7 Ways to Save on Everyday Living in Colorado

Between rising costs and a summer packed with tempting adventures, Colorado life can empty your wallet before the season’s even over. But whether you’re a Front Range local or tucked into the mountains, there are savings opportunities that most residents never bother to claim.

Here are seven ways to keep more of what you earn.

Plug into Xcel Energy rebates.

Residents can put money back in their pockets with utility rebate programs and save long-term. Xcel Energy® customers can receive rebates on select high‑efficiency heat‑pump and HVAC systems, with total rebates often in the thousands of dollars depending on system size and program participation. Xcel also publishes additional rebate and cost-cutting options. Visit their website to check current incentives and see which ones apply to your home.

Even if you’re not an Xcel Energy customer, you can still lower your bill. Other Colorado utility companies offer similar rebates for eligible equipment.

Fight phantom energy drain.

Energy-conscious consumers can lower their bills with one small tweak. Plugged-in electronics like televisions, gaming consoles, chargers, and small appliances can still draw power when they’re off. The U.S. Department of Energy says standby power can account for 5% to 10% of residential energy use, and smart power strips can help cut that waste by shutting off power when devices go into standby mode.

Claim the e-bike credit.

Save on gas and have one less reason to pay for a gym membership. Colorado residents can get state e‑bike incentives starting at $225, plus additional local or retailer discounts, with total savings often reaching $450 or more, depending on location and income.

For example, the Colorado Energy Office offers a statewide e-bike tax credit on qualifying purchases. As of January 1, 2026, the credit is $225 for eligible e-bikes bought through participating retailers, making it more of an instant discount than a rebate.

Harvest rainwater for your yard.

Colorado law allows residents to capture up to 110 gallons of rainwater in designated barrels for outdoor use. Paired with a smart irrigation schedule, this simple change can cut outdoor water use to lower summer utility bills.

Join a local Buy Nothing group.

Before you drive to a big-box store, check whether your neighborhood has a Buy Nothing group on Facebook. These hyperlocal communities let residents give away furniture, clothing, decor, kitchen items, and more, completely free. Search your zip code or city name plus “Buy Nothing” and see what neighbors are offering.

Plant free shade trees.

Several Colorado cities offer tree-planting or giveaway programs that help residents add shade and lower watering needs. Denver’s Denver Digs Trees program offers free and low-cost trees to residents. Boulder holds an annual tree seedling giveaway that includes free native plants while Colorado Springs’ Grow Shade Together program provides free trees to eligible neighborhoods.

Get a library card.

Your local library card does more than give you access to physical books, eBooks, and other media at no cost. Use it to get free passes to Colorado State Parks (valid up to two weeks), job search resources, and tickets to cultural events. Consider it a membership card that pays for itself before you ever borrow a single book.

These everyday savings are a great start, but the right financial strategy can take you further. Call (800) 444-4816 to speak with a Member Advocate at Credit Union of Colorado and discover financial solutions that help make Colorado living more affordable.