81 - 90 of 101 Money Saving Tips Series!

81. Plan Menus

Although it will take some time initially, after you have planned a week’s menu
once, it will become much easier and best of all, it will save you money.
Knowing exactly what you will be making helps you to shop for foods that can
be used more than once. As an example, if you are going to have spaghetti on
Tuesday, you could buy bulk ground beef at a better price and then use the
other half for tacos on Saturday. Another option would be buying round steak
where one night you fix Salisbury steak and then a few days later, you use the
leftovers for breakfast hash. This will help you stretch meals and avoid last
minute or impulse buying.

82. Coordinate Efforts

If you are married, make sure you and your spouse are working on the same
agenda. If one is trying to save money while the other is busy spending, what
is the point? When you work as a team, you can encourage each other to keep
on track with your saving.

83. Computer Software

In order to keep on track with your debts and credits, you need to use some
type of software such as Quicken or Quick Books. This will keep you focused on
your goals and tasks while you strive to achieve them. Additionally, rather than
buy software programs to download, first check Download.com or
Freeware.com to see if there are free versions to download.

84. Life Satisfaction

Learn how to enjoy life and nature rather than possessions. The next time you
feel like spending money, head to your local park where you can enjoy the
warm sun, green grass, and towering trees without spending a dime. Being
happy in life is far better than buying item after item. Having an inner peace is
better than having a house filled with “things.” That does not mean you cannot
enjoy some of the finer things in life it just means learning how to be happy
with yourself and not “things.”

85. Live Within your Means

The quickest way to get in debt is to live beyond your means. Sure, most
people want more than they have but life is not all about spending money. Be
thankful for what you do have and learn how to enjoy the financial position you
are in. This is where your budget will help identify the amount of money
coming in against the amount of debt going out.

86. Appropriate Deductions

Rather than spending money just for the sake of spending, change the amount
of deductions you have taken from your paycheck for your 401K or stock
options. This is especially great if your company offers a competitive matching
program. Increasing the amount you have deducted can quickly add up to a
nice savings and is especially nice for retirement.

87. Christmas Fund

Many banks and financial institutions offer a Christmas Fund program. This is
an excellent way to put aside some money for your holiday shopping so you do
not end up with a ton of spending. With these programs, you do not even miss
the money and better yet, less stress around the holidays.

88. Previously Viewed

Home videos and DVDs are hot items and perfect for any family entertainment.
Now you can visit the major video chains and purchase previously viewed
videos and DVDs for about half the cost. For example, at Blockbuster, you can
purchase either one and get a 30-day warranty. This is still a wonderful way to
have quality entertainment for a terrific savings. Another great option is to
record your own movies either from TV or any of the popular cable channels
such as HBO, Showtime or Disney. Rather than hitting the theater every
weekend, make it a special occasion. Instead, pop your popcorn, grab a soda,
spread out a blanket, and create your own theater-type atmosphere.


89. Dinner Guests

Invite friends over for dinner as a potluck. People love sharing their favorite
recipe and by splitting dinner, everyone enjoys variety while saving money. In
fact, make this a tradition amongst your friends.

90. Instant Messaging / Microphone

Rather than spend a small fortune in long distance, contact friends and family
via instant messaging on the Internet. In addition, you can download a
program that will allow you to connect a microphone and actually have a voice
conversation free. All you pay for is the normal price of your Internet
connection, which generally runs from $9.95 to $21.95 a month. Either option
allows you to have real-time conversations for no extra money.

Last 10  91-100 coming up soon!  cheers