WhitneyTips to Saving Money and Being Frugal
March 13th 2009 09:47
Clipping coupons is not a bad thing, especially in today's economy, but even if we had a near perfect economy and financial situation, that doesn't mean that we shouldn't stick with good saving habits. Now, personally there is an extreme of being frugal and a tightwad when compared to just saving money and cutting corners, and that line will be yours to determine. Just remember that with every penny that you save, you will have that back-up financial insurance in your account waiting for you, if needed.
As a female, you're probably the one in charge of groceries and buying things for the home. Well, when it comes to shopping, this is where the big picture is... COUPONS! Clip them, save them, use them!
You get coupons in the mail from time to time, and you get coupons in the weekend paper. During the week, most grocery stores will publish the weekly sales. Look at these, and check out the free coupons and coupon codes online, as well.
Make your grocery list, and stick to it without any extras in the buggy.
Some people will recommend buying in bulk to save money, but you need to watch out that your bulk items don't spoil. You can freeze milk and other items, but again, don't buy too much at once, as this large purchase is going to be costly, short-term.
You want to question each purchase. If you don't need it, don't buy it. I know that sounds simple, but it's actually a hard concept for many to grasp.
You want to simplify your life as much as you can. If you don't need all the HBO channels, call your cable company. If you can pass down clothes from one child to another, do it. Find places where you can reduce your utility bills; make sure to cut off all lights when you leave the room, and unplug electronics, as even plugged in, you are using electricity even if the electronic is off.
Saving money and being frugal doesn't necessarily mean that you have to save up your pizza and bread crumbs, or swipe things from dumpsters behind retail stores (although dumpster diving is a great way to grab brand new items to keep, give as gifts, or sell).
When trying to save money, your best bet is to set a budget, set goals, and set aside money each pay check. You want to keep records of how much you spend on gas, food, and other bills, so that you can have an idea of how much you should be spending and how much you can budget for each month.
Open a saving account so that you have a place to put the money you're setting aside. This will reduce the likelihood that you'll spend the money if it's not in your checking account.
Reduce how often you use any credit cards, and make sure that you consolidate your debt as quickly as you can.
Saving money is actually pretty simple once you get into the habit of saving and being a little frugal. I mean, hey another way to save money, is to make sure that you use every last drop in your toothpaste, hair gel, shampoo, laundry detergent, dish soap, etc. If you have bottles, you can cut them in half to get to the bottom of the container; you can add a little water to liquid soaps, detergents, and shampoos to empty the bottle; and you can combine the last drops to refill another bottle, even if that means mixing different soap brands and types.
One last tip, that I've never been able to accomplish, but I know many who successfully manage their checkbook this way, is to round up. When you spend money from your checking account, round up to the nearest dollar and write that number down in your check book. Then at the end of the month take the difference of what your check book says and what the bank holds and move that number to your savings account.
For example, if you spend $17.43 at Wal*Greens, write $18.00 in your checkbook. Your checkbook will always read less than what you really have in your account, so that you spend less and you save more.
As a female, you're probably the one in charge of groceries and buying things for the home. Well, when it comes to shopping, this is where the big picture is... COUPONS! Clip them, save them, use them!
You get coupons in the mail from time to time, and you get coupons in the weekend paper. During the week, most grocery stores will publish the weekly sales. Look at these, and check out the free coupons and coupon codes online, as well.
Make your grocery list, and stick to it without any extras in the buggy.
Some people will recommend buying in bulk to save money, but you need to watch out that your bulk items don't spoil. You can freeze milk and other items, but again, don't buy too much at once, as this large purchase is going to be costly, short-term.
You want to question each purchase. If you don't need it, don't buy it. I know that sounds simple, but it's actually a hard concept for many to grasp.
You want to simplify your life as much as you can. If you don't need all the HBO channels, call your cable company. If you can pass down clothes from one child to another, do it. Find places where you can reduce your utility bills; make sure to cut off all lights when you leave the room, and unplug electronics, as even plugged in, you are using electricity even if the electronic is off.
Saving money and being frugal doesn't necessarily mean that you have to save up your pizza and bread crumbs, or swipe things from dumpsters behind retail stores (although dumpster diving is a great way to grab brand new items to keep, give as gifts, or sell).
Open a saving account so that you have a place to put the money you're setting aside. This will reduce the likelihood that you'll spend the money if it's not in your checking account.
Reduce how often you use any credit cards, and make sure that you consolidate your debt as quickly as you can.
Saving money is actually pretty simple once you get into the habit of saving and being a little frugal. I mean, hey another way to save money, is to make sure that you use every last drop in your toothpaste, hair gel, shampoo, laundry detergent, dish soap, etc. If you have bottles, you can cut them in half to get to the bottom of the container; you can add a little water to liquid soaps, detergents, and shampoos to empty the bottle; and you can combine the last drops to refill another bottle, even if that means mixing different soap brands and types.
One last tip, that I've never been able to accomplish, but I know many who successfully manage their checkbook this way, is to round up. When you spend money from your checking account, round up to the nearest dollar and write that number down in your check book. Then at the end of the month take the difference of what your check book says and what the bank holds and move that number to your savings account.
For example, if you spend $17.43 at Wal*Greens, write $18.00 in your checkbook. Your checkbook will always read less than what you really have in your account, so that you spend less and you save more.
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