10 Money Saving Tips

Since I will be working only part time after next week, I have had to come up with some strategies for cutting finances and saving money. I looked on line for ideas and even read a book that recommended buying a goat. LOL While I won't be doing that, the following are some of the better ideas I will be doing:

1. Plan your meals
Yes, plan out your meals for the week so that you are not buying food you will not use. This will help to eliminate wasted food and wasted money.

2. Eat your food
Okay, so you've planned your meals for the week. Eat what you buy. Commit to this. Try to stay away from feeling lazy and not cooking. It's okay to eat out, but try to limit that to once a week. And see #7 below.

3. Reevaluate your cable/phone/internet service.
Consider downgrading your Internet service if you can cope with a slower connection. Also, think about whether or not you need 9,000 cable channels, caller ID, voice mail and call waiting.

4. Reevaluate your car insurance
Consider increasing your deductible. Is the entire household on the same insurance? This could get you a multi-car discount. Also, most insurance companies offer several different types of insurance (renters, for example). Taking multiple types of insurance through the same carrier can allow for discounts as well.

5. Stop buying things you don't need
Seems logical, huh? Well, it is. Stop the impulse buying. Before making a purchase, think "Do I really need this? or " Can I live without this?"

6. Cancel clubs
Self explanatory. Cancel wine clubs, book clubs and gym memberships you have not used for more than a year.

7. Happy hour/taco Tuesday
This can be a great way to save money. Allow yourself to dine out once a week. But, be smart about it. Hit your local pub for happy hour and taco Tuesdays. They will usually have half price adult bevs and $1 tacos.

8. Dinner specials at the grocery store
Check your local grocery store for dinner specials. The Albertson's down the street from us offers an 8-piece chicken dinner, coleslaw, potato wedges and a 2 liter of Coke for $7.99. This will usually feed us for 2 days!

9. Turn off the lights/unplug things
When you leave a room, turn off the light. Consider whether you need so many lights on at night and replace bulbs with those of a lower wattage. Look around your house for outlets. Is there anything unnecessarily plugged in? For example, we have a kegorator. When it does not have beer in it, it's unplugged and we have a phone system with 4 phones around the house. Once they are charged, they get unplugged. Also, consider unplugging your cable boxes when they are not in use.

10. Buy things on special
This may take a little more work, but it's worth it. Look at the ads you get in the mail that you may normally just throw away. For example, if you see something on special at CVS buy it. Then look at your grocery store ad, then the Rite Aid ad, etc. You will have to travel to separate locations, but you will save $$$.

Other money saving ideas include changing your hairdresser to a less expensive salon, or trying to color your hair yourself. However, tread cautiously with this one ladies! Also, try using coupons. Many stores will have double or triple coupon days. Look for these. Try the generic versions of pricey products. They often contain the same ingredients. And, go to matinees instead of evening show times at the movies.

Times are tight for many of use given the economy and the loss of our job. I hope this was helpful. If you have additional ideas, please share them!