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. Instead of going to the movies rent or borrow one. If you must go to the movies go to an early matinee and save some money.
3. Instead of meeting friends for coffee or drinks invite them over for potluck. Take turns each week at each others house.
4. Take your lunch to work more often. Your savings will really add up!
5. Use public transportation or a carpool.
6. Save money on drugs with generics whenever possible.
7. Use coupons while shopping at grocery stores, and always shop according to a list. Preferably shop on double-coupon days. Maybe, you can buy supplies from bulk food warehouses.
8. Try to limit long distance calls to nights and weekends unless you have an unlimited calling plan.
9. Piggy-bank loose change.
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. 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 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. Get out from underneath credit card debt by making more than the minimum payment each month.
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. Don't be afraid to ask for a deal when buying large ticket items such as cars and furniture.
19. Is rent high where you live? consider getting a roommate or move if you have to.
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. Open a savings account that you use just for emergencies. If possible have just $5.00 per week taking right out of your paycheck and work your way up. This will come in handy the next time you have an emergency car repair.
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. 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. 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.
These are just a few tips to help you stretch your budget. You might even come up with a few of your own! - 15432
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. Instead of going to the movies rent or borrow one. If you must go to the movies go to an early matinee and save some money.
3. Instead of meeting friends for coffee or drinks invite them over for potluck. Take turns each week at each others house.
4. Take your lunch to work more often. Your savings will really add up!
5. Use public transportation or a carpool.
6. Save money on drugs with generics whenever possible.
7. Use coupons while shopping at grocery stores, and always shop according to a list. Preferably shop on double-coupon days. Maybe, you can buy supplies from bulk food warehouses.
8. Try to limit long distance calls to nights and weekends unless you have an unlimited calling plan.
9. Piggy-bank loose change.
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. 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 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. Get out from underneath credit card debt by making more than the minimum payment each month.
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. Don't be afraid to ask for a deal when buying large ticket items such as cars and furniture.
19. Is rent high where you live? consider getting a roommate or move if you have to.
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. Open a savings account that you use just for emergencies. If possible have just $5.00 per week taking right out of your paycheck and work your way up. This will come in handy the next time you have an emergency car repair.
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. 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. 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.
These are just a few tips to help you stretch your budget. You might even come up with a few of your own! - 15432
About the Author:
Stop by Eating On A Budget for frugal recipes, tips to save money and more to help you make ends meet. Submit recipes or sign up for our free newsletter and we will give you Free Recipe Ebooks
