Have you ever read a savings article, just to discover that none of the tips apply to you? You have no subscriptions to cancel and don’t eat out often, for example. If you are already a frugal person, but can’t seem to save, it’s probably because fixed expenses are typically the biggest bills, and it’s hard to cut back on those. When your fixed expenses are the issue, it’s a lot harder to save money, but there are little things you can do today that will add up over time. Here are just a few ways to save money even when cash is tight.

1. Time your spending right.

Unexpected expenses occur, but other spending can be planned to help you save. For example, if your TV is dying, wait until savings events like Labor Day sales, Black Friday or January when last year’s models are discounted. If you need new furniture, wait for July when stores reduce prices. Miss dining out or celebrating a special event? Take advantage of happy hours and spend much less on a meal out.

2. Invest in maintenance.

Whether it’s your health, your car or your home, being proactive on maintenance will save you money in the long-term. Getting your annual check up and regular healthcare screenings can not only save your life, but it can also help you avoid large medical bills down the road. Going to the dentist once a year can help you avoid cavities, root canals, gum disease and other issues that can result in medical bills. Your car needs regular maintenance as well. Change your oil and perform other maintenance to avoid large car repair bills. If you suspect an issue with your home like a leak, call a contractor right away to prevent further damage. While maintenance expenses can seem like a lot, they are a fraction of what you would owe if issues went unaddressed.

3. Take advantage of free stuff.

You don’t have to stay home to save money. You can enjoy experiences for free or for cheap by taking advantage of special offers. Lots of restaurants offer free food or BOGO deals, especially when you download their apps. Some restaurants allow kids to eat free on certain days, while others offer buy one get one free deal on meals. Your birthday is a great day to save. Sign up for restaurant newsletters to receive freebies on your birthday.

4. Pay off your high-interest debt.

Credit card debt costs you a lot in interest every month. Paying it off will free up your funds for something else. It can be hard to pay down a credit card when you’re living on a tight budget, but a personal loan from Uprova.com can help. You can use the loan to consolidate your high-interest debts to make it easier to manage your debt and pay it off faster.

5. Prep before you hit the grocery store.

Never go grocery shopping hungry and without a list. Take some time to make a menu for the week, then plan out what you need for each meal. Going to the grocery store prepared can help prevent you from splurging or overbuying. Fresh produce goes bad quickly, so buying exactly what you need can prevent waste. Check for coupons before you buy to save even more. If you don’t have a store card, signing up for one can help you take advantage of deals.

6. Repair instead of buying new.

When something’s broken, evaluate if it can be saved before tossing it. You can learn simple sewing skills online and repair clothes with simple tears. There are many things you can learn to DIY and save. If your chair or table has a wabbly leg, don’t shop for a new one; you may be able to fix it. Is your fridge not working the way it used to? Look for online videos to help you repair it.

You can save cash, even when you’re frugal. There are plenty of other ways to save money including removing from your home like incandescent light bulbs, shopping for a new cell phone plan, switching banks, or being strategic about where you put your money. If you need a personal loan to consolidate your high-interest debts or cover unexpected expenses, Uprova can help. You can request a loan between $300 and $5,000 online. It’s fast, simple and secure. Make your request for funds today.