How to Save Money in Tight Economic Times

Saving Money with Common Sense (JJ)

I think most of us would love to save money on all the little things we need or do. Let's face it all the little things can add up very quickly to a lot of money. Many of these expenses can be reduced with very little effort. We can save money and have it for more important things.

Things You'll Need

• desire to save money
• common sense

Instructions

1. One of the most important steps to saving money is to "Ask the Simple Questions". 1) Do I really need it? 2) How long will I use it? 3)Will it end up as additional clutter? 3) Is it worth the ___ hours it will take me to earn the money to pay for it? (e.g., is this sweater worth 8 hours of work? or could I spend that money wiser?)

2. 

   Turn off the lights - when you leave the room and make it a habit. Unplug the appliances when not in use. Turn down the heat 2 degrees in the winter, and up 2 degrees in the summer.

3. Buy your checks online - from an online check company; or better yet, use Quicken and if your bank has a free online check writing service - use it. You'll save 44¢ (or current price) on a stamp every time you do.

4. 

   Buy generic - even generic pop is as good as name brand. The generic brands have gotten a lot better and in many cases are better then name brand. Don't buy your food based on your emotions (you don't have to have name brand)

5. Clip coupons - but only for items you use. If you purchase items just because you have a coupon, you are not saving money. In fact you are spending more money than you would've if you hadn't clipped coupons - that doesn't make "cents" - but it is what the manufacturers want you to do.

6. Combine trips - save on gas by combining trips for errands an shopping.

7. Cancel your cable - How much do you really watch it? Is it worth the money you pay for it? Would you spend that kind of money at the movies? Think of all of the quality family time you can have.

8. 

   Scale back your cell phone - See if you can take a step down on your cell phone usage plan without a penalty. If you are not using the full allotment of minutes each month, ask about a less expensive calling plan.

9. 

   Reduce your credit card debt by paying down your higher interest credit cards first. Common sense here.

10. The money you earn on ehow.com can be used to reduce your credit card bill, this will save on interest.

11. Make your own household cleaners - from common household items. (lemons, baking soda, bleach, dish detergent). See my articles on making household cleaners.

12. 

    Keep your tires properly inflated - This will improve your vehicles gas mileage, as well as improve the safety of your vehicle (there is a misconception that under-inflating tires improves traction in the winter).

13. 

    Buy your books on eBay, Half.com, or amazon.com - (check all of them before buying for the best price). I have bought books for as low as 75 cents plus shipping (around $3.00), that were selling for $20 or more new.

14. Check out your local freecycle - (a yahoo group, specific to your area) see if you can get what you need there, but I would also suggest that if you have things you no longer need to advertise them there as well.

15. 

    Check to see if there is a "flea market group" on yahoo groups for your area, if not you can start one and email invites. Things can be sold instead of traded or given away free.

16. Set a budget - for gift giving and stick by it. Make sure that budget is realistic. Do not make a budget higher than what you can afford. Make your own gift cards, birthday cards, greeting cards, etc.

17. Reuse and reduce whenever you can.

18. Make your own coffee and take it with you - Don't spend $2 - $5 on a cup of coffee. Make your own cookies or brownies and take them with you. They sell for $2.00 to $4.00 in a coffee shop.

19. 

    Pack your own lunches (you can save $2.00- $6.00 a day - or $500 to $1200 a year)

20. 

    Stop smoking (if you smoke a pack a day you can save $1400 to $1500 a year). It is getting more difficult to smoke - you might as well quit and save the money, hassle, and your health.

21. We are being bombarded by the media with the message that consumers must spend to lift our economy out of its slump (remember that overspending is what got our housing market in trouble in the first place). Please make your purchases responsibly - It is not unpatriotic to save money and to make your situation better.

Resources

• http://www.ehow.com/how_4483892_all-purpose-cleaner.html