It may seem difficult to save money when the cost of living is so high nowadays. However, there are 10 things you can do to help stretch your dollars and save you money.
1. Start saving money right in your own home by switching to compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs. CFL bulbs can help bring down your energy costs by 80% and still provide you with the same lighting quality as incandescent bulbs. Look for the Energy Star rating whenever you buy bulbs and lamps so you’re sure that the lighting products you’re buying are quality and energy compliant.
2. Don’t do your grocery shopping without making a list of the items you need to buy. And when you do get to the grocery, stick to your list. If you find yourself reaching for items that aren’t on your list, take a step back. Train yourself to only buy the things you put in your list. However, when you are making your list, make sure that you prioritize the items and that you list those things that you really need, not the things that you want. If possible, buy non-perishable items in bulk since they are much cheaper to buy that way instead of individually.
3. Coupons can add up a lot of savings when you take advantage of them. All you need is a little patience when clipping and organizing those coupons. Many coupon savvy shoppers often save $20 to $30 on their shopping trip when they use coupons. Save coupons that do not expire and don’t forget to bring them with you on your shopping trips. Often, stores publish coupons in local newspapers or have flyers printed, so be on the lookout for these.
4. Whenever possible, buy some of the things you need online because you’ll often find the best and lowest prices online, even after shipping costs. Some online stores even offer free shipping when you buy a minimum number of items from them. It pays to get on the mailing lists of these online stores because they will usually have discounts and online coupons inside their e-mail newsletters. You can also save money on many items by bidding on them at auction places like eBay. With patience, you’ll find items you need at 75% off their retail price.
5. Instead of going out for lunch, try bringing packed lunch with you to work. You can cook your meals ahead of time, freeze them in small containers and take a meal with you to work. You can also make sandwiches if cooking a meal is too much for you.
6. Try to curb the impulse to go inside a fast food chain or drive-thru on your way home to work. Instead of eating out, cook your own meals. If you don’t have a lot of time to cook every night, you can cook your meals ahead of time and freezing them in small containers so all you’ll have to do is microwave them when you’re ready to eat. Check out cookbooks containing quick and easy recipes for busy people.
7. Your pantry holds a veritable supply of items you can use for creating your own homemade skin care products. Did you know that cucumbers, milk, oatmeal, honey, lemon, baking soda and salt are not only good for cooking, but are also great for making simple homemade skin care products? For instance, mix honey and oatmeal and you have a natural exfoliating product. If you want softer skin, you can use milk and cucumber.
8. If your way of de-stressing is to shop, you need to find another way. Instead of shopping, try going for a walk or watching a movie instead. Shopping may help take out your stress, but it you’re in for another round of stress when your next credit card statement arrives in the mail!
9. If you’re going out to the movies, bring your own snack with you. Sodas and snacks in movie houses tend to cost at least 25% more than in retail stores. Better yet, you can simply wait for the movies to go out on DVDs and simply renting and watching them at home. Nothing beats homemade popcorn and enjoying a movie right in your comfy couch.
10. Whenever possible, pay off your credit card balances every month and do it on time so you don’t incur finance charges. For small purchases, pay with cash instead. There are times, though, when it would be a good deal to pay for items using a credit card, like when you can get 0% interest on buying appliance or if you are getting cash rebates.
