How to Save Big Money By Making Small Changes

When money is tight, it's easy to get overwhelmed, however by making a few small changes, you can rack up big savings.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Clip those coupons. Many stores have hefty sales, and with additional coupons you can get groceries at a fraction of the normal cost. Hit club stores and buy in bulk for items you use everyday. Negotiate prices when shopping. Don't be afraid to ask for a discount, coupon or when an item will go on sale.

2. Turn off your lights and unplug your appliances. Although we’ve heard it time and time again, small changes like this will impact your monthly spending significantly. Appliances like digital coffee makers, VCRs, and even cell phone chargers continuously use electricity when not in use.

3. Pay your bills online. Between all my utilities, health insurance payments, credit card bills, rent, and charitable giving, I have about 12 payments each month. By simply making my payments online I save about $5 a month, which can add up to $60 a year.

4. Entertain at home. Meeting up for drinks or a latte can get pricey. Have a friend over for a cup of coffee and a hike. Mix up some margaritas for the lady’s after work. If you do decide to go out, look for a free concert in the park or a local cultural fair. Zoos and museums often offer discounts on certain days.

5. Do your laundry only when you have a full load. It is better for the environment, but also you will use less water, less soap and less energy. Use a drying rack instead of a dryer, which saps up a lot of extra energy.

6. Use appliances as little as possible. Put away the blow dryer and go au natural. If you can’t daily because of work, try to put away the primping products on the weekend. Blow dryers drain a huge chunk of electricity. Turn the TV off if it is just running in the background to keep you company. Turn up the air conditioner or turn down the heat. Open your windows for a nice breeze. Use appliances as little as possible.

7. Lump all of your errands into one. By making one outing you will save excess gas. Better yet, anything that is in walking distance – walk.

8. Forget the gym membership. Find a hiking trail or dig out that old jazzercise video. If you insist on hitting the gym, talk to the membership department and ask if they will consider lowering your dues. Most clubs will at the risk of losing you.

9. Skip the movies and have Netflix deliver your favorite movies to your door. An evening out to the movies for two people with popcorn and soda is more money than a month of viewing pleasure.

10. Take stock of how you use items. My boyfriend would use an inch long strip of toothpaste like in the commercial. Once he realized a pea size amount was sufficient, his toothpaste lasted four times as long. That same philosophy goes for shampoos, face washes and household cleaners. A little goes a long way.

[static404]

on 8/15/2009 Another very useful article. These money saving tips are important for these difficult economic times.

[starlet67]

on 5/25/2009 Just turning off extra lights can help a lot!Great tips for saving money!5*