Money-Saving Tips in a Time of Financial Crisis

It's no secret that there is an economic crisis in the United States. Unless you're one of the elite rich, it's likely that the crisis has impacted you, personally. From soaring gas prices (which have gratefully went down recently in most places,) to the rising cost of a gallon of milk, sometimes, it feels like financial obligations are unbearable. However, HARK! There are some things you can do, to cut down on spending your life away.

For starters, learn how to use less water, and cut off the lights every once in a while. Not only is this good for your wallet, but it's also good for the environment. If you want to spend less money, cut down on water and power usage. You may not think about it, but every time you leave your water on while brushing your teeth, leave a light on when you leave the room, or have the television constantly running even though you're not really watching it, you're racking up a huge water and electricity bill. Also, drying your clothes in a dryer sucks up the most energy. If it's not too unbearable outside, hang your laundry out, and let nature take its course. The air will dry your clothes in no time. This also saves your clothes from shrinking in the dryer, ergo saving your wallet the hurt of having to buy new clothes often.

Set a budget. I know some of you will roll your eyes and groan at the thought, because you think it's difficult-- maybe even impossible. I was once one of those people, but I have seen the light. It's so useful, and sometimes, even assuring, to know how much money you can spend on each category and how much you can save, and live comfortably. You really need to be honest with how you distribute your money. Make categories (tithes, groceries, pet supplies, bills, savings, etc.) and plug in numbers that you think you can live comfortably with.

When you're on a budget, avoid using credit cards at ALL costs! The point of being on a budget, is to get out, and stay out, of debt! If you use only money that you actually have, when you're out, you're out. Credit cards give you access to money you don't actually have, and you will take ages paying back-- with interest. If you already have credit cards, yes, pay them back, but while paying them back, keep them locked in a box, where they're away from temptation. Some of you will say you use credit cards for emergencies. That's bogus, if you have a savings account, which is part of budgeting! And trust me, you won't want to touch savings account money, unless it is truly an emergency. Otherwise, you'll feel guilty. People seem to unashamedly use credit cards on "emergencies."

Limit how much you dine out. Again, I am reformed on this point. I'm not saying not to eat out, ever. However, how often you eat out, and where, definitely affect your financial situation. Save fancier, sit-down restaurants for birthdays and anniversaries. If you must eat out, fast food places, such as McDonald's and Burger King (although disgustingly fatty,) are acceptable, as well as healthier choices like Arby's and Subway. Make sure eating out goes into your budget, and make sure you don't go over the allotted amount. If you are one of the good people who doesn't eat out, you can up your grocery allowance, and prepare all your food at home.

Speaking of food, don't shop while you're hungry (your eyes will be bigger than your stomach,) and cut down on unnecessary spending. Before you go grocery shopping, make a game plan of what you want to make for meals that week. Then, before you go to the store, make a grocery list. Include every item you'll need. If you shop for other things, such as shampoo and soap, or cat litter when you go to the store, add those, as well. As for the shopping list, make four columns: high, medium, low, and want. These are the order of importance that you need each item. Say you know you want to make cheeseburgers for dinner that week. I would say that goes into the "high" group. However, if you need shampoo, but have enough for another week, you can put that in the "medium" column. I think you get the point. Now, go to your budget and see how much money you've allotted for that shopping. Start with your high importance items. Buy those until you reach your allotted amount for your budget. If you don't reach your allotted amount in the high importance category, move on to the others, until you reach it. Don't make any adjustments or snap decisions at the store. If you see something you want, add it to the list, and if you still think it's important the next time you're at the store, get it, if your budget allows.

These are just a few money-saving ideas, to get you started. Perhaps some of my suggestions sound naive, since my husband and I live with my parents until he gets out of college, and we haven't even been married a year yet, but it's what works for us. Please feel free to borrow from my ideas, and send me any you think are money-saving, as well!