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. Go for a matinee show on weekdays. Avoid weekends.
3. Want to spend some time with friends? Instead of going out have a fun night of coffee, cards and good conversation.
4. Carry your lunch to work.
5. Share rides to work with co-workers or use public transportation.
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. 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. Start saving your spare change. You will be surprised at how fast it adds up.
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. Can anyone really afford cigarettes anymore? For the sake of your budget and your health now is a good time to quit.
12. Doing little things like not running the water while brushing your teeth will save a lot of water.
13. Save money by working out at home. Rent or borrow an exercise dvd before buying to make sure you like it.
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. Dollar stores are a great place to stock up on items such as wrapping paper, gift cards, gift bags, etc.
16. Get out from underneath credit card debt by making more than the minimum payment each month.
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. If you're paying a high rent, move to a cheaper place.
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. 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. 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. Cut back on soft drinks. Water is a much healthier alternative.
27. Have a rummage sale or check out local consignment shops. They will either give you a set price for all your stuff or, sell your items and share the commission with you.
28. Don't be late in paying your bills - the interest can be killing.
29. Try your hand at gardening. If you are limited on space check online for information on raised beds or container gardening.
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.
Whether you try just a few of these tips or all of them, these tips can really help you stretch your budget.
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. Go for a matinee show on weekdays. Avoid weekends.
3. Want to spend some time with friends? Instead of going out have a fun night of coffee, cards and good conversation.
4. Carry your lunch to work.
5. Share rides to work with co-workers or use public transportation.
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. 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. Start saving your spare change. You will be surprised at how fast it adds up.
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. Can anyone really afford cigarettes anymore? For the sake of your budget and your health now is a good time to quit.
12. Doing little things like not running the water while brushing your teeth will save a lot of water.
13. Save money by working out at home. Rent or borrow an exercise dvd before buying to make sure you like it.
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. Dollar stores are a great place to stock up on items such as wrapping paper, gift cards, gift bags, etc.
16. Get out from underneath credit card debt by making more than the minimum payment each month.
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. If you're paying a high rent, move to a cheaper place.
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. 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. 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. Cut back on soft drinks. Water is a much healthier alternative.
27. Have a rummage sale or check out local consignment shops. They will either give you a set price for all your stuff or, sell your items and share the commission with you.
28. Don't be late in paying your bills - the interest can be killing.
29. Try your hand at gardening. If you are limited on space check online for information on raised beds or container gardening.
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.
Whether you try just a few of these tips or all of them, these tips can really help you stretch your budget.
About the Author:
Visit Eating On A Budget and receive a free recipe ebook with over 200 quick and easy recipes just by sharing your own frugal recipe or tip!
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