All Kinds of Ways to Save Money

No matter what your financial situation might be, it is always nice to save a little money here and there. Here are some tips!

Entertainment

Movie Rentals: Redbox a new way to rent movie, vending machine style. Go to their site and see if they have a location in your area. Only $1 per movie and they have new releases. Sure does beat the $5.50 you would pay at the rental store. Another benefit is that you don't have to stand in line or waste time wondering the aisles. You save money and time! If you decide to keep the movie longer it is only $1 per extra night. Try to rent the movie when you know you will be able to watch it that night in order to keep cost down to $1.

Reading Materials: There is no point in purchasing books and magazines when you can check them out for free at your local library. Only purchase a book if you have read it once, and know that you will want to read it again. Otherwise, it will simply take up space in your home.

Children

Babysitters: Babysitters can be expensive, but everyone needs a break now and then. Does your child have a friend around their age? Consider asking their parent's to trade off now and then. Instead of hiring a babysitter your child can go spend time with their friend. Another night, the child's friend can come to your house. This saves moneys for not one, but two family's in the end. Other benefits are that your child has someone to play with and you know they are having fun.

Clothing

Seasonal: Purchase clothes out of season. Stores want these clothes out of the stores to make room for the new season so they often sell them at great discounts.

Consignment Shops: This is a great way to get name brand clothes for a buck or two. My husband works in a job that requires him to wear button down collared shirts every day. I buy them for $2 each at a local consignment shop and they look brand new. There are often shirts with stains that you have to dig through, but it is very easy to find like new clothes.

Mix and Match: Purchase items that you can easily mix and match. Get the basics into your wardrobe, such as a pair of black slacks, and you will be able to do much more than you could if you only purchased the current trends.

Energy

Invest in a Laptop: The next time you upgrade your computer, consider investing in a laptop. Laptops consume less energy than desktop computers. Less energy means a smaller electric bill.

Dryer Vents: Take the time to inspect your dryer vent now and then. You want to make sure that lent has not built up and causing blockage to the dryer. This not only saves energy, but also prevents fires.

Heating your Air Conditioner: Do not place televisions or lamps near your air conditioner unit. These appliances let off heat and they will effect the temperature on your thermostat. Then end result will be an air conditioner that runs longer than it needs to.

Light Bulbs: Invest in energy saving light bulbs. They are more expensive to purchase, but they do result in a lower electric bill.

Shopping

Paper Products: Buying Paper Products in bulk saves money. You get more for less and you end up going back to the grocery store as often. This means less opportunities to make those impulse buys.

Cash not Credit: Leave the credit cards at home and only purchase items with cash. It will make you really rethink the things in your shopping cart and you will better be able to determine what you really need.

Bottled Water: If you purchase water from the store, look for the cheapest and most efficient way to do so. Purchasing a case of 20 ounce bottles is more expensive than purchasing a gallon jug. Invest in a good water bottle and fill it yourself. Or, refill your empty 20 ounce bottles using the gallon jugs of water.

Meal Plans: Plan your menu each week around what is on sale in the local grocery store flyers. Purchase as many extra items as your budget will allow and work those into the menu for the following week.

Savings Cards: Several grocery stores have savings cards these days. This means you will only get on sale items at the sale price if you have one of those cards. Carry them with you and always scan them even if you aren't sure if an item is on sale or not.

Go Generic: Consider purchasing store and generic brands. You are usually getting the same product for a lower price. If you aren't sure what items are generic, a good rule of thumb is to look down. Usually the more expensive brands are placed at eye level, while the generic brands are placed on lower shelves.

Eat!: Do not shop on an empty stomach. You will end up purchasing items you do not need. At the same time, you will be less concerned with saving money and more concerned with getting out to the car quickly so you can open that package of cookies.

Bills

Online Pay: Every time you pay a bill online, you are saving postage money. It might not seem like a lot, but it really does add up quick. This can also save you from late charges by avoiding those checks that get lost in the mail. Check with your bank to see if they have an online bill pay system. If not, check each individual billing company and find out if you can pay directly from their web site.

Travel

Airline Headphones: Many airlines offer movies, but they require you to purchase a set of headphones for $2. Bring your own headphones from home. You save $2 and get a free movie or two.

Insurance

Home: You can get discounts for having a burgler alarm, having a newer home, being claim free in the past, and insuring your vehicles with the same company as your home insurance. Research companies and find out who will offer you these discounts.

Auto: You can get discounts for being a good driver, being a good student, driving a safe car, and insuring your vehicles with the same company as your home insurance. Research companies and find out who will offer you these discounts.

Home, etc.

Repairs: Invest in a home repair book and learn to do simple repairs yourself. Hiring someone when you can do it yourself is throwing money away. You would be surprised at how easy something really are to fix and how much money you will be charged for a repairman's services.

Cleaning: Use washable dust clothes instead of paper towels.

Gasoline

Cruise Control: Unneccessary speed changes can eat up gas. Using cruise control ensures that you maintain a set speed and save gas.

Tire Pressure: Frequently check to ensure that your tire pressure is correct. Inproper amounts of air in your tires can reduce gas milage.