The times are oh-so-bad and recession or depression or a slowdown (whatever you may call it) is upon us. Well, this world is all about survival of the money savers and so, save we must - here are 30 practical ways of cutting expenses and saving big:
1 Save on energy costs - use power-saving CFL lights, monitor and change your thermostat's temperature as required during daytime and night and don't leave lights/appliances on when you don't require them.
2. Skip the movies and rent or borrow dvds. You will also save money by making your own popcorn.
3. Want to spend some time with friends? Instead of going out have a fun night of coffee, cards and good conversation.
4. Do you eat out at work? Plan ahead and pack your lunch.
5. Share rides to work with co-workers or use public transportation.
6. Go generic on prescription and over the counter drugs whenever possible.
7. Use coupons while shopping at grocery stores, and always shop according to a list. Preferably shop on double-coupon days. Maybe, you can buy supplies from bulk food warehouses.
8. Call long-distance in the evening and on weekends. If you make a lot of long distance calls look for a plan that offers unlimited free long distance.
9. At the end of the day get into the habit of putting all your spare change in a jar. Once it is full roll it and put it in a savings account. Some banks will even count it for you for free.
10. Never pay full price for clothing. Check the sales flyers in your Sunday paper. Why pay full price on a pair of jeans at one store when another store is having a sale?
11. Can anyone really afford cigarettes anymore? For the sake of your budget and your health now is a good time to quit.
12. Save water - keep your showers short.
13. Don't waste money on a gym - instead, jog, walk, workout at home or cycle.
14. Keep your vehicle well maintained. That way you will hopefully get many more miles out of it well after it is paid off.
15. Shop in discount stores - even Warren Buffet does that!
16. If you're paying a high interest on a mortgage or credit card - refinance it, change it or consolidate your debt to save on interest.
17. Eat out less. Try to keep stocked up on the ingredients for quick meals to keep from going through the drive-thru on days you are just too tired to cook.
18. Always bargain at shops and look at a few options before making a purchase. If you're buying fancy stuff like jewelry, buy it from a pawn shop.
19. Is rent high where you live? consider getting a roommate or move if you have to.
20. Check out Freecycle.org for getting free stuff or getting rid of things that you don't use. Many communities have their own chapter.
21. Stick with basic cable. Your family might balk at the idea but your wallet will thank you.
22. Do your own manicures and pedicures. Color your hair at home.
23. Open a savings account that you use just for emergencies. If possible have just $5.00 per week taking right out of your paycheck and work your way up. This will come in handy the next time you have an emergency car repair.
24. When shopping for your work wardrobe try to avoid anything that is "dry clean only".
25. See if you can get a better price on insurance. Some companies will give you a deal if you carry all your policies (car, homeowners, etc) through them.
26. Drink more water. Sugary soft drinks should be an occasional treat instead of an everyday staple.
27. Have a yard sale. Not only will you make some extra cash but you will also get rid of excess clutter.
28. Always pay your bills on time. Late fees can really eat up your budget.
29. Plant a vegetable garden. If you don't have a lot of space you could try container gardening.
30. Know when to splurge. Cut back on the trivial things that eat up your paycheck and you can splurge occasionally on something fun.
Whether you implement some or all of these tips or even come up with a few of your own, finding creative ways to stretch your budget will really pay off financially.
1 Save on energy costs - use power-saving CFL lights, monitor and change your thermostat's temperature as required during daytime and night and don't leave lights/appliances on when you don't require them.
2. Skip the movies and rent or borrow dvds. You will also save money by making your own popcorn.
3. Want to spend some time with friends? Instead of going out have a fun night of coffee, cards and good conversation.
4. Do you eat out at work? Plan ahead and pack your lunch.
5. Share rides to work with co-workers or use public transportation.
6. Go generic on prescription and over the counter drugs whenever possible.
7. Use coupons while shopping at grocery stores, and always shop according to a list. Preferably shop on double-coupon days. Maybe, you can buy supplies from bulk food warehouses.
8. Call long-distance in the evening and on weekends. If you make a lot of long distance calls look for a plan that offers unlimited free long distance.
9. At the end of the day get into the habit of putting all your spare change in a jar. Once it is full roll it and put it in a savings account. Some banks will even count it for you for free.
10. Never pay full price for clothing. Check the sales flyers in your Sunday paper. Why pay full price on a pair of jeans at one store when another store is having a sale?
11. Can anyone really afford cigarettes anymore? For the sake of your budget and your health now is a good time to quit.
12. Save water - keep your showers short.
13. Don't waste money on a gym - instead, jog, walk, workout at home or cycle.
14. Keep your vehicle well maintained. That way you will hopefully get many more miles out of it well after it is paid off.
15. Shop in discount stores - even Warren Buffet does that!
16. If you're paying a high interest on a mortgage or credit card - refinance it, change it or consolidate your debt to save on interest.
17. Eat out less. Try to keep stocked up on the ingredients for quick meals to keep from going through the drive-thru on days you are just too tired to cook.
18. Always bargain at shops and look at a few options before making a purchase. If you're buying fancy stuff like jewelry, buy it from a pawn shop.
19. Is rent high where you live? consider getting a roommate or move if you have to.
20. Check out Freecycle.org for getting free stuff or getting rid of things that you don't use. Many communities have their own chapter.
21. Stick with basic cable. Your family might balk at the idea but your wallet will thank you.
22. Do your own manicures and pedicures. Color your hair at home.
23. Open a savings account that you use just for emergencies. If possible have just $5.00 per week taking right out of your paycheck and work your way up. This will come in handy the next time you have an emergency car repair.
24. When shopping for your work wardrobe try to avoid anything that is "dry clean only".
25. See if you can get a better price on insurance. Some companies will give you a deal if you carry all your policies (car, homeowners, etc) through them.
26. Drink more water. Sugary soft drinks should be an occasional treat instead of an everyday staple.
27. Have a yard sale. Not only will you make some extra cash but you will also get rid of excess clutter.
28. Always pay your bills on time. Late fees can really eat up your budget.
29. Plant a vegetable garden. If you don't have a lot of space you could try container gardening.
30. Know when to splurge. Cut back on the trivial things that eat up your paycheck and you can splurge occasionally on something fun.
Whether you implement some or all of these tips or even come up with a few of your own, finding creative ways to stretch your budget will really pay off financially.
About the Author:
Get your Free Recipe Ebook when you visit Eating On A Budget and sign up for our free newsletter full of recipes and tips to save money.
0 comments:
Post a Comment