PART 1 - 101 MONEY SAVING TIPS

PART 1 - 10 MONEY SAVING  TIPS

 

People are always trying to save money, especially with today’s economy. No matter
what your reason for saving, through this e-book, you will discover ways never
considered.

 
The price of everything has gone up, requiring people to be more conscientious
about money. The problem is that by the time the mortgage, car, utilities, and credit
cards are paid, there is little money to put aside. Saving money is not that hard,
just a matter of learning all the different options and being creative.

 
In addition to the obvious of putting money into a retirement fund or savings
account, there are hundreds of ways to save money. Although some ways of saving
may not seem like much, once you add them up at the end of the year, you will see
how substantial the savings really are. Keep in mind that saving is more than a
single lump sum of money put aside. Saving is something found in your everyday
life by the way you live and the choices you make.

 
Rome was not built in a day and neither will your bank account be. Each penny
saved is one more penny than before. If you have the ability to save big, that is
great. However, most people are not in that position, which is why this e-book will
show you how little savings can add up quickly.

 
Be encouraged that it is never too late to start saving, regardless of your age. Set
your mind that now is the time to start building your future.

 
1. Holiday Gift Giving

 
This tip is especially helpful for large families. Although it is fun buying for and
receiving from everyone, it can be very expensive. Make an agreement with
your family that you will continue to buy for the children but that the adults will
go with a name exchange. This way the children are not disappointed and you
can spend a little more on one or two people rather than spreading your money
thin. For the members that you did not pick to exchange with, bake a loaf of
their favorite homemade bread or cookies.

 
2. Clearance

 
Always head straight for the clearance rack where you can find amazing
bargains. Sometimes you may have to dig a little to find the right item but the
savings will be well-worth your time. Most clearance racks offer variety,
current trends, and great value. For example, Bed, Bath & Beyond has a
clearance section where you can find all kinds of wonderful household items for
a fraction of the original cost.

 
3. Thrift / Surplus Stores

 
Unfortunately, thrift and surplus stores have been given a bad rap. Many of
these stores are filled with hundreds of top quality items. Name brand
merchandise is easy to find but just like clearance racks, it takes some time to
find. Find a thrift or surplus store close to where you live and then plan
spending some time to find those outstanding bargains. One woman in Kansas
City, Missouri located such a store about 20 minutes from her home. 

 

After shopping through every isle over the period of two hours, she walked out of the
store with eight huge garbage bags filled to the brim with designer clothes for
her and her children, many with the original tags still attached. She even found
a couple of Liz Claiborne suits for herself at $5.99 each and a Dooney & Burke
purse normally valued at $225 for $19.95. Her children had an entire season of
school clothes and best of all, she paid less than $200.

 
4. Wrapping Paper and Bows

 
Create your own wrapping paper, which is not only unique, but also fun. Use
plain brown grocery bags and craft-like paints to make your design. After
wrapping the gift, let your creative juices flow. For example, using black and
yellow craft paint, create a miniature road. Then dipping toy truck tires into
red paint roll them along the paper making tire tracks. You can then draw free
hand a stop sign, yield sign, or stop light. Next, using a hot glue gun, glue a
couple of the miniature trucks to the paper. This is perfect for a young boy.
He will be just as thrilled with the wrapping as the actual gift. For a girl, you
can simply create miniature bows from existing fabric or lace and glue them on
brown paper then free hand draw colorful flowers. Just use your creativity and
look around for items you already have on hand to use.

 
5. Reuse
When you shop, look for items that can be reused. Rechargeable batteries are
a perfect example. Even though the initial purchase may be more than nonrechargeable
batteries, there is a definite savings over a long period. Another
option would be to purchase a nice artificial Christmas tree. Many of the
current artificial trees look amazingly real and with the right lights and
ornaments, you can change the look from year to year.

 
6. Landscaping

 
If you are considering creating a nice flower garden area, shopping for plants
even on sale, can be expensive. Before you go out and start spending, look
around to see if you have other plants that can be split from your existing
flowers. Additionally, if you have a good relationship with any of your
neighbors, you might ask them if they have any plants you could use as a
starter. Another great idea is the next time you are in the market to buy a
lawnmower, purchase one that mulches leaves. This way, rather than buy
mulch for your flowerbeds every year, you can simply use the mulch you make.

 
7. Budget

 
Everyone should create a budget. If you are not sure how or just not good with
money, many businesses such as H&R Block, offer free financial consulting to
help you put a budget together. Knowing where you are spending your money
is by far the best way to save. In most cases, people have no idea where their
money is really going and once they see it on paper, not only are they surprised
but eager to change their spending habits.

 
8. Plan

 
Planning is a great way to save. Before you go to the grocery store, make a list
and stick with it. If considering a vacation, plan everything. Heading out with
no set direction will certainly lead you to impulsive spending.

 
9. Buy in Bulk

 
It is true that warehouse shopping can save a lot of money. Even if you have a
small family, you can always split large quantities. The price of items in bulk is
generally a great bargain. If you are single, you might go in with friends or
family on bulk items.

 
10. Allowance

 
Do not forget to give yourself an allowance for things you enjoy. Even if on a
tight budget, buy something that you enjoy, which could be as simple as buying
a new shirt or grabbing lunch at your favorite café. If you do not allow yourself
this small “splurge”, you could find yourself in the same position as if dieting.
Total deprivation leads to overindulgence.

 

Next article Part 11-20  Money Saving Tips....Until then, cheers Bob