If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to rein in the cost of spending, now is the time to tighten your budget even further. Here are some tips on how to save money.
* Buy groceries in bulk. Utilize Sunday coupon circulars and in-store circulars to find the lowest prices on items. Buy store brands whenever possible.
* Cancel newspaper subscriptions and/or the purchasing of newspapers and read online newspapers instead.
* Utilize consignment shops as often as necessary. If you have new or used clothing, you can make a commission on the sales through consignment shops. Moreover, you can purchase clothes here as well.
* Shop online to save on tax. If you shop with Amazon, become a Premium member. For $79.00 a year, you will not have to pay shipping costs on purchases of $25.00 or more.
* Take inventory of any new or used items you neither want nor need, and sell them on eBay.
* By making your home energy efficient, you can save quite a bit of money on utility bills. In fact, contact the utility company to see if they can budget the monthly bills so that you pay a smaller amount each month.
* Purchase energy-efficient light bulbs. They last longer and will keep the cost of electricity low.
* If you have cable service, call your local cable or phone company and ask about their bundle package.
* Call the credit card companies and ask to have your interest rate lowered.
* Contact your phone company and eliminate any unnecessary add-ons. If you own a cell phone, you may wish to disconnect your home phone entirely.
* Use the library more often to obtain books, CDs, and DVDs. If you need to buy any of these items, buy them used on Amazon.
* There are several coupon sites that offer discounts on items as well as grocery coupons. Check out ebates.com as well. They offer discounts on most major items in department and electronic stores.
* Save money by paying bills online. You can save quite a bit of money in lieu of buying stamps.
* Eliminate buying coffee in the morning on the way to work. Take lunch instead of eating out.
* Limit dining out in restaurants to once a month.
* Cancel magazine subscriptions. Your local library will most likely carry the issues for free.
These are just some ideas on how to save money. These are uncertain times and, with unemployment at 7%, it is a good idea to put away enough money to cover immediate expenses in case you are laid off or lose your job.
{ 0 comments… add one now }