| 1. Have you ever heard the expression "Don't shop | | | | than $2 each! We just put them in the freezer and |
| when you are hungry"? Well it is true. When you go | | | | over the months we can use it as we wish. You can |
| grocery shopping while hungry you do yourself no | | | | do the same with non-perishables like pasta, canned |
| favors. You'll wind up with a cart full of food that you | | | | goods as well as frozen items like asparagus and |
| are craving and more food than you would normally | | | | cereals, detergent etc. If you have 2 people or less |
| buy. So, go on a fully tummy. This doesn't cost any | | | | try to avoid the large wholesale clubs. Most people |
| money and you'll make healthier choices also. | | | | buy things they'll never consumer or buy things that |
| 2. All of the ziploc bags you use for sandwiches, | | | | they would not usually buy just because the deal |
| veggies and snacks can be reused. If it hasn't been | | | | appears so wonderful. |
| touched by raw or cooked meat/fish, you're good to | | | | 8. Whenever possible, take the bike or walk to the |
| go! Just simply wash the bag out with water and a | | | | local store, etc. If you are going to pick up a movie |
| little soap and place upside-down to air dry and you'll | | | | on a Friday night, why not walk? Not only are you |
| have a box of bags that will last you for years! | | | | saving gas on all of these small trips but it is a great |
| 3. Shop at the dollar store for everyday items. I'm | | | | way to add exercise into your day. This is great with |
| blessed to have a dollar store right next to our major | | | | a light load of groceries, with kids that are old enough |
| grocery store, so I pop in there with my list and | | | | to help and if you have a baby buggy with storage |
| cross off many items like Kleenex, toilet paper, bars | | | | compartment. You get to catch some sunlight while |
| of brand name soap, body wash (nearly as nice as | | | | you're at it! |
| Bath and Body Works!) and bottled water. They also | | | | 9. When it comes to decor you might think I'm crazy |
| have lots of fun yet inexpensive toys for kids as loot | | | | but look at Garage sales or Estate sales. This is a |
| bag prizes and party supplies. I can't say enough | | | | great way to furnish and decorate your home. |
| good things about this place. When I first moved out | | | | Everyone has trash that can turn into a treasure for |
| on my own I saved about $100 by buying my | | | | someone else! Moving sales are great because most |
| household items there instead of a major retail chain. | | | | people just want to offload as much as they can and |
| 4. Venture out to your local Salvation Army store. | | | | you are more likely to get a great deal by |
| Not only are you helping your community as the | | | | negotiating. My Grandfather used to buy old antique |
| proceeds go to helping those in need, but you can | | | | furniture that was in rough condition. He would strip |
| get some great deals! They sell everything from | | | | it, sand it and refinish it and he would put ads in the |
| clothes, accessories and books, to small appliances, | | | | paper or go to local antique shows and make great |
| furniture and kitchenware! I just got a brand new set | | | | money after retirement. Be creative! |
| of hot rollers and extra supply of identical rollers for | | | | 10. Wherever you live, you will likely find a self-serve |
| $16 that would normally cost roughly $70 as they are | | | | spray car wash. These cost anywhere between |
| brand name. QUICK TIP: If you can, head to a | | | | $2-$5 to clean your car versus from $5-$10 at a |
| location near a more ritzy part of town as they are | | | | regular gas station drive-thru wash. The added bonus |
| likely to have the best quality clothing. You could | | | | is you can clean some areas such as your rims more |
| outfit your children for school at about 1/5 of the | | | | heavily and even bring your own products in should |
| price you pay in a discount retail store-it is that good! | | | | you wish. If you like a clean car and do a lot of |
| Most of the clothing looks like it's only been worn a | | | | washes, this will save you about 50% each time. |
| couple times if not brand new! | | | | 11. When outfitting your garbage bin whether in the |
| 5. If you live in a cold climate, as I used, in the winter | | | | kitchen, bathroom or bedroom don't buy plastic bags, |
| use less heating by layering up and sleeping with | | | | recycle! That's right-recycle your old grocery bags |
| extra blankets on the beds. It may sound super | | | | and double up on them to prevent leakage. You'll |
| frugal but you'll thank yourself when you get the | | | | save yourself at least $20 per year. QUICK TIP: Ask |
| utility bill! Another great idea that works is to light | | | | for most of your stuff to be double-bagged at the |
| about 10 candles and place them in the room you are | | | | store and you'll always have extra. |
| working or relaxing in. The candles radiate quite a bit | | | | 12. Do your personal banking and pay all of your bills |
| of head and if you use scented candles your room | | | | online! There may be a few times that you can't |
| will smell amazing all while setting a wonderful | | | | avoid it, however it is always best to do it from the |
| ambiance too! | | | | comfort of your own home. You wouldn't be reading |
| 6. A great way to save on energy in the warmer | | | | this if you didn't have an internet connection, so I |
| months is to dry your clothes naturally outside. Even | | | | know you can do it! :-) Simply set up your list of |
| if you aren't fortunate enough to have a clothes line, | | | | Payees such as your Phone, cell, and utility bills and |
| most major retail chains carry a variety of clothes | | | | pay your bills via the web. You save yourself stamps |
| racks in all shapes and sizes. I often hang my clothes | | | | on every payment or the gas and hassle of always |
| up in the bathroom or laundry room to dry during the | | | | driving to the ATM or standing in line at the bank. |
| winter also. Drying your clothes outdoors not only | | | | QUICK TIP: Try to make as many bills as you can |
| uses less energy, but your whites will become | | | | paperless. Most companies will charge you less and |
| brighter as the sun naturally lightens the whites | | | | you can archive the invoices on your computer for |
| without bleach. In addition to this, the outdoor scent | | | | as long as you like and print them at your leisure. This |
| your clothes are left with is heavenly. | | | | will stop the amount of paper that you have to sort |
| 7. This may sound obvious but buy large quantities of | | | | through. |
| food at the grocery store while it is heavily | | | | Hey, if you have a great money-saving tip, I'm all |
| discounted, especially meats and fish! I just did this a | | | | ears! Send an email over and share the knowledge. |
| few days ago and got several half chickens for less | | | | |