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My Tips & Tricks to Save Money in San Diego
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items This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
I’m in San Diego, and as a veteran and student, I know what it’s like to stretch every dollar. Over time, I’ve found hacks that let me live well without...
Sections
8
Money & Finance Hacks 💸
Cash Back Credit Cards 💳
Memberships 💸
Clothes 💸
Grocery 💸
Health 💸
Money & Finance Hacks 💸
These are the easiest money hacks I use every month to grow my savings without changing my lifestyle. From cashback credit cards to high-yield savings accounts (HYSA), these tips work in the background — helping me earn an extra $150–$200 a month on ...
(#ReferralBonus)
💰 Wealthfront High-Yield Savings (HYSA)
I keep most of my savings in a Wealthfront HYSA, which currently pays around 3.75–4.5% APY. That means my money earns interest every single month without me lifting a finger. Also, my money ...
Wealthfront | get 4.25% interest, Earn a 0.50% APY boost, up to $500 invested on us—or both! |
#ad 💰Tracking your credit and spending is just as important as earning rewards. Ever since Mint went away, I’ve been using Credit Karma to keep tabs on my budget and credit score. It’s free, user-friendly, and helps me stay on top of my finances.
�...
Credit Karma: Manage your Credit & Your Budget
#ad 💰 Cancel all your subscriptions!!
Rocket Money (formerly Truebill) is one of the easiest ways to get control of your money fast. It connects to your bank accounts and credit cards to track spending, monitor subscriptions, and even negotiate bil...
Rocket Money: Find & Cancel Subscriptions, Track Your Spending ...
Cash Back Credit Cards 💳
The right credit card is more than just a way to pay, it’s a tool to earn cash back, cover memberships like Amazon Prime or Walmart+, protect your purchases, and even support sustainable spending. In this section, I’ve highlighted the best cards for ...
#ReferralBonus 💳Not a cash back card, but a must have card for anyone that rents, and soon to be home owners.
🏠 Bilt Rewards (Best for Renters)
Paying rent usually doesn’t earn rewards — but with Bilt, every on-time payment can earn you points. ...
The Bilt Mastercard | Earn Up to 100k Points on Rent in a Calendar Year - Bilt Rewards
💳 Navy Federal More Rewards (Amex)
• 3× points at supermarkets, gas, restaurants, and transit
• 1× point everywhere else
• $98 Walmart+ credit when you pay for your membership with this card
• Occasional promos for Uber/Uber Eats credits
• No a...
More Rewards American Express® Card
💳 Amex Blue Cash Preferred
• 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to cap)
• 6% back on select streaming services
• 3% back at gas stations and on transit
• Occasional Uber Cash or streaming credits (limited-time promos)
• Annual fee applies, b...
Blue Cash Preferred® Card
💳 Chase Prime Visa
• 5% back at Amazon, Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh (with eligible Prime membership)
• 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and transit
• 1% back on everything else
• No annual fee
• Does not include Prime membership, you need to...
Amazon.com: Prime Visa
💳 Navy Federal Flagship Rewards (Visa Signature)
• Free year of Amazon Prime for new cardholders. I have gotten this free every year since I opened the card*
• 3× points on travel, 2× points on everything else
• Travel perks: rental car protectio...
Visa Signature® Flagship Travel Rewards Credit Card
💳 Wells Fargo Attune
• 4% cash back on self-care, entertainment, and sustainable/used merchandise, includes thrift stores! (Full list 👇)
• 1% back on everything else
• Cell phone protection when you pay your bill with the card
• No annual fee
...
Earn Unlimited 4% Cash Rewards on Select Purchases | Wells Fargo Attune
💳 Costco Anywhere Visa® by Citi
If you shop at Costco, this card is a no-brainer. The Costco Citi Card lets you earn cash back on the things you already buy:
• 4% back on eligible gas & EV charging (up to $7,000 per year, then 1%)
• 3% back o...
Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi
Memberships 💸
The right memberships can be recession-proof lifesavers, helping you save money on essentials you already buy — groceries, gas, prescriptions, and even household goods. From Costco Executive for bulk shopping and gas discounts, to Walmart+ and Amazon...
🛒 Costco Executive Membership Benefits + Cash Back
The Costco Executive Membership is $120/year (double the cost of the $60 Gold Star membership), but it quickly pays for itself if you shop at Costco often.
• 2% cash back on most Costco purchases ...
Costco Executive Membership Benefits
#ad 🏷️ Costco Membership Groupon Deal
I spotted a killer deal on Groupon for Costco memberships — perfect for new members or those who haven’t renewed in a while:
• Choose Gold Star or Executive Membership
• Includes a $100 promo code for a $200+...
Groupon Costco Membership & $100 gift Card
📦 Walmart+
• Why: Affordable everyday shopping with free delivery on groceries and household goods.
• Benefit: Free shipping (no order minimum), fuel discounts at Exxon/Mobil, and free Paramount+ streaming.
• Recession Hack: Use a credit card tha...
Walmart+ Membership | Free 30-Day Trial
🎯 Target RedCard (Debit or Credit)
The Target RedCard (available as a debit card linked to your bank account or as a credit card) is one of the easiest ways to save if you shop at Target.
• 5% off every purchase at Target (in-store & online)
...
Target Debit Card (acts like a membership card)
Clothes 💸
Clothing doesn’t have to come with designer price tags. I shop at Costco for high-quality basics and rotating seasonal finds — they often carry brands like Banana Republic, Levi’s, and even Tory Burch at warehouse prices. It’s one of the easiest ways...
Veteran thrift stores are one of my favorite recession-proof shopping hacks. You’ll find everything from clothes and shoes to furniture and home goods at a fraction of retail prices — while also supporting veteran programs and community services.
• ...
Veterans Thrift Stores
👗 My Secret Costco Fashion Hack
I’ve been secretly shopping at Costco for my clothes — and it’s one of the best recession hacks I’ve found. I’m saving so much money while still getting the same name brands I used to pay way more for at department s...
Women’s Fall Fashion Guide | Costco
Grocery 💸
Groceries don’t have to break the bank. I shop at budget-friendly stores like Aldi, Trader Joe’s, and Costco to save on everyday essentials. Also, leverage Military Commissary’s & local finds. Buying in bulk, choosing private-label items, and sta...
🥗 SNAP / Food Stamps — Sign Up & Stack Benefits
If you qualify, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (often called food stamps) can be one of the most important recession tools for stretching your grocery budget.
• How to ...
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The best way to get some free groceries? Volunteer at your local food bank!
Many food banks provide volunteers with a box of groceries after their shift. Not only are you helping your community, but you also walk away with pantry staples that cut dow...
Volunteer Opportunities at Your Local Food Bank
🌱 Local Farms, Co-ops & Produce Boxes (CSA)
I’m located in San Diego, so I’ve linked some local farms and CSA programs I recommend — but you can easily find one near you!
• Yasukochi Family Farms runs a great CSA program (home delivery or pick...
Community Based Agriculture Produce Subscription boxes or CO-OPs
🐄 Buy a Whole (or Half) Cow
I’m located in San Diego, so I’m linking the butchers and ranchers I recommend in my area — but you can easily find a local farm or meat co-op near you. This is one of the best recession grocery hacks I’ve used.
Instead...
Buy A Whole Cow
#ad 🥬 Misfits Market (Discount Organic Groceries Online)
Misfits Market is an online grocery delivery service that sells “imperfect” or surplus produce and pantry staples at up to 40% off retail prices. It’s one of the best ways to save money on h...
Misfits Market
🪖 Military Commissary (Grocery Savings for Service Members)
The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) runs commissaries on military bases worldwide, offering groceries and household essentials at cost plus a small surcharge — often 25–30% cheaper than c...
Military Commissary Store Locations
{ad} connect your snap account to Amazon, and use your EBT at check out and unlock saving through Amazon access.
Amazon.com - Pay with SNAP EBT
Health 💸
I created this list to share affordable health hacks that keep you feeling your best without overspending. From telehealth and GoodRx to Costco Optical and smart gym choices, these are the strategies I use to save money while still prioritizing welln...
Visibly is a telehealth service that lets you renew your glasses or contact lens prescription completely online — no doctor’s office visit required.
• Affordable: Exams typically cost around $35–$50, much cheaper than an in-person eye exam.
• Conve...
Visibly
I am currently using this through USAA. I am going to FIT in San Diego California, one of the most expensive gyms in the area, for a fraction of the price! Highly recommend, don’t let the gym be cut out of your budget!
The Active&Fit program giv...
Active&Fit Direct
#referralbonus 🏋️♀️With ClassPass, you can try different gyms, yoga studios, spin classes, or even wellness services like massages — all under one flexible membership. It’s perfect if you don’t want to commit to one gym or if you like variety. You ...
ClassPass
For veterans, Omni Practice offers discounted chiropractic and physical therapy services. It’s a great option if you want affordable, ongoing care for recovery, wellness, or injury prevention. Always ask if there’s a veteran rate available — many pro...
Veterans Affairs - VA Membership at Omni Practice
Beauty 💸
Beauty on a budget is possible with the right stores and hacks. Ulta, Walgreens, and CVS offer drugstore dupes that rival high-end brands. Stacking rewards and coupons, plus using programs like Amazon Subscribe & Save, means I never overpay for s...
💄 Ulta Student Deals & Rewards Hacks
Ulta is one of the best places to save on beauty if you know how to stack deals. Here’s how I maximize every trip:
• Student Discounts: Ulta partners with Student Beans and other platforms to offer special ...
Ulta Beauty Rewards Student Perks & Deals | Ulta Beauty
🛍️ Walgreens Dupes + Rewards Stacking
Walgreens is one of my favorite stops for beauty and household dupes — they carry store-brand versions of skincare, haircare, and wellness products that are often identical to high-end formulas, but at a fracti...
Beauty Products | Walgreens
Lifestyle 🧘🏻♀️
This Lifestyle section is all about recession-proof living without giving up self-care or style. From DIY beauty hacks (like doing your own nails, lashes, and hair gloss at home) to affordable luxury tips (like booking pedicures at day spas with pool...
#ad 💅 Stop Getting Your Nails Done
Salon nails and pedicures add up fast —the prices have climbed to over $200 every couple of weeks is hundreds (or even thousands) a year.
Absolutely not worth the price. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualify...
Do Your Own Nails
#referralbonus🧖♀️ Book Pedicures at Day Spas With Amenities
Here’s one of my favorite lifestyle hacks: book your pedicures at a day spa instead of a regular nail salon.
Yes, they may cost a little more upfront — but if you’re strategic, it’s abso...
Book Pedicures at Spas with Amenities using ResortPass and Get $20 off
#ad 🌿 Henna Your Own Eyebrows
Another way I save money? Skip the salon tint and henna your own eyebrows at home.
• Affordable: A salon brow tint can cost $30–$60 every few weeks. A good henna kit from Amazon is under $20 and lasts for months.
• ...
Henna Your Own Brows
#ad ✨ Gloss Your Own Hair
Salon gloss treatments can run $50–$100+ every few months — but you can get the same shine and color refresh at home for a fraction of the cost.
• Affordable: At-home gloss kits from Amazon or beauty stores are usually und...
Gloss Your Own Hair
#ad Spray tans at a salon can cost $40–$70 per session, and keeping up with them adds up fast. Instead, invest in an at-home spray tan kit and save big.
• Affordable: Starter kits on Amazon range from $30-50— often the cost of just 1–2 salon visits....
Tan At Home For Less
#ad Let’s be real — strip lashes are having a comeback. They really should have never left…They’re beginner-friendly, budget-friendly, and recession-proof.
• 💸 Affordable: No more dropping $300 on lash extensions or trying (and failing) to DIY clus...
Strip Lashes Are Back and Recession Proof
#ad 🏋️♀️ClassPass isn’t just for fitness — you can also book Brazilian waxes, facials, massages, and other spa treatments through the app.
• Discounted rates: Many wellness services are available at a lower cost compared to booking directly.
• Fl...
Book Brazilian Waxing and Other Services on ClassPass
#referralbonus If you’re tired of constant waxing appointments, it might be time to start laser hair removal. And winter is the perfect season to begin — since you’re less exposed to the sun.
• Costs are shifting: With waxing prices climbing higher,...
Get Laser and Wax Less. CLAIM FREE LASER SESSION AT SEV LASER