We all know how to spend our money, but do we really know how to save it? I'm not talking about saving up for an investment or a rainy day, which are both good ideas. Instead, I'm talking about saving money on everyday things. Here are some easy ways to cut costs:
Coupons should be cut out. By cutting out coupons, you can save money when you go shopping. As an extra way to get you to come in, some stores will even double or triple manufacturer coupons up to a certain amount, usually $1.
Shop around and compare. The Internet lets people compare prices and buy almost anything online. If the item is cheaper to buy online than in person, you should do that. When you order something online, don't forget to think about shipping, handling, and taxes. However, many online stores offer free shipping, and taxes aren't always charged.
Appliances that use less energy. Your old fridge or washer wastes a lot of energy. When looking for a new unit, make sure it has a high energy rating. Don't pay hundreds of dollars more for a product, though, just because it has a slightly higher energy rating. Find out which models give you the best energy rating for your money.
You can get free samples. Samples of a product are fun for the people who make it to give away. Sometimes, all you have to do is send a letter or email to the right department, and your freebie will come in the mail as merchandise or a coupon that lets you get the item for free at a store near you.
Shop at The Clubs. Warehouse clubs like BJ's, Sam's Club, and Costco offer prices that are 10–30% less than what you would pay at a grocery store. Many also take coupons.
Sssh! Visit the library. The big book stores have a wide range of books for their customers to choose from. But you might be able to find that same title at your local public library, which is free. If you can't find it, ask a librarian if she can order it for you. A free book is better than a bestseller that would have cost you $30 plus a latte.
Use it again; don't waste it.
The thing you are about to throw away might be useful again. If you really don't need it, sell it at a garage sale or on an auction site online and keep the money. In any case, you help keep the environment clean by not putting more trash in landfills that are already too full.
You can save money in many other ways besides the ones I've told you about. All you need is a little creativity and some initiative, and you'll soon find ways to save money that you hadn't thought of before.
