Blog | ZayZoon

Small ways to save using workplace benefits

Written by Shailee Koranne | August 18, 2025

What do you think of when you think of saving money? Is it making homemade coffee and skipping Starbucks, getting into meal prepping, cutting coupons, or only eating out during happy hour? These are all great ways to save a few bucks, but one of the most overlooked ways to stretch your budget is right where you spend most of your day—at work.

Many employers offer perks and programs beyond your paycheck that can help you save money, reduce expenses, and even improve your quality of life. And while some benefits are well-advertised, others stay tucked away in onboarding documents, HR portals, or payroll platforms, waiting for employees to discover them.

Here’s how to uncover, understand, and use those benefits to save a little more each month.

1. Explore what your employer already offers

The first step is simple: ask questions. Your HR team or employee handbook can be a goldmine of cost-saving opportunities. 

Often, companies offer benefits like:

  • Health and wellness stipends — These might cover gym memberships, fitness classes, or even meditation apps.
  • Professional development budgets — Conferences, online courses, or certifications might be covered, saving you hundreds on career growth expenses.
  • Childcare or dependent care assistance — Some employers provide flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or subsidies to offset care costs.
  • Commuter benefits — Pre-tax deductions for transit passes or parking can make a big difference over time.

Even if your employer doesn’t directly offer these benefits, they might have negotiated discounts with local or national businesses, from cell phone providers to theme parks.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions to your manager or HR team, or consult your employee handbook.

Additionally, set a calendar reminder to review your benefits at least once a year (or whenever HR sends updates). Benefits change, and you don’t want to miss out.

2. Don’t forget your payroll platform

We often think of our payroll portal as just the place to check our pay stubs. But many modern payroll platforms partner with companies like ZayZoon to build in perks, discounts, and other helpful tools at no cost to employees. Often, these perks are available even to those employees who don’t get traditional benefits. 

For example, with ZayZoon, all employees have access to:

  • Insurance — Discounts on coverage like life, pet, or home insurance that can cost less than going through the open market.
  • LegalShield — Affordable legal services for things like creating a will, reviewing contracts, or getting legal advice, without the steep hourly attorney fees.
  • Financial education tools — Budgeting support, credit resources, and tips to help you make smarter money moves.
  • Discounts on essentials — Save on everyday necessities like prescription medication, groceries, and mental health support
  • And more! 

Check your payroll platform to see if you have access to free benefits that could save you money now and in the future. 

3. Use pre-tax programs to your advantage

If your employer offers pre-tax benefits like FSAs, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), or commuter programs, using them can lower your taxable income—meaning you keep more of your paycheck.

  • FSA — Great for predictable health expenses like prescriptions, co-pays, or even glasses and contacts.
  • HSA — Best for those with high-deductible health plans, letting you save for medical expenses now or in retirement.
  • Commuter benefits — If you spend $100 a month on public transit, pre-tax deductions could save you $20–$30 monthly. 

Speaking of taxes—ZayZoon also offers free tax season support through our partnerships with Column Tax in the USA and H&R Block® in Canada! If filing taxes overwhelms you, don’t wait till it’s too late to get help with that annual chore.  

Many people skip these because they’re unsure of the rules. HR or your payroll provider can walk you through exactly how they work and what’s eligible.

4. Look for employer-subsidized insurance

Even if you already have health insurance, your employer may offer other coverage options that are much cheaper through group rates. This could include:

  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Pet insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance

Buying these individually can be pricey, but employer-negotiated plans often cost a fraction of the market price.

With ZayZoon Perks Marketplace, you may also find insurance discounts beyond what your employer directly offers. This helps you fill in any gaps in coverage without breaking your budget.

5. Take advantage of employee discount programs

Many companies subscribe to employee discount networks that offer savings on everything from electronics to travel.

You’re probably already a great deal-hunter. But if your employer partners with ZayZoon, you have access to even more curated discounts that you won’t find in a general internet search.

Typical discounts from ZayZoon include:

  • Up to 80% off prescription and over-the-counter medications with a free, no-membership discount card that you can share with your family
  • Reduced prices on budgeting apps that can help you make long-term plans for your paycheck
  • Deals on instant gift cards with bonuses for places where you regularly spend money, like Walmart, Amazon, Doordash, and more

6. Ask about wellness and lifestyle perks

Beyond the obvious financial benefits, some workplace perks help you save indirectly by improving your overall well-being. For example:

  • Mental health programs — Free counseling sessions or therapy subsidies mean you save on out-of-pocket costs.
  • Wellness challenges — Programs that reward healthy habits (like walking challenges) often come with gift cards or prizes.
  • Meditation and wellness apps — Discounted or free access to resources you can use every day to manage stress 

These perks can reduce personal spending while improving your quality of life. In other words, a win-win.

Workplace benefits bring savings closer

Saving money doesn’t always mean cutting out the things that bring you peace of mind, like that morning coffee or choosing rideshare once in a while. You shouldn’t have to feel guilty about spending your money how you want to, especially if you’re tapped into potential savings opportunities. 

By digging deep into workplace benefits—like those built right into your payroll platform—you can save significant amounts of money each year.

With a little curiosity and a few clicks, you can unlock savings that keep more money in your pocket. 

Check out ZayZoon in the Google Play or App Store.