Thrifty Household Tips

Recycling and purchasing used items are two ways you can save money.

If you need to cut household costs, changing your family's attitude and state of mind in more thrifty directions can help you save money, time and maybe even the environment in the long run. Many people aren't taught simple ways to save money growing up, but it's never too late to learn.

Learn to Budget

The first step to becoming a thrifty household is to create a budget and stick to it. To create a budget, write down your expenses every month--every single expense. From your mortgage to your utility bills to that cup of coffee you splurge for at Starbucks on Fridays, every time you spend a dime, write it down. After a few months of tracking your expenses, create a budget from those expenses. List all the bills that must be paid every month, like the mortgage, the electric bill and food. Budget what's left for the extras, including that cup of coffee.

If you're hoping to save a little cash, decide on a regular amount every week or month to save, and learn to think of that amount as another bill that must be paid regularly. Then pay it to your savings.

Play the Game

Learn how to play the savings game. Whether you're shopping for a sofa or buying groceries, coupons and sales can save you money. Make checking local sales advertisements and clipping coupons both online and out of coupon papers, like SmartSource and Redplum, part of your routine. Buy items that won't go bad in bulk when you have multiple coupons or when the items are on sale. Better yet, buy in bulk when the item is on sale and when you have coupons.

Find stores that will double your coupons. A quick call to each of the stores you normally visit should get you the answer. Create a list, and try to make your visit to that store on that particular day.

Learn how to haggle. For many people, the thought of haggling with the Home Depot or another retailer can induce nightmares, but haggling, even on a local level, can save you a lot of cash. If the thought of haggling gives you hives, start small at a yard sale or a local farmer's market.

Go Green

Going green can save the planet and save you money. Turn off the water when you brush your teeth. Insulate your home and install energy-efficient appliances or even a new thermostat to lighten the load on your pocketbook in the long run. Eating one vegetarian meal a week is often cheaper than eating meat, and the less gas you use, the cheaper it is on your wallet.

To become a thrifty queen or king, reuse, recycle and borrow everything you can from books at the library to joining a group like Freecycle to give away your things and get free things.

References

• Worldwatch Institute: 10 Ways to Go Green and Save Green
• CNN Money: Money 101: Lesson 2: Making a Budget
• Better Budgeting: Coupon Queen Savings

Resources

• Real Simple: Saving and Budgeting Basics
• Mymoney.gov
• The Freecycle Network