Many people may not realize the difference they can make in their budget by implementing easy savings tips that will add up in the long run. Others believe it takes too much time to save money, opting for convenience and shortcuts instead. Saving money can be both easy and rewarding, and adds up fast enough to help pay the bills or splurge on some fun.
Use the following helpful ideas to see small savings really add up:
Save change and re-deposit it Gather the change accumulating in the car, under the cushions of the couch, and on the nightstand by the bed. Start a coin jar, using a large Mason jar (or bucket) available at any craft store. When the container fills, roll the coins and take them to the bank with the next deposit. Avoid the convenience of “coin redemption” machines found in the grocery store, as they will charge up to 10% just to count the coins.
Use coupons or a “club card” when shopping Most grocery stores offer “club cards” that give their customers substantial savings in exchange for marketing information. (Purchases are anonymously tracked for popularity of products in the store.) Signing up is fast and simple, the savings add up, and the store will automatically generate coupons for items of interest based on your purchases. Coupons in the local newspaper can also be clipped and used in addition to these savings.
Save and recycle cans and bottles In most states, stores charge a deposit on canned and bottled drinks, and many people don’t know they can get that money back. Saving aluminum cans and glass bottles is simple, and most communities have multiple locations where items can be dropped off. The pay can add up too, with some aluminum recyclers paying close to $2/pound. To further help the environment, recyclers will also accept some other glass containers, but offer no pay for those.
Buy discount, used, or consigned When shopping for clothes, toys, or furniture, look around for “bargain” stores that offer huge discounts based on overstock, volume-purchase, or factory seconds. While the issue of whether the items are of a decent quality or not comes to mind, more often than not the items are quality goods offered at a reduced cost simply due to supply and demand. Stores also assure the freshness of stock in their store by turning over items quickly at a reduced cost.
Avoid name brands Many people believe if you pay less for a brand, it must not be as good as the more expensive ones. The truth is that many items, from clothing to cars, share the same design and materials. Companies often own more than one brand, and sell the same item (with minor changes) to different classes of shoppers, from the thrifty to the spendy. Often it is only the name we are paying for. Next time brownies are on your list, try the store brand. They taste just as good.
Make a list and stick to it Finally, the best way to save money when shopping, whether for groceries or Christmas presents, is to make a list of exactly what is needed and don’t stray from it. Walking into a store without a purpose is like handing your credit card over to the company, allowing it to do the shopping. Grocery and department stores are set up for impulse buying. They lure shoppers deep into their walls without clocks or windows, begging them to stay and shop some more. Companies know how to get you to spend. Stay focused when shopping, avoid their traps, and save significantly.
Important Note: Every possible precaution is taken to avoid scams from appearing on these pages, but we cannot guarantee the validity of all programs. Research and use common sense when considering ANY work at home opportunity.
