I am already doing most of the things on this list .... are YOU? http://slowwealth.blogspot.com
31 Ways to Save More Money
It’s been said that a penny saved is a penny earned. Thanks to income taxes, a penny saved is actually worth about 1.3 pennies earned.
Here are 31 ways to save a few pennies (and dollars):
1. Decorate your home with pictures you have taken. Why pay big money for framed “stock” pictures. Sort through your personal collection and hang them around your house. If you’re not a photographer, there are plenty of professional looking photos on online picture sites that are high-resolution for printing and royalty free for personal use.
2. Get a library card…and use it. Why spend money on books? Some libraries now have online interfaces that make it a cinch to request a book. They will sometimes even request a book from another library in their network if they don’t have it.
3. Get a “lite” internet package. I’m too internet dependent to advocate getting rid of your home internet connection all together, but most people don’t use the bandwidth they are paying for. Call your provider and ask for their “lite” plan. Often they will have a lower-bandwidth option that is unadvertised.
4. Get a deep freezer. This is one of my personal favorites. Inevitably, my local grocery stores will have a fantastic deal on one or two items each week. With a deep freezer in my garage, I’m free to buy 10 pounds of meat, or a cart full of frozen veggies. Not only do I get at least ½ off retail, but I have them when I need them.
5. Don’t be an early adopter. Being an early adopter of technology is expensive. Its no secret that a new gadget is more expensive when it first hits the market, but some folks just HAVE to have it. You’ve gone this long without it. Save yourself some serious dough, and wait a few more months.
6. Join a credit union. Credit Unions, unlike regular banks, are not trying to make a profit. Their goal is to make money for their shareholders, which conveniently enough are the members. That means they are almost always a better deal than a normal bank. If you are eligible for a credit union, it’s a good idea to join. They often offer the same features as a bank, but with better rates and fewer fees.
7. Purchase the loss leaders. Most grocery stores put out a weekly flyer with their specials. Usually on the first page, they list what are known as loss leaders. These are items the stores sell for less than they paid for them. It sounds crazy, but realize that they are willing to take a few dollar loss to get you inside the store where you will buy a cart full of groceries. Maximize your buying power by buying the loss leaders and stopping there. When used in conjunction with the deep freezer, you can stock up on meats and frozen items on the cheap.
8. Opt for generic prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. Prescriptions and medications are one area where the “store-brand” is absolutely as good as the branded product. Both products contain exactly the same medicinal ingredients, but one is a fraction of the cost.
9. Never pay retail. When shopping online, it is easy to find exactly the same products sold for different prices at different stores. Spending a few minutes searching almost always pays for itself. And with Google, online e-coupons are just a click away.
10. Grow your own herbs. A pack of 99 cent seeds will provide enough basil, rosemary, sage, and others to keep your food seasoned all year long. Put extras in a freezer bag for use during the winter.
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