Stick To A Shopping List
A great way to save money is by creating a shopping list before you head to the grocery store. It can serve as a helpful reminder to stick to buying only the things you need and avoiding impulse purchases. Look online or through the newspaper to find coupons for the items on your list to help you save even more. Buy generic instead of name brand. Drink water instead of buying expensive sodas.Walk Instead Of Driving
Whenever possible, walk to areas near you instead of driving. You’ll not only save money on gas, but you’ll also get plenty of exercise as well. About one in five homes have parks and fitness centers within a half-mile of where they live. Instead of going somewhere to spend money, get some friends to walk with you and have some fun playing sports or engaging in other physical activities. You can also use public transportation or carpool whenever possible.Avoid Going Out To Eat
Around 20% of people go out to eat at least once a week. You’d be surprised how much money you can save by staying home to eat. Many people choose fast food because they are too busy to cook during the week. You can fix this by cooking bulk meals on the weekend that you can freeze and reheat. Invite friends over for a potluck and entertainment instead of having a night out on the town.You can also save money by packing a lunch before you head off to work. Use the leftovers from the previous night’s dinner or pack simple items such as a sandwich, fruit, granola bars, or hard-boiled eggs. You can also plan your lunches when you make your bulk meal batches during the weekend.
Home Buying
Approximately 24% of homebuyers made their purchase simply because they desired to do so. But often, there are a number of hidden costs to homeownership that new buyers are not aware of. Research carefully whether renting an apartment would be better for you financially before you buy. If you have a mortgage, consider refinancing to save money on interest costs.Divorce Mediation
If you are planning to get a divorce, it could cost you anywhere from $15,000 to $42,000. Instead of "lawyering up" and fighting it out in a long court battle, consider divorce mediation. This can save you at least half the costs. If possible, you can also consider seeing a therapist with your significant other to see if the marriage is salvageable.Cut Utility Costs
TUtility expenses can put a damper on frugal living attempts. Look for things you can cut or drastically reduce. Instead of paying for cable, opt for a cheaper streaming service or stop watching TV altogether. Unplug appliances when they are not in use or plug them into a power strip to reduce energy drain. Change your furnace filters on a regular basis and wash your clothes in cold water in the evening.Reduce the thermostat at night and while you are at work during the day. Consider insulating your water heater to help prevent excess heat from escaping. During the winter, seal doors and windows to eliminate air leaks. You can also use heavy drapes to hold in heat during the winter and help keep you cooler in the summer. Use energy-efficient light bulbs and turn off lights when not in use.
Cancel Unused Memberships And Subscriptions
While going to the gym may be keeping you in shape, it might not be so healthy for your pocketbook. You can save money by finding ways to work out at home instead. You can always have the opportunity to renew again in the future. The same goes for any other subscriptions you have such as magazine and newspaper subscriptions.Deal With Your Credit
One of the best first steps to saving more money is to stop spending in the first place. It’s tempting to use your credit cards to make purchases but they incur extra costs if you don’t pay your bill in full. Cut up your cards and choose to only make purchases with cash instead. Switch over your balances to 0% APR cards. You can also ask your credit card companies if they will provide a reduction in your interest rates. Boosting up your credit score by paying off your debt can also help you save large amounts of money on bigger future purchases as well.Keep Up On Car Maintenance
By keeping up on smaller auto repairs, you can make a big difference in saving money annually. This can be hard to do when money is extremely tight each month. But these smaller repairs can expand into huge expenses if not taken care of. When it comes to your car, make sure you get a tuneup at least once a year and keep up on oil changes. Keep your tires properly inflated as well.Save On Your Insurance
Research various insurance policies online and compare costs to see if you can save on your monthly bill. You can combine policies and cut costs by choosing to pay twice a year instead of quarterly. You can also save when you choose to increase your deductible. If you are going on vacation or your car’s going to sit for a long period of time, consider suspending coverage during that time. It will help you to reduce your overall premiums.As you can see, there are numerous little frugal living things you can do to save money. By getting creative, you can make a big dent in your household budget. Before you spend any money, take a moment to decide if the purchase is something that will truly matter in the long run. Even the smallest steps can make a big impact.
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