25 Smart Ways Washington Can Stretch a Dollar

Money's tight, but these tips could help you save — or even make a little extra.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:11pm

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A vibrant abstract illustration composed of overlapping triangles, rectangles, and circles in shades of blue, yellow, and red, conceptually representing the diverse strategies people can use to save money and boost their income.Innovative approaches to budgeting and side hustles can help Washington residents weather economic challenges.Yakima Today

With money tight in Washington, this article provides 25 practical tips to help people save money and even make a little extra cash through side hustles and other creative means. The story shares the author's own experiences juggling multiple part-time jobs and side gigs in their 20s and 30s to make ends meet, and encourages readers to explore options like mowing yards, recycling, and starting small businesses to supplement their income.

Why it matters

In an era of stagnant wages and rising costs of living, many Washington residents are struggling to make ends meet. This story offers timely and relatable advice for those looking to tighten their belts and find new ways to stretch their limited budgets.

The details

The article covers a wide range of money-saving tips, from finding discounts and making simple changes to daily habits, to exploring side hustles and small business opportunities. The author shares their personal experience of juggling multiple part-time jobs and side gigs in their 20s and 30s, including working as a medical lab driver, at Hollywood Video, and at a local radio station, as well as mowing yards, recycling, and even starting a small comedy LLC.

  • The author was in their mid-20s to early 30s when they were working multiple part-time jobs and side hustles.
  • The author ran their comedy LLC for about 10 years.

The players

Alexander Grey

A photographer whose image is used to illustrate the article.

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What they’re saying

“There was a point in my life (mid-20s, early 30s) where I was not employed full-time, but had several part-time jobs, and even more side hustles to make ends meet.”

— Timmy, Author

The takeaway

In an era of economic uncertainty, this story offers practical and relatable advice for Washington residents looking to supplement their income and stretch their limited budgets through a variety of money-saving tactics and side hustles.