50 Ways To Save More $$$ Out of Your Paycheck Today
There may be ways that you can put hundreds of dollars back into your bank account each month, just by eliminating small things that you may not even realize you are paying so much for.
1. Before making a purchase, ask yourself, “Is this necessary?”
Frivolous spending on non-essentials increase debt and deplete your disposable income. Shop smart and place your extra cash into a savings account.
2. Get rid of call waiting, call forwarding, or automatic voicemail
Ever since the introduction of the cellular phone, some household receive few calls on the landline phone. If you seldom receive incoming calls on your house phone, cancel services such as call waiting or call forwarding.
3. Replace the cellular phone with a pre-paid mobile phone
Exceeding your allotted free minutes will increase your total cellular phone bill. If unable to control your rising bill, switch to a pre-paid phone plan.
4. Cancel your landline phone and use your cellular phone
Because cellular phones offer free nights and weekends, plus unlimited long distant calling, there is little need for a landline phone. When a telephone line is required for Internet connection, switch to a high-speed cable modem and ditch the phone line.
5. Use curtains or drapes to lower your heating and cooling expense
Throughout the summer, shut the drapes to maintain a cool room. Opening curtains in the winter lets the sunlight heat the room.
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6. Turn off lights, television, and other electronics
Before exiting a room or the house, make certain that all electronics are turned off.
7. Save money on transportation
Make carpool arrangements with a co-worker, or consider public transportation. Use your personal automobile less and cut your monthly transportation cost in half.
8. Trade-in the Gas Guzzler
Trucks and sports utility vehicles have a special allure. Still, the additional maintenance and fuel costs can exhaust your income. If your profession entails a lot of road travel, save money with a smaller automobile.
9. Combine errands
Complete all your errands in one trip and save money on gas.
10. Brown bag your lunch
Reduce the number of times you eat out for lunch. In its place, bring your lunch to work 2 – 3 times a week.
11. Skip the morning coffee break
Trendy coffeehouses are expensive. Brew your own coffee at home. This will save you money and time.
12. Eat leftover meals
Cooking a different meal every night increases your grocery bill. Rather than throw away food, serve leftovers the following night.
13. Browse weekly circulars for coupons and sales
Shopping on a whim can be costly. Wait for the weekly circulars to arrive and buy items on sale or clearance.
14. Give up a bad habit
Drinking, smoking, and gambling are costly addictive habits. You can save a lot of money by skipping happy hour, quitting the tobacco habit, and buying fewer lottery tickets.
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15. Buy generic medications
Before buying prescription medications, inquire about generics. They cost less than brand-name drugs, but have the same effectiveness.
16. Don’t buy “dry clean only” clothing
Unless you enjoy spending a lot of extra money on dry cleaning, look for machine-washable clothes.
17. Schedule hair appointments with beauty schools
Hair salons are pricey. On the other hand, various beauty schools offer the same great service for half the price.
18. Say “yes” to hand-me-down clothes
Do not be ashamed to accept hand-me-down items. Well taken care of clothes, shoes, and other accessories offer an affordable means of expanding your wardrobe.
19. Shop discount stores for inexpensive home décor or household items
Discount shopping depots offer great prices and a wide selection of home décor and household items. Pass up the big name retailers and beautify your home for less.
20. Urgent Care Clinics vs. Emergency Rooms
Emergency rooms charge expensive upfront fees. Whenever possible, get medical attention from an Urgent Care Clinic. The co-pays are less, and the wait time is shorter.
21. Exercise at Home
Cancel your monthly gym membership fee and workout at home. A one-time investment in a treadmill or other workout equipment accomplishes the same goal for less.
22. Take advantage of child care reimbursement
Some corporations offer employees childcare assistance. If a large chunk of your salary goes toward paying childcare, ask your employer about reimbursement.
23. Surrender the credit cards
Uncontrolled credit card use contributes to excessive debts. To regain control of their spending, many people close their credit accounts. This doesn’t solve the problem. Entrust your credit cards to a family member.
24. Eliminate cable
Cable providers offer over 200 program channels. However, do you really need these many program options? Cancel expanded or digital services and reduce your cable bill.
25. Get a programmable thermostat
Save money on your energy bill with a programmable thermostat. Keep the heating and cooling system off during the day, and program the system to turn on an hour before you arrive home in the evenings.
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26. Become a DIY pro
Save money on home and automobile repairs by performing your own maintenance. Take free home improvement classes offered by retailers like Home Depot or Lowes.
27. Check restaurant bills for errors
Make sure the restaurant bill is accurate before paying. The waitress could have inadvertently double charged you for a drink or side item.
28. Attend matinee movies
Before 4 PM, movies theaters offer discount showings. On average, you could save $2.50/person. Better yet, wait until the movie is being played in a second-string or $1 movie cinema.
29. Have a garage sale
De-junk your house and earn a little extra cash with a yard sale. Another alternative, sell your stuff on Ebay.
30. Stop “keeping up with the Joneses”
Just because your neighbor or best friend bought a new car doesn’t mean you should follow in their footsteps. Live within your means and stop trying to maintain a lifestyle that is equivalent to friends and family.
31. Buy in Bulk
Pay more for bulk items now, and save money in the end.
32. Downscale your life
Everyone experiences a financial slump from time-to-time. On the other hand, if trouble paying bills becomes a recurrent problem, it’s time to consider a change. Move into a smaller home or purchase a car with a lower monthly payment.
33. Find two-for-one bargains
Purchase an Entertainment Book. Offers include “buy one, get one free” for restaurants, fast food, movies, and museums.
34. Earn extra cash with your hobby
Do you enjoy playing a musical interest or singing? If so, turn your passion into a money-making business. Teach lessons or sell instructional material.
35. Entertain at home
Dining out multiple times a week is costly. Entertain at home and save money. Invite a few friends over for a small meal, movie, or games.
36. Add home security features
Save money on your home insurance policy with security features. Install a monitored security system, carbon monoxide detector, or extra smoke detectors.
37. Recycle
Reuse aluminum foil, sandwich bags, and freezer bags. To guard against germs and bacteria, thoroughly cleanse the recycled item with soap and water.
38. Read the local newspaper online
Does your local city have an online newspaper? If so, cancel your morning paper subscription, and read the news reports from your home or work computer.
39. Pay bills online
Enroll in automatic billpay and save money on stamps.
40. Go to the library
Enjoy complimentary entertainment at your local library. Rent a movie, listen to music, or watch a free performance.
41. Eat less meat
Spending less money on meat will cut your grocery bill tremendously. Before your next trip to the grocery store, find recipes for vegetarian meals.
42. Improve your driving record
Improve your driving record and save money on your auto insurance. Moreover, some insurance companies offer discounts to customers who enroll in a driver improvement course.
43. Keep away from window shopping
If you don’t want to spend money, stay away from the mall or other retail stores. In many cases, you’ll see something you want, and purchase the item on a whim.
44. Enjoy free entertainment
Browse your local newspaper for free entertainment. Take advantage of live performances in the park, free admission festivals, and other outdoor activities.
45. Shop for a better mortgage deal
Refinance your home loan, lower your monthly payment, and save money each month.
46. Install low-energy light bulbs
47. Share a house
Consider renting out part of your home. Either finish and rent out a basement or a room in your home. Use the extra income to pay off credit cards or start a savings account.
48. Inquire about low-income rebates or discounts
Some insurance companies, daycare providers, and utility companies offer low-income discounts to qualified customers.
49. Get a lower rate on credit cards
Contact your credit card company and request a lower interest rate. Credit card companies are eager to assist customers with a consistent payment history.
50. Properly care for vehicle tires
Make sure your vehicle tires are properly inflated. You’ll receive better gas mileage, and the tires will not require frequent replacements.
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