Who is not looking for ways to save some money these days? When every penny matters, it's important to learn where all the nickels and dimes are going. There are great financial advisors out there that may help their clients pay off a large debt or set up a budget; I'm just a mom of eight that has learned there are some simple ways to save. The ideas I'm sharing may not save you enough money to pay off your mortgage, but if implemented, the rewards will add up and the results will by satisfying.
Besides money, food is at the topCut down on the trips to Starbucks. Easy to say for someone who doesn't drink coffee, but do the exercise of adding up the cost of coffee drinks for one month. It may astound you!
If chips and pop consumption are a regular part of your family's diet, cut it down to 2-3 days a week. If that's hard, ask the kids to buy the extra snacks they want. Drink more water for health and savings.
Shop the day old bread shops. Store up and freeze what you won't be using right away.
Freezers are a good investment. Being able to buy food in bulk and store it safely can reduce your grocery bill. But make sure the bulk buying from your club store is something you will eventually eat.
Stay away from convenience foods. Compare a snack box of crackers and meat for you child versus buying the individual items and having many more servings.
Make a menu plan and buy accordingly. Go to the grocery with list in hand and promise to keep to it. This will cut down on the impulse buying.
Go, go, go...Combine errands instead of making separate trips. If you live rurally, plan appointments and errands for the same day. A long day, though tiring, will still add up to less gas spent commuting.
Walk instead of drive. Not always feasible, but great for the heart and wallet, when possible.
Extracurricular school activities can be fun, but also mean money. Talk about playing only one sport a year instead of two. Dinners away from home, snacks, equipment and traveling costs add up quickly.
Heat and other household comfortsTurn the heat down and put on layers. I always hated hearing that one from my frugal husband, but with the costs of energy skyrocketing, I guess I can grab the sweater out of the closet.
Keep screens on outside doors and place towels around door crevices.
Pay bills online. Even savings on stamps will help a bit.
Use long distance phone cards instead of a long distance carrier. Even though there is extra time taken in dialing the access number, it is well worth it. Phone cards are available at Costco and other big stores.
Be sure to check your cell phone plan. Are you constantly running over the minutes allowed and paying extra? Seek out a plan that will work better for your lifestyle.
Ask for quotes from other insurance agencies. If they know you are interested in changing companies, they will work hard to give you a better price.
Instead of getting the newest book hot off the presses, check out the library and put in your request. CDs of your favorite music artists add up quickly. Multiply each jewel case by $10, at least. If movies are a frequent purchase or you spend a lot on rentals or late fees, try out a movie library club like Netflix for a constant monthly price.
Make natural cleaners instead of buying the expensive and toxic brands. There are plenty of websites that show you how to make cleaners from family-friendly ingredients.
ClothingDon't run the washing machine for one or two items. Hang the laundry out to dry or on racks in your home.
Make use of second-hand stores for clothing and housing needs. People throw away things that are in great condition. You just have to look for the diamonds in the rough; discovery of a gem can be quite rewarding.
Teach your kids early that hand-me-downs are not a bad thing. Small children grow out of shoes and other clothing quickly without showing signs of wear.
Do a price comparison on cloth vs. disposable vs. "green" diapers. www.associatedcontent.com/article/1497561/cloth_diapers_vs_disposable_diapers.html
OK, these are a little harder...Wash dishes by hand. It saves a lot of hot water and brings families together!
Sew your own clothing. Not many have this skill anymore, but if you do, compare store-bought prices to handmade.
Grow your own food. Again, not easy, but a huge cost savings if you have a green thumb. Lots of produce can be grown in very small places. Check out books like Square Foot Gardening.
Little changes made consistently can add up to great savings for the future. Try a few suggestions at a time so you and your family are not overwhelmed, then see if there is more money in the account at the end of the month. Give yourself a small reward if you have succeeded in cutting down on expenditures. Maybe even one trip to Starbucks...
