More money saving ideas:
1) Track your spending. I have mentioned this before but, it bears repeating. I prefer the using Mint.com. Besides tracking your spending from your checking and savings accounts. You can link your 401k, credit card debt, auto loans and even your assets. It was a great tool for staying within my budget this month.
2) Re-think vacations. There is a reason stay-cations are popular. They cost less. And luckily we live in California! There is so much to see and do here. Also compare the cost of driving versus flying. If you can stand being in the car 8-10 hours to get to your destination it might be worth driving instead. Especially if you are taking your family. Also look into websites that compare travel prices such as Kayak.com. I also frequent Hotels.com and Southwest Airlines. They both have rewards programs.
3) Speaking of rewards... Sign up for them. Whether it's for restaurants, hotels, pharmacies or clothing stores. Loyalty is what these businesses are looking for. They know that it's easier (and less expensive in terms of marketing dollars) to keep a loyal customer than it is to try and get a new one. Plus a lot of restaurants will not only give you discounts they will give you a free-bee on your birthday.
4) Don't pay for storage. One of the first things I got rid of when it was time to start scaling back the budget was storage. It was very depressing to be spending money on stuff that we weren't even using. It was liberating to sell it and give most of it away. Why are we so obsessed with stuff?
5) Eat your leftovers! I love leftovers but apparently not everyone does. I encourage you to try and eat them for lunch. This will stretch your grocery budget and limit waste. Some things taste better once the seasoning and spices have had more time to blend. Like spaghetti or (Portagee) beans.
6) Grow a garden. This is something I really want to do this spring/summer. I did one two years ago, a total experiment and I didn't get much yield as I had hoped but it was fun. My daughter really enjoys it too. Plus all the yummy, healthy food that you produced yourself!
7) Take advantage of employer benefits and discounts. Some employers offering discounts for gym memberships, legal services and even theme parks. Also review your benefits to be sure you are aware of everything that is offered. Especially if you have been with company an extended amount of time or your family situation has changed. Just check with your Human Resources Department.
8) Shop used or deep discounts. Just the other day I was with my husband at a seminar. The owner of the business was showing us this beautiful oak top table. He said his mom found it at a thrift store for $20 plus her senior discount. He said, he painted the legs and voila'. Thrift stores are great because not only can you find awesome deals, you are helping a non-profit organization. If you are a regular at a store, you will know when they have the deep discounts. If you are not sure sign up for their email. At one of my favorite stores, I only shop twice a year when they have their clearance sale. Plus since I am signed up for their emails they send me a coupon to use during that time as well. It takes some patience and a little extra leg work but you will be rewarded!
9) I have mentioned saving money on your hair but I failed to mention your nails! There was a time that I used to get acrylic nails every two weeks. After I stopped that, I used to love getting pedicures. I would get one maybe once a month. Now, I give myself mani/pedis.I have a foot bath and all the tools. I will probably get a pedicure to get me ready for summer but I am going to try and do it once or twice a year only from now on.
Happy Saving :-)
1) Track your spending. I have mentioned this before but, it bears repeating. I prefer the using Mint.com. Besides tracking your spending from your checking and savings accounts. You can link your 401k, credit card debt, auto loans and even your assets. It was a great tool for staying within my budget this month.
2) Re-think vacations. There is a reason stay-cations are popular. They cost less. And luckily we live in California! There is so much to see and do here. Also compare the cost of driving versus flying. If you can stand being in the car 8-10 hours to get to your destination it might be worth driving instead. Especially if you are taking your family. Also look into websites that compare travel prices such as Kayak.com. I also frequent Hotels.com and Southwest Airlines. They both have rewards programs.
3) Speaking of rewards... Sign up for them. Whether it's for restaurants, hotels, pharmacies or clothing stores. Loyalty is what these businesses are looking for. They know that it's easier (and less expensive in terms of marketing dollars) to keep a loyal customer than it is to try and get a new one. Plus a lot of restaurants will not only give you discounts they will give you a free-bee on your birthday.
4) Don't pay for storage. One of the first things I got rid of when it was time to start scaling back the budget was storage. It was very depressing to be spending money on stuff that we weren't even using. It was liberating to sell it and give most of it away. Why are we so obsessed with stuff?
5) Eat your leftovers! I love leftovers but apparently not everyone does. I encourage you to try and eat them for lunch. This will stretch your grocery budget and limit waste. Some things taste better once the seasoning and spices have had more time to blend. Like spaghetti or (Portagee) beans.
6) Grow a garden. This is something I really want to do this spring/summer. I did one two years ago, a total experiment and I didn't get much yield as I had hoped but it was fun. My daughter really enjoys it too. Plus all the yummy, healthy food that you produced yourself!
7) Take advantage of employer benefits and discounts. Some employers offering discounts for gym memberships, legal services and even theme parks. Also review your benefits to be sure you are aware of everything that is offered. Especially if you have been with company an extended amount of time or your family situation has changed. Just check with your Human Resources Department.
8) Shop used or deep discounts. Just the other day I was with my husband at a seminar. The owner of the business was showing us this beautiful oak top table. He said his mom found it at a thrift store for $20 plus her senior discount. He said, he painted the legs and voila'. Thrift stores are great because not only can you find awesome deals, you are helping a non-profit organization. If you are a regular at a store, you will know when they have the deep discounts. If you are not sure sign up for their email. At one of my favorite stores, I only shop twice a year when they have their clearance sale. Plus since I am signed up for their emails they send me a coupon to use during that time as well. It takes some patience and a little extra leg work but you will be rewarded!
9) I have mentioned saving money on your hair but I failed to mention your nails! There was a time that I used to get acrylic nails every two weeks. After I stopped that, I used to love getting pedicures. I would get one maybe once a month. Now, I give myself mani/pedis.I have a foot bath and all the tools. I will probably get a pedicure to get me ready for summer but I am going to try and do it once or twice a year only from now on.
Happy Saving :-)
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