How to Pinch Pennies in a Struggling Economy

In a struggling economy learning to pinch pennies can make an enormous difference. For example, years ago when the airline industry was struggling and going through some changes, one of the major airline companies decided to take the parsley that no one eats off the lunch and dinner menu. This action saved millions of dollars. You may not be reducing costs on a large scale like the airlines, but the principle is the same. Reduce and get rid of the non-essentials.

Instructions

1. 

   Don't purchase pre-made cleaning fluids. Purchase a bottle of ammonia. Fill one qt. spray bottle with water and 1/8 cup ammonia. Use this mixture to clean all hard surfaces in your house. For a disinfectant, fill a separate spray bottle with water and 1/8 cup bleach and you have your own disinfectant spray. Using these chemicals this way will save a lot of money.

2. 

   Ride a bike to work instead of taking the bus or driving a car. You'll save gas and get exercise. If you can't do this because of distance or business apparel, consider asking around to find a carpool.

3. 

   Gather at a friend's house or yours and have a movie night. Pop homemade popcorn. By inviting friends over, you still get the social environment without all the cost.

4. 

   Purchase a haircutting system and choose to cut your kid's hair yourself. The systems make haircutting very simple. Since kids need their hair cut quite often, you will recoup this cost in no time.

5. 

   Return cans and bottles for the return money. Better yet, don't buy drinks that require this and drink more water instead.

6. 

   Wrap up older toys packed away in the attic and give some of them as gifts at Christmas. The memory of playing with them as well as seeing a lost relic revealed will bring back memories and fill your child with joy.

7. 

   Stop at your local thrift or consignment shop. These stores may have something you are looking for and for a fraction of the cost. Consider using these stores yourself to sell some of your unwanted or unused items. Most consignment shops will give you half of what your item sells for.

8. 

   Force yourself to use cash only. If you don't have enough cash, do without--even if that means you skip lunch. Fasting never hurt anyone, unless medically you are not able to do so. In fact, you may even feel better to rid your body of the excess sugars--especially if your diet includes mostly eating fruits, vegetables and proteins with low carbs.

9. 

   View freecycle.com to find items that you may need. This site allows you to get things free. You can also submit your own things for free.

10. Ask yourself are "Do I need it?" or "Can I do without it?" when purchasing something. In the long run, you will be better off and happier if you are careful today with what you buy. This includes even the smallest purchases. In fact, it's the small, consistent purchases that can add up to create a financial disaster.

11. View freecycle.com to find items that you may need. This site allows you to get things free. You can also submit your own things for free. There are many ways to save money and these are only touching the surface. The most important thing is to ask yourself "Do I need it?" or "Can I do without it?" When purchasing something. In the long run you will be better off and happier if you are careful today with what you buy. This includes even the smallest purchases. In fact it's the small consistent purchases that can add up to create a financial disaster.

Tips & Warnings

• Every day when you come home, throw your change into a bucket. Skip the lattes and make your own coffee. Bring it to work in a thermos. Find a friend to fix your car instead of the expensive shops. Pay less or do something in reciprocation for his services. We all have something we can offer each other.

Resources

• FreeCycle
• Pinching your pennies