Easy Money Saving Tips

Cutting costs in today’s economy has become a necessity for many households. The gotta-have-everything mentality of past years made frugality an ugly word, and the result is that buying only what you can afford is an alien concept for many of us.

But take heart if you’ve found yourself unceremoniously dumped in the land of the cost-conscious; penny-pinching doesn’t necessarily mean deprivation. With a small amount of effort, you can trim costs without significantly impacting your lifestyle. The following tips can help get you started.

1) Have to drive downtown? Do your research ahead of time to find a cheaper parking alternative a few blocks away instead of paying premium rates in the downtown core.

2) Start bringing a lunch to work. You may think you’re getting a big bargain by grabbing lunch at a cheap eatery instead of a costly restaurant, but do some quick math and you’ll discover that bringing a lunch from home can save you hundreds of dollars a year.

3) Travel during off-season. Unless there’s a pressing reason why you have to go on a trip during peak tourist times, wait until off-season and you can save big on everything from airfare to hotels.

4) Avoid errands during rush hour traffic. Stop and go driving burns more gas than normal driving.

5) Substitute store-bought with homemade whenever you can. Many of us don't have enough time or the inclination to make everything from scratch, but simple homemade options like mixing vinegar with water as a cleaning solution instead of buying one can save money over time.

6) Look for slightly damaged merchandise at stores. If it’s not already discounted, ask for a discount.

7) Shop around for a phone plan that meets your needs. Unlimited weekend minutes are great, unless you rarely pick up your phone during a weekend.

8) Buy clothes off-season. Plan ahead for your wardrobe needs and keep an eye out for end of sales clearances; you’ll pay significantly less for a winter coat in April than you will in January.

9) Coupons! Don’t rely just on the mail or print media for valuable savings. Online offers exist on sites like:

http://www.coupons.com

10) Use Craigslist, Ebay, and garage sales. Many people are hoping to score a buck by selling good merchandise at discounted prices. Check out local and online resources before heading off to the local mall to buy something.