Avoiding the Cash Register Altogether: Four Fun Tips to Survive the Credit Crunch

It is winter, the economy stinks and everyone is still hungover from the Christmas spending spree. Once the early January sales blow through, the rest of the month can be a spending sabbatical. However, once the Christmas hangover subsides you will need to shop again at some point. Before picking up your credit card, here are some tips to consider before driving out to the store. The best way to save money is by avoiding the cash register altogether and here are some fun tips to help you on your way.

Know your neighbors. Most of us would rather drive up to the store and purchase our own sugar instead of asking the neighbor next door for a cup. Why not knock on doors and get to know your neighbors? Neighbors that are friendly are much more likely to help each other out and start to pool resources. Instead of hiring tree trimmers maybe you can utilize one neighbor's ladder and another neighbor's saw. Not only will sharing help save money, it will also help you make new friends on your block. Just don't be a mooch.

Utilize the library. You are already paying taxes for it. Why not see what your local library can do for you? You might be surprised what your library offers. Many of them offer free Internet access. If your library allows you to check out CDs or DVDs then you can cut your memberships as long as you can live without up-to-the-minute titles. Of course, a library also has load of books and many daily newspapers and subscription magazines are often available. By utilizing all or any of these resources, there is potential for major savings for your family. Besides, is there a better excuse for not spending money than reading a book?

Take inventory and use what you already have. Maybe you live by a park with a running track. Take up jogging or walking. Perhaps there is a collection of DVDs that you bought just because they were almost as cheap as renting. Watch them. Maybe you have board games gathering dust in the basement. Play them. Better yet, invite friends over to play along with you.

Volunteer for a local organization. The most selfless way to save money is to spend your time volunteering. Not only will you become more engaged with your community but you may find the experience so enriching that you start to resist the urge to impulsively spend your money altogether.

In the end, any time spent away from cash registers is going to save you money. It can also help to enrich your life, get to know your neighbors, and allow you to prepare for next year's Christmas hangover.