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:
by Judy Turner
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. Hang your clothes instead of using the dryer, Only run things your dishwasher when full. And don’t leave lights or appliances on unless you are using them.
2. Skip the movies and rent or borrow dvds. You will also save money by making your own popcorn.
3. Instead of meeting friends for coffee or drinks invite them over for potluck. Take turns each week at each others house.
4. Take your lunch to work more often. Your savings will really add up!
5. Carpool to work whenever possible.
6. Buy generic drugs instead of branded ones.
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. If you make a lot of long distance calls then it may pay to go with a plan that offers free long distance. Otherwise, limit calls to nights and weekends when rates are normally cheaper.
9. Piggy-bank loose change.
10. Buy clothing off season and never pay full price. Often what you find at one store full price will offer something similar on sale.
11. If you smoke quit! Not only will you save a ton of money but your health will greatly improve.
12. Install a water saver type shower head.
13. Save money by working out at home. Rent or borrow an exercise dvd before buying to make sure you like it.
14. Maintain your car yourself - i.e., do basic stuff like changing the oil, washing it, etc.
15. Shop discount stores. But be careful, sometimes you can still find the items cheaper on sale somewhere else.
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. Don’t be afraid to ask for a deal when buying large ticket items such as cars and furniture.
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. Subscribe only to the TV channels that you watch and cut out the rest.
22. We all like to splurge once in a while on things like manicures but if are trying to save money consider doing this yourself.
23. Start a savings account just for emergencies. Start small like $5.00 per week.
24. Save on dry cleaning costs by purchasing items that can be washed at home.
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. Cut back on soft drinks. Water is a much healthier alternative.
27. Reduce clutter and earn some extra money with a garage sale.
28. Always pay your bills on time. Late fees can really eat up your budget.
29. Try your hand at gardening. If you are limited on space check online for information on raised beds or container gardening.
30. If there is some luxury that you can not live without then by all means try to figure it into your budget once in a while. We all deserve a little luxury in our lives!
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.
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