Today I thought I’d post 8 quick and easy ways to save money so you can hold onto more of your hard-earned cash. When you save in these areas, you’ll be able to pay down debt or save more money.
- Look for ways to reduce your energy bills. Monitor and adjust your thermostat, run your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full and turn off and unplug electronics when you are not using them.
- Pay with cash instead of debit and credit cards. You will automatically spend less if you have to part with your cold, hard cash.
- Eat out less. Limit how often you eat out, but when you do, skip the appetizer, dessert, and alcohol. These items are way overpriced. Also, look for ways to save at the restaurants.
- Clip and use coupons to save money on groceries and personal care items. If you’re not into couponing, at least look at the front page of your grocery store’s circular and buy those items. They are the store’s “loss leaders,” which means they are priced at a loss to the store but are a great deal for you! Stores use this tactic to lure you into the store to purchase other higher-priced items.
- When you need to have a prescription filled, ask your doctor to allow the generic brand. Many places will fill generic antibiotics for free. For other medicines, fill them through a mail-order pharmacy, and you will pay much less than filling them at your local pharmacy.
- Think about ways to earn extra money. Consider things you like to do and go from there. You will enjoy it more if it is something you are passionate about. Examples: Dog sitting, babysitting, selling items on eBay or Amazon, retail sales, coaching or refereeing a sports team, selling cosmetics or kitchen goods… The sky’s the limit! 🙂
- Contact your credit card companies and see if you can negotiate lower interest rates. This action will decrease your monthly payment while putting extra money in your pocket.
- Try to find bills you can eliminate or reduce. You can save money by canceling Netflix and Hulu memberships, downgrading your cable services, and raising the deductible on your auto insurance policy (only if you have the deductible amount saved up). Changing your cell phone plan and canceling your gym membership can also help you save a lot of money.
So, there you have it: 8 quick and easy ways to save money! Let me know your favorite ways to save money?
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A couple years ago, I took a financial workshop with Dave Ramsey and he advised us to use cash instead of debit cards because the act of paying with cash makes you less likely to buy something you don’t need. I found it to be so true. I don’t like breaking a large bill and definitely wouldn’t do it to buy something inconsequential like gum or candy but I’d swipe my debit card at CVS for a pack of Juicy Fruit if they’ll let me 🙂
The power of the mind.
Love your post and all these tips, Leigh!
http://runwright.net/2015/11/01/tears-of-joy-or-sadness/
That is so true! It is really painful to use cash and soooo easy to just swipe that debit card! I’m trying to discipline myself, but it’s hard for me to carry a lot of cash around.
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There are ways to reduce energy bills without having to do with less energy – here are some great tips that can be implemented at home – http://www.blinds.com/control/infopage?page=infographic/energyloss.html
I love these lists – I really enjoy hearing other people’s ideas for money saving. Probably the best money saver we use (as parents of 2 kids) is to use thrift/charity shops to circulate their toys. We get them to donate some of their old toys a couple of times a year, then they get to chose something ‘new’ I won’t get away with it when they get older but meanwhile it has saved us so much money 🙂 Keep up the great work!
Thanks for your encouraging words! I have a friend that also uses thrift stores and consignment shops to get toys for her kids. She definitely saves a lot of money that way. Every little bit helps! 🙂
great post. We don’t eat out much but when we do I always order a drink….each cocktail is $10-12!!!
I know…the price of drinks is ridiculous!! However, if you are not eating out often, I’d consider it a treat!
Eat from your pantry/freezer periodically. An acquaintance has to physically make sure the freezer is sealed because it is so jam-packed. There are only 3 people in their family, all adults. If things are so buried you can’t reach the bottom, it’s time to enjoy some of the stockpile you spent good money on!
I agree! I don’t have an extra freezer, because I feel like I would forget what’s in there. But if you are stockpiling, I guess you should use what you have before purchasing more.