Things You'll Need:
- Cost-cutting mindset
- Pen & paper to document creative ways to decrease cash outflow
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Step 1
Put on your creative thinking cap and think of non-drastic measures you can take to help you save money in your daily activities. Make sure the cost-cutting measure is worth the sacrifice, both fiscally and mentally.
Naturally, cutting down your twice daily premium coffee runs could reduce expenses, but if your work productivity and positive attitude declines, is it really worth the $8/day (with generous tips), particularly if the afternoon coffee break is networking time? As an alternative, maybe twice a week, instead of ordering a mocha latte, order a "house blend coffee" and add complimentary milk and chocolate -- and you'll have saved $4/week and a couple hundred calories. Baby steps. Remember, these are non-drastic measures in cost cutting. Saving $4/week adds up to more than $200/year. -
Step 2
Use coupons. Most of your local businesses and grocery stores accept coupons. There is no shame in using them. Why pay $2.49 to professionally launder a dress shirt when you can spend $1.69 for the same service with a coupon?
Many grocery stores double coupons on certain days, so clip coupons of items you normally purchase and shop on those special days. -
Step 3
Buy store-brand items. Store-brand tin foil works just as well as a name brand tin foil at half the cost. Take the few minutes to peruse the aisles -- you'll be surprised at how many store-brand items exist.
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Step 4
Order tap water at restaurants. Most restaurants filter their water, so unless it's absolutely necessary to order sparkling water, skip the bubbles and ask for the restaurants "house" water.
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Step 5
Eat home one extra day a week. Note the wording does not say "cook an extra meal" one day a week. Picking up take-out or buying prepared food at your neighborhood grocery store one extra day a week will likely save you money.
If you're so inclined to save a little more and cook at home, make friends with your crockpot & with minimal advance prep, you can come home to a house filled with delicious smells with very little effort. -
Step 6
Bring your own wine to dinner. Although it is not often publicized, ask if a restaurant has a corkage policy and make dinner reservations at restaurants that charge minimal or no corkage. Bring your own wine, and leave a generous gratuity. You will likely enjoy a better bottle of wine at 1/2 the cost, even with the corkage fee.
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Step 7
Cut back on babysitting. Have "family night" one extra night a month and save $60 - $80, depending upon where you live an hourly babysitting costs.
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Step 8
Before you know it, your savings will add up and you'll have money for extras, such as a family vacation. Select an all-inclusive destination...3 meals a day at resort prices quickly becomes pricey!
