance quotes, or combing through old subscriptions can sound tedious and overwhelming.
But sometimes, the smartest ways to improve your finances aren’t about massive changes—they’re about small, efficient moves that add up over time.
These quick, practical steps can help you take back control without losing an entire weekend to spreadsheets and stress.
1. Read Your Credit Report
Most people avoid their credit reports out of fear, but ignoring them can be costly. Ted Rossman, a senior industry analyst at Bankrate, recommends checking regularly for errors that could harm your score.
One 2024 analysis found nearly half of all credit reports contain mistakes, from misreported accounts to wrong addresses. You can view your report for free at AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute any inaccuracies directly with the bureau or the reporting company.
2. Freeze Your Credit
A credit freeze is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself from identity theft, and it’s free to do. “It locks the bad guys out,” Rossman said. “It’s one of the few proactive things we can do to protect our identities.” You can complete the process in less than an hour by visiting each credit bureau’s website or using the step-by-step guide from US PIRG.
3. Apply for a Zero-APR Credit Card
For anyone weighed down by high-interest debt, a zero-APR card can be a real lifeline. The concept is simple—transfer your debt to a card with an introductory period of 12 to 21 months, during which you pay no interest.
“A zero-interest card, used properly, is a huge tailwind for your debt-payoff efforts,” Rossman said. Just note that good credit scores often get the best offers, so results may vary.
4. Open a High-Yield Savings Account
Many savers still park their money in low-interest accounts earning less than 3% annually. “I think that an important step there is to shop around the different options and make sure you’re getting the highest APY,” said Sam Taube, lead investing writer at NerdWallet.
Online banks often offer 3.5% to 4% interest, so a few clicks could make your savings grow faster. This small shift can take minutes but lead to meaningful gains over time.
Also read: Some retirees may not get the full 2026 Social Security boost—here’s why
5. Shop for Discounts on Auto Insurance
With auto insurance rates projected to rise by 7.5% in 2025, it pays to shop around before your next renewal. “Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples,” said AARP personal finance editor Daniel Bortz, emphasizing that coverage limits and deductibles can vary widely.
You can quickly gather quotes from Insurify, Policygenius, and The Zebra to see where you stand. Even adjusting your deductible or dropping collision on an older vehicle can lead to solid savings.
6. Look for Unclaimed Assets
Millions of Americans have forgotten funds sitting in old bank accounts, uncashed checks, or even misplaced 401(k)s. Websites like Missing Money make it simple to search multiple states for any unclaimed property tied to your name.
For retirement accounts, visit the National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits. Finding lost money takes minutes—and might surprise you with what’s still out there.
Also read: Major SNAP updates could affect your benefits—here’s what’s changing this fall
7. Audit Your Subscriptions
Digital subscriptions are easy to start and even easier to forget. “The average American has something like 12 media subscriptions,” Bortz said. “Very often, you could be paying for a subscription you’re no longer using.”
Reviewing your last 30 days of bank or credit card activity can reveal unnecessary charges, helping you cancel and reclaim about $200 a year, according to a CNET survey.
8. Raise Your 401(k) Contribution
Retirement savings don’t always require a drastic overhaul—sometimes, it’s just about a small tweak. The 2025 maximum 401(k) contribution is $23,500, but even increasing your contribution by 1% can make a difference over time.
“If you’re saving 10%, can you make it 11?” Rossman said. “The point is, especially if you do it gradually, you probably won’t even miss the money.”
Read next:
How many of these quick fixes have you already tackled this year? Maybe it’s time to cross one or two off your list today. Have you found a financial move that made an instant difference in your budget? Share your experience in the comments—what’s your best one-hour money fix?
The thought of sorting through credit reports, reviewing insurance quotes, or combing through old subscriptions can sound tedious and overwhelming.
But sometimes, the smartest ways to improve your finances aren’t about massive changes—they’re about small, efficient moves that add up over time.
These quick, practical steps can help you take back control without losing an entire weekend to spreadsheets and stress.
1. Read Your Credit Report
Most people avoid their credit reports out of fear, but ignoring them can be costly. Ted Rossman, a senior industry analyst at Bankrate, recommends checking regularly for errors that could harm your score.
One 2024 analysis found nearly half of all credit reports contain mistakes, from misreported accounts to wrong addresses. You can view your report for free at AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute any inaccuracies directly with the bureau or the reporting company.
2. Freeze Your Credit
A credit freeze is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself from identity theft, and it’s free to do. “It locks the bad guys out,” Rossman said. “It’s one of the few proactive things we can do to protect our identities.” You can complete the process in less than an hour by visiting each credit bureau’s website or using the step-by-step guide from US PIRG.
Easy, fast, and effective—8 ways to boost your budget in under an hour. Image source: NORTHFOLK / Unsplash
3. Apply for a Zero-APR Credit Card
For anyone weighed down by high-interest debt, a zero-APR card can be a real lifeline. The concept is simple—transfer your debt to a card with an introductory period of 12 to 21 months, during which you pay no interest.
“A zero-interest card, used properly, is a huge tailwind for your debt-payoff efforts,” Rossman said. Just note that good credit scores often get the best offers, so results may vary.
4. Open a High-Yield Savings Account
Many savers still park their money in low-interest accounts earning less than 3% annually. “I think that an important step there is to shop around the different options and make sure you’re getting the highest APY,” said Sam Taube, lead investing writer at NerdWallet.
Online banks often offer 3.5% to 4% interest, so a few clicks could make your savings grow faster. This small shift can take minutes but lead to meaningful gains over time.
Also read: Some retirees may not get the full 2026 Social Security boost—here’s why
5. Shop for Discounts on Auto Insurance
With auto insurance rates projected to rise by 7.5% in 2025, it pays to shop around before your next renewal. “Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples,” said AARP personal finance editor Daniel Bortz, emphasizing that coverage limits and deductibles can vary widely.
You can quickly gather quotes from Insurify, Policygenius, and The Zebra to see where you stand. Even adjusting your deductible or dropping collision on an older vehicle can lead to solid savings.
6. Look for Unclaimed Assets
Millions of Americans have forgotten funds sitting in old bank accounts, uncashed checks, or even misplaced 401(k)s. Websites like Missing Money make it simple to search multiple states for any unclaimed property tied to your name.
For retirement accounts, visit the National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits. Finding lost money takes minutes—and might surprise you with what’s still out there.
Also read: Major SNAP updates could affect your benefits—here’s what’s changing this fall
7. Audit Your Subscriptions
Digital subscriptions are easy to start and even easier to forget. “The average American has something like 12 media subscriptions,” Bortz said. “Very often, you could be paying for a subscription you’re no longer using.”
Reviewing your last 30 days of bank or credit card activity can reveal unnecessary charges, helping you cancel and reclaim about $200 a year, according to a CNET survey.
8. Raise Your 401(k) Contribution
Retirement savings don’t always require a drastic overhaul—sometimes, it’s just about a small tweak. The 2025 maximum 401(k) contribution is $23,500, but even increasing your contribution by 1% can make a difference over time.
“If you’re saving 10%, can you make it 11?” Rossman said. “The point is, especially if you do it gradually, you probably won’t even miss the money.”
Read next:
- The smart senior's guide to money-saving DIY skills that could save you hundreds
- The little-known secret to saving more on holiday trips this year
