Tips on Saving Money

To start saving money, put aside all your loose change in a savings account. This will add up up quickly since most people think that change isn't that much money. Over time it will accumulate to big savings.

Eat before you go to the movie theaters. Why spend 10 dollars on junk food that doesn't fill you up? Do you REALLY have to eat popcorn EVERY time you watch a film? Or, you can go get something from the dollar menu at a fast food restaurant. Either way, you save at least 5 dollars per person!

Try to plan ahead on trips to the grocery store. This way you are focused and not tempted to buy something else.

Perform scheduled maintenance on your car. The less things that need fixing, the more money you will save. Plus, you save money repairing something minor versus fixing a big problem later on down the road.

Buy things that you NEED, not what you WANT. This is a big money saver. Example: You could buy a 25" flat screen t.v. in cash or, get charged on your credit card for a 32" plasma screen t.v. You can still watch t.v. comfortably with the flat screen, and have it all paid off or: pay in installments for the plasma WITH interest.

Apply for only 1-2 credit cards. Some people have three, and they wonder why they are in debt.

To really spend money smartly, look for the best deals in different stores. You can do this by looking for stores in the phone book and the white pages. Go online and search for stores in your area.

On condiments (ketchup, mustard and such) you really don't need to buy the most expensive to get the best. Try to buy the medium priced items instead.

Bread is bread. But there is a difference between whole wheat (enriched), and stone ground (real wheat). Enriched wheat is added to the dough, while stone ground is actually wheat. I'd go with two dollar range (stone ground) rather than the four dollar range (whole wheat). Stay away from white altogether, it barely has any nutritional value.

It's best to buy meat products in bulk. You generally pay less by the pound. Remember if you buy meat with bones in it, it will be cheap. Your paying for less meat.

Buy fruits when the are in season. The more plentiful, the more cheaper they will be.
The best vegetables to get are the frozen ones. They are cheaper than the canned ones, and are fresher.

Sign up for a grocery card if available. Usually, you get a 10% discount on most select items.
Also, look at 2-3 different supermarkets in your area to see which one has the best overall value.
Don't forget to scan the newspaper for food coupons. Sometimes you'll see coupons for 75 cents or a dollar off some items that you normally shop for. Use about 4 of those and you saved money for another gallon of gas!!

When it comes to jeans and pants, prices range from 10 dollars to 300 dollars. That's for most people, not Hollywood stars. 20 dollars is a good price for good quality, normal wear jeans. For school jeans, pants and shorts, 20 bucks is pretty decent. For church 25-30 dollars will do, without looking poor. In an active work environment you want to get something more durable, like carpenter pants or double-knee work pants. These last a long time and are very durable. Keep an eye out for discount racks and clearance sales.

Shirt prices range from 15 dollars to 200 dollars. Get a shirt that fits YOUR style, not what's IN style. Keeping up with today's trends is a costly endeavor. Polo shirts (collared shirt with 3 buttons) look great for almost any occasion. Prices for them are 10-20 dollars, IF you know where to look. Some states have outlets where they sell nothing but shirts really cheap, any color, size or shape.

For jackets, be on the lookout for places that sell nothing but coats, jackets, outerwear, and hats. They have wide selections and their merchandise is always marked down lower than many other clothing stores.

Never buy clothing at malls. Their clothes are always marked up steeply, you will waste your money there quick.

Shoes aren't clothing but I'll throw in advice on it anyway!!
Look for shoe outlets. Generally, they have all types of shoes at least half the price of other stores.
Online shoe stores usually have footwear at cheaper prices than physical stores.