Cutting Costs on Everyday Expenses

Becoming aware of where your money goes is very important. The savings add up when you watch your spending. People often think that saving money is hard, but it isn't (It's been my lifestyle for so long that it's become an art form!). The following information contains simple and easy ways to cut expenses (and earn extra income). The only things you'l need are a desire to save!
FOOD
Turn off your oven just before cooking is finished; the heat's that left will usually finish the cooking (I do this all the time!).
Use instant powdered milk for cooking and baking. It's cheaper than whole milk and really, you won't be able to taste the difference when it's the powdered stuff is mixed with other ingredients.
Plan meals that will provide leftovers. You'll save money, time and energy.
Take advantage of all double and triple coupon days at your supermarket. Make a shopping list and stick to it. And do your grocery shopping after you've eaten something (trust me on this one).
Brown-bag your lunch as much as possible. Now I know that many of you like to eat out regularly, but you'll be amazed at how much you're spending. You can literally save hundreds!
If possible, buy "day old" bread. It'll still taste fine, but will be much cheaper.
Eat fresh fruits and vegetable when they're in season. When they're out of season, buy canned or frozen.
If you drink a lot of canned pop daily or weekly (or cola, soda, etc.) try to cut down by one (or two) less. Not only will you save money, but you'll lose weight. Keep plenty of popcorn around for snacking. It's cheap, healthy (if you don't drown it in butter) and low calorie.
Subscribe to your local paper, particularly the Sunday one, for food coupons, sales flyers, and other goodies.
Buy meat and poultry whole and cut them up yourself.
Buy potatoes, onions, oranges, grapefruit and other produce by the bag instead of individually.
Make your own iced tea and lemonade. Drink this in place of the extra soda.
Celebrate special occasions by going out to LUNCH, not dinner.

CAR (AUTOMOTIVE)
Drop collision coverage on an old car, because if the car's more than five years old, you may be paying more in coverage than you'd recoup if you had an accident.
On driving vacations, stop at the Chamber of Commerce (or any welcomecenter) and ask for coupon books (for restaurants, lodging and attractions).
Set your tire pressure two to three pounds above the manufacturer's recommendations for better mileage and fuel economy.
Find a good car mechanic-and stick with him (or her).
Make sure your have your wheels aligned properly, for longer lasting tires.
Keep an eye on your tire treads so you can plan ahead to buy them. Then
you'll have time to buy new ones when a SALE OR DISCOUNT is offered.
Save gas by planning trips for errands so you travel the least distance.
Wash your car regularly at home and keep it waxed. And keep the inside clean!
Keep to the speed limit on highways-you increase fuel costs every time you speed!
Do you own more than one car? Use the one with the best gas mileage as much as possible.
Try to do your own oil changes and buy your own oil and oil filters (wait for a SALE!).
If you're able to, try to carpool often.
ENERGY
Fill your washer and dryer with at least one full load before you turn them on.
Place the food you reach for most often in the front of your refrigerator. When storing food in the fridge, cover liquids and moist foods; if uncovered, moisture's released. Your fridge'll have to work harder.
Don't overdry your clothes.
Use the new energy saving light bulbs.
Shut the doors of unused rooms in the summer and winter.
When baking, preheat the oven only when the cooking time is less than one hour. Use glass and ceramic baking pans.
Do you have a sink garbage disposal? Run only cold water through it.
If you're able to and have the time, use a clothesline for drying clothes instead of the dryer.
Don't cook on a wrong-size burner (if you have an electric stove). Don't open the oven door to peek in when cooking something. If you just can't resist or really need to check, try to limit the "peeks" to just one (or two).
HEALTH AND BEAUTY
For a cheap facial scrub, lather up your favorite soap and add about a teaspoon of salt.
Wear tights instead of panty hose during the winter. Because panty hose can
get a run the first day they're worn!
Shampoo, cut and style your hair at home. And do your own manicures.
Buy health and beauty products at discount drugstores.
Need prescriptions? Ask your doctor to prescribe generic brands.
Use your local community low-cost health center.
Buy the store brands of over-the-counter products.
Buy eyeglasses and contacts from an optician rather than from an eye doctor.