Simple Ways to Save More Money

Money is a little tighter for everyone right now and it's important to save whenever you get the chance. Dollars and cents add up and before you know it you're saving hundreds of dollars a year. From coupons, to turning off electronic devices each little step helps. Here are a few simple ways you can put or keep a little more cash in your pocketbook.

Coupons

Whether it's for $0.35 off one item or buy one get one free, money is money. Spending an extra fifteen minutes before your shopping trip can add up to big bucks at the check stand. I suggest buying an index card box with dividers and keeping coupons you don't need now for later use. Twice a week, you probably receive a weekly mailer listing sales in your local stores, but it also provides a small booklet of manufacturer's coupons. You can also usually get about $200-$400 worth in the Sunday paper. So for $2.50 you could potentially save $350 in groceries. Once your coupons are cut make a stack of coupons you know you need using your shopping list, but bring the box along in case you pick up anything that isn't listed. Many people don't know that you can use manufacturers coupons at most stores including Wal-Mart. I save on average $15-$20 on a $170 bill. I could probably save more if I tried. It's just a matter of taking the time to prepare for your shopping trip.

Hotel shampoos

If you travel a lot its easy to never have to buy shampoo, conditioner, or hand soap again. Take the sample size toiletries provided by the hotel and save them for future use. Most of the products offered have a great smell and can usually be used by both men and women. Saving yourself from having to buy regular size bottles will add up as the months go by and you'll never have to worry about having more than three ounces of liquid in your carry-on bag. Of course this only works for those of us who spend a lot of time travelling and staying in hotels. The rest of can utilize sample size bottles to try new products before spending the money on the bigger sizes.

Turning off lights and electronic devices

Make sure you are turning your lights off when you're not in the room or if you don't really need them. Also walk around your home to unplug electronics you aren't using or those that you don't use daily. I counted 18 things in my two bedroom two bath home that were plugged in and only four of them were used daily. Phone chargers that aren't charging phones, video game consoles, toasters and microwaves are examples of things that can be unplugged in between uses. You can end up saving an average of $45 a month by changing your energy habits.

Setting your air conditioner

If you live somewhere hot it's tempting to use your air conditioner all the time and while that may make sense while you are at home while everyone is at work and school your air conditioner is cooling off an empty house. If you can invest in a digital thermostat that you can program to turn the air up and down while you are away. Most power companies offer free installation or a discount for using energy saving tools. If you can't afford to change out your thermostat make it a habit to set the temperature a little higher than normal. This will make sure the house doesn't get above a certain temperature.

Warehouse stores

Memberships to a warehouse can cost a bit upfront but they can save you money in the long run. Most stores offer membership perks and you may find that it ends up paying for itself. For example you can get an executive membership at Costco for $100 but you get 2% cash back on all your purchases. Three months before your membership expires they send you a check for what you earned. You can then use the check to pay your membership for the next year. In the meantime you can use your membership to get great discounts on meat, produce, dry good, beverages, and pretty much anything else you can imagine.

Taking these steps can help add up to big savings throughout the year. The money you save could mean an unexpected vacation, a car payment, or a house payment. Not to mention the environmental impact of your energy savings! If you have any other simple savings tips feel free to comment below.

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