Save Money Home - Money Saving Tips for Home, Gas, Food and More!

Save Money in the Home - Reusing Tips

2009-08-27T10:05:00.004-04:00

One great way to save money in the home (and help the environment) is to reuse things once you are finished with them. For example, you can refill small water bottles again and again (just make sure to clean them in between); you can use newspaper for shipping padding or to build a city out of newspaper in which you are the ultimate emperor; you can reuse old sandwich bags a few times. There are so many possibilities for reusing things around the house when you think about it.

The Three R's: Reduce - Reuse - Recycle

I believe that these are ranked by importance -- to reduce how much you use or consume is the most important thing to do because it prevents the need for those things to ever be manufactured, etc. Think of how much energy is saved this way!

Reusing is something we can all easily do, and it effectively reduces how much you consume, since you are getting more use out of the same things. It also can save lots of money over time if you are consistently reusing things around the house.

Recycling is great and I always recycle anything that I can, but there is energy consumed in gathering, crushing and processing of recycled materials. So, always recycle when possible (otherwise your recyclable items may end up in a landfill -- or worse, in our lakes, rivers or oceans), but why not lean toward the reduce/reuse side? It can make a big difference for the environment as well as for your bank account :)

Save Money :: Easy Tips for Saving Money

2009-06-21T21:54:00.007-04:00

Save Money on Groceries!

Here is a top 10 list of easy ways to save money on groceries:

1. Clip coupons to save money - Bringing coupons to the grocery store can add up to save you a lot over time... Just don't buy things you don't need simply because of the coupon.

2. Wait to buy things until they are on sale - You'd be surprised how often things go on sale such as 'buy one, get one free' at many grocery stores.

3. Buy larger packages of food and drinks - Buying in bulk can help you save a lot of money on groceries!

4. Buy generic brand items - Most generic brand grocery items are practically the exact same as many leading brand name items. Read the ingredients if you don't believe it!

5. Consider drinking more water than other more expensive beverages - It's great for your body and costs much less than most other drinks.

6. Buy ingredients to make meals from scratch instead of buying tv dinners - For example, instead of buying expensive breakfast meals, try your hand at making from scratch pancakes. Taking the time to make from scratch pancakes will save you money, and it's fun, too!

7. Eat food samples - If your local grocery store offers food samples, take advantage of it and maybe knock out one meal for the day (if there are enough different food samples). They may not like it if you go back for thirds. :)

8. Find groceries cheap - Most people looking for groceries buy them from the most convenient store to them, but looking around at a couple of different stores can help you save money on food.

9. Reconsider your tastes - If you are used to eating fresh lobster and delicious steak (am I making you hungry?), think about limiting yourself to once a month for these treats. Try to buy cheap foods more often and you'll also appreciate the good stuff more when you have it!

10. Make a monthly card limit - Try using one credit card at the grocery store and make a monthly card limit for yourself; divide that by 4 and you have the weekly card limit. This will help you reach your goal for saving money on food so that you can keep more money for yourself.

Plan First

When you plan first, you create a clear vision of the plan in your head and it will then be easier to carry out to completion. It's best to plan first and then act, because without a solid strategy, you are more likely to become distracted and not meet your goals. Make a list of your top 10 goals for saving money and review it often, just to make sure that your plan for smart spending and saving is on track for success.

Be Consistent and You Will Save Money

Remember to always keep your goal in mind and don't stray from your plan. If you stay consistent, keep track of what you are doing and work toward being great at it, you will succeed at saving money!

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Spring Cleaning Tips :: Make it Fun and Profitable!

2009-04-19T16:48:00.004-04:00

It's that time of year again. The cold air has retreated, the trees are budding and we're rolling up our sleeves to do some spring cleaning! Yes, it's a dreaded time for many, as a big cleanup is often disorganized and tiring... but it doesn't have to be! Here are some tips for freeing up some cash as an extra bonus to getting your home and yard straightened up, as well as some ways to make spring cleaning fun for the whole family!

Spring Cleaning Tips:

Sit down with the family and brainstorm about changes you want to make around the house; make a good list and stick to it.

Challenge the kids to see who can rake up the most leaves -- the excitement of competition may make them forget they're doing work!

Organize a garage sale (AKA yard sale or tag sale), giving each member of the family a chance to put some cash in their pockets, and remove clutter at the same time.

Consider painting or redecorating certain rooms to give a great new feel to the house.

Think of ways to make your home more environmentally friendly. Going green can make you feel better and save a lot of money over time as well!

Don't make spring cleaning a grueling marathon-like event... break up the day by playing some games outside or having a picnic together.

Take the opportunity to fix any water leaks or insulation breaches that may be hurting your home's energy efficiency. Free money!

If you live in a rural or wooded area and have dogs or cats, this is a good time to treat them for ticks and fleas since they will probably be spending more time outdoors. Being proactive can save your pets' health, not to mention money on veterinarian bills!

Search your sofas, love seats and recliners for loose change and other treasures. Ditto underneath your car seats. You may even find other lost items you've been missing.

Replace old light bulbs with energy efficient low-wattage units to save money in the long run.

You might even want to install a solar panel or two if you can afford it. There are very durable and potent panels available today, and it's possible to completely eliminate electric bills (even get a check from your utility company for energy you return to the power grid).

So you see, spring cleaning doesn't have to be a pain in the neck... Be creative and make it a productive and memorable bonding experience with your loved ones! Your newfound tidiness will be a welcome bonus.

Do It Yourself Tips for Saving Money!

2009-04-13T18:27:00.007-04:00

DIY -- three great letters that have saved so much money for those willing to put in the time and effort to acquire, practice and apply useful knowledge.

A really great way to save, as well as an excellent method of diversifying your set of life skills, is to learn how to perform a wide range of simple (or not so simple) tasks -- which usually cost money -- on your own! What follows is a list of things which you may or may not already know how to do yourself, but if you have the talent and drive to pick up on some of these, you may well save some money in the process.

Household - Indoor

Cleaning up the house, painting, doing general chores, simple fix-ups, remodeling and more indoor jobs take time and we often don't get around to doing them in our busy lives. Being short on money, it's not much of an option to pay for the service, so it may be a great time to get in there and do it yourself. Improve the value of your home, feel a sense of accomplishment every time you enter a room, and save money!

Household - Outdoor

Taking it upon yourself to fix up the yard, pull weeds, plant flower beds and trim trees and bushes, as well as painting, simple repairs, pressure cleaning, etc., saves lots of money. Outdoor tasks like these present a great opportunity for getting exercise and fresh air. Remember to stay within your limits and don't overdo it.

Automotive

Most of us who have owned an automobile know that maintenance and repairs can really break the bank, often coming at the worst possible time financially. Learning to perform simple repairs (or more complex ones -- whatever you're up for) is sure to save you lots of money, help avoid the inconvenience of waiting a long time to get your car or truck back, and the frustration of not being sure whether your mechanic is being 100% truthful.

Culinary

Learning to cook is fun, rewarding, potentially very healthy, and is also a great skill to have! Not to mention that, well, it's a part of this list, so... it saves you money! Once you get the basics down, experiment with different types of recipes from various parts of the world and enjoy the experience as you learn.

Self

It may seem excessive to some, but one can actually save a lot by performing his or her own haircuts, spa treatments, massage, etc. Now, for many, the point of these things is to relax while being pampered. But in desperate times, it's nice to know that you could still have the benefits of personal services without the cost.

Hobbies

Learning to play an instrument, dance, self defense, etc., can be quite expensive. If you can't really afford lessons, why not try the DIY approach using books or videos and some dedication to practicing? Some of the greatest musicians in history were self-taught. Not to minimize the importance of a professional trainer, but you may be surprised with your ability to act as both teacher and student.

Summary

Becoming a Do-It-Yourselfer can be rewarding in a number of ways, including feeling an enhanced sense of self-worth, expanding your practical knowledge to include more subjects than before, and -- possibly the best -- saving a ton of money! I encourage you to explore new horizons in DIY and see what you can learn. You just might find something you really enjoy doing!

Ways to Save Money on Transportation

2009-04-10T11:21:00.005-04:00

We drivers (and paying passengers) have been lucky enough to see gas prices drop considerably over the past several months, well away from their horrendous peak in mid 2008. Despite this much-needed relief, most of us are still short on cash and could stand to free up a few dollars here and there for other things we need and/or want.

I'm going to outline a few ways to save money on transportation, ranging from financial decisions to daily routine adjustments to simple, quick tasks that will all contribute to reduced cost for you.

Auto Insurance

One great way to save money on transportation is by looking into the way your car insurance is set up. You might be able to reduce your insurance payments by increasing your deductible (which I have seen recommended by personal finance experts).

By switching from a $250 or $500 deductible to a $1000 deductible, you can save yourself much money over time, likely more than the difference between your current share of accident repairs and $1000. Of course, you should always drive defensively and practice good awareness to reduce the chances of a traffic accident.

You can always look around at other car insurance providers and get free quotes on what you woulc pay for their coverage. Try to find a good coverage package, combined with affordable pricing and convenience. You will want a company that's easy to deal with if/when you have an accident.

Fuel Efficiency

MPG. It's been a buzz word (er, acronym) lately in the advertising world, and for good reason. People have been spending large chunks of their income fueling the vehicles that get them where they need to be. And if you're not gassing up your own car or truck, you're probably paying a fare to be driven somewhere, and fuel costs are usually factored in here as well. If you're getting low miles per gallon and you have to drive a lot, you're spending a fortune on gas or diesel, plain and simple.

Aside from buying a more efficient car (please do if you can afford to!), there are many easy ways to improve your current vehicle's gas mileage.

Check your tires regularly to ensure proper inflation pressure. Poorly inflated tires harm gas mileage but creating more friction with the road's surface, requiring your engine to work just a bit harder to keep going at all times.

Consult your vehicle's service manual for the proper recommended tire inflation pressure. If your tires have been replaced with a different brand or model, find the correct pressure written on the tire's sidewall. It may take a little hunting, but you will find it.

Driving habits are a very important factor in determining your overall gas mileage. You can easily make a tank of gas last twice as long going from flooring the accelerator everywhere you drive to gently accelerating and being aware of approaching stoplights and stop signs. Do your best to coast to a stop instead of braking heavily at the last moment. Not only will this reduce fuel use, but it will also conserve brake wear and may even prevent an accident or two.

Dining Out and Shopping

Try to reduce the frequency of trips to restaurants and other stops if you can. Cooking at home is often less expensive, healthier and more rewarding than eating out, and it will also help you conserve gas/diesel. If you have a number of errands to run, see if you can plan a day to hit all the stops in one trip. That way, you will save fuel and time as well. Your vehicle will also suffer less wear and tear!

Car Maintenance

Whenever possible, and if you know how, perform your own routine vehicle maintenance such as car washes, oil changes, fluid top-offs and tune ups. If you have not done these things (other than the car wash) before, only attempt them under the supervision of someone with experience and know-how to avoid damaging your automobile.

If you are able to fix most things on your car, you can save a very large sum of money over time. I'm sad to say it, but It's tough to find a mechanic that really has your best interest in mind. So many people get ripped off having their car or truck repaired.

Let's Review

Get a reliable, fuel-efficient car or truck if possible
Optimize your auto insurance for good coverage and pricing
Drive conservatively, using less throttle and braking more gradually
Keep your vehicle tuned up and maintain good tire inflation
Try to reduce the number of short trips you take

There you have it. Go forth and save!

How to Save Money on Food, Clothes and Home

2009-03-26T18:33:00.002-04:00

Let's face it -- some of us are surviving more easily than others, but in some way, shape or form, we've all been affected by this abrupt economic downturn. I hope that as you're reading this, things are at least stable for you. Since most of us have had to cut back on day to day expenses, I'd like to share some simple tips for saving something that can make life fun and easy or incredibly stressful... Money!

Basic Needs

★ Food

We all need it to survive and prices have gone up, so what can you do? First of all, learn some basic cooking techniques if you don't already have experience. In addition to potentially saving lots of money each week, cooking one's own food at home can be much healthier and more rewarding than eating out or throwing a TV dinner in the microwave.

The key here is to buy basic foods -- whatever you would need for a meal -- in relative bulk. Not necessarily to wholesale club proportions, but an example shopping list could be: a whole chicken, a large bag of rice or potatoes, fresh/canned/frozen vegetables and fruit. Cooking does take some time to do, but many people find themselves with more free time due to lack of work. Remember, anything that saves money is helpful, and it all adds up.

If you are fortunate enough to still have a steady job, toss the leftovers from those healthy, delicious dinners you cook in a Tupperware or similar container and bring them to work! This saves a ton of money if you do it consistently, and also allows you to eat at work (if possible), which means less driving and more time your gas gauge will take to lean to "E." Thankfully, fuel prices are back in a somewhat normal range, but that's a subject for another article :).

★ Clothing

I'll admit that it's nice to go out and buy some new threads when possible, but if you are strapped and honestly have more important things for which to budget, just suck it up and wear what you have for a while -- trust me, no one will think less of you for it.

If you make regular trips to the cleaners, try to cut back on having your laundry done there if possible and only drop off your dry cleaning. Also, this would be a good time to learn how to sew in case you need to fix up little things.

★ Shelter

Hopefully you still have a roof over your head. You'd be surprised how many have lost this basic necessity in the past months! Some ways to cut back on home expenses include using less power/fuel, conserving water, doing your own yard work and small repairs.

A great way to use less electricity or fuel is to ease back on the heat or A/C. It may be a little less comfortable than what you're used to, but allowing your home to stay a couple of degrees closer to the outside temperature will pay off each month when you get your electric bill, and will show itself off in the longer intervals between fuel fill-ups.

It's been said many times (probably by your parents), but I'll repeat: "Turn out the light if you're not using it!" Wasted electricity is wasted money, as well as a strain on the environment. Do your part for both yourself and everyone else by being conscientious and turning off unused lights, televisions, computer monitors, etc. As a rule of thumb, things that produce the most heat generally use the most energy.

It doesn't hurt (well, you may wake up the next day with a few aches) to get your hands dirty and mow your own grass, do a little painting or nail up that molding that's been hanging from the roof and sitting in the back of your mind each day. So if you've been paying for any of these services, you can again save a bundle by taking matters into your own hands.

There's a Light at the End of the Tunnel!

Through all of this, please keep in mind that things will pick up and it's not the end of the world (although it may seem like it). Stay positive and determined and remember what's really important in life, and you will be just fine.

Well, that's all for this time. I hope you're able to put these tips to use and save a few bucks, or maybe a few hundred or more! I thank you for reading and wish you the best of luck in beating the recession... Stay tuned for more articles and more great ideas.

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