Let’s face it, one way or another our lives are being impacted by the current recession. Small changes can make a difference when it comes to saving money. Here are a few EASY money saving tips from The Unemployed Mom.
- Stop Eating Out! Going out to eat is expensive! Despite the fact groceries cost a lot of money, your wallet will be impacted more by eating at restaurants. Also, when you cook meals at home, you can make them healthier for your family. Use leftovers to pack lunches.
- Make Grocery Lists. Plan your weekly meals and take a list with you to the grocery store. It is proven that people spend less money when they make and follow a list. Also, do not go to the store when you are hungry!
- Use Coupons. Buy the Sunday paper and clip coupons. Familiarize yourself with which stores double coupons and which ones offer Buy One Get One Free weekly specials so you can maximize savings. For more help, check out the Grocery Game. If you’re not going to use certain coupons, pass them along to someone who will.
- Stop Buying Deli Meat. Deli meat is a nice convenience but at $8+ per pound, it is breaking the bank! Instead, cook a ham, chicken breast or turkey breast and slice your own!
- Buy in Bulk. Membership fees to places like Costco, BJ’s and Sam’s Club can be expensive so why not split the fee with a friend? Also, buying in bulk allows you to get a better price on food and household items.
- Say “NO” to Coffee Shops. This is hard since specialty coffee drinks taste so darn good, but at $5 a pop, the costs add up! Make coffee at home and stop making a detour for caffeine!
- Start a Baby Sitting Co-Op. Instead of paying for baby sitting services when you want a night out without children, start a co-op with your friends. For help on starting a co-op, click here.
- Animal Swap. Boarding animals or sending them to Doggy Daycare can be expensive so why not start a swap with your animal loving neighbors?
- Stop Washing So Much. Some pieces of clothing (jeans, jackets and sweaters) do NOT need to be washed each time you wear them, especially if they are layered over top of something. If you are able to hang your clothes outside to dry, choose this option!
- Create & Follow A Budget. Mint.com is a free personal finance software that will simplify your life! I highly recommend this tool (we use it faithfully in my house). Create your anonymous Mint account, then add your bank, credit card, home loan and investment accounts. The set up process takes five minutes and that’s all the data entry Mint ever asks of you. No bookkeeping is required and your account information is always up to date.
Click here for additional green money saving tips from The Unemployed Mom.
What easy money saving tips do you have? Please share in the comments sections!
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