1) Use coupons. OK I know I just said I don't have time for extreme coupon clipping and I don't, but when coupons are mailed to you or provided from your grocery store loyalty club, USE THEM! Easy! They are literally being handed to you, so stick them into your purse for the next shopping trip!
2) Buy Generic Medications. I am a physician and I can tell you that generics have the exact same active ingredients as the name brand at a fraction of the cost. I never buy name brand medications. Never.
3) Stay organized. Have you ever gone to the store to buy something again because you simply could not FIND the one you already had? Well I have and the more organized I am the easier it is to keep tract of the items I already had and therefore eliminate spending more on the second item.
4) Donate your old/unused items. Keep tract of your donation receipts as this will add up for a tax break come tax time! Much easier to do and a lot less time then listing each item for sale on websites or garage sales and though you may get less for your items, it is a money saver at the end of the year.
5) Buy quality items: Spend a little extra on quality items that will last longer and then not have to repurchase items down the road. I have always gotten my older son great quality clothes and shoes and almost all of it has been in good enough condition when he outgrew them to pass along to his little brother!
6) Buy used. Ever been to a library book sale? $1.00 for books some of which look new! Or consignment stores with great quality gently used furniture for much less than new. Do I even need to discuss the benefits of a quality used car over a new car? Craigslist is also a great place to find used items.
7) Buy end of season/holiday for next year. I was just at the store and snagged some plates and pitchers for 75% off for "end of summer" sale. I also really love getting non-perishable items one day after holidays such as Easter, Halloween and Christmas that are typically 75-90% off! I just store them away for next year!
8) Optimize your home. Make sure you are using power and water wisely. Ensure there are no leaks and if appliances or plumbing need replacement, get the energy/water saving options. Ensure your home is properly insulated and set thermostats a few degrees higher for air conditioner and lower for heater.
9) Pack your lunch and make your coffee. This is pretty simple and easy and does not take too much time if you prep it the evening before as you are making dinner. I usually set aside a portion of dinner in containers to take with me the next day.
10) Shop sales. This is just logical. Every time I go to any store I take a few minutes to browse the clearance and sales racks and shelves. Why pay more if you don't have to?
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| Coupons that were literally handed to me! |
