How to save your money by making a few simple changes
- by Tanya Ryno (RSS feed) on Jul 22nd 2007 11:00AM
- Filed under money
How many times have you gone up to the ATM -- to get $20 -- only to get a receipt that says insufficient funds. Maybe it's just me, but I'd rather the person behind me in line didn't realize that I'd just hit financial rock bottom. Not only is that embarrassing, but it's a good sign that your not saving any money what-so-ever. Possibly it's you just don't know how.
If you've already tried everything, give these a go. I found 5 simple ways to save money, from Gomestic, that you may not have thought about.
- Coupons: While some people think that coupons are a hassle to use, when you begin to use them on a regular basis you will be surprised at how much you can save. I have personally witnessed people who were able to save $50 or more on a grocery bill simply using coupons they found in a $2 newspaper. Saving $50 on a regular basis will make a big difference on your bank account in the long run.
- Shop for discounts: You will be surprised at what you can find. Many people think paying full price means they are getting a better product, but this is not always the case. For example, I have purchased many clothing items from flea markets, ebay and other such sites that offer extraordinary savings and people have given me plenty of compliments. I have several skirts I purchased for only $10...that's right $10 and I have received more compliments on them than I can remember. If you take the time to search, you can find incredible products at inexpensive prices.
- Exercise for free: Yes, sometimes joining a gym or organized exercise group can be fun, but depending on the cost, you can save a large amount of money by exercising for free. Take a walk or jog around your neighborhood. You do not have to worry about any additional cost except for the cost of your workout clothes and your shoes. And, if you want some variety, you can make one time purchases on a bike, roller blades, or any other type of exercise product that you can utilize again and again. You can lose weight, have fun, and save money all at the same time.
- Eat healthier
: Purchasing the makings for salads at grocery stores and healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables are relatively inexpensive. When you eat healthier you don't get sick as often and, thus, you save significantly on medical bills, prescriptions, and remedying a health issue you could have easily avoided. - Search for free leisure activities: You will be surprised at all the fun things you can find to do that are absolutely free of cost to the public or cost very little. For example, during Christmas time Long Beach, California holds a light parade that features a long strip of neighbors who collaboratively decorate their homes to the nine's and have everything from Disneyland-like battery operated animated figures on their lawns to real live ornately dressed carolers signing to passersby. It is quite an extraordinary experience and it is completely free to the public.
Comments [4]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-22-2007 @ 11:23AM
Kevin said...
I've noticed that there are a couple of different types of people in the world, those who value the lowest price and those who won't save their money because they're afraid of being "cheap." I know people who refuse to shop the clearance section of a local department store due to the fact that they don't want the people they know to know that they bought items on clearance. It's as if clearance, (or coupons, or anything frugal) is a badge of dishonor. Some people are just odd.
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7-22-2007 @ 8:14PM
bryan said...
A few other rules: Don't eat out as much. Make an approximate monthly budget that includes your income, your scheduled bills (electricity, phone, rent), your soft bills like gasoline, then see what's left. It's useful to see with this what's left over after these bills each month.
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7-29-2007 @ 4:24PM
Barb said...
Heck, this is my way of life and I still find it hard to make ends meet.
Our economy is in havoc!
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7-26-2007 @ 12:24PM
Tania said...
At 36 I am realizing 'who gives a frank' about what someone thinks about what I do. If someone is embarassed to be 'seen' doing discount or clearance shopping for fear they will be viewed as cheap & they aren't going to do something that is beneficial (maybe in a big way) because someone they will never see again thinks whatever about them-Who cares! You don't know them!! Their thoughts should have zero effect on your life.
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