Tips 21 - 30 of 101 Money Saving Tips

Tips 21 - 30 of 101 Money Saving Tips

21. Financial Consulting

Many financial companies and even churches offer outstanding classes on how
to manage money. While some of these programs are free, others may have a
nominal fee of around $35 to attend but the money is well spent. Another
great option is consumer-counseling services. This is a great option for people
in over their head with debt. The counselors will work directly with your
creditors to lower your balances, interest rate, and establish workable
payments that you can afford.

22. Break old Habits

Take time to learn the various things that “trigger” your spending. When you
are depressed, lonely, sad, anxious, excited, whatever it may be, do you spend
more? Once you can identify these triggers then you can learn how to control
them. As an example, if you were just laid off from your job, although money
is tight, you may have an overwhelming “need” to spend money. Perhaps you
notice that when you are bored, you head for the shops. Knowing what affects
you will help you to discipline yourself to find other ways of comfort.

23. Avoid Temptations

If you have a particular weakness, stay away from it. If you love to gamble,
stay out of the casinos. If you have a weakness for shoes, drive past your
favorite shoe store. While avoiding temptation is hard, it is also necessary in
order to save money. When you want to give into your temptation, this is the
time to use your “allowance”.

24. The Right Time to Shop

Studies have proven that when shopping while hungry, depressed, tired, and
stressed, you buy more. Before you head to the grocery store, eat something.
If you are upset or feeling a little blue, calm yourself down or wait until you feel
better before you head out to shop. As funny as it may sound, having a clear
mind is important when it comes to shopping and spending money.

25. Make your Own Gifts

If you ask people if they prefer a store bought or handmade gift, the majority
would choose the latter. Handmade gifts are individualized and come from the
heart. When you have a birthday, anniversary, baby shower, wedding, or
Christmas gift to give, make the gift. For Christmas, you could make a
beautiful ornament or door wreath, for a baby shower you could purchase an
inexpensive bib pattern and make special bibs, or for a wedding, you could
create a wonderful album of photos showing the couples dating life.

Other great options include making homemade hot chocolate, soaps, candles, or
lotions and placing them in inexpensive glass containers or baskets purchased
at a thrift shop. If you use a mason jar, add foam and fabric under the lid for
added color, use a label to write the contents and a message of endearment,
and wrap a nice piece of ribbon around the ridge. The options are endless, so
get creative.

26. Barter System

Gather friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers and set up a bartering
system. Offer babysitting to one family in exchange for them mowing your
lawn or offer to clean someone’s house in exchange for a week of car-pooling
your child to school. You would be amazed at the opportunities and the money
that can be saved using a bartering system.
27. Matinee
Do you love the movies but hate the prices? Switch your nighttime show to the
late afternoon or early evening matinee. The price is about 50% less and when
taking an entire family, that is a nice savings. Pop your own popcorn, put in a
plastic bag, and place in a large purse and make or buy your own candy,
leaving only drinks to buy. Food at the theater is outrageously priced. The
next time that you head to the movies, hit the matinee, stuff those jellybeans
and licorice sticks in your purse, and enjoy the savings. Also, check for movie

28. Comparison Shop

Comparison-shopping can make a big difference in the price you pay. You
might be looking at a barbecue grill at one place for $350.00 and by making
two more stops, find the exact grill or one comparable for $300. In addition,
consider the price of items assembled versus unassembled. For example, you
might find the barbecue grill unassembled for $250. A couple of hours of “fun”
assembling the grill is certainly worth a $100 saving.

29. Stop Competing with the Jones’

You do not have to compete with anyone. Be proud of what you have and who
you are. If you can only afford an inexpensive sofa from a thrift store, find a
nice throw, make a few pillows, and be proud and thankful. Competitiveness is
a part of nature and to a degree, healthy. However, when competition creates
a buying war to see who can have the “best” when they have no business
buying at all, then it becomes damaging. Stick to what you can afford
regardless of what anyone else has or pressure you might be feeling.

30. Sales Clerk Compliments

Sales clerks are often paid on commission. Therefore, when you walk into a
store and try on an expensive suit, you can be guaranteed you will hear several
times over how wonderful you look, how great that suit fits you, etc. Because
this is how the clerks make their money, they will say whatever it takes to
make the sale. You probably do look good but do not allow yourself to be
pressured into buying something beyond your means. Know what you want,
the price range you can work with, and stick with your own rules, not theirs.

To your financial success,
Bob

Coming next week Tips 31- 40....stay tuned!