The news is sudden, and you find yourself in a rush to free up cash. Maybe an enormous medical bill arrived in the mail, or your car is making that unsettling noise again. Or perhaps you just discovered something online that you’ll find any way to afford.

There are many reasons you may need to save money fast, but unfortunately, your savings account may not be a treasure trove you can mine. According to Forbes Advisor, economic challenges like inflation in recent years have made building a comfortable savings more difficult than ever—for just about everyone. So once you’ve overturned the sofa cushions, what else can you do to get your hands on quick cash?

One of most proven and dependable ways to build savings quickly is to cut expenses. Fortunately, there are seven fast and simple ways to do so within just one week.

1. Reduce your grocery bill

Groceries may be one of your greatest weekly expenses, but you can reduce these costs and save significantly without having to compromise your household needs. Plan your meals for the week in advance, choosing bulk recipes that can last the week—or ones that call for pantry staples you already have on hand, like rice and canned vegetables. Make a list of essential ingredients and other home necessities, then be faithful to it when you shop. You can also save if you search for coupons and specials on your local grocer’s website and social media or if you switch from fresh meat and produce to cheaper frozen alternatives.

2. Eat in

A high grocery bill pales in comparison to the costs of dining out or ordering in. Sure, it’s simple and indulgent to let someone else take care of dinner, but think of cooking as an extra source of income—you “pay” yourself by saving loads of money per serving. Plus, preparing meals at home means you’re more likely to have leftovers to enjoy the next day. If you’re an inexperienced cook or are short on inspiration, you can find simple-to-follow recipes here.

3. Stay in

Fuel, electric charging, and public transportation costs can add up fast, so if you’re eager to save money short-term, put a pause on nonessential travel—that means traveling for work and errands only. Also determine what business you can conduct online, like depositing checks or disputing bills.

4. Reduce service fees

You may likely be overpaying for your phone, internet, or insurance plans. Devote two hours this week to researching lower-cost plans such as a prepaid phone service or one that reduces your internet download speed. Many companies like insurers are eager to buy your business from a competitor and will happily offer you an appealing introductory offer. Consider signing up for plans that advertise a year or so of monthly discounts or enroll-now-pay-later deals, which can save you money.

5. Curb impulse buys

Avoid temptation at all costs. Stay away from coffee shops and stores like Target, where you may be urged to drop serious cash. If you have an app like Amazon or Facebook Marketplace that makes it all too easy to make one-tap purchases, uninstall these programs for now. Also, if you’re prone to online shopping, consider removing your credit card from your smartphone wallet, Apple Pay, and Google Pay accounts to slow the shopping process and give you time to rethink impulse purchases.

6. Pause subscription fees

If your monthly fitness membership or streaming service bill is due this week, putting a temporary pause on these services could save you a couple hundred dollars. Finnicky memberships may force you to wait a full month until you can rejoin, but paying another important bill on time or making a big-ticket purchase is worth one month of working out at home.

7. Enjoy free entertainment

Be realistic about what you can afford. If you’re trying to save money by Friday, you’ll need to say no to happy hours, concerts, going to a movie, and other costly events. But there are still free forms of recreation you can enjoy guilt-free, like movie and game nights at home or going on a walk. These may not be your favorite activities in the world, but the satisfaction you’ll feel when you save at the end of the week will be worth the few days of frugality.