10 Ways To Save Money

In keeping with the theme of yesterday’s post how we do not have debt, I thought I would make a list of the top 10 ways that we save money. Maybe these ideas will provide some inspiration for your own money saving ventures whether you want to pay down debt, build your emergency fund, or save for retirement:

1.Cook all food from scratch.
I am not a great cook but I have learned how to make the basics. All you need is a basic cookbook and just the mimimal amount of cooking utensils. Start with easy recipes and work your way into the more difficult ones. If you like to grill, then practice those bar-b-que recipes! We save a substantial amount of money each month by cooking our own food.

2.Shop clearance sales.
I keep a list of items that we either are needing or would like to have. I keep up with the clearance sales in my local stores and look for the lowest possible price when purchasing. It also helps to make this list because after a while, I may decide that we no longer want or need this item.

3.Double check those medical bills.
We’ve made it a habit to double check all medical expenses and to make sure that we clearly know the benefits under our plan. We have found mistakes that medical providers have made in billing.

4.Shop for sale items at the grocery store.
I keep a price worksheet so I know the prices at each store. I shop for sale items and combine coupons. I regularly look for the Buy 1 Get 1 free sales and stock up on those items.

5.Plan a weekly menu and stick to it.
This goes along with saving items #1 and #4. I plan the menu, make a detailed shopping list of which store to purchase which items from based on the best prices. I bring the list with me and only purchase those items on the list.

6.Bringing a calculator along helps me curb expenses.
I have greatly diminished my impulse spending urges by bringing my calculator with me to the store and totaling expenses before going to the register. Sometimes just seeing the dollar total can help me to evaluate if a purchase is a want or a need.

7.Borrow instead of buy.
We regularly use the library for books, magazines, and tapes. Check with your local librarian and you might be surprised what you can borrow! I can read the latest decorating or cooking magazines, check out the latest best seller, and my children have even borrowed CDs and videos.  

8.Plan ahead for seasonal gift giving.
The last minute is the worst time to buy gifts. Shop year round for the best deals and search for bargains. I buy my Christmas decor after Christmas.  Valentine’s gifts were purchased inexpensively from the Target Dollar Spot well in advance of the actual holiday. 

9.Reduce electric expenses.
We compiled a list of ways to decrease electric expenses. These were inexpensive but simple items which have reduced our utility costs.

10. Learn to Do It Yourself.
We’ve saved money by cutting our own grass, doing our own household repairs, cleaning our own carpets and upholstery, and painting the house ourselves. We calculate we have saved literally thousands of dollars by doing things ourselves.