Wed
2
Jul
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. Cut back on energy costs whenever possible. Hang clothes instead of using your dryer whenever possible (outdoors in nice weather and inside on racks during bad weather). Use energy saving CFL lights. Get in the habit of turning off lights and appliances when you leave a room.
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. Do you eat out at work? Plan ahead and pack your lunch.
5. Use public transportation or a carpool.
6. Buy generic drugs instead of branded ones.
7. Make a list when you go grocery shopping and stick to it. Use coupons on items you normally buy and try to shop on double coupon days. Stocking up on non perishables or items that can be frozen is also a good idea when they are on sale.
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. Start saving your spare change. You will be surprised at how fast it adds up.
10. Buy clothes off season when you can get the best prices. I stock up on kids clothes a year in advance and just buy a size or two larger depending on the age of the child.
11. Stop smoking. Easier said than done but can you really afford not to?
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 up on maintenance to extend the life of you car.
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. Keep ingredients on hand for meals that you can have on the table in under 30 minutes. This just might keep you from ordering take out if you had a busy day.
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. In the market for a new home? Find a home under the price the your bank has pre-approved you for. With more affordable payments you may even be able to pay a little extra on your mortgage each month.
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. Do your own manicures and pedicures. Color your hair at home.
23. Having a savings account just for emergencies is a must! Otherwise you'll end up resorting to credit cards. Try to put away just $5.00-$10.00 per week away and watch it add up. As you pay off debt increase your savings.
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. Drink less soft drinks and more water. Not only will it save on your grocery bill but it is also better for your health.
27. Reduce clutter and earn some extra money with a garage sale.
28. Don't be late in paying your bills - the interest can be killing.
29. Consider planting a garden. Produce such as zucchini can be shredded and frozen for future recipes. Find information at your local library online on how to get started.
30. Don't be afraid to splurge once in a while. If you cut back here and there you deserve to treat yourself once in a while. Just make sure you plan for it.
These are just a few tips to help you stretch your budget. You might even come up with a few of your own!
1. Cut back on energy costs whenever possible. Hang clothes instead of using your dryer whenever possible (outdoors in nice weather and inside on racks during bad weather). Use energy saving CFL lights. Get in the habit of turning off lights and appliances when you leave a room.
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. Do you eat out at work? Plan ahead and pack your lunch.
5. Use public transportation or a carpool.
6. Buy generic drugs instead of branded ones.
7. Make a list when you go grocery shopping and stick to it. Use coupons on items you normally buy and try to shop on double coupon days. Stocking up on non perishables or items that can be frozen is also a good idea when they are on sale.
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. Start saving your spare change. You will be surprised at how fast it adds up.
10. Buy clothes off season when you can get the best prices. I stock up on kids clothes a year in advance and just buy a size or two larger depending on the age of the child.
11. Stop smoking. Easier said than done but can you really afford not to?
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 up on maintenance to extend the life of you car.
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. Keep ingredients on hand for meals that you can have on the table in under 30 minutes. This just might keep you from ordering take out if you had a busy day.
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. In the market for a new home? Find a home under the price the your bank has pre-approved you for. With more affordable payments you may even be able to pay a little extra on your mortgage each month.
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. Do your own manicures and pedicures. Color your hair at home.
23. Having a savings account just for emergencies is a must! Otherwise you'll end up resorting to credit cards. Try to put away just $5.00-$10.00 per week away and watch it add up. As you pay off debt increase your savings.
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. Drink less soft drinks and more water. Not only will it save on your grocery bill but it is also better for your health.
27. Reduce clutter and earn some extra money with a garage sale.
28. Don't be late in paying your bills - the interest can be killing.
29. Consider planting a garden. Produce such as zucchini can be shredded and frozen for future recipes. Find information at your local library online on how to get started.
30. Don't be afraid to splurge once in a while. If you cut back here and there you deserve to treat yourself once in a while. Just make sure you plan for it.
These are just a few tips to help you stretch your budget. You might even come up with a few of your own!
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Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008 at 1:51 am
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