The Real Nitty Gritty on Saving Money

Here are a few practical tips to help out those who want to cut their bills by hundreds of dollars. It worked for my family and it can work for yours!

• 1. Stock up on key supplies up to three months in advance. Good sales tend to run in three month cycles. For example, my family loves Kraft peanut butter. It will go on sale for 2.49 about every three months. When it does, I buy three months worth. Not a year -- products do expire and the clutter in your pantry is not worth it.
• 2. If you don't want to become an "extreme couponer" just follow the basics. Get coupons for toilet paper, laundry detergent, toothpaste and ice cream. I have saved $40 this month on these four items.
• 3. Cut it in half and water it down. Cut your dryer sheets in half -- they still work just as well and the strong scent and chemicals are also cut in half. Use less laundry detergent -- sometimes your machine has a "maximum" level -- but that may be much more than required, especially if you are using concentrated detergent. Water down your spray cleaners -- again, just as effective and half the chemicals.
• 4. Use vinegar and water for basic cleaning.
• 5. Wash your hair less. Every hairdresser will tell you that washing your hair less is better for your hair, especially if it is treated or coloured. Not only that, you will save on water, shampoo and conditioner.
• 6. Loyalty pays off. Stick to one grocery store that has a reward program. I do 80% of my shopping at one store; as a result, I have earned hundreds of dollars in free grocery coupons. Visit other stores when the deals are great, but stay loyal to your chosen store.
• 7. Why rent DVDs at video stores? Check out your local library. If it seems the selection is not great, you can search their online catalogue and put a hold on the most recent DVDs.
• 8. Cancel your cable. If you have high speed internet, almost all shows are available online for ...you guessed it...free.
• 9. Lastly, join an online community of like-minded folks who love to save money too. You'll make friends and get great tips on how to save money.
• Your family can save hundreds of dollars!