Tips to Save Money - when You Are on a Tight Budget

My husband and I have had to start watching our pocketbooks and wallets a little more closely ever since we built our dream home. Over the past few months my husband and I have come up with some money saving tips. We started noticing a difference right away. I just wish we would have started this sooner we would be in much better shape right now. Here are my tips to save money:

Impulse buying - this is where I find it the hardest to pass by. For example, when you are on the checkout line of a supermarket you always look at what is one the shelf. You could end up ruining all of your savings on sales by buying one impulse item that will cost you more than your savings.

Coupons - i can't stress this enough. Coupons, coupons, coupons. Obviously the best way to save a few bucks. Some supermarkets will have double coupon day. I know that King Kullen offers this too. You can cut coupons from your Sunday newspaper.

Generic brands - you don't always have to buy brand names. I have just discovered Target. This store has great prices and sales. Their brand name with the bullseye can offer you great savings. For example, my husband likes to use mouthwash. Listerine can cost up to $8 but if you buy the Target brand you can save more than half. My husband checked the ingredients, exactly the same!

Gas - don't buy gas on a service road of a highway or expressway. Those prices will always be more expensive. Try to find a gas station off the beaten path. You can probably fill your tank for at least $5 - $10 less.

Lunch - don't buy lunch at the coffee truck of in a deli everyday. Pack your lunch from home the night before. Instead of spending $20 on lunch you will only spend a few cents buy bringing it from home.

Coffee - same theory as the lunch. Instead of buying a cup of coffee from an expensive coffee place, my husband now makes his own coffee at home in the morning and puts it in a thermos.

Prepackaged foods - try not to buy these in the supermarkets they can be very expensive. Try to cook some dinners from scratch it will save you money in the long run.

Shampoo/Conditioner - if it is possible, don't wash your hair everyday. Not to be too gross but I probably wash my hair every 3 days. I have very thick hair so it is hard to wash it everyday. You can save on buying new products more frequently.

Drinks - I always cut my son's apple juice by giving him half water and half apple juice. This makes your apple juice last a lot longer.

Receipts - keep all receipts. You never know when you might want to return something. I just bought a pair of gloves for $3. I hate them and I will be returning them tomorrow.

Heat - instead of putting your heat up higher, put a sweater or sweatshirt on. As I am typing this I am wearing a sweatshirt and a hood, nice and warm.

Hopefully these tips help you as much as they have helped me.