studies<\/a> show that television makes you fat. That, of course, can lead to health problems and medical expenses. Secondly, watching television uses electricity. Just having the TV plugged in can cost you up to $110 per year (USD).<\/p>\nThe cost of cable service is phenomenal. No matter where you live, the cost of premium channels and even what\u2019s called \u201cbasic\u201d cable is well above what should be considered reasonable entertainment expense. Do you truly<\/em> need 131 channels? Probably not.<\/p>\nFinally, as you watch television you\u2019re inundated with ads. Ads for luxury cars. Ads for alcoholic drinks. Ads for vacation packages and ads for what is, frankly, junk. Don\u2019t fall into the advertising trap. Just turn off the television and save your money, your electricity and your health.<\/p>\n
\n- Television is bad for your wallet – and your health!<\/li>\n
- Turn off the television to save on electricity<\/li>\n
- If you don\u2019t see TV ads, you\u2019re not as tempted to buy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
5. Don\u2019t go out \u2013 stay in.<\/h3>\n
When you go out with friends, you spend money. Whether it\u2019s a round of $7 martinis at the local bar or an extra large drink at the cinema, going out with friends is expensive!<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t go out. Instead, invite your friends over! Take turns hosting the group and play poker (for fun, not money!) or try cooking new cuisines. Join a volunteer group and clean up community parks or visit a children\u2019s hospital. Heck, just go for a run or a walk!<\/p>\n
Be creative \u2013 you and your friends can find all kinds of inexpensive, worthwhile and fun hobbies. But be sure of one thing: that you stay in instead of hitting the pub or doing expensive activities.<\/p>\n
6. Consider your diet.<\/h3>\n
We\u2019re going to talk more in depth about food later. But there are a few things you should keep in mind when you buy and eat food.<\/p>\n
\n- Cheap food is usually filled with empty calories, causing you to be hungry sooner \u2013 and gain weight! Opt for fresh foods when possible.<\/li>\n
- Eating out for lunch every day when you break at work adds up considerably. Consider packing a lunch to bring with you.<\/li>\n
- Same goes with supper! When you eat out, you\u2019re paying huge markups for food as well as tips and gratuities. Eat in instead, saving the nights out for special occasions.<\/li>\n
- Consider your portion size. For a few weeks, weigh and measure your food. A typical adult, for instance, should only eat around 3-4 ounces of chicken breast for a meal. You\u2019d be surprised at what you\u2019re actually eating!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
7. Change your habits.<\/h3>\n
It should go without saying that bad habits cost money. In the US, a person who smokes a pack a day of cigarettes spends almost $2,200 each year on their habit. In the UK, that same smoker will spend \u00a33,000.<\/p>\n
Smoking isn\u2019t the only money-sucking habit, though. A habit of snacking on candy throughout the day can add up considerably. Just consider how much one candy bar costs at the vending machine at work. Now multiply it by 300 \u2013 that\u2019s what you\u2019re spending each year. And that doesn\u2019t include the weekends!<\/p>\n
Alcohol is an expensive habit, too Whether you\u2019re drinking at restaurants, bars or at home with your spouse, each drink costs you money.<\/p>\n
Think about your habits, and consider how they not only destroy your bank account but your body, too! Where appropriate, take steps to change those habits.<\/p>\n
\n- Bad habits cost money! Tobacco, alcohol and gambling are just a few examples<\/li>\n
- Not only will these habits impact your finances, they\u2019ll impact your health, too<\/li>\n
- You don\u2019t have to abstain from, say, the occasional drink, but think about how much you\u2019re spending first.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
8. Consider your home.<\/h3>\n
Alright, I\u2019ll admit it. This one\u2019s a big one. It\u2019s not going to be possible for everyone to make this change. But if you can do it, here it is: consider downsizing your home!<\/p>\n
Larger homes just cost more. Your mortgage or rent is typically higher. Your utility expenses are higher. Heck, even your property taxes are higher with a larger home than a smaller home in some areas.<\/p>\n
If you can, think about moving to a smaller space. Sure, moving itself can be pricey. But once you move to a more manageable home, you\u2019ll find that your monthly and annual expenses are much cheaper, allowing you to save thousands of dollars each year.<\/p>\n
9. Share space.<\/h3>\n
In some cases, you may be able to share a space! You may have done this when you were in your 20s or in college, but it\u2019s never too late to think about sharing rent or a mortgage with another person you trust.<\/p>\n
Roommates take all shapes and forms. I once knew a young couple with a child who shared space with a single mother of one. The single mother and the husband in the couple worked full time while the wife in the couple provided childcare to the children. Overall, it worked out nicely!<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re okay with sharing a kitchen and a living room with another person, a roomie situation might work out for you. Your rent and utilities will be halved, and the two of you may even be able to share food costs.<\/p>\n
\n- A roommate situation may not work for everyone, but it\u2019s worth considering!<\/li>\n
- There are many roommate situations. Consider a skills exchange.<\/li>\n
- Living with someone you trust can cut your bills literally in half.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
10. Think green.<\/h3>\n
Many people think that \u201cgoing green\u201d means buying overpriced products and \u201corganic\u201d labels. But that\u2019s just not true!<\/p>\n
A good way to save money is to begin by going green. Turn off the lights when you leave the room. Take shorter showers and turn off the water while you brush your teeth. Buy reusable products. All these options protect the environment \u2013 and your bank account!<\/p>\n
We\u2019re going to talk more about specific ways you can go green later in this guide. Suffice to say for now that eco-conscious living can also mean good things for your finances.<\/p>\n
\n- Going green isn\u2019t always expensive.<\/li>\n
- Small steps like turning off lights can save you hundreds of dollars each year.<\/li>\n
- Reusable products are cheaper in the long run – and better for the planet!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Saving Money on Groceries<\/h2>\n
Grocery shopping is one of those things you just have<\/em> to do. After all, you can\u2019t survive without groceries \u2026 and toilet paper. However, there are ways you can save a significant amount of money, just by shopping in the right way. Let\u2019s look at a few tips and tricks for saving money while you shop.<\/p>\n11. Make a shopping list before you go.<\/h3>\n
You\u2019ve probably heard it said: you should never go grocery shopping when you\u2019re hungry. Folks, that\u2019s so very true! Grocery stores and other merchants design their stores in a way that will attract you to make impulse buys. From candy bars in the checkout line to beautiful endcap displays of sodas and chips, it\u2019s easy to give in to the merchandising efforts of these stores.<\/p>\n
Before you head to the store, make a list of everything you need. We\u2019re going to talk about meal planning in a bit \u2013 when you use meal planning tools you\u2019ll know everything you need for the week. Write it all out, then follow that list strictly. It\u2019s going to take a little bit of discipline to say \u201cno\u201d to the packet of crisps but you can do it, I know you can!<\/p>\n
This tip doesn\u2019t just apply to the grocery store, either. You should make a list before you do just about any kind of shopping. Set yourself a budget and only buy what you came for.<\/p>\n
\n- Don\u2019t go to the grocery store hungry!<\/li>\n
- Make a list of everything you need before you go – and stick to it!<\/li>\n
- Meal planning can help you write a grocery list.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
12. Send someone else to the store for you.<\/h3>\n
A very easy way to avoid impulse buys is to send someone to the store for you. Send your spouse or a neighbor to the grocery store or other retailer with a detailed list of the items you need. When they return, you can be assured that everything in those bags is just what you needed \u2026 and nothing extra!<\/p>\n
13. Use a shopping service.<\/h3>\n
This is a tip that could go either way. Some grocery stores and other retailers offer shopping services. What that means is that store staff will collect the items you\u2019ve listed. You\u2019ll check out online, and the store staff will meet you at your car or at a customer service desk with your order.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a catch, though. Not all shopping services are free. Many retailers offer the service for free the first time, then charge you a fee for subsequent shopping experiences. Be sure to look into this before you use a service. Read the terms and conditions so that you\u2019re not responsible for unexpected costs.<\/p>\n
\n- Shopping services will ensure you don\u2019t make any impulse buys.<\/li>\n
- Some shopping services cost money – read the fine print!<\/li>\n
- Many shopping services offer a free trial – try it out to see if it\u2019s right for you!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
14. Cut coupons \u2026 in moderation.<\/h3>\n
A few years back, there was a woman in the United States who made headlines by getting free stuff at a national drugstore chain. She\u2019d spend hours upon hours clipping coupons and finding online deals, then would go to the store and purchase hundreds of dollars\u2019 worth of items for a total of a few dollars.<\/p>\n
This woman is still in the coupon clipping business, and now has a website that lists daily and weekly deals for users to browse. The trouble with this strategy, though, is that this woman\u2019s coupons didn\u2019t always result in actual<\/em> savings. People who followed her plan would end up with stockpiles of soap, toothpaste and laundry soap \u2013 items that would eventually expire before the consumer ever had the chance to use them.<\/p>\nDon\u2019t be like that, but do use coupons. Look at your local store\u2019s circular online, and see what\u2019s on sale. List the items you actually need, then do a quick search of the internet for coupons on those items. Additionally, you can save the circulars you get in the mail and in your Sunday paper. Keep them on hand for a few weeks; if something comes up that you need to buy, check those fliers for coupons.<\/p>\n
\n- Cutting coupons can save you a lot of money on groceries and household items.<\/li>\n
- There is such thing as too many<\/em><\/li>\n
- If you aren\u2019t going to use the product, it\u2019s wasted money. Not a deal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
15. It\u2019s not saving money if you didn\u2019t need it in the first place.<\/h3>\n
Folks, please don\u2019t buy something you don\u2019t need just because it\u2019s on sale. First of all, that\u2019s not saving money. It\u2019s getting an unnecessary item at a price you didn\u2019t need to pay.<\/p>\n
As in the case of the coupon clipper, you don\u2019t need<\/em> to buy 23 tubes of toothpaste just because you can get them for a penny each. You don\u2019t need to spend hours clipping coupons just to find a good deal on something you\u2019ll never use.<\/p>\nBe smart about your purchases and remember that it\u2019s not saving money if you don\u2019t need it. Think before you buy, and don\u2019t fall prey to red sales tags and loud television ads.<\/p>\n
16. Join shopping clubs.<\/h3>\n
Do you want to save money on grocery purchases? Of course you do! The best way to do that is to join your local store\u2019s shopping card.<\/p>\n
My local grocery store is great. I have a tag that clips to my keychain, and it\u2019s also linked to my phone number. As I\u2019m checking out my purchases, I just swipe my card or enter my phone number and my savings are automatically applied.<\/p>\n
I can also go online and clip \u201cvirtual\u201d coupons \u2013 these coupons are loaded to my card and automatically applied at the register. Every month, the store offers additional incentives. For instance, I earn $5 grocery cash just for spending $30 in the store.<\/p>\n
Most grocery stores have a shopping club available. In fact, it\u2019s not limited to groceries. Gas stations, big box retailers and other stores also offer savings incentives for regular customers. Be sure to link your savings card with your phone number in case you carpooled with a friend!<\/p>\n
\n- Shopping clubs offer great discounts to \u201cmembers\u201d<\/li>\n
- Grocery stores, gas stations and even clothing stores offer these memberships.<\/li>\n
- Shopping clubs allow you to clip virtual coupons, saving you time and frustration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
17. Buy generic, or store brand.<\/h3>\n
There are things I\u2019m very particular about when it comes to grocery shopping. For example, I have<\/em> to have the \u201cgood\u201d brand of tuna. The other stuff just seems like it\u2019s watered down to me. I also have<\/em> to buy large eggs. Extra large and jumbo just don\u2019t work well in the recipes I make.<\/p>\nBut overall, the items you buy that are the store brand are exactly<\/em> the same as the name brand stuff. That goes for food, for most medications and even beauty care products. Don\u2019t make the mistake of paying three times as much for the name brand aspirin \u2013 the cheap stuff is just as good.<\/p>\n18. Price compare the generics.<\/h3>\n
Not all grocery stores are created equal. And while you may only have two or three chains in your area, you should still shop the generic prices.<\/p>\n
I mentioned that I\u2019ve got a great local grocer that offers discounts just for shopping. Well, some of the other local stores aren\u2019t as generous. I\u2019ve shopped the generics at other stores, and have been shocked at the price differences. A gallon of milk, for instance, costs up to two dollars more at the other stores than at my local grocer!<\/p>\n
Check out the variety of pricing in your area and realize that food elitism is very real. People will<\/em> pay more to shop at \u201chigh end\u201d grocery stores \u2026 even though they\u2019re paying for the same food.<\/p>\n\n- Some grocery stores offer generic products that are just as pricey as name brands.<\/li>\n
- Check with local grocery and big box stores to make sure you\u2019re getting the best deal.<\/li>\n
- Even staples like milk and bread can cost twice as much at the \u201celite\u201d grocery stores.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
19. Check the price per unit.<\/h3>\n
Most retailers will post, along with the price of the item, the price per unit<\/em> of an item. For instance, at first glance you may be tempted to buy the pound of turkey breast for $3.99 instead of the pack for $5.99. But when you realize the six dollar pack contains two<\/em> pounds of turkey, you realize you\u2019re actually saving money.<\/p>\nI know, I know. Sometimes you just can\u2019t stomach paying six dollars on turkey, period. Maybe you\u2019ve only got a few bills in your pocket. But when possible, check to see that you\u2019re paying the best price per unit, not just the lowest price per item.<\/p>\n
20. Buy fresh.<\/h3>\n
Processed, packaged foods can be inexpensive menu options when you\u2019re on a tight budget. But everyone needs produce and protein. When you buy those items, buy them fresh.<\/p>\n
Opt for in-season produce and unprocessed meat. Deli meat might be okay every now and then, but you\u2019re going to be saving money by buying the whole<\/em> chicken instead of the sliced, skinless chicken breast.<\/p>\nIf you must buy canned products, be sure they\u2019re packed \u201cin their own juice\u201d or \u201cin water\u201d rather than in corn syrup or oil. This is beneficial not just to the quality of the food for the price, but also to your health!<\/p>\n
Saving Money on General Shopping<\/h2>\n
There are going to be times when you need to head to the store for batteries or other essentials. However, it\u2019s important that you shop smart! Here are some says you can save money on everyday purchases.<\/p>\n
21. Cut up your credit card.<\/h3>\n
No, really. Credit cards are recipes for disaster. Between interest charges and the feeling that you have more money than you actually do, your credit card is better in the shredder than in your wallet.<\/p>\n
Cut up your credit card and only pay for purchases with cash you have. Why pay extra for an item because of interest? And do you really want to go into debt because of that impulse buy? Your money is better spent elsewhere.<\/p>\n
\n- Do you need a credit card? Think carefully.<\/li>\n
- Credit cards are great tools, but they\u2019re expensive.<\/li>\n
- Use cash to pay for your purchases – it\u2019s cheaper, and you\u2019ll be debt free!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
22. If you must have a credit card\u2026<\/h3>\n
In some ways, it can be handy to have a credit card. For instance, imagine your tire blows out on the interstate. You don\u2019t have cash on hand to fix it \u2026 but you need to get to work!<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t carry your credit card in your wallet. Instead, keep it in a safe deposit bank at the bank. Have your mom hang on to it for you. Whatever you do, don\u2019t keep that credit card accessible! If you must have a credit card for unexpected emergencies, be sure it\u2019s in a place where you\u2019ll really have to think<\/em> before you access it.<\/p>\n\n- Credit cards may be okay to have in case of emergency.<\/li>\n
- Don\u2019t keep your credit card on you. Give it to your mom, or keep it in a bank deposit box.<\/li>\n
- Be sure your credit card has no annual fee and a reasonable interest rate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
23. You can save money by saving money.<\/h3>\n
Sound dumb? It\u2019s not! Commit to yourself to put aside a portion of your paycheck each week and put it in a savings account. It doesn\u2019t have to be much \u2013 say just 5% or so. Even if you only make $20,000 each year, that\u2019s $1,000 you\u2019ll have saved up by year\u2019s end \u2026 plus interest you earn!<\/p>\n
Shop around for the best interest rates. Check local banks which may have incentives for community members. Make sure there are no hidden fees associated with your account. As an example, some banks require a minimum balance to avoid a monthly charge.<\/p>\n
Then, start saving! Cut up the debit card or access card associated with the account so that you\u2019re not tempted to access the money. Better yet, have a family member you trust open the account jointly with you. Then, choose an account that requires two signatures to withdraw.<\/p>\n
No matter how much money you put aside, that\u2019s money you didn\u2019t have before. Use it as an emergency fund, or commit to that money as a budget for a weekend getaway.<\/p>\n
24. Try cashback programs.<\/h3>\n
In some parts of the world, you can find really cool cashback programs. These might be apps for your phone or they may be online shopping programs. Regardless, they offer great opportunities for saving money and for earning back a portion of the money you do spend.<\/p>\n
In my area, we\u2019ve got an app for cell phones. You\u2019ll shop through the app to earn anywhere from 1-10% back on purchases. Once you reach a threshold of $20, you can withdraw (with no penalty!) to your PayPal or bank account.<\/p>\n
Find out what\u2019s available in your area, then read the terms and conditions. Note any hidden fees and skip the ones that charge you to withdraw. Most importantly, don\u2019t spend money for the sole purpose of earning cash back! That\u2019s counterproductive, and not a good way to save money.<\/p>\n
\n- Your local area may have cashback apps or websites that can be useful.<\/li>\n
- Be sure to read the fine print before you sign up.<\/li>\n
- Don\u2019t spend money on purchases just to get cash back.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
25. Join birthday clubs.<\/h3>\n
You\u2019re probably going to go out for your birthday. It just can\u2019t be helped. But there are plenty of restaurants and other retailers that offer incentives to subscribers \u2013 you can earn free meals, free drinks and more just by getting a year older!<\/p>\n
To join birthday clubs, first create a new email account. Many retailers send a lot of emails and you don\u2019t want your inbox overwhelmed. Then, simply provide that email address and your date of birth on your favorite restaurant\u2019s website. Enjoy your cake!<\/p>\n
26. Bring your phone to the store.<\/h3>\n
Okay, this one might make a few retailers irritated. But the next time you go shopping for an essential, bring your phone along with you.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s say, for instance, that you need a stroller for your baby. You visit the local big box store and find an item you really like. Take out your phone and do a quick Google search for the product name. Then, under the \u201cshopping\u201d tab, scroll through the available buying options. Are there any of that model available for cheaper online? Don\u2019t forget to include any shipping costs.<\/p>\n
When you bring your phone with you, it\u2019s a great opportunity to look at reviews of the product, too. After all, it may be inexpensive but if it\u2019s going to break in a month it\u2019s probably not worth the money.<\/p>\n
\n- If you have a smartphone, it\u2019s a great way to price compare while you\u2019re at the store.<\/li>\n
- Products can be searched online to be sure you\u2019re getting the best deal.<\/li>\n
- Don\u2019t forget to consider shipping costs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
27. Join a wholesale club.<\/h3>\n
All around the world, there are large warehouses called wholesale clubs. These clubs charge members an annual fee \u2013 say, $50 \u2013 but then offer goods in bulk at cost.<\/p>\n
The membership fee is an upfront cost you\u2019ll have to consider but generally speaking, these clubs save you a ton of money on things like food, toilet paper and even prescription medications. As in the case of the couponing diva mentioned above, make sure you\u2019re only buying products you\u2019re actually going to use. Money spent on wasted items isn\u2019t a good deal, no matter how much you paid.<\/p>\n
\n- Wholesale clubs do cost money, but the savings may be worth it.<\/li>\n
- Consider how much of a particular item you use. Everyone needs toilet paper. Then shop accordingly.<\/li>\n
- Remember that buying in bulk isn\u2019t saving if you\u2019re not going to use the product.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
28. Pay your bills online.<\/h3>\n
If you\u2019re the type to mail in a check every time the electric or rent is due, stop! Instead, check to see if there\u2019s an online bill pay option. Paying your bills online will save the cost of checks, postage and mailing supplies.<\/p>\n
That said, don\u2019t rely on calling customer service to pay your bills. Many companies charge an additional fee to pay with a customer service representative, and that $3 charge per payment adds up to a significant amount of money over the course of a year.<\/p>\n
An even easier option is to pay via mobile app. Some credit cards, banks and even rental agencies have apps for your Android and iPhone that allow you to pay your bill via app \u2013 at no cost to you.<\/p>\n
29. Join a credit union.<\/h3>\n
Banks are expensive. There are ATM fees, overdraft fees and monthly maintenance charges. Avoid many of those fees and charges by joining a credit union!<\/p>\n
Most credit unions allow customers to withdraw cash fee-free at select ATMs. They also, in case of an occasional accounting error on your part, offer \u201cfee free\u201d days, where there\u2019s no overdraft charge assessed for going a few into overdraft. Overdraft protection is another service credit unions offer.<\/p>\n
Some credit unions will charge a small fee for membership. This is usually about a dollar each month, which goes into a community fund. That\u2019s $12 per year, sure. But it\u2019s much more affordable than, say, if you were to withdraw cash at a $3 service fee ATM once per month!<\/p>\n
\n- Credit unions offer tons of incentives for community members.<\/li>\n
- These banks offer free ATM use, overdraft protection and low interest rates on loans.<\/li>\n
- Some credit unions do charge a small fee, but it\u2019s negligible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
30. Join the library.<\/h3>\n
Do you think of the library of a stuffy place, one with librarians who hush you and old men who look down their nose at you?<\/p>\n
Think again! Visit your local library \u2013 you\u2019ll see! Libraries have begun to come into the 21st<\/sup> century. They\u2019ll loan you books, sure. But you can also check out movies, magazines and even electronic devices, like tablets!<\/p>\nIn addition to loaning you materials, libraries offer social opportunities. You can take a free class, or join a reading group to chat about your favorite books. When you come home, visit your library\u2019s website and link your card to an account. You can actually check out the digital versions of magazines or ebooks!<\/p>\n
\n- We live in a digital age and it\u2019s easy to overlook the library.<\/li>\n
- Libraries aren\u2019t just about books! You\u2019ll find DVDs, music, magazines and even tablets available.<\/li>\n
- Library membership is free, and many offer free ebooks as well.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Saving Money on Clothes<\/h2>\n31. Shop the thrift stores.<\/h3>\n
Shopping thrift stores doesn\u2019t mean wearing rags. Just the opposite is true, in fact. Shopping Goodwill, Salvation Army and other thrift shops means you can wear name brand clothing at prices that are ridiculously low.<\/p>\n
Visit the \u201chigher end\u201d neighborhoods where wealthy people have donated their items. You\u2019ll find tons of barely used, upscale clothing for just a few dollars each! Look online, too. There are many sites where users can list clothing and other items for sale for a fraction of the price. From winter coats to car parts, you can find just about everything online!<\/p>\n
\n- Shopping thrift stores is fun – and cheap!<\/li>\n
- Know where to go. Check the thrift shops in the \u201cupscale\u201d neighborhoods for the best deals.<\/li>\n
- Thrift stores aren\u2019t just stores – they\u2019re websites, too.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
32. Saving money on school uniforms.<\/h3>\n
Let\u2019s face it: if you\u2019ve got kids who require school uniforms, the cost of those clothes really adds up, and fast! Kids have this habit of growing like weeds, and can change clothing sizes two or three times in one school year.<\/p>\n
Start a parents\u2019 bulletin board, either online or at your kids\u2019 school. Allow parents to post their children\u2019s gently loved clothes for sale and offer them to other students. The same goes for sports uniforms like baseball gloves or shin guards, and with club uniforms like scouts or other groups.<\/p>\n
By pooling together with other parents, you can save a ton of money on kids\u2019 essentials, even as fast as they grow!<\/p>\n
33. Repair your old jeans.<\/h3>\n
It happens to the best of us. You\u2019ve got a favorite pair of jeans, and after years of wear and tear, they finally start to fall apart. Maybe a belt loop break because you\u2019re constantly lifting them up. Or maybe you\u2019ve started to get holes along the inseam.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t buy a new pair \u2013 you can actually just repair your faves! Check out this YouTube video that shows you how.<\/p>\n