When storing leftovers in the refrigerator, it's imperative to cover the food to keep it fresh. But did you know covering your food also helps save energy? A refrigerator has something called a compressor; its job is to keep the air inside the fridge cool. Moist air in the refrigerator is harder to keep cool, so the compressor has to work harder. Uncovered food emits moisture, and over time, it uses more energy. Investing in reusable silicone covers or foil to cover food is a simple and easy way to help save energy and money.

For every extra 100 pounds inside your car, the overall fuel efficiency is reduced by 2 percent. While that number may sound low, it adds up to a significant amount of wasted fuel (and money) over time. While it's obvious to keep the trunk empty of things like golf clubs and boxes of random stuff, you can also save money by uninstalling little-used car furnishings. If your car has as third row, for example, those spare seats can be taken out and put aside. The heavy extra seats are a cinch to remove, and they can be stored in your garage and reinstalled when you are transporting a crowd.

Want to buff out minor scratches and marks on your smartphone? Many online tech sites swear by toothpaste. Any light abrasive paste can work, including creamy toothpaste (not gel) or creams used to buff out car scratches. Just seal the ports and buttons with a little tape, and use a tiny bit of the cream on the scratched area, buffing with a soft cloth. Take your time, and be gentle with the cleaning. Over time, you may see a scratch-free screen thanks to this DIY solution.