Easy Ways to Save Money

Ever think about how you can save more money? In today's dwindling, uncertain economy I believe the thought crosses everybody's mind a time or two. We look at our shrinking paychecks and skyrocketing cost of living, and shake our heads in dismay, wondering where to begin putting aside money to raise the figures on our savings and retirement accounts. It really isn't necessary to set aside a huge amount to begin with, if you're financially able to, great; if not, then small steps really do add up to huge savings in the long run.

Of course as everyone knows, that first step to saving is always the hardest. It usually means giving up something we really want or have gotten use to having as a part of our routine. Such as purchasing that morning cup of java at $2.00 a pop, or an afternoons lunch at Mickey D's. Did you know that before the end of the week you've spent $10.00 on your morning cup of coffee and $15.00 on your lunch? And that's if you order from the dollar menu, that's $25.00 dollars a week or $100.00 a month. If you made your own coffee in the mornings and skipped McDonald's, choosing instead to bring a healthier lunch from home, you've saved about $80.00 over the course of the month; not to mention adding a few more years longevity to your heart. That's almost $1200 you've saved in a year, you get the picture; little savings really do add up.

Another great way to add money to your savings account is by paying bills online using your debit card or online banking. By paying the majority of your bills using these methods the average household can save almost $60.00 in a year and dump 7 pounds fewer waste into our environment.

Wachovia bank has a system where every time you use your debit card to purchase something or pay a bill, they deposit one dollar out of your checking account into your savings account. This adds up to huge savings when we consider the many purchases we make on a monthly basis.

If you're a movie or music buff, borrowing books, movies and c.d.'s from your local library will save you vast amounts of money on paying those late and overdue fees we all have.

When shopping you should always resist those impulse buys. Keep a journal in your pocketbook and every time you see something you must have; don't buy it. Instead jot it down in your notebook and at the end of the week review it, if you find yourself still wanting that item then by all means, go buy it. Its not about depriving yourself of what you want. But most times we will find that we've forgotten whatever it was we were so crazy about in the heat of the moment. At the end of the month add up all those purchases you didn't foolishly give in to and deposit the money in your savings account.

When it comes to your household bills, you need to eliminate anything you find yourself not using. Like those movie channels on cable that you never watch, or, why do we really need a home phone and a cell, get rid of one of them and save yourself over $100.00 a month.

Resist the urge to take out those troublesome title or payday loans. These are nothing but gimmicks to get the average consumer hooked. Once you're in with these people, the interest on whatever you borrowed is so high, you'll never escape.

To get that quick fix of happiness that shopping offers us, consider using sites like freecycle or one of the free sites online to get your quick shopping fix.

Resist that impulse to buy the latest cleaning and beauty items, stick to those trusted stand bys which do the job just as well as the expensive brands. There's really no need to buy a zillion different types and brands of cleaning supplies when one will do the job just as good. Or 5 different kinds of shampoo just because they come in attractive bottles.

Saving is about figuring out what we need to live well and eliminating those other wasteful products and services.
Saving money doesn't mean depriving ourselves or living like paupers, but loving what we have and simplifying. Check out these and other money saving ideas by visiting www.thriftyhouseholds.com