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. 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. Use public transportation or a carpool.
6. Go generic on prescription and over the counter drugs whenever possible.
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. Try to limit long distance calls to nights and weekends unless you have an unlimited calling plan.
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. Stop smoking. Easier said than done but can you really afford not to?
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. Keep up on maintenance to extend the life of you car.
15. Shop in discount stores - even Warren Buffet does that!
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. When shopping for large ticket items it pays to shop around. Some stores will even match competitor prices.
19. If you're paying a high rent, move to a cheaper place.
20. Do you freecycle? Many communities have local chapters that you can sign up for to give away or get things for free. Go to Freecycle.org for more information.
21. Stick with basic cable. Your family might balk at the idea but your wallet will thank you.
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. 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. Dry cleaning can eat up a large portion of your monthly budget. Try to add more items to your wardrobe that you can wash yourself.
25. Shop around for cheaper car insurance, homeowners, etc.
26. Drink more water. Sugary soft drinks should be an occasional treat instead of an everyday staple.
27. Have a yard sale. Not only will you make some extra cash but you will also get rid of excess clutter.
28. Always pay your bills on time. Late fees can really eat up your budget.
29. Plant a vegetable garden. If you don't have a lot of space you could try 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 try just a few of these tips or all of them, these tips can really help you stretch your budget.
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. 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. Use public transportation or a carpool.
6. Go generic on prescription and over the counter drugs whenever possible.
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. Try to limit long distance calls to nights and weekends unless you have an unlimited calling plan.
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. Stop smoking. Easier said than done but can you really afford not to?
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. Keep up on maintenance to extend the life of you car.
15. Shop in discount stores - even Warren Buffet does that!
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. When shopping for large ticket items it pays to shop around. Some stores will even match competitor prices.
19. If you're paying a high rent, move to a cheaper place.
20. Do you freecycle? Many communities have local chapters that you can sign up for to give away or get things for free. Go to Freecycle.org for more information.
21. Stick with basic cable. Your family might balk at the idea but your wallet will thank you.
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. 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. Dry cleaning can eat up a large portion of your monthly budget. Try to add more items to your wardrobe that you can wash yourself.
25. Shop around for cheaper car insurance, homeowners, etc.
26. Drink more water. Sugary soft drinks should be an occasional treat instead of an everyday staple.
27. Have a yard sale. Not only will you make some extra cash but you will also get rid of excess clutter.
28. Always pay your bills on time. Late fees can really eat up your budget.
29. Plant a vegetable garden. If you don't have a lot of space you could try 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 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 Fast and simple recipes just by sharing your own frugal recipe or tip!
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